Best Places To Live in Bali
I have had the incredible opportunity to come and go from Bali, Indonesia three times now and it never disappoints. When traveling I find half of the experience is getting to know the locals and there is nothing like the Balinese people. The happiest and kindest people I have ever met to this day. Bali is the only Hindu island in Indonesia, making their demeanors relaxing and trustworthy. Their religion revolves around the concept of karma, deeply believing in the essence of facing the consequences of your actions. I have never trusted myself or my well-being more than I did in Bali.
Throughout this article, I will walk you through exertions, restaurants, bars, hostels, homestays, in the regions I have personally visited.
* My view from Inn-Possible, Uluwatu *
Bars & Restaurants
Ubud
- Kopi Desa: Located in Sayan, about 5-10 mins outside of Ubud center. Kopi Desa is a locally owned cafe that serves a pile of banana pancakes with a side of Balinese coffee that will have your head spinning. I have a deep emotional connection with this space, simply because the owner made you feel like family, the food never disappointed and it brings me fond memories of my best friend. If you want a cafe that makes you feel at home, this is it.
- Clear Cafe: You're in for a treat with this one. Not only the most serene ambiance, the utmost quality of healthy food but Clear Cafe really brings you in with the day spa attached. This is one you absolutely cannot miss.
- Warung Ting Ting: If you're a lover of finding the secret local joints, look no further. We had the opportunity to live down the road from Warung Ting Tings and it became our local watering hole. Amazing traditional Balinese dishes and super cheap! Tip: Although local restaurants are to die for, beware of uncooked things. If you are new to the area you're staying in I would avoid consuming salads, raw veggies, etc.
- La Baracca: When you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by the amount of Mi Goreng you've consumed in Bali, La Baracca steps in with some of the best Italian cuisines in Bali. I still dream about their Prosciutto e Burrata pizza and it has been almost 4 years.
- CP Lounge: There are not a ton of party places in Ubud, but this bar and restaurant in town will give you your fix of good dancing and even better drinks.
Uluwatu
- Ulu Cliffhouse: This spot was fairly new to the area back in 2020 when I was there last, but holy hell did it pop off. Not only is it a gigantic space but it really gives you the diversity to dance your ass off or just chill and have a few drinks with friends with views to die for. Definitely on the pricier side for Bali, but worth every penny.
- Single Fin: Probably the most popular bar and restaurant in Uluwatu. Most people have heard of it and for a reason. For everyone who asks me for recommendations in Uluwatu, Single Fin is always one of my firsts. They have a great happy hour, a decent mixture of American and local seafood and I personally don't think you'll get a better view of the sunset anywhere else. Overall it stays pretty mellow during the days but definitely goes off at night.
- The Uluwatu Steps: One of my favorite aspects of Uluwatu are the steps below Single Fin that take you down to a Uluwatu beach. On the way down there are a plethora of mom and pop restaurants, clothing shops, massage stands, you name it, on your way down to the shore. It's one of the most unique places I've ever seen and the local food will blow you away. Tip: There are a ton of stairs so not exactly kid or elderly-friendly.
- Sunset Point: When I first started going to Bali back in 2017, Sunset Point was much more of a local joint. Not many people knew about it, you had to have an in. These days they throw DJs on and the crowds have grown, but still one of my favorite spots. A younger spot to meet some pretty cool people.
- Omnia Day Club: Yup, you read right. If you're looking for a good time, Omnia is no doubt the place you'll want to end up for a day. On the pricier side of things but who doesn't like to act like a bougie bitch every once in a while.
- The Cashew Tree: The perfect spunk and amusement you didn't even know you needed. The Cashew Tree Collective comes with a built-in kids playground, along with live music and some of the freshest dishes in Uluwatu. The vibes stay high at this one, open all day so you'll never have to leave!
Canggu
- Old Mans: An absolute classic. Old Mans is a beachside bar and restaurant that I basically lived at every day my first time around. Buy one get one free happy hour from 5-6 pm, you know were hopping on those scooters at exactly 4:48 pm. Old man's vibe is unmatched, from the people working to the people coming to enjoy it.
- The Loft: If you're looking for something on the healthier side, this is your place. Their acai bowls are the best I had in Canggu and the service is top-notch.
- Mama Sans Warung: Sweet sweet savior, we stayed at the hostel next door to this local restaurant and I blame my 10-pound weight gain on this spot!!! I just couldn't say no. Between the Migoreng, Chicken Satay, and Ayam Goreng Mentega there's no way you're not going to want to inhale this place every day.
-BB52 Burgers: An American mood in the middle of Canguu. Hands down best burgers you'll find in town. I've been to a lot of spots around the world trying to knock off an American burger, but baby this is it. If you need a greasy fix, don't pass this place up.
- Crate Cafe: One of the more popular breakfast joints in Canggu. Great prices and super cool ambiance. just overlooking a neighboring rice field. Can't beat it.
- Lucy Lu: I had never had a Bao Bun until Lucy Lu's and all I'm going to say is do yourself a favor. The melt in your mouth texture, fresh local ingredients, and succulent meats... even thinking about it makes me want to hop on a plane. Oh, and the cocktails are a must!!
Excursions
There is a TON to see in Bali, but these are the ones I have personally done throughout my years there. I will add a few other options that I have heard amazing things about as well!
- Ubud Market: The most fun and chaotic area I visited in Ubud. The Ubud market is a gigantic area hidden in part of the town you would never know existed. You'll start off pretty normal. Local shops selling knickknacks then you'll continue to walk deeper and deeper into this overwhelming area of never-ending sarongs, locally hand-carved wood decor, trinkets, Balinese clothing, food, you name it. Prepare yourself for the sellers to be in your face, because they are pretty intense in there.
- Mount Batur: This specific excursion calls for a 3 am wake-up call to hike the 1-mile incline to the top of Mt. Batur. You'll be sitting above the clouds to watch the magical sunrise wash over the hills of the local area. It is quite something, and I'm grateful for my best friend dragging me out of bed that morning.
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall- A 20-30 minute ride east of Ubud lies the Kanto Lampo Waterfall. Hidden pretty deep within the jungle you'll have the opportunity to bathe in the bliss of this gorgeous site.
- Monkey Forest: One of the most popular tourist attractions by far is the Ubud Monkey Forest. As you enter they sell bananas for you to hand the monkeys but beware these little creatures are smart and they'll come digging through your bags for the goods. Worth the stop, but make sure you don't have monkey phobias!
-Tirta Empul Temple: This was a special one. About 30 mins north of Ubud center you have the Tirta Empul Temple. An extremely sacred place to the locals made famous for its holy spring water, where the Balinese go to for ritual purification. With this tour, they give you Sarongs to wear through the temple and allow you to bathe in their holy waters.
- Luwak Coffee Plantation: This tour is usually combined with the Mt. Batur tour to kick you into high gear after that 3 am wake-up call. If you're not familiar with Luwak coffee to put it transparently, it is a coffee bean that the Luwak animal poops out. Yep, I drank poop coffee and it was delicious but don't be discouraged there are many different coffee options!
Hostels & Homestays
Ubud
During my stay in Ubud, we were housed through our teach abroad program so we were lucky enough to stay with a local family. So here are some options some good friends gave me recommendations for!
- WW Backpackers: Pristinely clean, with the most beautiful jungle views and the perfect price for a traveling budget!
- Green Paddy Hostel & Villa: Set in traditional Javanese Joglo-style buildings, located in the perfect setting surrounding beautiful rice paddies. This accommodation gives you a choice of dormitories or if you're feeling a bit more private, they have options of villas as well.
- Tu Sandat Homestay: Shack up with the real magic of Bali. Homestays are my particular method of accommodation, they are private and on the cheaper side aside from hotels. They are usually run by the family who owns the property and they are more likely than not the nicest people you'll ever meet in your life.
Uluwatu
- Sultans of Swell: A cozy clean hostel a bit of the beaten path from Uluwatu, but for the price and atmosphere worth every penny. Shops and restaurants nearby so you will still have great options for daily activities.
- Inn Possible Cliff House: The most stunning and comfortable hotel I have ever stayed in. This cozy beachside spot overlooks the breathtaking Bingin Beach. With a restaurant on-site and many others just a stone's throw away you'll have many options. Inn Possible will give you the relaxation you so deserve. Warning: This spot has an immense amount of stairs to come and go from the property, but they have someone who will help you with your luggage down the stairs and through the sand.
- Dreamsea: This incredible ocean view spot is located just walking distance to the famous Padang Padang beach. Near the center of Uluwatu, you'll never be run out of things to do in this area. Lucky for you, this gorgeous spot has the option of dormitories or private suites, which is hard to find in this area.
* My preferred method of accommodation in Uluwatu is homestays. There are many homestays that you can find through booking.com that have amazing rankings and great locations*
Canguu
- Layday Surf Hostel: If you are a solo traveler, this is where you'll want to start off. A sick vibe with a young crowd and most of them are traveling solo. I left this place with a best friend and almost five years later I still adore her. This place is not for the weak, it's a crazy party joint with cheap drinks and high energy.
- Pondok Canggu Homestay: A beautiful energy at this spot, a perfect location walking distance to all
the popular bars and restaurants in town. Overlooking the luscious neighboring rice paddy field you wake up in a serene paradise.
- Kos One Hostel: A beautiful beautiful new hostel in the center of town. From the giant slide into the Instagram-worthy pool to the comfiest cabana beds around the edges. You can't go wrong here.
- Sleepy Gecko: Quant and quiet, the gecko is owned by the sweetest local Balinese woman. Off the main road a bit, the picturesque property has a choice of rooms or two villas that both overlook the shimmering lap pool.
- The Farm: A modern hostel with a killer centralized pool where everyone hits the bar and lounges in the sun! Super clean with great hospitality, you'll meet the coolest people at The Farm.
- Castaway Hostel: Another amazing hostel near town. A perfect distance away from the noise of the center, but close enough you can walk to some great restaurants nearby. The owners are welcoming and keep a tight-knit place, but definitely know when it's time to party.
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