Hotels in Bali
Bali District faces Tamsui across the river mouth on New Taipei's north coast, reached by ferry along the Blue Highway and known for its riverside cycling path.
Bali sits on the north bank of the Tamsui River estuary, looking straight across the water at Tamsui's old town, with the Blue Highway ferry making the crossing in minutes. The district's identity is built around the Bali Left Bank, a riverside promenade and bike path that runs past fishing boats and open-air seafood stalls, and around the Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology, built on a site where 1,800-year-old artifacts were unearthed. Guanyin Mountain rises behind the town, giving hikers trailheads within a short drive of the waterfront. Hotels in Bali lean toward resort-style properties aimed at couples and families rather than business travelers, since Taipei itself is a longer trip from here than from Tamsui.
Bali in numbers
What to expect
- Blue Highway ferry across the river mouth to Tamsui's old town
- Bali Left Bank riverside promenade and cycling path
- Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology on its original excavation site
- Guanyin Mountain trailheads a short drive from the waterfront
Local tips
- Take the Blue Highway ferry at sunset for the classic view back toward Tamsui
- Rent a bike along the Left Bank path rather than driving between sights
- Visit Shihsanhang Museum before the afternoon heat if you're also hiking Guanyinshan
- Book a river-view room if the hotel offers one; the estuary is the main draw
- Weekends bring day-trippers from Taipei, so weekday visits feel noticeably calmer
- Bring water and sun protection for any Guanyin Mountain trail, even short ones
Where to stay
FAQ
How do you get to Bali from Tamsui?
The Blue Highway ferry crosses the Tamsui River estuary between Bali and Tamsui's old town in a few minutes, running frequently through the day and making the two riverside districts easy to combine in one visit.
What is Bali District known for?
Bali is known for the Bali Left Bank riverside promenade and cycling path, the Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology built on its original excavation site, and Guanyin Mountain rising behind the town with hiking trails.
Is Bali a good place to stay instead of Tamsui?
Bali suits travelers who want a quieter riverside base with resort-style hotels and a short ferry ride to Tamsui's old town, though it sits further from central Taipei than Tamsui, whose MRT line reaches the city directly.
Are there family-friendly hotels in Bali?
Yes, several hotels in Bali are built around family stays, with pools, kids' clubs and river or coastal views, reflecting the area's appeal to weekend visitors from Taipei rather than short business trips.
Can you hike Guanyin Mountain from Bali?
Guanyin Mountain rises directly behind Bali District, and several trailheads are a short drive from the waterfront, making it one of the more accessible mountain hikes near the Tamsui River estuary.
What is the best season to visit Bali?
Spring and autumn bring the clearest views across the estuary to Tamsui and the most comfortable conditions for the Left Bank cycling path, while summer afternoons can be humid enough to favor a hotel with a pool.