Bali: Overview

Why go?

In Bali you will find a splash of colour and a piece of heaven.

Bali is the point where two worlds collide: the world of spirits, demons, temples and legends, and the world of designer boutiques, mixologists and celebrity chefs. You will also find some of the worlds finest but most interesting places to stay.

Despite past terrorist events Bali remains welcoming as ever: its people gentle, smiley and incredibly charming.

Beautiful women carrying mountains of fruit offerings on their heads; whole families in ceremonial dress perched on a single moped. These sights will never leave you.

Go for Bali’s diverse landscapes: uncrowded beaches from sootiest black to sugar gold; dark gullies cradling rapidly-flowing streams; bright hillsides carved into perilously narrow cake tiers; forest wildernesses; volcanoes that pierce the clouds.

Whether you’re a beach bunny or a temple collector, you’ll find it all on the Island of The Gods.

Any downsides?

Kuta has some ok shops and budget eateries but many avoid this tackier side to Bali

Street hawkers can be tiresome: best advice is a smile and a polite no thank you if you’re not interested in buying.

With heightened security on the island, most clubs, restaurants, hotels and stores now have uniformed guards.

Don't expect fast metalled roads. Across the island they get a bit twisty and Bali drivers vary widely in competence.

Activities

Every home and town has a temple but some are worth a special visit. See Uluwatu temple perched on a cliff if you stay at the Jimbaran Puri

World class surfing at Kuta Reef and Balian Beach if you stay at the Puri Madawi.

Diving and Snorkelling: some of the best in the world

Learn to cook Bali style from the island's most extraordinary Puri Ganesha Villas

Feeding lorikeets at the impressive Burung Bali Bird Park: stop off en route to Uma Ubud

Massage is a way of life. Try a Mandi Lulur – a rub, scrub and soak in a flower petal-filled bath.

Bargaining in the local markets for food, clothes, art: Ubud, Jimbaran, Sanda.

Watching the sun rise from the summit of Gunung Batur Volcano: a heavenly experience.

Attending one of many festivals: you’ll be treated as an honoured guest.

Trekking through the rice terraces around Kerobokan on horseback.

Choosing your fresh snapper before sitting down to a beach feast.

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In Denpasar:

	Overview
	Places to Stay
	What's Where
	Ubud
	The South Coast
	The North and West Coasts
	Background Info
	Travel Tips
	Getting There
	Getting Around
	When to Go
	Visas/Money