Bukit
Known for salt-making and scattering of fishing villages, the Bukit Peninsula (meaning 'hill' in Bahasa Indonesia), became popular after the boom in Kuta and Seminyak and today is where numerous international beach resorts like the Four Seasons are dotted along its shoreline. The Bukit starts from Jimbaran Bay, which is recognized for its 4km-long arc of sand replete with numerous warungs to grab a drink and el fresco seafood dinner or rent a sun lounger or surfboard for the day.
Canggu
Canggu has long been known as a bohemian surf town that is mostly free of the clubs and bars of neighboring Seminyak and Kuta. In recent years some wonder if it will also head in a similar direction given Canggu has experienced a flurry of new development that has spread across the island. Although Canggu is one of the island's desirable locations for property purchases, rampant development comes with some traffic issues. Still, amongst the narrow lanes, trendy restaurants, and enchanting shops, provide a lifestyle that has ensnared many.
Sanur
Sanur was often referred to as "snore" because of its sleepy nature. Although these days it's popular for not just families who take advantage of the many K-12 schools but for those who appreciate its languid pace, beach community feel, and views of Mt. Agung and Nusa Penida. An attractive feature of Sanur is its curving oceanside esplanade (recently widened) and enjoyed by locals and expats for walking, running, and cycling (avoid weekends).
Seminyak
North of Kuta is Bali's most touristed destination and playground for visitors who come for dining, surfing, clubbing, shopping, and wrapped in as much luxury as they can afford. Seminyak is cheek-to-jowl with a dizzy collection of dining options, cafes, clubs, and cocktail bars, most open for business from just after dawn to long after dusk. Most visitors will have a daily routine that might start with a morning beach walk, followed by a spa session and lunch (with wine of course), shopping in the afternoon and bar hopping in the evening, and finally, recovery in their private villa only to repeat the following day.
Tabanan
Despite development from south Bali that has encroached further west from Canggu, the island's true west remains far less visited leaving its wild beaches, verdant surroundings, and rice fields largely intact.
Ubud
It's often said that Ubud is one of those special destinations where a holiday can turn into a stay of weeks, months, and for many, years. The in-the-know and colorful expat community of this highland hamlet will tell you the languid nature of this artistic Balinese town is where traditional Balinese culture permeates every step at every moment despite its transformation over the past 20 years. Ubud is a place of ritual like the offerings adorned in the narrow streets where the ubiquitous and hypnotic sounds of gamelan are part of everyday life.
Umalas
The curious and popular district of Umalas was once considered rather hidden, but today the location wedged between trendy Seminyak and the Kerobokan¬Canggu triangle is a desired community for many who appreciate its "quiet energy." The virtue of Umalas many say is its convenience to reach all that one needs in an exotic bubble such as what is arguably the south's top restaurants, from fine French to Indonesia; high-end spas both traditional and arcane and hair salons aplenty simply because Umalas residents are fashionable and social and always out; there are local designers to purveying hand-stitched fashion and textiles. There's also easy access to Batubelig Beach for sunsets and morning runs.