Balisama: luxury resorts and villas in Bali

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Buleleng vs Payangan

Choose Buleleng for calm water, better beaches, lower prices and diving; choose Payangan for wellness and a shorter airport transfer.

Buleleng

North Bali's serene coastline. Best for: Nature lovers & those avoiding crowds.

Choose Buleleng for calm water, better beaches, lower prices, diving.

  • Beach: Calm black-sand beaches along the north coast.
  • Nightlife: Very little outside a few Lovina bars.
  • Prices: $ · Budget. Inexpensive: food, stays and drivers cost less than in the south.
  • To the airport: 85 km · 2½–3 h
  • Climate: Hot & humid · coast
  • 10 resorts on Balisama, from about $45 a night

Payangan

Secluded jungle retreats. Best for: Wellness travelers & those seeking total privacy.

Choose Payangan for wellness, a shorter airport transfer.

  • Beach: No beach; the coast is over an hour away.
  • Nightlife: None; evenings are spent at your resort.
  • Prices: $$$ · Pricey. The resorts are luxury-priced, and there is little else to spend money on.
  • To the airport: 48 km · 80–110 min
  • Climate: A little fresher · 400 m
  • 24 resorts on Balisama, from about $30 a night

Buleleng and Payangan are about 39 km apart.

Ratings

  • Beaches: Buleleng Good (3/5), Payangan None (0/5)
  • Calm-water swimming: Buleleng Very good (4/5), Payangan None (0/5)
  • Surfing: Buleleng None (0/5), Payangan None (0/5)
  • Diving & snorkeling: Buleleng Good (3/5), Payangan None (0/5)
  • Sunsets: Buleleng Good (3/5), Payangan Poor (1/5)
  • Nightlife: Buleleng Poor (1/5), Payangan None (0/5)
  • Restaurants & cafés: Buleleng Fair (2/5), Payangan Fair (2/5)
  • Culture & temples: Buleleng Good (3/5), Payangan Fair (2/5)
  • Nature & landscapes: Buleleng Excellent (5/5), Payangan Excellent (5/5)
  • Yoga & wellness: Buleleng Fair (2/5), Payangan Excellent (5/5)
  • Family-friendly: Buleleng Good (3/5), Payangan Good (3/5)
  • Peace & quiet: Buleleng Very good (4/5), Payangan Excellent (5/5)
  • Remote work: Buleleng Poor (1/5), Payangan Poor (1/5)
  • Walkability: Buleleng Poor (1/5), Payangan None (0/5)

Our ratings, from 0 (none) to 5 (excellent), compare Bali's areas with each other.