When choosing an area of Bali to live in, it is important to understand that the island is not about “location,” but about lifestyle. There is no universal “best” area — there is only the best area for you. Therefore, below is not just a list of areas, but an analysis of their real character, atmosphere, convenience, and feel of life.
Canggu — modern Bali for an active lifestyle
Canggu is rightly considered the most dynamic area of Bali to live in. It is a place where the modern image of the island is formed: cafes with signature cuisine, coworking spaces, yoga studios, surf schools, designer shops, and an international community.
Life in Changu is all about movement. It’s easy to make friends, build projects, work remotely, and feel part of a global community here. The area is ideal for freelancers, entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and those who don’t want to be isolated.
At the same time, Changu doesn’t lose its island feel: the ocean is nearby, rice fields still remain, and the sunsets here are some of the most beautiful in Bali. That’s why Changu is often called one of the best areas in Bali to live and invest in.
Seminyak — comfort, style, and mature infrastructure
Seminyak is Bali for those who appreciate aesthetics, comfort, and service. The area has long been established and offers a high standard of living: restaurants, boutiques, beach clubs, spas, clinics, and convenient urban infrastructure.
Living in Seminyak is convenient because everything is close by. There is less chaos here than in Canggu, but it still feels like an active place to live. The area is suitable for those who want stability, convenience, and a certain status.
Seminyak is often chosen as a permanent residence by those who have already lived in Bali and want a more structured environment. That is why it is consistently included in the list of the best areas to live in Bali.
Ubud — life in tune with nature
Ubud is a philosophy, not just an area. There is no ocean outside the windows, but there are jungles, rice terraces, morning mist, and a feeling of slow time.
Ubud is chosen by those who seek peace, awareness, and balance. It is a place where it is easy to focus on yourself, your health, your development, and your inner peace. There are many yoga centers, retreats, organic cafes, and communities focused on an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Ubud is suitable for those who are tired of big cities and want to reconnect with nature. It is one of the best areas in Bali for a peaceful life.
Uluwatu — ocean, space, and freedom
Uluwatu is an area associated with space, wind, ocean, and a sense of freedom. It is located in the south of the island, on high cliffs, offering stunning views.
Life in Uluwatu is all about privacy. There are fewer tourists here, more air and space. The area is suitable for those who want to live closer to nature without sacrificing comfort.
Uluwatu is actively developing: new restaurants, shops, schools, and residential complexes are appearing. Therefore, today it is considered one of the most promising areas of Bali to live in.
Nusa Dua — order and safety
Nusa Dua is very different from the rest of Bali. It is the most organized and well-maintained area of the island. It has wide roads, sidewalks, security, cleanliness, and the feel of a European resort.
Nusa Dua is ideal for families with children, older people, and those who value peace, safety, and predictability. It is comfortable to live here permanently without encountering the chaotic side of Bali.
In terms of lifestyle, Nusa Dua is an area for those who want stability and maximum comfort.
Sanur — traditional Bali for long-term living
Sanur is often referred to as an area “for its own.” It is home to locals, expats, families, and those who have chosen Bali not as a temporary stopover but as their home.
Sanur is characterized by a calm atmosphere, a long promenade, convenient beaches, and good infrastructure. There is no vibrant nightlife here, but there is a feeling of comfort and stability.For permanent residence, Sanur is considered one of the most comfortable areas of Bali.
How to figure out where is the best place for you to live in Bali
Choosing an area to live in Bali is always a personal story. On the same island, you can live as if you are in a metropolis or as if you are in a secluded tropical retreat. Therefore, before focusing on ratings and advice, it is important to honestly answer a few questions for yourself.
First of all, what kind of lifestyle suits you best? Some people need to feel movement, people, events, and a change of scenery. For such people, areas with an active social life, cafes, coworking spaces, and an international community are suitable. Others, on the contrary, need to wake up in silence, hear the birds, and feel the space around them.
The second important point is whether you need a social environment. If you find it easy to make friends, build connections, and love being part of a community, it is worth choosing areas with an active expat community. If you feel more comfortable in solitude, it is better to look for quieter and more intimate locations.
Next is proximity to the ocean. For some, life in Bali is unthinkable without morning walks on the beach and surfing, while for others, jungle views and tranquility are more important. There is no right or wrong choice here—only your choice.
It is equally important to understand how much you value peace and privacy. Some people feel alive in the noise and movement, while others get tired of it after just a few days. The area of Bali where you live should not drain your energy, but rather fill it.
And finally, you should honestly ask yourself whether you plan to live in Bali for a long time or consider the island as a temporary stop. For long-term living, infrastructure, healthcare, schools, transportation, and convenience are important — things that are often overlooked by tourists but become critical for residents.
It is the combination of these answers that gradually leads to an understanding of where is best for you to live in Bali — not based on ratings, but on your inner feelings.
Where is the best place to live in Bali: conclusion
When talking about the best areas of Bali to live in, people often try to compile a universal list. But the truth is that such a list is impossible.
The best areas of Bali are not about popularity or property prices. It’s about finding a place that matches your inner state, lifestyle, and expectations.
Bali is unique in that you can find completely different lifestyles on one island. Here you can choose dynamism and movement, you can choose silence and slowing down, you can choose the comfort of an urban environment or privacy by the ocean. You can be part of an international community or live in seclusion among nature.
And this is precisely the main advantage of Bali as a place to live.
Once you understand what you want from life, you will automatically understand where it is best to live in Bali. Because the right area is not just a point on the map. It is a space where you want to wake up, work, relax, and feel that you are in the right place.
