— BALI —

About Bali, Indonesia

THE BALE PHNOM PENH

Cambodia

Bali is a tropical paradise with an abundance of fresh fruit always available. Bali boasts lush green forests, beautiful beaches and incredible rice paddies that spill down the sides of dramatic mountains.

It has a strong Hindu spiritual life, with thousands of temples and a rich culture of dancing, music, art, architecture, rituals and festivals.

The capital Denpasar in the south is a lively town, particularly after dark, when locals visit Pasar Badung, the biggest and busiest market on the island.

It is worthwhile hiring a car, jeep or moped, or chartering a private cab to visit the island’s villages. Among those worth a visit are Celuk, which is noted for its silver and goldsmithing, and Mas for its excellent woodcarving. Near the village of Kutri is Pura Kedarman, which has a hilltop shrine with a panoramic view and stone statue of the eight-armed goddess, Durga. Ubud, at the base of the mountains, is the cultural centre of Bali and home of much traditional Balinese dance and music. This is where most accomplished painters, dancers, musicians, carvers and weavers live and work, so there are a number of excellent museums, art galleries and shops selling quality handicrafts.

Not far from Peliatan is Goa Gajah or the Elephant Cave, carved into a rock face. Visitors enter the cave through the cavernous mouth of a demon. Also near Ubud, Tampaksiring is a small town where the most impressive ancient monument on Bali can be found: Gunung Kawi. The temple consists of 10, seven-metre high, rockcut memorials.

The spectacular 16th century Tanah Lot is probably one of Bali’s best known and most photographed temples. Perched on a rocky islet and encircled by the sea, droves of visitors go to see it at sunrise or, more commonly, silhouetted against a brilliant red sky at sunset. On Bali’s western tip, the Bali Barat National Park covers nearly 20,000 hectares and includes 7000 hectares of coral reef and coastal waters. The region is ideal for trekking, has outstanding dive sites and pristine beaches. East Bali has Gunung Agung, and West Bali has the Gunung Batur crater, a magnificent sight at sunrise.

Penelokan, on the edge of the crater, offers superb views of Mt Batur and down to the lake. The village of Batur used to be inside the crater, but after a violent eruption in 1917 when thousands were killed, the village was relocated onto the crater’s rim, with the village of Kintamani. Kedisan, by the lake, is the base from which you can take a boat across to Trunyan. Or walk for a couple of hours on the track around the lake to Toyah Bungkah passing through the old village of Songan. Nearly 1000 metres up the slopes of Gunung Agung is Bali’s most important temple, Besakih.

North of Denpasar is the temple of Taman Ayun in Mengwi, spacious and memorable for its moat and large grassy outer courtyard; and Bedugul, which has a leisure park at the southern end of Lake Bratan and lovely botanical gardens. It is the south of Bali that is the real tourist mecca: the areas of Kuta, Tuban, Legian and Seminyak. Kuta has an incredible concentration of shops and services, as well as Bali’s most famous beach—the only place in Bali where the surf breaks over sand instead of coral. Kuta and Legian come alive at night, with shops and market stalls selling every Balinese handicraft imaginable. Various cultural performances are staged nightly, with one of Bali’s best Kecak (traditional dance) performances to be seen in Kuta.

The increasingly busy area of Tuban is situated close to the attractions of Kuta and Legian but with a more tranquil beach. Safer swimming combined with Bali’s only watersports park, Waterbom Bali, makes it an appealing option for family holidays. Southern Bali, encompassing Nusa Dua, Sanur and Tanjung Benoa, is where most of the island’s international five-star hotels are located. Sanur has a palm-lined beach and its waters are protected by reefs making it ideal for watersports. Reasonably priced restaurants are found in Tanjung Benoa and Bualu village, and the nightlife is relatively sedate. There are other beaches at Lovina in the north, and Candi Dasa in the east. Popular activities on Bali range from surfing, scuba diving and sea walking to indulging at pristine spas or attending an exciting cooking school.

As it continues to attract an increasing number of international visitors every year, dining in Bali is very cosmopolitan yet inexpensive. Bali has amazing fresh seafood and the local lobster, sold at prices that will have you coming back again and again, is not to be missed.

A huge range of international cuisines including Chinese, Malaysian, Italian, Greek, Moroccan and Mexican, to name just a few, are available. Be sure to enjoy local delicacies such as nasi goreng and sate campur.

Bali is also recognised as a shopper’s paradise. Whether you are looking for casual or tailored clothing, locally crafted jewellery, handicrafts, antiques and artefacts or leather goods including leather coats, jackets and handbags, you will find it all at amazing prices.

Don’t forget, bartering is the local custom at the markets so have fun and get the best price you can. If you need a quieter pace, try the fixed-price department stores in Denpasar.

Bali offers every standard of accommodation ranging from modest, yet charming bungalow-style hotels nestled in lush tropical gardens through to some of the most exclusive and sophisticated hotels in the world. There is without doubt something to suit every budget.

The abundance of cultural and historical sites here makes for a fascinating holiday.

My Top 10 Luxury Escapes

Bali’s Culture

The Best Bits of Bali

Quick facts about Bali

Bali’s Cuisine

Explore Bali

Where to Stay

Kembali Villas
Discover modern living and tranquillity in the heart of Seminyak at Kembali Villas. These luxury villas offer stylish fittings and modern comforts in a tranquil setting. Sprawled amidst lush gardens and waterways... View More »
Puri Villas Indonesia
Devoted to sustainable development in tourism, Puri Villas Indonesia is a well-established hospitality company which offers a selection of unique properties that allow you to experience the authentic warmth and rich... View More »
Dwaraka Villas
Discover a royal Balinese concept of accommodation nestled in the middle of a traditional Ubud village. Utter tranquillity The perfect place to relax and renew, Dwaraka Villas is perfectly located to offer a t... View More »
Ayodya Resort Bali
Discover a world of grandeur at Ayodya Resort Bali Sprawled across 11.5 hectares of landscaped gardens complete with a beautiful lagoon pool, the resort is set within the secure gated resort community of Nusa Dua... View More »
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The Royal Pita Maha
The spectacular Royal Pita Maha overlooks the Ayung River at Batu Kurung. Located in the picturesque area of Kedewatan, a spiritually revered place believed to be blessed by the gods, this exquisite mountain retr... View More »
Tauch Terminal Resort Tulamben & Spa
Situated beachfront on Bali’s northeast coast, Tauch Terminal Tulamben Resort & Spa offers a perfect escape from the crowds in south Bali, and provides access to some of Bali’s most famed dive spots. Exte... View More »
Plataran Indonesia
Plataran is a homegrown Indonesian hospitality group whose vision is to contribute to Indonesia and Indonesians by showcasing the rich and diverse natural and cultural heritage of this remarkable archipelago. Pla... View More »
Kupu Kupu Barong Villas
Discover an oasis in the heart of Ubud. Set in a magical location, Kupu Kupu Barong is sprawled over three hectares of lush tropical greenery overlooking rice fields and Ubud’s rainforest. Initially opened in 198... View More »
Griya Shanti Villas & Spa
Discover an atmosphere of tranquillity nestled in the verdant Wos River Valley at Griya Shanti Villas & Spa. Peaceful luxury Cocooned privately within a lush tropical jungle, Griya Shanti presents a choice of ... View More »
Ametis Villa
Ametis Villa is a contemporary retreat designed to elevate your tropical holiday to the height of luxury. With its refreshing interpretation of an intimate Balinese community, Ametis features private villas, each... View More »
The Samaya Seminyak
With spectacular, unobstructed ocean views, The Samaya Seminyak is an oasis of refinement in an urban tropical setting. Right in the heart of Seminyak, The Samaya’s luxurious private villas occupy a prime beach... View More »
The Kayon Jungle Resort By Pramana
Discover a luxury nature retreat at The Kayon Jungle Resort. Only 20 minutes from Ubud’s centre, this boutique resort offers an intimate selection of 38 suites and villas surrounded by beautiful rice terraces a... View More »
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Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa, Bali
Experience authentic Balinese heritage and culture at the iconic Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa, Bali. A palace of refined luxury and privileged hospitality, this five-star diamond hotel in Bali has welcomed king... View More »
Amadea Resort & Villas
This award-winning Seminyak hotel offers a truly a peaceful oasis, right in the heart of Seminyak. Located on the fashionable eat street with many trendy boutiques and famous restaurants and bars, the resort is i... View More »
Javana Bali Villas
Ideally located in the fabulous Seminyak, Javana Royal Villas is an upscale villa retreat offering the ultimate romantic sanctuary in a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. An intimate selection of 16 one-bedroom luxu... View More »
Viceroy Bali
Crowning a secluded ridge above Bali’s Valley of the Kings, Viceroy Bali is a luxurious 40-villa retreat for those seeking the exclusive, the exotic, and the elegant in all things. Regarded as one of the world�... View More »
Balitamansari Hotels
Welcome to Bali Taman Sari. This hotel group offers hidden gems in the unspoiled northern regions of Bali, offering a view into a more traditional side of Bali. Taman Sari Bali Resort & Spa Far removed fro... View More »
Hyatt Regency Bali
A stylish beachfront sanctuary, Hyatt Regency Bali welcomes discerning travellers with exquisite accommodation, first-class service and modern facilities. Beachfront luxury Set on the old site of Bali Hyatt, a... View More »
Inaya Putri Bali
Unwind, surrounded by natural beauty with Balinese charm and contemporary living spaces at INAYA Putri Bali. From the moment you arrive at INAYA Putri Bali, you will be enchanted by the soaring entrance, fashione... View More »
Villa Air Bali Boutique Resort & Spa
A peaceful retreat near Seminyak, the award-winning Villa Air combines Balinese design with Zen elements to create a luxurious space of ultimate privacy. This tranquil escape offers a selection of modern villas in ... View More »

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