When you are planning a trip or a holiday to Bali, one thing that will become obvious very quickly is that you have plenty of choice with regards to which particular part of Bali you can make your base. Such is the diversity across Bali with regards to its scenery, landscape, coastline, accommodation, activities, and attractions, it can seem like a game of Whack-a-Mole  sorting through the pros and cons of each of them

Although having lots of choices is a nice problem to have, you ultimately need to make a final decision as to where you are going to stay whilst you are in Bali. It could also be the case that you decide to hedge your bets, and stay in one location for week 1 and another location for week 2.

To try and give you some pointers as to what each of the main destinations within Bali has to offer we have outlined some of their characteristics below. We obviously cannot include every single one, so here are the 5 which we will focus on

• Jimbaran
• Kuta
• Legian
• Seminyak
• Ubud

You may have noticed we have listed them in alphabetical order so that you can choose purely on your preferences, rather than any favoured order we have.

Jimbaran

Located on the west coast of Bali, Jimbaran is the place to go for those who prefer a bit of luxury. What it lacks in stores and restaurant numbers, it more than makes up for with the quality of the food which is sold or served there. The seafood in Jimbaran is particularly well known for its quality. Jimbaran has beautiful beaches and overall is best suited for those who want a relaxing holiday.

Kuta

Kuta is a destination that is especially popular with visitors to Bali so expect it to be lively. One of the reasons for its popularity could be that is it is only a 15 minute taxi ride from the airport. Kuta’s accommodation ranges from cheap to mid-range and you can also rent villas here. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and markets, plus there is an amazing waterpark nearby.  For those that like busy resorts and plenty to do, Kuta is right for you

Legian

Legian can provide holidaymakers a combination of relaxing moments along with some busier activities throughout your stay there. There are a few luxury hotels but most accommodation is low to mid-range. The beach is excellent and at night, the sunset can be spectacular. There are lots of shops and restaurants to choose from with activities for the energetic that include surfing, and for those who like a slower pace, you can have a massage here.

Seminyak

Another hugely popular location which tourists love for its more luxurious and sophisticated amenities. Examples of these are mid-range and luxury hotels and villas, upmarket shops, including some boutiques, art galleries, spas, and fine dining in restaurants that offer a huge range within their menus, including many European dishes. The lively beach has a selection of bars and as the evening progresses, the stunning sunsets overhead need to be seen to be believed.

Ubud

For those who want to experience as much local culture and tradition as they possibly can, Ubud is where you should base yourself. Everything around you will seem at a much more relaxed pace, than many of the other resorts. There are certainly excellent restaurants and shops, but also opportunities to immerse yourself in local traditions. Learn local crafts, taking a traditional cooking lesson, or simply head out of town and appreciate the wonderful scenery that surrounds Ubud.