Where to go in Bali for singles, families and couples

The best places to visit in Bali

Bali’s cultural heart: Ubud

Ubud is a tranquil destination in the island’s centre, where an abundance of temples and shrines pepper the emerald rice paddy fields, lush rainforest, and sacred holy springs. The romance of Ubud makes it a perfect Balinese destination for couples, and it’s ideal for travellers seeking a wellness-focused stay.

Away from the beaches and surrounded by nature, Ubud is a place for introspection, slowing down, and a spot of pampering. Take a yoga class, enjoy a massage, and dine to your heart’s content, knowing the meals are healthy, nutritious, and delicious.

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a must-visit for Ubud visitors, as well as the historic Ubud Palace and Agung Rai Museum of Art. For a hands-on connection to Balinese culture, join a traditional cooking class. One of Bali’s most famous photo opportunities – the Bali Swing - is in Ubud, too.

Boutique properties, wellness resorts, and luxury hotels abound in and around Ubud. Staying a little out of town affords the best views – jungle or rice paddies – and additional serenity.

Boho & trendy: Canggu

One of the island’s most popular destinations, Canggu offers modern sophistication with a bohemian edge. Its iconic surf spots and stylish cafés with perfectly presented dishes appeal. As do the glorious sunsets best experienced from the trendy beachfront eateries, bars, and beach clubs.

Accommodation in Canggu ranges from eco-friendly stays to boutique villas and high-end beachfront properties. There’s something for every budget here.

Sophisticated & stylish: Seminyak

Seminyak caters to travellers who appreciate the finer things in life, with fine-dining restaurants, stylish boutiques, and sophisticated spas ensuring a relaxed getaway. It’s markedly different from the youthful party scene found in Kuta, only 10 minutes down the coast.

Seminyak attractions include its wide west-facing beaches, high-end shopping, and sleek spas. Watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean from Seminyak’s gorgeous beach clubs like Potato Head and Ku De Ta.

Accommodation here is modern and chic, with dreamy boutiques, expansive resorts, and luxe villas with private pools available.

Breathtaking beauty: Uluwatu

On the Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu is an idyllic spot where dramatic cliffs and breathtaking ocean views create an environment where nature is the focus and relaxation the goal.

A visit to Uluwatu Temple at sunset is a must for its rugged beauty and to witness the traditional Kecak dancers perform with vigour. As Bali’s most famous surf destination, suitable for all levels, rent a board or book a lesson. If that feels too active, visit idyllic hidden beaches, like Thomas and Tegal Wangi.

Stay at the cliffside resorts to experience the best of Uluwatu, or choose a hideaway villa to retreat in peace.

Prestigious & exclusive: Nusa Dua

The epitome of luxury, Nusa Dua offers upscale resorts, world-class dining, and high-end spas for discerning travellers. It’s the perfect place to unwind, indulge, and be pampered.

Spend your time in Nusa Dua lazing on the golden-sand beaches, swimming in the crystal-clear shallow waters, or enjoying watersport thrills, from jet skiing to parasailing to flyboarding. Golfers will love a round on the pristine 18-hole Bali National Golf Club.

Nusa Dua is home to some of Bali’s most exclusive resorts, making it easy to switch off and unwind here.

Marine marvels: Amed

For divers, snorkellers, marine lovers, and those looking to escape the crowds, head east from Denpasar Airport to Amed, a strip of seven laidback fishing villages. Quieter, more rustic, and revealing more of Bali’s traditional way of life, Amed’s slower pace is ideal for a relaxing break.

Snorkelling and diving are both popular off Amed’s shores. There are several exhilarating dive sights, including a famous Japanese shipwreck. Only 40 minutes from Amed, discover one of Bali’s most Instagrammable monuments, the Gate of Heaven temple.

Accommodation in Amed is low-key, with quaint beachfront bungalows and boutique resorts offering a more personalised touch.

Rugged & outdoorsy: Mount Batur

For adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, Mount Batur is an excellent stop on any Bali holiday. At 1717m above sea level, Mount Batur is one of two active Balinese volcanoes and is popular to climb for its spectacular panoramic views.

Top activities include sunrise hiking to Mount Batur’s summit, followed by a soak in Batur Natural Hot Spring. Stop by Museum Geopark Batur to learn the volcano’s history.

The picturesque Hindu temple, Pura Ulan Danu Batur, is also worth your time.

Mount Batur’s accommodation focuses on nature over luxury, with eco-lodges, mountain retreats, and even camping.

Laidback & low-key: Lovina

If you’re keen to explore Bali’s less touristy, more tranquil side, head to Lovina on the north coast. This slow-down-and-soak-it-all-in destination is known for its black-sand beaches, calm waters, and incredible sunset dolphin-watching tours. Snorkel, dive, or visit the nearby Banjar Hot Springs complex for a relaxing soak. The nearby picture-perfect Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery is worthwhile, too.

Choose from affordable family-run boutique hotels, scenic beachfront resorts, and tranquil villas for your Lovina retreat.

For the whole family: Sanur

Sanur is Bali’s most family-friendly destination, with a long beachfront promenade, tranquil waters, and a more traditional Balinese ambience than its West Coast counterparts.

This charming seaside town is an ideal place to explore cultural activities like Blanjong Temple and the Sanur morning market. For an educational wildlife experience, the Turtle Conservation Centre runs tours to see turtles nest on Serangan Island. Art lovers will enjoy Le Mayeur Museum to discover the home and works of Indo-European impressionist artist Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur.

Sanur offers luxurious beachfront resorts and affordable boutique hotels, many with colonial charm reflecting Sanur’s place as one of Bali’s first tourist destinations.

Island day trips: Nusa & Gili Islands

While Bali has plenty to offer, island-hopping is a popular addition to any itinerary.

Travel by boat from Sanur to the lesser-visited Nusa Islands. The idyllic beaches of Nusa Lembongan are great for R&R. If you’re there for sunset, watch adventurous souls cliff jump at Devil’s Tears. A tiny 3km², Nusa Ceningan is easy to explore and accessible by a narrow bridge from Nusa Lembongan.

Nusa Penida is paradise for adventure lovers, from hiking cliff and waterfall trails to snorkelling or diving to meet the island’s marine residents. Rent a scooter or take a guided tour to avoid Nusa Penida’s challenging roads.

A fast ferry from Bali to the Gili Islands makes day trips here doable, too. Gili Trawangan is the liveliest of the three, with buzzing bars and diverse dining. For a more mellow island getaway, Gili Meno – also known as Honeymoon Island - wows with its pristine beaches and aquamarine waters. Choose Gili Air if you prefer an ambience between the two.

Staying safe in Bali

While Bali is generally a safe destination, petty crime does occur, particularly pickpocketing. Purchasing travel insurance for a Bali holiday may help cover losses or theft and provide support during medical incidents, subject to policy terms and conditions.

Protect your passport by locking it in the hotel security box, and keep your smartphone safe when out and about by wearing a crossbody bag across your chest. Ensure it’s also set up with two-factor authentication, a strong password, and some form of tracking.