Where to stay in Bali: top family travel destinations in 2020

Boasting temples, lush forests, stunning rice paddies, and the kind of beaches that are the envy of even its Australian visitors, Bali is a stunning destination by any metric. And we’ve already had a record year for the island’s tourist industry.

While the larger areas (Seminyak and the seamy seaside city of Kuta) can draw in tourists looking for nightlife, there’s plenty of unspoiled places to spend the nights in tranquility. Here are five places in Bali you can take your family to this summer.

1. Canggu

Located close to Seminyak, staying here gives you the best of both worlds. Canggu is quieter, slightly less overcrowded, and still central. You’ll still have access to the fantastic restaurants, shops, and bars on offer in the bigger resort without having to deal with its crowds. Whether you’re looking for a base to explore Bali or somewhere to while away days under the tropical sun, there’s no shortage of charming family villas in Canggu. More to the point, you might find yourself so in love with the rice fields, chic beaches, and alfresco café culture of the area that you never leave it!

2. North Bali

If you’re looking to go off the beaten track, look no further than the less populated north of the island. You won’t find as many other tourists moving freely amid the region’s stunning landscape of natural springs, waterfalls, rice fields, and arresting volcano views. The affordable hotels here are where some of the locals go when they want to get away from it all. Not to mention the seas which are home to beautiful dolphins and black sandy beaches in the locality. The best-connected areas in the region are Bedugul, Lovina, and Banjar.

3. Sanur

Sanur is one of the better-known areas in Bali, and tourist numbers tend to reflect this. With that said, if you’re planning to spend most of your days by the beach and are on the lookout for some good old-fashioned rest and relaxation, this relatively small town could be great. It’s packed with spas and restaurants that will help you unwind and take care of yourself.

4. Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua gets a special mention for its water sports. Diving, snorkeling, and parasailing are all popular tourist pastimes here, and there’s no shortage of all-inclusive family resorts to stay in. Home to a host of local heritage (Pura Gegar), nature (Serangan Island) and museum (Pasifika) sites, you’ll never be short on things to do in Nusa Dua.

5. Ubud

The artisanal hub of Bali, Ubud is something of a land that time forgot. While many of the hallmarks of globalization are still present, this town plays home to a rural scenery of endless rice fields, temples, and waterfalls. Unlike some of the bigger urban hubs, Ubud is the kind of place you can afford to get lost in with lower crime rates and incredibly friendly locals. Grab a bite at one of the local vegetarian eateries or coffee shops for a real island flavor.