General Overview
Looking for affordable resorts in Bali in 2026? This guide compares stylish stays from $50–$120 per night, including real transport challenges in Ubud, Canggu, and Uluwatu.
Quick Comparison: Top Picks by Region
| Resort Name | Area | Best For... | Price Est. | Airport Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tegal Sari | Ubud | Culture Lovers | $60+ | 1h 30m |
| Bali Dynasty | Kuta | Families (Kids Club) | $120+ | 15 Mins |
| Kos One Hostel | Canggu | Digital Nomads / Social | $40+ | 1 Hour |
| PinkCoco | Uluwatu | Surfers & Youth | $90+ | 45 Mins |
| Sawah Indah | Sidemen | Quiet / Nature | $50+ | 2 Hours |
Budget Tip: If you are planning to visit multiple resorts or need a reliable ride from the airport, we recommend booking a Bali Private Driver to save money on transfers.
Resort Recommendations by Region
🌿 Ubud
Tegal Sari
Located near the Monkey Forest with rice field views. Note: It can be hard to get a taxi out during the 4 - 7 PM traffic peak due to congestion.
Alam Indah
Offers verdant valley views and traditional architecture. It is located down a small lane that large buses cannot fit through.
Padma Resort
A luxurious pick in Payangan (north of Ubud). Be aware that apps like Grab or Gojek often deny pickup service here due to the long distance.
🏄 Canggu
Eastin Ashta
Situated 500 meters from Echo Beach. Prepare for traffic gridlock in this area from 10 AM to 8 PM.
Kos One Hostel
A boutique hostel located on the Batu Bolong shortcut. This is a dangerous street to walk on if you are carrying luggage.
🏖️ Uluwatu
PinkCoco
An adults-only resort by Padang Padang Beach. Note that strict local regulations only allow online taxis to drop off, not pick up, in this area.
Gravity Hotel
A remote, boho-chic property tucked away down a limestone path from the main road.
🛍️ Kuta & Seminyak
Bali Dynasty Resort
Located on "Eat Street," a crowded one-way road that is best explored on foot rather than by car.
IZE Seminyak
Located on "Eat Street," a crowded one-way road that is best explored on foot rather than by car.
⛰️ Sidemen, Nusa Dua & Sanur
Sawah Indah
A no-frills villa in Sidemen. Drivers tend to cancel pickup requests here because it is two hours away from the airport.
Merusaka Nusa Dua
Beachfront luxury inside a gated community. You will need transport to leave the complex if you want to see the "real" Bali.
Artotel Sanur
A modern boutique hotel by the beach, perfectly located for catching fast boats to Nusa Penida.
🚗 Transportation Advice
There are apps available for short trips if visitors want to stay locally within Kuta or Seminyak. However, we recommend private drivers for airport transfers, day excursions, moving between hotels with luggage, or traveling to far-flung areas like North Ubud and Sidemen.
Example: What You Can Do in 10 Hours
"Is 10 hours long enough?" many travelers ask. Yes, that is the ideal amount of time for a full-day tour. Below are two of the most common routes you can select, or you can create your own using our flat-rate car rental service:
Option A: Ubud & Volcano Run
- 08:00 AM: Pickup at Hotel
- 09:30 AM: Tegalalang Rice Terrace (Photo spot)
- 11:30 AM: Kintamani (Mount Batur View)
- 01:00 PM: Lunch at a local warung
- 03:00 PM: Tirta Empul (Holy Water Temple)
- 04:30 PM: Tegenungan Waterfall
- 06:00 PM: Drop off at Hotel
Option B: South Bali Beach and Sunset
- 10:00 AM: Pickup at Hotel
- 11:00 AM: Tanjung Benoa (Water sports)
- 02:00 PM: Melasti Beach (White sand)
- 04:30 PM: Uluwatu Temple (Cliff view)
- 06:00 PM: Watch Kecak Fire Dance
- 08:00 PM: Dinner at Jimbaran Bay (Seafood)
Note: You can modify these routes in any way you like. Just chat with your driver upon pickup!
Why is There an Additional Charge for Remote Areas?
You might be asking why a trip to Lovina or Lempuyang costs an additional IDR 200,000 - 250,000.
The standard day rate applies to the "Tourist Triangle" (South Bali and Central Ubud). If a ride is taken to the North or East, the surcharge covers:
- Distance: These areas are 60-90km from the city center.
- Terrain: The roads are mountainous and winding, consuming significantly more fuel than normal city driving.
- Time: The journey to Lovina takes 3 hours one-way. A typical round trip takes longer than the standard 10 hours, so the surcharge compensates the driver for their additional time and effort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I have to pick up the lunch tab for the driver?
A: No, this is not required. Our drivers generally eat from local stalls (warungs) and get local pricing. However, if you would like to ask them to join your table or offer them IDR 50,000 as a thank you, that is a lovely gesture (but not obligatory).
Q: Can we pay in USD or AUD?
A: Some drivers will gladly take foreign currency, but the conversion rate applied will likely be less favorable than the official rate. We highly advise paying in IDR cash for the fairest price.
Q: What if I'd like to stop for dinner and go past 10 hours?
A: No problem at all. The best part of a private driver is flexibility. You simply pay the Overtime Fee (IDR 60,000 - 200,000 per hour depending on vehicle) directly to the driver when you finish your trip.
Secure Your Ride Before You Fly
Don't gamble with apps in remote areas. Book a professional private driver for your resort transfer.
