Places to avoid, when staying on Bali
Not every area in Bali is perfect to stay. In fact, there are some places that are better to avoid due to overtourism and large crowds.
Canggu
Bali’s most fashionable district is a semi-rural region replete with cool bars, elegant boutique hotels and organic cafés. Canggu is often mention as a great palce to stay.
And we get it. Especially if you're into party. But to be honest, the last few years, Canggu turned from a wonderful blend of wild surf beaches and paddy field scenery, to endless traffic jams and hipsters. It's full with people, motorbikes and pollution.
If you’ve come for peace, be assured you will not find it here. With bars, cafes, hotels (and barber shops) scattered among rice fields and behind beaches, the Canggu area is not suitable for people looking for peace and authenticity
RoughGuides Tip: make sure to read about the best tours in Bali
Where to stay in Canggu
- Best for budget travellers: Serenity Guesthouse is an easy-going place with ramshackle charm, homely rooms and a backpackers’ annexe. They have bikes for rent and horse-riding can be arranged.
- Best for all-out luxury: Hotel Tugu Bali evokes Indonesian tradition like nowhere else. You stay in a polished teak house, beautifully furnished with antiques, and many have private plunge pools.
- Best for surfers and yogis: The Chillhouse offers surfing, massage and yoga packages. 500m from the beach, bikes are available, and you can stay in rooms, bungalows or a treetop loft.
Find more places to stay in Canggu.
Kuta
Kuta, is the original Balinese mass resort area, and popular with budget travellers, surfers and party-seekers.
The beach is what first drew travellers here, and that still remains the case, but keep in mind that it is very crowded. Next to that, Kuta is for from authentic with high-end hotels, shopping malls and again: traffic jams.
To escape the crowds and find quieter places to stay, head south, where Kuta Beach officially becomes Tuban (often called South Kuta).
Travel tip: the best time of year for surfing off Kuta is during the dry season (April–Oct). At other times, surfers head east to Sanur and Nusa Dua.
Where to stay in Kuta
- Best for budget travellers: H-Ostel Kuta Square is close to vibrant nightlife, and shopping and 200m from the beach. All dorms are a/c and bunks are equipped with charging sockets, reading lights and lockers.
- Best for tranquil charm: Poppies Cottages offer a genuinely warm welcome, with twenty charming, traditionally styled thatched cottages set in a tropical garden, and many repeat visitors.
- Best for families: MAMAKA by Ovolo is a few steps away from Kuta Beach and 500 m from Beachwalk Mall, MAMAKA by Ovolo provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a rooftop pool with beach views and a 24-hour fitness centre..
Browse more accommodation in Kuta.
Ready to explore Bali? Plan your transportation with our in-depth guide.