Where to stay in south Bali

All our places to stay in Bali are in the south of the island, on and around the Bukit Peninsula, the limestone headland that hangs below the airport. It's a part of Bali known for dramatic sea cliffs, world-famous surf breaks and some of the island's best sunsets.

The three main areas feel quite different. Uluwatu and the western Bukit are about surfing, cliff-top cafés and small beaches reached by steps; Jimbaran is a calm bay famous for seafood dinners on the sand; Nusa Dua is a manicured resort enclave with calm, family-friendly beaches. All three are within roughly 30 to 60 minutes of the airport, depending on traffic.

Airport
Ngurah Rai International (DPS), just north of Jimbaran
Getting around
Ride-hailing apps, taxis, private drivers and scooter hire
Best known for
Surf breaks, cliff-top sunsets and Uluwatu Temple
Wettest months
Usually around November to March

Places to stay in Bali

33 hotels

"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

South Bali, area by area

Uluwatu is for surfers and sunset-chasers, Jimbaran for a relaxed bay close to the airport, and Nusa Dua for calm water and resort comforts.

Uluwatu and the Bukit

Best for surfing and cliff-top sunsets

The western and southern edge of the Bukit is a string of small beaches tucked below limestone cliffs: Bingin, Padang Padang, Thomas Beach, Nyang Nyang and more, many reached by long flights of steps. It's home to famous reef breaks for experienced surfers, the sea temple of Pura Luhur Uluwatu with its sunset Kecak dance, and a scattering of villas, guesthouses and cafés. Distances are bigger than they look, so most people get around by scooter or taxi.

Jimbaran

Best for seafood dinners and easy airport runs

A wide, sheltered bay just south of the airport, with a long sandy beach and a fishing village feel. In the evening, tables are set up on the sand for grilled seafood at sunset. The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, with its giant statue, is on the hill behind, and Uluwatu's beaches are a short drive south.

Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa

Best for families and calm water

A planned resort area on the east side of the Bukit, with landscaped grounds, a beachfront promenade and gentle, reef-protected water that suits children. Tanjung Benoa, on the peninsula to the north, is the hub for water sports. It's quieter and more polished than the rest of south Bali, with a convention centre and golf course nearby.

Getting to and around south Bali

Ngurah Rai International Airport is right at the neck of the Bukit, so south Bali is the closest part of the island to it. Traffic around the airport and the toll road can be heavy at peak times; allow extra time for flights.

There's little public transport, so most visitors use ride-hailing apps, metered taxis or a hired driver for the day. Scooters are popular in Uluwatu, but roads are busy and steep in places, so only ride if you're experienced and properly insured.

Islands nearby

Fast boats leave from Sanur, north of Nusa Dua, for Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, and from Padang Bai on the east coast for the Gili Islands and Lombok. Several of our places to stay are on those islands; see the Indonesia page.

Questions about staying in Bali

Is Uluwatu good for beginner surfers?

Uluwatu's famous breaks are reef breaks best left to experienced surfers. Beginners usually take lessons at gentler spots elsewhere in the south, such as Kuta or parts of Jimbaran and Nusa Dua when conditions allow; local surf camps can advise.

Which area of south Bali is best for families?

Nusa Dua has the calmest water and the most resort facilities. Jimbaran is also relaxed, with a long, gentle beach.

How far is Uluwatu from the airport?

Usually around 40 minutes to an hour by road, depending on traffic and where on the Bukit you're staying.

When is the best time to visit south Bali?

The drier months are usually from around April to October, which is also the main surf season on the Bukit's west coast. From about November to March there's more rain, usually in short, heavy bursts.