Map of Bali: A Guide to the Island’s Areas
Bali is not one place — it is many destinations on one island. Here is a complete overview of the most important areas in Bali, what characterizes them, and which ones are best suited for you.
Bali isn’t one place – it’s many destinations on one island. Many people planning their first Bali trip are surprised by how varied the island actually is. Ubud and Uluwatu are both in Bali, but they feel like two completely different worlds. Here’s an overview of the most important areas, what characterises them and who they suit best.
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South Bali – beach towns and city life
South Bali is where most travellers land and where most of the tourist life is. Each part has its own personality.
Kuta and Legian are Bali’s best-known tourist area – long beaches, shopping, bars and lively nightlife. Practical and close to the airport, but not the most authentic Bali.
Seminyak is the sophisticated alternative: designer boutiques, fine restaurants and elegant beach clubs. Quieter than Kuta but still social. Suits couples and groups of friends who want comfort and style.
Canggu is the hip, modern Bali – cafés, surfing and an international atmosphere. Batu Bolong and Echo Beach are popular surf beaches. Surf lessons are available for all levels.
Jimbaran is known for its calm bay and seafood restaurants on the beach. Perfect for a romantic dinner at sunset – more family-friendly and quieter than Seminyak and Canggu.
Ubud – the heart of the culture
Ubud lies in the central highlands and is Bali’s cultural and spiritual heart. Surrounded by rice fields, jungle and temples, this is the place for those who want to experience the real Bali. The Tegallalang rice fields, the Monkey Forest, a vibrant art scene and wellness culture sit side by side with a bike tour through the rice fields and cooking classes with local chefs. The temperature is slightly cooler than on the coast – pleasant and green all year round. Perfect for culture lovers, couples and solo travellers.
Cycle through rice fields, villages and along the river in the Ubud valley with a local guide – one of Bali’s most popular experiences.
See the Ubud bike tour →
Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula – cliffs and luxury
The Bukit Peninsula stretches south from Bali and is known for spectacular cliffs, beautiful beaches and some of the island’s best surf spots. Uluwatu Temple on a 70-metre cliff, the Kecak dance at sunset, and beaches like Padang Padang, Bingin and Dreamland. Exclusive boutique hotels and luxury villas make this the natural choice for couples, honeymooners and luxury travellers. See our luxury package for inspiration.
The Nusa islands – island paradise
Nusa Penida is the largest and wildest of the three. Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach are among the most photogenic sights in the Bali area. The Nusa Penida day trip is our most popular tour – take the fast boat from Sanur and see it all in one day.
Nusa Lembongan is quieter and more accessible. Perfect for snorkelling with manta rays, cycling and relaxing.
The Gili Islands – a car-free island paradise
Technically the Gili Islands lie off Lombok, but they’re a natural part of many Bali trips since they’re reached by fast boat in about 2 hours from Padang Bai. Three islands, three personalities – no cars or scooters on any of them. See our multi-day trip to Lombok and the Gilis.
Gili Trawangan is the largest and liveliest – known for nightlife, snorkelling and a relaxed social atmosphere. Gili Meno is the quietest and most romantic, with the famous underwater statues and fantastic snorkelling straight from the beach. Gili Air is the best middle ground – livelier than Meno but quieter than Trawangan.
Kintamani and Mount Batur – volcanoes and lakes
The central highlands hold Bali’s most dramatic landscape. Mount Batur is an active volcano at 1,717 metres – and the hike to the top for sunrise is one of Bali’s most memorable experiences. Set off at 2 am, reach the top at sunrise and look out over the crater lake and the clouds below you. The Kintamani plateau is also known for coffee plantations and the famous Luwak coffee.
Lovina and North Bali
North Bali is the part of the island most tourists never discover – and that’s exactly why it’s so special. Lovina is known for dolphin watching at sunrise and black sand beaches. Along the way you pass the Aling-Aling waterfalls with natural pools and cliffs to jump from, and Ulun Danu Bratan temple on Lake Bratan – one of Bali’s most beautiful sights. The multi-day trip to Lovina is a favourite among travellers who want to see a different Bali.
East Bali – authentic and undiscovered
East Bali is for the adventurous traveller who wants to get off the tourist trail. The Sidemen valley is stunning, with rice fields and views towards the Agung volcano. Amed is a quiet fishing-village area perfect for snorkelling and diving. Karangasem and Tirta Gangga offer beautiful water palaces and temples.
A recommended route – 10 to 14 days
| Days | Area | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Seminyak / Canggu | Close to the airport – get into Bali mode |
| Days 4–6 | Ubud | Culture, nature and the real Bali |
| Day 7 | Nusa Penida day trip | Bali’s wildest nature in one day |
| Days 8–10 | Uluwatu | Cliffs, luxury and sunsets |
| Days 11–14 | Lovina / the Gili Islands | Dolphins or island paradise to finish |
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