Bali is nothing if not diverse.
If you’re looking to move to Bali – there’s plenty of different locations to choose from.
Whether you’re seeking energy, nature, beaches, or an immersive local lifestyle – Bali offers a “choose your own adventure” that can fit just about any criteria.
From the buzzing nomadic hubs of the south to the misty rice terraces of the central highlands, each pocket of Bali has its own distinct rhythm and personality.
Some areas hum with eateries, wellness retreats, co-working spaces, and a constant stream of new arrivals. While others move at the slower pace of village life, where mornings start with offerings at the family temple and evenings wind down to the sound of the surf.
The hard part isn’t finding a place that suits you – it’s narrowing down which version of Bali fits the life you want to live. To help with that, we’ve rounded up five of the best areas to call home, each offering a different flavour of the island’s famous lifestyle.
1. Canngu
It wouldn’t be a “best areas to live in Bali” list without Canngu making an appearance somewhere near the top.
For those looking to make a sea change, Canngu is the picture perfect, wellness-oriented retreat that many people think of when they think of the new Bali. Canngu has earned itself something of a reputation over the past few years. A huge influx of digital nomads and wellness seekers have caused somewhat of a stir with locals.
Instagram Cliches aside, the energy, wellness focus, and the entrepreneurial spirit of Canngu truly have no equivalent in Southeast Asia. That said, the traffic on Jalan Pantai Berawa at peak hour also has no equivalent in Southeast Asia – a small price to pay some would argue.
For those looking for an untouched nature-first Bali – Canngu won’t be your cup of tea. And that’s ok, the beauty of Bali is that there truly is something for everyone.
You’ll love Canngu if
- You want to soak in the energy, get seriously social, and be surrounded by young and energetic visitors.
- You need to be connected – the WiFi and phone reception in Canngu is as good as you’ll get anywhere in Bali.
- You want to enjoy great food, new eateries, the latest cafe spots, and become one with the local fitness fanatics.
- You don’t mind paying a little bit more for the privilege of being in one of Bali’s most energetic and inspiring hubs.
Getting to Canngu
Canngu is well connected. Located about 45–75 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport (depending on traffic). The new Gilimanuk–Mengwi toll road has helped a little but not much – most journeys still funnel through the same coastal roads and you can get stuck in traffic at the wrong time of the day.
What’s nearby
- Pererenan (a quieter spillover from Canngu)
- Seminyak (15 minutes south)
- Tanah Lot temple (20 minutes north)
- Ubud is your nearest major hub and is ~90 minutes inland from Canngu
Looking to buy in Canngu? Check out the Jana Kayana Villa
2. Tabanan
The best way to think about Tabanan is that it is what Canggu was five or ten years ago. In fact, it would be fair to say that Tabanan is what people pretend Canggu still is.
Tabanan is the regency directly north and west of Canggu. It shares the same coastline and same rice-terrace hinterland – but with a fraction of the tourists and population density.
The southern fringe (around Nuanu Creative City and Kedungu Beach) is where the spillover from Canggu is happening, while inland villages like Batukaru sit at the foot of Bali’s second-highest volcano and feel almost untouched. If you’ve spent any time in Canggu and though to yourself “I’d live here if it weren’t so chaotic,” Tabanan is your answer to that predicament.
You’ll love Tabanan if
- You love the idea of Canggu but you can’t handle the crowds that come with it
- You want more space for your family to spread its wings without feeling quite so closely packed together.
- You want to get in before the hype has really settled in – the ship for being an early adopter of Canggu has well and truly sailed, but the ship if still in port for Tabanan.
- You want to get around on a scooter and see everything that surrounding villages have to offer without the chaotic traffic.
Getting to Tabanan
Tabanan is around 60–90 minutes from Denpasar airport – depending on traffic. The southern Tabanan beaches (Kedungu, Nyanyi, Pasut) are 20–30 minutes north of central Canggu.
What’s nearby
- Canggu and Pererenan to the South
- Tanah Lot temple
- Jatiluwih rice terraces (a UNESCO site), and Mount Batukaru.
- The Bedugul highlands and the lakes are about 90 minutes inland.
Looking to buy in Tabanan? Check out The Venaso Villa
3. Ubud
Ubud is a rich melting pot of traditional Balinese culture. Between the jungle, rice terraces, thriving arts scene, and focus on conscious living, you would be hard pressed to find a place in Bali that pays homage to the past quite like Ubud.
Locals may scoff at the idea of Ubud appearing on a “best places to live in Bali” list, however, it’s important to emphasise that living in Ubud doesn’t mean living anywhere near the Monkey Forest. In fact, if you really want to enjoy the spoils of Ubud without the throngs of tourists then you’ll probably want to look at places just outside of Ubud itself in Penestanan, Nyuh Kuning, Mas, or even further out toward Tegallalang.
You’ll love Ubud if
- You’re drawn to the wellness offerings of Bali – things like yoga, traditional medicine, arts. Instagram and social media hype aside, those things are thriving in Ubud and it’s not just for the tourists.
- You’d choose Jungle, rice fields, and greenery over the ocean.
- You enjoy cooler nights – being slightly elevated and inland makes a huge difference on this front which many forget.
Getting to Ubud
Ubud is around 90 minutes from Denpasar airport – again, depending on traffic. There is no direct route in – you need to negotiate the coastal and inland traffic to reach Ubud.
What’s nearby
- Tampaksiring and Tegallalang (the famous rice terraces)
- Mount Batur (the sunrise hike volcano)
- Sidemen – if you head east
4. Sanur
Sanur is one of the best areas to live in Bali – but we’ll concede that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
Mention Sanur to a group of ten and six will tell you it’s boring. The other four will tell you it’s the best place to live in Bali. Spoiler: those four are the locals.
Sanur is the only major area on the mainland that boasts a flat and walkable beachfront promenade which means that you can do groceries, swim, and grab dinner without ever reaching for your car keys. The beach of Sanur itself is calf and protected by the reef.
The demographics in Sanur definitely skew towards being a bit older. And while you may have to make some concessions on the number of run clubs on offer, the new Bali International Hospital and Sanur Harbour have quietly turned it into the most genuinely liveable address on the island.
You’ll love Sanur if
- You want to raise a family in a safe, less touristy part of the mainland.
- You’d rather sightsee by foot or by scooter – no car is required to see all of Sanur.
- You value being close to the airport and having access to good hospitals and schools.
Getting to Sanur
20-30 minutes from Denpasar airport. Sanur’s proximity to the airport makes it a perfect place to settle for anyone who wants to be able to get up and go on a moment’s notice.
What’s nearby
- Denpasar (20-30min)
5. Uluwatu
Uluwatu is situated on the southern tip of Bali. Surrounded by limestone cliffs and wordclass surf spots, Uluwatu has quietely become one of the most desirable places to live in Bali over the last decade.
While the local area has undergone a recent influx of construction, the good news is that the surf, the cliffs, and the sunsets are all operating at full capacity. Living in Uluwatu works best if you base yourself in one of the smaller villages – Pecatu, Ungasan, Bingin’s quieter back streets. Granted, you’ll have to accept your fate and recognise that you’ll be driving for everything – but that’s a small price to pay for living in one of the most underappreciated areas of the main island.
You’ll love Uluwatu if
- You love surfing – no further explanation required.
- You want to bask in the dramatic cliffside scenery and enjoy some of the best sunsets Bali has to offer.
- You take your wellness seriously and want access to all of the newest amenities
- You’re happy to reach for your car or scooter keys when it comes time to do the shopping
Getting to Uluwatu
- 45 minutes from Denpasar airport
What’s nearby
- Nusa Dua (the resort enclave)
- Jimbaran (seafood and a calmer beach)
