by Drifter Planet | Sep 12, 2018 | Indonesia, Islands
Travelers flock to Bali by the millions, it seems. The island is frequented by tourists at all times of the year, and itās easy to see why ā the tiny area packs in a huge amount of natural beauty and unique culture, enough to keep even the most fatigued traveler entertained for days.Ā
One of the quieter towns of Bali is Ubud. It is in the middle part of the island and is surrounded by the forest. Ubud is an absolute must-do on most peopleās Bali itinerary, and with the range of attractions in the area itās easy to see why.
Ubud is pure bliss. It is the heart of Bali’s culture and the lungs of the island of Gods.Ā Ubud is the land of spiritual awakenings as per Lonely Planet.

Villages of Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
From beautiful temples, towering volcanoes, traditional shows, delicious eateries and of course, rice terraces ā thereās so much here to enjoy. Yes, there is a lot to do here but the rice fields in Ubud steal all the limelight (and for all the right reasons)!
Information about Rice Fields in Ubud, Bali
Arrival into Ubud can be rather daunting, and itās difficult to imagine that beautiful rice terraces are just around the corner.
The crazy traffic and hoards of people everywhere make it near impossible to picture a calm scene of green grass and trees where rice is grown.Ā But they are definitely there ā if you know where to find them! Weāre going to look at some of the best Ubud rice fields and how to reach them, as well as some top tips for when to go and where to stay to really enjoy the area.Ā

Ubud Rice Fields, Bali
Ubud Town Centre
There is actually a very pleasant Ubud rice fields walk that you can do around the town centre. The hour and a half walk goes through the fields, which are on either side of the trail, and it even visits a temple on the way. Itās a great way to escape the madness of Ubud town centre for a couple of hours. Itās also relatively non-visited by tourists, making it one of the more unique things to do in Ubud!
Tegalang Rice Terraces

Tegalang Rice Terraces, Bali, Indonesia
There are lots of rice terraces around Ubud, but the most famous is Tegalang Rice Terraces. They are the most photographed, that feature in many Ubud touristsā Instagram feeds, and that have the best potential for exploration.Ā
The Tegalang Rice Terraces are located 10 kilometres away from Ubud town centre. Itās possible to get there a variety of ways, the most popular two being renting a scooter and taking a taxi. Many people rent scooters for a few days and twin their rice fields trip with seeing temples and other attractions in the Ubud area. Alternatively, others hire a driver for a day who takes them to a few different sites.Ā

Lovely Rice Terraces of Ubud, Bali, Indonesia – cc0 via Pixabay
The Tegalang Rice Terraces are free to enter. At the stop of the terraces there are a few small shops selling souvenirs, but further down into the terraces, they have a very peaceful atmosphere. The further you walk, the further you get away from the tourists!Ā
Theyāre one of the most photographed places in Bali, and for good reason ā the lush green of the terraces and the delightful palm trees are an instagrammerās dream. Itās also the location of the iconic āLove Baliā sign. As well as trekking through the rice terraces ā which takes most people 1-2 hours ā Pakudui village is worth checking out. Here you can purchase some local art, including carvings and canvas artworks.Ā
Where to Stay in Tegalang

Super Green Rice terraces in Bali, Ubud – Indonesia – CC0 via Pixabay
Staying in Tegalang is a great option to be out of the hustle and bustle of Ubud town centre and wake up in nature. There are a few great hotel options that will put you in prime position to be near the rice fields each morning.Ā
Bali Jungle Huts
This accommodation is great for couples and offers free WiFi, a hot spring bath, a restaurant with Asian cuisine (with vegan options available!) and American breakfasts.Ā Click here to read the reviews about this place on Tripadvisor.
Pondok Sebatu Villa
This villa has an outdoor swimming pool and features free WiFi throughout the villa. It is close to Sebatu Temple and overlooks the gorgeous rice fields. Itās a unique place to stay to relax and unwind and be within nature. The villa features a semi-open bathroom with shower facilities and gorgeous Balinese decorated suites.Ā You can read more about Pondok Sebatu Villa on TripAdvisor.Ā
Book a Room at Pondok Sebatu Villa
Suarapura Resort and Spa
This four-star resort is a 25 minute drive from Ubud, close to the rice fields. There is an on-site restaurant and guests can enjoy deluxe suites and rooms with WiFi. On site is also the spa which has some relaxing health and beauty treatments. For the ultimate Balinese experience, there is also a yoga and meditation hall!Ā Read what other travelers are saying about Suarapura Resort on TripAdvisor.
Book a Room at Suarapura Resort
PenestananĀ

Penestanan Rice Fields of Ubud, Bali – cc0 via pixabay
This village, while growing in popularity, is still relatively unvisited by tourists and has its own rice field walk. It is located about 4 kilometres from Ubudās centre. Itās a great option for those wishing to see rural Bali that is untrodden by tourists. Youāll get to see workers in the fields going about their day and maybe meet some friendly local children.Ā
Donāt worry if you come hungry ā there are cafes and restaurants within the village. The walk is pretty short, taking only 30 minutes.Ā Penestanan can also be visited by motorbike or taxi (there is no bus service in Bali). It is also possible to stay in the village.Ā
Hotels in Penestanan

Ubud rice terrace and Huts – Bali, Indonesia
Nefatari Exclusive VillasĀ
Featuring an outdoor swimming pool and WiFi, Nefatari is traditional Balinese accommodation with an on-site restaurant. It provides one or two bedroom villas for guests, and they can make use of the outdoor pool and spa and wellness centre. Itās great for couples.Ā Read what other travelers have to say about this hotel.Ā
Book a Room at Nefatari Villas
De Munut Balinese Resort
This resort features simple accommodation, each room having a private terrace. The resort has two outdoor pools, a spa and wellness centre, and free WiFi in public areas. Read reviews about De Munut Resort on TripAdvisor.
Book a Room at De Munut Resort
When to visit the Ubud Rice FieldsĀ

Rice fields in bali – Ubud – CC0 via Pixabay
Ubud sees tourists year round, but the official high season is April ā September. This is when the weather is (mostly!) dry. Iād recommend heading to the Ubud rice fields as early as possible in the morning ā they will be less crowded this way. Seeing the sunrise over the rice fields is an especially mesmerizing experience thatās a must-do in Ubud.Ā
How to Reach Ubud from the Airport
![Lovely Ubud Rice Fields [and Around]- the Famous Rice Terraces in Bali, Indonesia](https://drifterplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Copy-of-Ubud-Rice-Fields-and-Around-the-Famous-Rice-Terraces-in-Bali-Indonesia-2.jpg)
Lovely Ubud Rice Fields [and Around]- the Famous Rice Terraces in Bali, Indonesia
From the airport, itās easiest to take a taxi to reach Ubud town centre. The journey time ranges from 1-2 hours depending on traffic (there tends to be a lot of it in Bali!) and the taxis cost around 200,000 IDR.Ā
You could also use the Bluebird App and try to get a Bluebird taxi using it (they wonāt always come into the airport though) which is on the meter and cheaper. Grab and Uber are illegal in Bali ā and it is especially enforced in Ubud, so taking one of these is not recommended.Ā
This post has been written by Claire Martin

Claire Martin in Tegalagang Rice Fields, Bali
Claire Martin is a British travel blogger and freelance writer. She blogs about eco-travel and overland adventures on her blogĀ Claireās Footsteps; she has drove around the entirety ofĀ Australia and is currently living in Mexico while plotting her next big overland adventure.Ā
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Ubud Rice Fields [and Around]- the Famous Rice Terraces in Bali, Indonesia
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Ubud Rice Paddies [and Around]- the Famous Rice Terraces in Bali, Indonesia
by Drifter Planet | Sep 28, 2017 | Indonesia, Islands
Just booked your tickets to Bali and wondering where to stay? This post will help you decide because it has some of the best Bali hotels.
Bali – the Island of Gods is the jewel of South East Asia. No, it is not just a “touristy” island, but Bali has so much more! You can feel the Balinese magic as soon as you land at the airport and smell the air.
Bali is massive ā most of the tourists just visit Kuta area and leave but hopefully this guide of places to stay in Bali will encourage you to explore other areas.Ā (Click here to read this amazing post about places to avoid in Bali.)
- Most visited parts of Bali: Kuta and Seminyak are both in South of Bali, hence making this part of the island the most visited one.
- Less Crowded: The middle part of the island (Ubud and Tebanan) is the cultural heart of Bali and has the famous monkey forest and paddy fields.
- Least visited parts of Bali: East (Amed), North and West part of Bali are the island’s lesser visited areas. Click here to see information about what to do in Bali.Ā

Bali Map – Where to stay in Bali
To make it easy, we have divided this list of places to stay in Bali by areas, which is further sorted by average cost per night. Be sure to read this amazing Bali travel guide before you visit.
Best Places to Stay in Bali
Ubud
Top Things to do in Ubud
Places to Stay in Ubud
01) Chedi Club
Recommended by Rachel and Ruben Arribas CaƱamares of Gamin Traveler

Chedi Club – where to stay in Bali
In our recent trip to Bali, we spent two days in Chedi Club, a luxury villa where we had our own butler. The place was beautiful and relaxing. It has its own swimming pool, good ambiance, and they will spoil you with delectable food and drinks. We loved having breakfast with the view of the rice fields and having tea or cocktails by the pool.
During our stay in Chedi Club, we also encountered our first Kecak, a Balinese dance and musical drama. The performers danced with fire and it was amazing. We took a lot of pictures during our stay in this luxurious villa. You can enjoy Chedi Club like what we did for $600 a night.
02) Mandapa Ritz Carlton
Recommended by Dan Bagby of Honeymoon Always
The Ritz-Carlton is a great place to stay if you are looking for luxury accommodation during your trip to Bali. The hotel is surrounded by the Ayung River, providing amazing beauty and seclusion for guests.
There are 60 villas and suites, with each villa having its own private pool. The Suites share two additional pools. For deeper relaxation, make sure you spend some time in the spa.
Enjoy dinner at the fine dining restaurant, Kubu, where you dine in a private raccoon overlooking the river. Several other options are available throughout the day or the restaurant can easily arrange a meal off the property. Outside the Outside the hotel there is plenty to see and do in Ubud. Prices vary greatly but start out around $550 a night.
03) Awang Awang in Ubud
Stefan Arestis and Sebastien Chaneac of Nomadic Boys

Awang Awang infinity pool, Bali
Awang Awang is a high-end gay friendly villa retreat in the countryside just outside of Ubud. Itās absolutely gorgeous: itās like youāre in the middle of the jungle, with a stunning view each morning across the lush green countryside.
Each villa has its own private infinity pool overlooking the surrounding tropical jungle and it is the ideal base for trek in and around the Balinese countryside. The nearby village temple has fun shows worth checking out, in particular the Balinese Kecak monkey dance where the dancers use their own body as percussion along with pieces of bamboo as stamping tubes.
04) Royal Kamuela, Ubud
Recommended by Anne Slater-Brooks of Travel the Globe 4 Less

Kamuela Villas Ubud
The Kamuela Villas in Ubud are just minutes from the main road, but a cocoon of blissful luxury. A sturdy, ornate wooden doorway leads to your personal oasis where your huge bed is surrounded by glass walls offering panoramic views of the private garden. The bathroom has both a rain shower and soaking tub for two to indulge the romantics, and you can even can step directly from the bathroom into your own private pool.
You can also enjoy breakfast served by your own private butler and your private outdoor dining area. My favorite thing about this property though, is watching monkeys skip around the garden walls every morning at dawn.
05) Alam Shanti, Ubud
Recommended by Lori Sorrentino of Travlinmad

Alam Shanti Ubud
We loved our stay at Alam Shanti in Baliās cultural centre of Ubud. The property is a mix of small, traditional Balinese-style houses and individual suites, all set within beautiful gardens, koi ponds, and meandering walking paths that reflect the peaceful feeling we felt throughout our stay in Bali.
From the fragrant scent of incense on the breeze each day and the sound of trickling water everywhere, to the soft exchanges of “Selamat Pagi” each morning along the road on our way into town. If you’re planning a trip and wondering where to stay in Ubud, stay here. Alam Shanti is one of the loveliest places to stay in Bali.
06) Suarti Boutique Village
Recommended by Kayla Manoe of Kelana by kayla

Suarti Boutique Village
Located in the lush hills of Ubud in the center of Bali is the charming Suarti Boutique Village. A property encompassing a collection of Javanesse jogloās with an incredible rice fields backdrop bordered by coconut palms. Choose from a private villa or your own free standing Joglo. Designed with an elegance and sophistication with an affordable price!
The best part about Suarti (apart from the wonderful staff) is the free daily activities they put on for their guest. Take part in yoga classes or a hike around ubud. Or relax poolside after a nourishing hour at the in-house spa!
07) Devi’s Place
Devi’s Place offers reasonably priced Bungalows in Ubud that are very close to the rice fields. The bungalows are secluded and spacious, hence making them perfect for those who like being close to the nature and away from the crowds. Their bungalows also have a kitchenette inside apart from the bedroom and the bathroom. These bungalows also have a swimming pool and patio area. Check out this post for more information about Devi’s Place in Ubud, Bali.
08) Sharing Bali
Recommended by Rachel and Ruben Arribas CaƱamares of Gamin Traveler

Sharing Bali – Places to stay in Bali
Rachel and I felt in love with Ubud in our recent trip to Bali. Although everything here is beautiful, what we loved the most in this place is North Ubud! We stayed in an amazing place, Sharing Bali, where we lived as locals. There are activities that you will love doing here. We enjoyed hiking on the rice fields, drinking fresh coconut water, and even watching and joining local people play volleyball.
We loved our room in Sharing Bali. Its wooden design, all the beautiful details in the room and outdoor bathroom were the things we admired the most. We also tried North Ubud’s healthiest and best local food. We really enjoyed this trip because aside from the fun activities we tried, it didn’t cost us that much. The best thing about North Ubud is that prices here are affordable. You can stay at one night for as low as $70.
09) Saren Indah Hotel, Ubud
Recommended by Dawn Nicholson of 5 Lost Together

Saren Indah Hotel
I love how in Bali, you donāt have to spend a lot to get an amazing place to stay. Our go-to place to stay in Ubud is a small little gem located just across Monkey Forest from the centre of Bali. Saren Indah offers incredible value for money with lovely rooms priced at $45-65 USD/night.
The hotelās picturesque setting in the rice fields are a welcome respite from bustling Ubud. We loved eating breakfast in the outdoor dining area, watching the sneaky monkeys try to steal food. The hotel has a lovely little pool, perfect for cooling down after a day exploring. Best of all, the friendly staff will go out of their way to make your stay perfect.
10) Puji Bungalows in Ubud – Hostel
Recommended by Gokul Raj of Plan Save Travel

Puji Bungalows in Ubud
This hostel is located 5 mins away from the Ubud Main Street and 10 mins from the Monkey Forest. The Ubud Market, Museum and the Ubud Palace are all located at walking distance from the hostel. There are also many restaurants nearby to try out the Balinese Cuisine.
They have 6 bed and 10 bed dorms with an avg price of 8USD/night. The best part of staying here is that you can negotiate and get discounts for the Mt Batur and Mt Agung trekking arranged by Puji Trekking Group.
This place is quite and serene, unlike the party hostels. It also has a pool area, which looks over to the rice fields. This place is perfect for travelers who need to take a break from the bustling city life.
Seminyak
Top Things to do in Seminyak
Places to Stay in Seminyak
11) Peppers Seminyak Bali
Recommended by Paula McInerney of Contented Traveller

Peppers Seminyak Bali
Peppers Seminyak Bali is a luxury resort in Bali, in the very popular Seminyak. It is located down a little road, which means that you avoid any noise, but are close to everything.
There are one, two and three bedroom villas. Each villa is much like a Balinese compound. While we had a three-bedroom villa for two us, which was too much but still beautiful, there are one and two bedroom villas. Any of these villas would be ideal for a group on a Balinese getaway, as each has their own private pools. There is also a common pool area, bars, and restaurants, where you can choose to eat if you want to leave your villa complex. The Day Spa is particularly impressive.
- Average cost per night: $648 USD (Three-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool) / $577 USD (Two-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool)
- Read reviews on TripAdvisorĀ
- Location: Seminyak
12) Katamama Hotel
Recommended by Clemens Sehi of Travellers ArchiveĀ

Katamama Hotel Bali
Katamama is a hotel in the Kerobokan area, close to Seminyak in Bali, Indonesia and it has a very special charm to it. āWelcome homeā is the slogan of the design hotel and the reception is the beginning of a wonderful journey through Balinese art and the unique implementation of hip design and traditional manufacturing methods. And that is in the truest sense of the word: the couch, the bed, the TV table, the carpet and everything else comes from Indonesia.
All things in the hotel room were handmade by Indonesian artists. Even the 1.6 million bricks with which the building was built were made by hand. In addition, the hospitality of the staff is unparalleled. So it actually is true, that Katamama already feels lime home already after a few minutes of your stay.
13) W Bali in Seminyak
Recommended by Marianne Rogerson of Mum on the Move

Peppers Seminyak Bali – where to stay in Bali
The W Bali is one of Seminyakās most trendy and swanky hotels. All 237 rooms, suites and villas are super-stylish, with cutting-edge features, such as the state of the art BOSE sound systems that are pre-loaded with Ibiza-esque soundtracks to get you in a holiday mood.
The highlight of the W Hotel is the beautiful tiered swimming pool, surrounded by palm trees and boasting views straight out over the Indian Ocean. The grassy lawn is dotted with four-poster double daybeds, while the poolside terraces see people lounging on chic circular sofas and squashy beanbags.
Woo Bar is where it all happens later on, with stunning sunset views and a revolving line up of international DJs spinning the decks into the small hours.
14) Golden Tulip Devins Seminyak
Our recommendation
Golden Tulip is a five star hotel in Seminyak and is just a few minutes away from the main beach. The hotel is really beautiful and there is a spectacular rooftop pool with a view. There is a bar on the rooftop next to the pool too.
The rooms are super comfortable and some of them even have a Jacuzzi inside. The breakfast in Golden Tulip is everything that I wanted with a lot of fresh fruits, juices, pancakes, waffles, delicious eggs benedict and many other things.
15) Dash Hotel Seminyak
Recommended by Shandos Cleaver of Travelnuity

Dash Hotel Bali
Dash Hotel Seminyak is the perfect Bali option for when you want to stay somewhere central and hip in Seminyak, but without splurging on a villa.
The boutique hotel is moderately priced and quirky with a capital Q: from the red-tiled pool in the atrium, to the colourful statues and street art inside rooms. Itās also just a short stroll away from the ever-popular Potato Head Beach Club. Although if you want to take it down a notch, just head upstairs to the rooftop bar at happy hour.
- Average cost per night: $80 USD, although itās worthwhile spending about $10 USD extra for a deluxe room or to include breakfast (or both!)
- Read reviews on TripAdvisor
- Location: Seminyak
16) Puri Dewa Bharata Hotel and Villas
Recommended by Dan Bagby of Honeymoon Always
Puri Dewa Bharata Hotel and Villas is great for someone looking for a nice place to stay without breaking a budget. It is located in a landscaped tropical garden, whose charm is enhanced by the traditional Balinese design.
At the hotel, there are plenty of typical amenities including a spa, restaurant and swimming pool. Nearby there are plenty stylish boutiques and shops, several fine restaurants, and colorful nightlife entertainment.
15 minutes away from the hotel you can make it to Kuta beach or a quick 5 minutes drive to Double Six beach. The average night at the Puri Dewa Bharata Hotel and Villas starts around $30.Ā
Kuta
Things to do in Kuta
Places to Stay in Kuta
17) Hard Rock Hotel, Bali
Recommended by Ozzy & Jyotsna Ramani of Stayopedia
One of the pioneer beach resorts in Bali, the Hard Rock Hotel, has it all – from fun to relaxation. With a prefect location overlooking the beach there is no dearth of luxury that cannot be found here.
The rooms are which feature Balinese designs with contemporary amenities makes it a wonderful place to get away from the mundanes of daily life. With spectacular sea view rooms to direct pool access, Hard Rock does live it up to it reputation of being affordable as well.
The daily breakfast buffet that is served is enough to keep anyone going through the day ranging from the usual bacon and eggs to the more contemporary local food like nsi goreng, etc.
Lounging by the pool/bar with a good book is all you need to do here if peace and quiet is your thing while there are also a lot of activities such as rock climbing, fitness center, etc. Hard Rock Hotel is highly recommended for anyone visiting Bali.
18) Holiday Inn Baruna
Recommended by Melissa Kiely of Thrifty Family Travels

Holiday Inn Baruna
The Holiday Inn Baruna is located directly on the Beach in Tuban, just south of Kuta. It is a quiet location with only a few shops and restaurants nearby, however it is only a 15-minute walk to the heart of Kuta.
The hotel is set among gorgeous tropical gardens and has a large lagoon style pool, with swim up bar, looking out over the beach. The hotel also has an onsite spa, 2 restaurants, cafƩ, ice cream parlour and kids club.
I recommend staying in one of the pool access rooms. These rooms are on the ground floor with access directly from the balcony to the swimming pool only a few metres away.
This hotel suits families or those wanting a quiet location but still within walking distance to Kuta.
19) Fashion Hotel, Legian (Love F Hotel Bali by fashiontv)
Recommended by Ferna Mae Fernandez

Love F Hotel Bali by fashiontv
Love F hotel is a classy hotel with a diamond shaped designs encrypted with letter F. This is actually a fashion hotel that has a catwalk as you enter their lobby. Itās situated in the center of Legian street, which is only 5 minutes walk to the beach.
Apart from its fashionable interior, the price that has an average range of $40-$60 is inclusive of complimentary bottled water, strong wifi on their room, a coffee, buffet breakfast, the use of their swimming pool and the not-to-missed rooftop Jacuzzi which has the best site for chasing sunset.
If you fancy shopping and feast on good food, this place is surrounded by cheapest stores to buy goods and variety of restaurants to choose from.
Nusa Dua
Things to do in Nusa Dua
Places to Stay in Nusa Dua
20) The St Regis in Nusa Dua
Stefan Arestis and Sebastien Chaneac of Nomadic Boys

St Regis suite Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is located right on the southern tip of Bali, around 30 minutes taxi ride from Seminyak. This is the place for that ultimate honeymoon retreat, where all the high end luxury hotels of the island are based. We stayed at the St Regis and loved it. Youāre blown away from the moment you set foot here. Itās huge ā you need a buggy to go from one end to the other. It has its own private beach, large gym, spa and a massive 3,668 squared metres salt-water lagoon pool.
21) Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort
Recommended by Vicki Garside of Make Time to See the World

Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua
The Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua is one of the most luxurious hotels I have ever stayed in and I highly recommend splashing the cash for just a couple of nights to experience it in all it’s glory.
From the beachside location, choice of 2 restaurants and a further 2 bars, in-house spa, beauty clinic, fitness center, library(!) and stunning swimming pool, everything is heavenly – and don’t get me started on the rooms! Plush and private, you can order your pillow from the sleep menu and request a member of staff come and expertly run a bubble, salt or chocolate bath in your own room!
22) Sakala Resort
Recommended by Anthony Jury of Fair Dinkum Traveller

The Sakala
The Sakala Resort in Tajung Benoa, Bali, hits you with paradise upon walking into this luxury resort and into the elegant lobby area, instantly first impressions are great.
The rooms are spacious, with King Size bed, a large bathroom, cable television, real coffee facilities and a large balcony that has a view of the entire resort. Private Villas are also available.
The Sakala Resort comes with added luxuries too, a spacious swimming pool with surrounding tropical gardens, two sophisticated restaurants, a stunning beach club with a swim-up pool bar and a Wellness Spa to escape the Bali heat.
Sanur
Things to do in Sanur
Places to Stay in Sanur
23) Swiss-Belresort Watu Jimbar
Recommended by Carole Terwilliger Meyers of Travels With Carole

Swiss-Belresort Watu Jimbar
The pool at the Swiss-Belresort Watu Jimbar in Sanur is such a welcome sight after a day of sightseeing in humid Bali.
All I wanted to do was settle into the interior courtyard pool. But first I ordered up my free welcome cocktail, then I secured a comfy lounge chair sitting right in a shallow-water pool, and then I reclined and covered my face with my sun hat, relaxed, and I really did think I was in paradise. The water was the perfect temperature.
While this was enough to make me want to stay forever, I did also appreciate my room where in the morning I could hear the roosters and barnyard animals residing in an adjacent village home. And as if this wasnāt enough, the included buffet breakfast offered a wonderful French toast with papaya jam.
Canggu
Things to do in Canggu
Places to Stay in Canggu, Bali
24) Hotel Tugu Bali
Recommended by Gordon E Arthur of Short Holidays and Getaways

Hotel Tugu Bali
Hotel Tugu Bali is located on the surfing area of Canggu. The hotel was built to house the collection of artifacts that the owner had collected on his travels around Indonesia. An enormous Garuda stands watch in the foyer, and he found this in the jungles of Sumatra.
The Pur Le Mayeu Villa is 200m2 and is surrounded by a 700m2 lotus pond. This villa was inspired by a love story betweenĀ Belgian artist Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de PresĀ and Ni Polok a famous Legong Dancer. The villa is spectacular. Hotel Tugu Bali also have Food and Cultural Evenings designed to take you on a journey through the history of Indonesia.
The average cost to stay per night in Pur Le Mayeu Villa is 670USD, though there are other suites like the Dedari Suite with Private Pool, which cost 340USD per night.
Uluwatu
Things to do in Uluwatu
Places to Stay in Uluwatu, Bali
25) Jepun Sari, Uluwatu
Recommended by Cal Andrew Wienburg of Singapore N Beyond

Jepun Sari
Jepun Sari is one of those places that you find spontaneously and upon arrival fall in love with. While Uluwatu is being built up fast, Jepun Sari is surrounded by greenery. It is isolated yet only about a 5 minute scooter ride to Bingin beach. A few minutes more and youāre at Padang Padang or Uluwatu Temple. As a surfer, this villa was heaven.
The infinity pool and sunken bar are much appreciated after a day at the beach. There are only 12 villas and the owner, who lives on the property, is building a raised honeymoon suite. He is wonderful by the way and will help you with anything you need. I hurt my back on the trip and he took me to a Balinese shaman in Denpasar. An amazing experience.
26) The Inn Possible, Bingin Beach, Uluwatu
Recommended by Ling and Guy of Travel-ling.com
If your idea of paradise is chilled surfer vibes and gorgeous beachfront views whilst enjoying your smoothie bowl, then The Inn Possible will be sure to please! Uluwatu has some of the best beaches in Bali, and Bingin Beach is definitely one of them. The whole vibe along Bingin Beach is super relaxed and you can enjoy uninterrupted views from the common area.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and if you are lucky, you might even get views! Note – you have to walk down A LOT of stairs to get to the beach and then walk across the sand to get to the Inn Possible. We suggest packing light, or paying one of the staff to help with your luggage, but itās worth it!
Amed
Things to do in Amed
Places to Stay in Amed, Bali
27) Dharma Yoga homestay in Amed
Recommended by Claire Drinkwater of Backpacking Bella

Dharma Yoga homestay in Amed
If you want to escape the crowds, head for Bali’s laid back Amed region. Here, in the beachside village of Jemeluk is Dharma Yoga, a small yet spacious homestay. The upstairs rooms have a large balcony overlooking the sea, so you can enjoy the glorious sunrises and sunsets ā such a treat. The minimal but stylish fan rooms have super comfortable beds and, crucially, a reliable WiFi connection!
Dharma Yoga is run by the delightful manager Ketut, who provides a tasty breakfast of eggs, fruit and coffee. She keeps the rooms immaculate with fresh towels and bedsheets every day. Across the road is an organic cafe, freediving centre, yoga classes and the beautiful black sand beaches of Amed. At just $17 on average per night, this peaceful homestay is fantastic value for money
Tabanan
Things to do in Tabanan
- Visit Tanha Lot temple and watch the sunrise
- See Ulun Danu Bratan Temple – Bali’s most famous “picture postcard” temple
Places to Stay in Tabanan, Bali (Near Tanha Lot)
28) Alila Soori
Recommended by Noel Morata of Travel Photo Discovery

Alila Soori Bali
A visit to Bali is even more special with a luxury stay in mind, if your looking for a relaxed but luxe getaway, check out the stunning Alila Soori in the west coast of the island.
Located close to the gorgeous Tanah Lot temple, the Soori is an island of calm in comparison. Simple lines and organic modern vibes dictate the well appointed villas with their own pools, Jacuzzis and outdoor patios along with very nice rooms and spacious living areas. The resort is plush and private with attentive and friendly wait staff and service aimed to please your every whim. Check out more images and details to this Soori stay here for more information and inspiration.
Ā
NusaĀ Lembongan
Things to do inĀ NusaĀ Lembongan
Places to Stay on Lembongan IslandĀ (NusaĀ Lembongan)
29) Naradas Mushrom Beach on Lembongan Island
Recommended by Michele Legge of LeggingIt

Naradas Mushrom Beach on Lembongan
One of the gems we discovered in Bali was the Naradas Mushrom Beach on Lembongan Island. Situated a short walk from the beachfront it is a small family run hotel, which offers double rooms for roughly $38 US. There are 8 very clean, nicely decorated rooms situated around a beautiful pool and tropical gardens.
They also have a restaurant where you can enjoy a very cheap, freshly cooked breakfast and other meals It truly offers sanctuary from the daytime craziness on the Mushroom Beach and is close enough where you can wander down to enjoy the beautiful sunsets once the day trippers have gone home.
Have you visited Bali already? Let us know in the comments. Share this post with a friend who is visiting Bali and is wondering where to stay.
(Cover picture photo credit: Make time to see the world)
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Hotels in Ubud – Where to stay in Bali for every budget
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Sofitel Nusa Dua – Where to stay in Bali for every budget
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Where to stay in bali
PS: Drifter PlanetĀ contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a little commissionĀ at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us reduce the costs of keeping this site active. Thanks for reading!
by Drifter Planet | Mar 1, 2017 | Indonesia, Islands, Most Popular Blog Posts
Bali, the island of Gods needs no introduction. After all, it is the most visited island in South East. In fact, I had almost written Bali off my travel bucket list assuming that every corner here will be touristy, but I couldnāt help being excited when I received an invitation by the Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia.
Late one night in November 2016, I landed here after changing two airplanes from Raja Ampat ā tired but ready to fall in love with Bali.
You know whatās the best part about Bali? It is jaw dropping gorgeous! My excitement started right from the airport where I saw an elaborate Hindu temple. It continued as soon as I reached my hotel ā De Vins Sky Hotel in Seminyak and saw a roof top pool and yet another temple!
As we travelled around the island the next morning, I was happy to notice that the typical Balinese temple like architecture is everywhere, even at the gas stations. (Btw, the name of the hotel was earlier Golden Tulup but has changed to De Vin Sky Hotel Seminyak. If you want to book the same place, you can click here to check the availability and the best deals)
I visited Bali as a social media influencer, so of course Instagram was very high on my list. I did a little bit of research about a few spots to visit and want to share them with you. No doubt there are more than ten beautiful spots in Bali (obviously), but here are ten of our favorites.
UPDATE in 2018:
I recently discovered that there is a very popular “Instagram tour of Bali” that includes some of the best places that I have mentioned here, waterfalls and also the Instagram-famous jungle swing!
This tour includes hotel transfers, entrance fees, water, etc. This tour makes it super easy for you to visit most of the places on this list and a few more. Check it out and make your Bali pictures memorable to rock your Instagram.
Bali’s most beautiful spots –
01 | āDoors of Heavenā at Pura Lempuyang
Not just in Bali, but this is definitely one of the most beautiful temples of South East Asia. There are total seven temples in this complex, out of which the first one is the biggest and the most beautiful one. They all offer good views but the first one is the most photographed one, for obvious reasons.
All the shots below are pretty similar, but the lighting is different, which causes a dramatic effect. To know more about Pura Lempuyang, you can click here check the details on TripAdvisor.
02 | Penglipuran Village
Penglipuran in North of Bali is a beautifully preserved village which appeared to be unaffected by modernization. For me, this was the most beautiful spot in Bali and I did not want to leave.
It is the perfect place for photos because of the backdrop of little houses that are lined up next to the main street. What makes it even better is that the street is sloped and provides a view till the end.
Out of all the places that I visited, my pictures in Penglipuran Village turned out to be the best ones. Here’s my picture which was clicked by the talented Japanese photographer, Genta. If you ever wonder where to stay in Bali, i’d recommend you pick the North or Ubud area, just so that you’re close to this spot.
03 | Bamboo Forest in Bangli
Donāt you just love the roads that are surrounded by perfectly arched trees resulting in a ātunnelā effect? Well, you can find a few of these streets in the village of Kubu Bangli regency. This forest area is very close to Penglipuran village, so you can do #2 and #3 together on the same day! Planning on visiting? Check out the reviews on TripAdvisor before you go.
The below picture is by one of my favorite photographers, Larissa Dening:
Hereās another one by Hikari – a talented Japanese photographer, who is as beautiful as the pictures she clicks.
The next one was clicked by Trishita (Overrated Outcast), whoās just 20 but does some serious magic with her GoPro. Sheās also a GoPro brand ambassador.
Hereās one by Daniel Tran. I love how all of his pictures have a lot of magic, that they look surreal.
04 | Ubudās Rice Paddies and Cafes with views
You canāt leave out Ubudās pretty rice paddies when you visit Bali. Some people rent bicycles to explore the paddy fields, while others just find a chic cafĆ© with a view to enjoy Ubudās beauty. I recommend Desa Tegalalang or Kampung CafĆ© for your dose of Ubud.
To make the most of it, you can also book yourself a room at Kampung Resort. This place is in a stunning location on a height and with an exceptionally breathtaking view of the rice paddies. A room here is usually between 40 ā 50 USD. If you’re not staying here, then at lease consider visiting this place for an amazing lunch with a view of the paddy fields.
Here’s a picture from Kampung Cafe by Jongbeom Lee:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMWTYHzDdEI/?taken-by=picn2k
I love this bird’s eye view of the rice paddies by Will Cho.
Or this green overdose by Michael Turtle:
This shot by Emily makes me want to want to get lost in these rice paddies!
05 | Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is perhaps the most iconic landmark of Bali. It has been used for years as a cover image for Bali related things such as in flyers, travel articles, picture postcards, etc. This temple is located at the edge of Beratan Lake and you can often catch the reflection of it in the water.
Everything is perfect about this shot, specially the reflection.
Hereās the same temple but from a different angle. Donāt you just love the sky?
06 | Pura Tirta Empul
Yes, you must have guessed it by now that everything that starts with āPuraā is a temple. This temple is famous for its bathing area and a dip in its waters is supposed to cleanse you spiritually. The words āTirta Empulā stand for holy spring in Balinese language.
If you want to know more about Tirta Empur temple, you can read the discussions on Tripadvisor about this place. Here’s a shot of Tirta Empul Temple’s stunning door.
This is inside the temple, where people bathe inside the water for ritual purification.
07 | Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
Whatās better than a waterfall? Two waterfalls together. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls waterfalls are in North Central part of Bali and getting there is definitely not easy. Many people say that these are the best waterfalls in Bali, but why donāt you see the pictures and decide for yourself?
Look how green everything around this waterfall is!
How blue is that water!
08 | Tanah lot temple
Yes, another temple on the list, but I promise itās the last one. Visit Tanah Lot temple a little before the sunset and find a nearby cafĆ© that overlooks the temple for some stunning photos! Doesnāt the ocean backdrop look stunning?
09 | Tibumana Waterfall
This waterfall is in Bangli area and not so far from the Bamboo forest in point 3. Getting here is not as difficult as Banyumala Waterfalls. The trail that leads to the waterfall is small and is a delight in itself.
What makes the Tibuamana waterfall stunning is the jungle around. You will hear the sounds of birds and the water – how cool is that! Tibumana waterfall itself is small but it is the green area around that makes it very special.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYmkDRGl0wH/
10 | Ku-De-Ta Lounge and Around
Ku-De-Ta is one of the most famous bars in Bali. The view of the ocean from here is breathtaking, especially around the sunset time. There is a swimming pool inside Ku-De-Ta, which looks very beautiful when the sky turns orange before it gets dark. Not just the bar, but even the beach right outside this place gave us many photo opportunities.
Hereās a picture of the bar and swimming pool inside Ku-De-Ta:
The below three pictures were shot right outside Ku-De-Ta. Look how beautiful this spot looks when sun goes down.
And this!
Where to stay in Bali
I stayed in Golden Tulip Devins, which is in Seminyak. It is a very beautiful hotel with a rooftop pool and bar. The rooftop area is amazing for watching sunsets. Some of the rooms here also feature an outdoor Jacuzzis. My room was very comfortable and had everything that I needed (like a hairdryer). The hotel is less than 5 minutes walk from Seminyak beach and the nearby Petitenget Temple. This temple is right on the beach and I got to watch a colorful prayer ceremony here one morning.
Seminyak is Baliās hip and upscale area and is famous for its nightlife but thankfully is not as crowded as Kuta. To be honest, I didnāt party much except on just one occasion and we found a very cool nightclub near our hotel. If youāre heading to Bali, I strongly recommend you stay here. If you like big breakfasts (like I do), you will really enjoy their buffet ā especially strawberry waffles, eggs Benedict, and coffee.
You can read the reviews about Golden Tulip Devins on TripAdvisor and find the best deal to book a room. Or, you can click here to find deals for Golden Tulip Devins, Seminyak in Bali on Booking.com. I generally prefer Booking.com because of their free cancellation (on most of the hotels) that has saved my life many times. A room at Golden Tulip Devins, Seminyak can cost you anything between $100 to $200 depending on your choice. Or, you can check on Agoda where I usually find prices that are cheaper than the other websites.
Have you ever been to Bali? If so, I would love to know about your favorite photo spots, so please do let me know in the comments.
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10 Beautiful Spots in Bali that are Instagram Worthy
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Beautiful Spots in Bali that are Instagram Worthy
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Instagram Worthy Spots in Bali
PS: Drifter Planet contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a little commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us reduce the costs of keeping this site active. Thanks for reading!
Where to go after Bali?
Check out Yogyakarta and Lombok.
Disclaimer: I was paid and invited by the Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia to their beautiful country on a content creation campaign called “Trip of Wonders”, but as always, all thoughts in this article are mine.
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