Your Ultimate Guide to Finding Accommodation in Bali

When finding accommodation in Bali, there are a few factors to consider: your budget, the length of your stay, and whether you want to look for accommodation yourself or prefer to delegate it to an agent.

Here are the main types of accommodation you can find on the island:

Resort Hotels: Ideal for a luxurious stay with a variety of amenities.

Regular Hotels: Suitable for shorter stays with essential services.

Villas: Perfect for a private and spacious experience.

Guesthouses: Offer a homely environment, often with personal touches.

Homestays: Stay in a local house for an authentic experience.

Hostels: Budget-friendly option with shared facilities.

Co-living Spaces: Shared living arrangements for like-minded individuals.

There are also kos-kosans, which are budget-friendly monthly rental apartments popular with locals. However, since 2019, foreigners are not allowed to rent them in the Badung area, which includes most of the southern regions of the island.

Sometimes, you might find combinations of different types of accommodation. For instance, a resort hotel might have villas on its property, or a guesthouse might offer dormitory-style rooms for those looking for hostel accommodations. It’s important to note that finding an apartment in Bali is rare, and condos are not available at all.

To find accommodation in Bali, make sure to determine these two key factors: the length of your stay and your budget.

If you plan to spend about 1-2 weeks on the island, you probably don't want to waste your vacation time searching for accommodation. Additionally, you won't receive significant discounts for short-term rentals compared to monthly rentals.

It's better to secure your accommodation in advance through reputable housing search websites and apps rather than spending your short vacation looking for a place to stay.

First, choose an area of the island where you want to spend your vacation, focusing on the locations that best match your preferences. If you're looking for a beach holiday, consider staying in areas such as Nusa Dua, Canggu, or Sanur. Alternatively, if you're seeking a jungle experience and opportunities for spiritual practices, Ubud would be a suitable choice.

Generally, affluent visitors seeking family and romantic getaways often choose the east of the Bukit Peninsula, such as Nusa Dua. For those interested in luxury scenic villas, the west, centre, and south of Bukit, including Jimbaran, Ungasan, and Pecatu, are popular. If you’re looking for a spiritual retreat with views of forests and rice fields, Ubud is the place to go. For a vibrant party scene with clubbing, fine dining, and boutique shopping, Seminyak is the ideal destination. You can find brief descriptions of different areas here.

It’s important to decide whether you want to stay in a hotel or a villa.

Opt for a resort hotel if you're traveling alone or in a small group, such as a couple, or with a small family, and require top-notch service.

Many five-star hotels offer a range of amenities beyond just restaurants, including their own spas, gyms, kids' clubs, private beaches, and other useful and interesting features. While some villas may also have similar amenities, the chance of finding all these facilities on private, non-hotel premises is generally lower.

You can find a hotel on Booking.com.

Booking.com is a well-optimized platform for booking accommodation. If any issues arise, their support staff offers thorough assistance. Additionally, Booking.com includes state tax and service charges in the listed price of accommodations, ensuring there are no hidden fees, whether you pay in advance or upon arrival.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose the area you’re interested in.

2. Select your dates.

3. Filter by the number of stars.

4. Set a user rating of no less than 9.0, preferably above 9.5.

Always pay attention to previous guest reviews, especially the negative ones. No hotel is perfect, so it’s important to identify any shortcomings mentioned by past guests and assess if you can tolerate them. Look for hotels with a substantial number of reviews—at least 20 to 30. This helps ensure that the hotel has established a solid reputation and gives you a clearer picture of what to expect.

Villas are perfect if you're traveling with a large family and need multiple rooms, if you're with a group of friends who are comfortable sharing common spaces, or if you're planning a romantic getaway and looking for a one-bedroom villa with a pool for a private retreat.

There's a common belief that villas generally offer lower service levels compared to hotels due to fewer staff and amenities. However, this varies depending on the villa's specifics.

If you rent a villa within a hotel, you'll benefit from hotel-level service, including access to the hotel's amenities and staff. Alternatively, independent villas may provide exceptional service with dedicated staff focused solely on your needs. In such cases, you and your group will be the only guests, ensuring a personalized and private experience.

Most villas have two or three bedrooms. Some hotels offer one-bedroom villas specifically for honeymooners. Occasionally, several two- and three-bedroom villas are built on the same property to accommodate large groups, allowing friends or relatives to stay close together without sharing the same villa. Alternatively, villa owners might close off extra rooms, renting a two-bedroom villa as a one-bedroom or a three-bedroom villa as a two-bedroom.

To find a villa, you can use Booking.com by selecting "villa" in the filter options. The other parameters to adjust include:

1. Your travel dates

2. Location

3. Star rating

4. User rating

Be sure to carefully read the reviews, particularly the negative ones, to gauge if you can accept any existing flaws or imperfections.

To find an independent villa, you can reach out to a reputable agency. The agent will ask several questions to determine which villa best suits your needs, including:

1. Dates of your visit

2. Price range

3. Preferred location

4. Number of rooms

5. Vacation style

6. Specific service requests

Experienced agents have an in-depth knowledge of their villa database and can quickly pinpoint the property that best meets your needs, ensuring a comfortable stay. Don’t hesitate to share detailed information about your desired accommodation with the agent. This will help them find the most suitable option for you.

For a medium budget, Booking.com is a great tool to find hotels or villas that suit your needs.

In areas with more moderate prices, you can find a villa, hotel, or even a resort that fits your budget. For instance, if Nusa Dua is too expensive, consider staying in Benoa instead. Alternatively, explore the Tanjung Benoa peninsula just north of Nusa Dua. Look for a hotel that isn’t on the beachfront but offers beach transfers.

Sanur is a great option for families. While the sand isn’t as pristine as in Nusa Dua, the calm sea is perfect for swimming with kids. You can also find comfortable hotels at reasonable prices.

If you’re seeking vibrant nightlife but find Seminyak too expensive, consider staying in the nearby Legian or Kerobokan areas. Kuta is lively and chaotic, so choose it only if you enjoy a bustling environment.

The Bukit Peninsula—encompassing Jimbaran, Pecatu, and Ungasan—is known for its stunning landscapes. However, amenities in this area are spread out, so you’ll need a vehicle to get around.

Ubud offers many budget-friendly options, including hotels with infinity pools and rice field views. Keep in mind that the beaches are far from Ubud. If a beach holiday is your priority, Ubud might not be ideal.

Canggu is favoured by hipsters, Instagrammers, and food enthusiasts. It’s medium-budget friendly and has fewer five-star hotels. However, its beaches feature dark-gray sand and are perfect for surfing, so it might not be the best choice if you’re looking for a serene swim.

Don’t worry if your budget doesn’t stretch to five-star hotels. Bali offers a wide range of excellent four- and three-star options. By choosing a less upscale area, you can find hotels with great service, unique design, and extra amenities at more affordable rates.

For booking a hotel for your entire stay, Booking.com is a reliable resource. Look for hotels in areas surrounding high-end spots like Seminyak and Nusa Dua to find better rates.

You can find villas in Bali at moderate prices. Although they may not be as luxurious—offering less frequent cleaning and simpler breakfasts—they provide a private and comfortable space for you, your family, or friends. These villas might be a bit farther from the beach, so you may need a car or scooter for transportation.

Booking.com offers a range of affordable villas. To find the best options, search in less upscale areas. Be sure to read the reviews carefully to avoid potential issues.

Airbnb is another reliable site for finding your Bali villa. For a positive experience, choose villas from hosts with a "Superhost" badge and high ratings, and read feedback from previous guests. Also, check the villa’s location to ensure it fits your preferences—whether you’re seeking a lively tourist spot or a peaceful retreat with fewer amenities.

If you’re working with a medium budget, consider contacting villa rental agencies. Renting through an agency might be more expensive than using online platforms, and you generally won’t find options below $80 per night. This is because the price includes professional services and agency commissions. The benefit of renting through an agency is that you can be assured of the quality of the accommodation, as they typically handle high-quality properties.

If you're on a tight budget, guesthouses and homestays are your best options. Guesthouses are usually preferred for their higher quality and hotel-like features compared to homestays.

Higher-end guesthouses often offer amenities like air conditioning, hot water, reliable Wi-Fi, and sometimes even a pool. Breakfast is frequently included with your stay.

On the other hand, very inexpensive guesthouses might have small rooms, unreliable internet, a basic (or no) breakfast, and a fan instead of air conditioning.

Homestays involve staying in local residences where owners rent out rooms to guests. The advantage is experiencing life in a Balinese home, which usually means fewer noisy parties or disruptive neighbours.

You can find budget guesthouses and homestays in almost any area. In more expensive neighbourhoods, however, they might be farther from the beach (in coastal areas) or from the centre (in places like Ubud).

In high-end areas like Nusa Dua and Seminyak, finding a cheap guesthouse can be challenging. Mid-range areas like Sanur, Legian, and Kerobokan offer more options. Budget guesthouses are relatively easy to find in Kuta, Bukit (Southern Kuta), Canggu, and Ubud.

To find a guesthouse or homestay, Booking.com is a valuable tool. It offers a wide range of options and allows you to filter searches based on your preferences and budget.

If you're planning to stay in Bali for more than a month, it’s best not to commit to a long-term rental without first viewing the property. Instead, book a hotel or guesthouse for the first few days. Use this time to explore long-term accommodation options and visit potential properties in person before making a final decision.

With a high budget, renting a villa is an excellent choice. For those with high expectations and a need for top-notch service, you can find villas that offer dedicated staff to handle cleaning, maintenance, cooking, and other household chores. Additionally, you can arrange for services like a personal driver, butler, and even in-home massages and spa treatments.

To find a villa, consider these options:

1. Real Estate Agencies: These agencies can help you find villas. Although most agencies focus on short-term rentals, there will be some that offer long-term options.

2. Facebook Groups: For extended stays, local Facebook groups can be very useful. Post your request in these groups to find available options. Here are some popular groups:

If you don't find a specific group for your desired area, post your request in online housing and community groups. You may receive leads through private messages.

- Check Rental Prices: Compare prices to ensure you're getting a fair deal.

- Request Detailed Photos: Before visiting the property, request as many clear images as possible to assess its condition.

- Gather Location Information: Understand the area to ensure it meets your needs.

- Vet the Property: If you find a rental not listed on Booking.com or Airbnb, carefully inspect the property.

- Create a Rental Agreement: Draft a detailed agreement covering all important terms to protect both parties.

With a medium budget, you have two main options: renting a house or renting a shared villa with a pool.

Renting a house provides more privacy but may offer fewer amenities and less comfort compared to a shared villa. Villas generally offer more comfort and often include features like a pool and sometimes a garden. However, renting a villa might mean sharing common spaces with other guests or dealing with changing roommates.

Houses typically do not have a pool and may or may not include a garden.

Bali offers a range of house rental options. Some houses come furnished, while others are rented unfurnished and are generally cheaper. Unfurnished houses are typically available for long-term rentals. If you plan to stay for about a year and are open to buying furniture, renting an unfurnished house might be the best choice.

Unfortunately, Bali lacks furniture and appliance rental services. You'll need to either buy new items from stores or find used ones through Facebook Marketplace. The advantage is that you can sell your furniture on Facebook Marketplace when you're done with it.

House rental prices in Bali vary widely. You might find basic one-bedroom houses in budget-friendly areas for around US$300 per month. For a more comfortable, multi-bedroom house, expect to pay up to US$1,200 per month. Prices can differ significantly depending on the area, so it’s a good idea to compare multiple options before making your decision.

As a tenant, you'll generally be responsible for managing utilities and maintenance tasks. This includes installing internet, arranging for water delivery, topping up electricity, and covering minor repairs. It's important to clarify upfront which utilities you are expected to pay for and which, if any, are covered by the landlord. Typically, long-term tenants handle the costs for electricity, gas, water, garbage collection (bandhara), and internet.

Many lower-cost houses and villas in Bali are rented out by private owners, which means you might have a chance to negotiate the rent. To strengthen your position, research prices for similar properties in your desired area to understand the market rates. While there’s no guarantee the owner will agree to a discount, it’s always worth asking.

To avoid misunderstandings, always draft a detailed lease agreement with the landlord that outlines all rental terms. For further guidance, refer to this article to ensure you cover all essential details.

You can post ads in Facebook groups dedicated to specific Bali neighbourhoods. Some popular groups include:

- Canggu Community

- Ubud Community

- Sanur Community

- Seminyak Umalas & Kerobokan Community

- Uluwatu Bukit & Jimbaran Community

Specify your budget and preferred area when posting in Facebook groups to avoid irrelevant listings for properties that are either too expensive or located in areas you’re not interested in.

Note: For properties from private individuals that aren’t listed on Booking.com or Airbnb, thoroughly inspect the property and draft a comprehensive lease agreement that includes all key terms.

Exploring your desired area in person can be highly effective. Look for "DISEWAKAN" (for rent) signs on houses, take note of the contact numbers, and reach out to landlords directly. Arrange property viewings and negotiate terms face-to-face. Visiting local villages (known as "perumahan" in Indonesia) can also uncover additional options.

In the Pecatu Graha area, you'll find a variety of private houses near the entrance to the Dreamland complex. Generally, more expensive houses are located on the left side, while more affordable options are on the right. Other areas to explore include Perumahan Ariza and Puri Gading. Review articles listing recommended areas to help find your ideal home.

While this approach can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, it often proves effective. Typically, within two to three days, you can discover several decent and affordable options without incurring additional costs from intermediaries. Plus, visiting properties in person allows you to assess the neighbourhood and ensure it aligns with your needs.

You can also search for houses on the following rental websites:

- Rumah123.com

- olx.co.id

These sites are in Indonesian, so you may need to communicate with property owners in Bahasa Indonesia or use Google Translate. Using Google Chrome with a translation extension can make this easier. Be aware that these sites may provide limited photos and details, so it’s a good idea to contact the listing author for more information.

If you’re not comfortable using Bahasa Indonesia, consider visiting balibudgethousing.com. This site, created by expats, focuses on budget-friendly homes and is available in English.

For more guidance, check out this article.

You can find a great place to stay in Bali even with a limited budget. Here are some options:

Share a Villa or House: Look for villas or houses where tenants are renting out individual rooms.

Rent a Simple House: Look for affordable houses available for independent rental.

Negotiate for Long-Term Discounts: Try to negotiate a discount for a long-term stay at a guesthouse or homestay.

Monthly Rentals: Explore kos-kosan (boarding houses) or guesthouses that offer monthly rentals, or consider simple apartments.

Note: As of July 2019, foreigners are not allowed to stay in kos-kosans in the Badung area.

When renting a very affordable house, be prepared for some surprises. Bedrooms might be small, fitting only a bed with no room for a wardrobe. Windows could be tiny skylights rather than full-sized panes, or they might face less-desirable areas like an interior space or a dark backyard.

Renting a room in a shared villa or house is a common and budget-friendly option. Often, people rent an entire villa but live in just one room, renting out the rest for short periods, from a few weeks to a couple of months. You might find options such as entire floors or rooms with separate entrances available for rent.

This arrangement works well if you’re comfortable living with others and can adapt to communal living. It requires regular interaction and maintaining a friendly atmosphere with your housemates.

Friendly housemates can offer valuable local tips and introduce you to interesting places. Building good relationships might even lead to shared outings. However, be prepared for potential challenges if you have to live with people whose personalities don’t mesh well with yours.

How to Find Long-Term Shared Houses

Facebook groups focused on specific Bali neighborhoods are a valuable resource for finding long-term rentals. Some popular groups include:

- Canggu Community

- Ubud Community

- Sanur Community

- Seminyak Umalas & Kerobokan Community

- Uluwatu Bukit & Jimbaran Community

Select the area you're interested in, join relevant Facebook groups, and post your rental request. Gather offers, request photos and additional information, and arrange visits to see the properties in person.

Be clear about your budget. Specify your price range to avoid misunderstandings. While some may find $3,000 per month reasonable, others might be looking for $300 per month. Bali has options for every budget. Transparency about your budget will help you find genuine offers and avoid scammers.

Staying in a guesthouse can be an excellent choice if you want to avoid handling furnishing, repairs, cleaning, utility bills, and internet setup yourself. The guesthouse owner handles all of these responsibilities, and some even offer free water, tea, and coffee for guests.

Many guesthouses have profiles on Facebook or Google Maps, where you can read reviews from previous guests. Checking these reviews can give you a good sense of the quality of service and overall experience.

Once you've selected your preferred area, use Booking.com to find guesthouses with high ratings and reasonable prices in that neighborhood. Keep in mind that the total monthly cost for a guesthouse might be higher than typical house rentals.

Next, search for the guesthouse online through Google Maps, Facebook, or its website. Contact the owner via email or WhatsApp to inquire about discounts for long-term stays. Discounts of 40-60% are often available.

Homestays are a popular option for monthly rentals, with prices typically ranging from $200 to $400 per month. You'll usually have a private room with an en-suite bathroom and a separate entrance, along with access to shared spaces like a garden. Many homestays also offer a shared kitchen, or you can ask the hosts if you can use theirs.

This option is ideal for those looking to fully immerse themselves in Balinese life and experience the local culture from an insider’s perspective.

Please note that since July 2019, foreigners are not allowed to rent kos-kosans (boarding houses) in the Badung area, which includes Bukit, Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, and Kerobokan. Ubud, Sanur, and Denpasar are not affected by this restriction.

Kos-kosans, similar to apartments, vary widely in quality. Some offer luxury amenities like full furnishings, a kitchen, satellite TV, high-speed internet, a swimming pool, and water delivery services, while others are very basic, providing only a mattress and shared bathrooms.

Affordable kos-kosans generally cost between 700,000 and 1,000,000 IDR per month. These typically have minimal or no furniture (just a mattress or simple bed and a wardrobe), cold water showers, and possibly no internet or very weak connectivity. They are ideal for those on a tight budget or travellers who need just a basic place to sleep and store their belongings.

More upscale kos-kosans, costing between 6,000,000 and 8,000,000 IDR per month, are marketed as apartments and offer amenities similar to well-appointed European-style studio apartments.

Unfortunately, many kos-kosans are located away from the beaches to keep land costs low. In some kos-kosans, particularly in Denpasar, you might find a two-story studio layout. The ground floor usually includes the living area, kitchen, and bathroom, while the upper floor serves as the bedroom. While this design can offer more space, it might lead to inefficient cooling, as the air conditioner may struggle to cool the entire area effectively.

Use Google Maps to search for terms like “kos-kosan,” “kos,” “kost,” “rumah kos,” or “apartments” to explore available options. Review ratings, comments, photos, and locations to evaluate each property. Reach out to the owners or managers directly and arrange to visit the properties in person for a better understanding of the living conditions and the neighbourhood.

If you have any tips or recommendations for finding rental housing in Bali, feel free to share them.

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