Bali, the Island of the Gods has become a tourist magnet in the last couple of years meaning that there are numerous guides on how to party hard, top Bali hotels & what to see and eat. However all that means is that the popular become even more popular while the undiscovered remain a cherished secret. One of Indonesia’s 17,500 islands, it still remains the most sought after destination in the archipelago and holds the majority of the country’s Hindu population.
Bali is often mistaken to be a city or a single destination when it is an island covering several places of interest. We will be looking at different parts of the island separated by direction and offering suggestions for the top Bali hotels by region.
South Bali
South Bali includes Kuta, Western Bukit and Uluwatu, Canggu, Denpasar, Jimbaran, Legian, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Seminyak, and Tanah Lot. It is probably the most frequented part of Bali as well with the backpacker paradise Kuta and the chic Seminyak leading the charge.
South Bali Hotels
- The Legian, Seminyak : The Legian is a five-star all-suite luxury resort located in the far northern part of the popular namesake beach resort area of Legian, directly bordering with neighbouring Seminyak.
- Tugu Bali, Canggu : This museum boutique hotel owned by an Indonesian antiques collector since the mid 1960s contains one of the largest original art collections in Southeast Asia. Each of the charming thatched suites is peppered amid lush gardens and lotus ponds
- Grand Nikko Bali, Nusa Dua : This sprawling, upscale resort is set on a lush cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. It is the first branded Hilton after its takeover by the group and will be known as Hilton Bali Resort post the re-branding
Central Bali
Central Bali includes Ubud, Gianyar, Bedugul, and Tabanan. Ubud is probably the most popular region of the island especially after its depiction in Eat Pray Love. The region is the cultural capital of the island.
Central Bali Hotels
- Hanging Gardens, Ubud : Set in lush rainforest, this acclaimed, Feng Shui-styled resort has Swanky 1-bedroom villas with thatched-roofs feature private terraces with dining areas, heated, granite-lined infinity pools and one of the best hotel pools in the world.
- Alila Ubud : An ode to village life, it is a tranquil and secluded hillside retreat that sits high up on the edge of the rich green Ayung River valley in Bali’s central foothills, in the traditional Balinese hill village of Payangan.
- Mathis Retreat : Surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking views overlooking its own rice paddy fields, it offers an ideal gateway to Ubud’s art, dance and culture. All 21 rooms and bungalows feature an elegant mix of contemporary design and Balinese architecture.
West Bali
West Bali includes Negara, Gilimanuk, Medewi Beach, and Pemuteran. Pemuteran is a great option for a nice secluded beach with shallow waters for snorkelling and the region serves as a cross over to Java for land based routes.
West Bali Hotels
- Puri Ganesha Villas, Pemuteran : Extraordinary, laid-back luxury hideaway: just 4 large beachside villas with eclectic décor, private pools, fab organic food and a charismatic host.
- The Menjangan, Bali Barat National Park : A Remote retreat in the bio-diverse Bali Barat National Park, a wildlife-wonderland
- Matahari Beach Resort & Spa : With its central location, Matahari Beach Resort & Spa is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Bali.
North Bali
North Bali includes Lovina, and Singaraja. You can enjoy quiet black sand beaches and the old capital city and Dolphin sighting at Lovina is not to be missed.
North Bali Hotels
- Sanak Retreat, Munduk : Surrounded by paddy fields and scenic mountain views in the North of Bali in a village called Kayuputih, near Munduk, this relaxing getaway features 11 spacious wooden bungalows with a private terrace or balcony overlooking beautiful tropical landscapes and a swimming pool.
- Damai lovina villas, Lovina : It is a peaceful retreat located on the verdant hillside overlooking Lovina Bay. Eight villas are decked out in teak and Balinese fabric, with four-poster beds and large picture windows. The restaurant produces fine European-Asian food using ingredients from the hotel’s organic farm.
- Puri Mangga Sea View Resort & Spa, Lovina : This Tuscan style resort is situated just 5 minutes from the beach and is perfect for a peaceful, quiet retreat away from the crowds.
East Bali
East Bali includes Amed, Besakih, Candidasa, Kintamani, Klungkung, Mount Agung, Padang Bai, and Tirta Gangga. Mt Agung is one of the holiest sites of the island and the region abounds in laid back villages, active volcanoes and a religious hotbed.
Photo Credits | Wiki Commons
East Bali Hotels
- Candi beach cottages, Candidasa : Smart refurbished rooms surrounded by a coconut grove, with a free hour on the tennis courts or canoe hire.
- Palm Garden Amed Beach & Spa Resort : Surrounded by coconut trees and lotus ponds, this thatched all-villa and bungalow resort, set in Northeastern Bali’s Amed Coast, is a minute’s walk from the beach.
- Villa Idanna : Set on a promontory overlooking the spellbinding Sidemen Valley’s rice terraces and forested hills leading up the sacred volcano Gunung Agung, Villa Idanna, Bali offers a quiet refuge for rejuvenation and solace.
Feel free to recommend your favorite hotels in the different regions of Bali. As this list is always a work in progress we are always looking for Bali hotels we might have missed.
Most hotels on the list can be booked via Traveloka.com which offers the best deals for travel bookings in Indonesia. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense Bali guide, this T&L Guide offers you the best of Bali.
If you liked this compilation, you might also like our list of the Best Destination Hotels in India or a guide to Phuket Hotels, another one of our favorite beach destinations.
If you’re anything like us and are thinking of venturing beyond Bali, Raja Ampat is a great place for your adventuring needs. You can check out this cool Raja Ampat Travel Guide for more details.
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