A trip to Bali is a dream come true for thousands of travellers every year. This magical Indonesian island combines exotic beauty, rich cultural heritage and unrivalled hospitality that makes you feel right at home.
Whether you long for unspoilt beaches with crystal-clear waters, want to explore ancient temples that breathe history, or dream of losing yourself in lush green rice paddies—Bali has it all. For couples dreaming of the perfect honeymoon, or solo explorers travelling the world on their own, this island offers journeys that will leave you speechless.
In this comprehensive guide, you will discover everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Bali. From practical tips to hidden gems, we are here to guide you.
The great growth of tourism in Bali over the past 20 years has not affected its deep spirituality or its natural charms. Volcanoes rise from the sea, monkeys swing through the trees, a wealth of wonderful temples… and even today there are still plenty of idyllic spots where you can escape the crowds. And all this varied grandeur is concentrated on a small island, roughly two-thirds the size of Crete. But those arriving in Bali for the first time have every right to feel confused about what to expect. The images in most travel brochures and Hollywood productions clash with the rumours that the island is overrun with Australian tourists, dangerous to visit and tragically over-developed – claims, that is, made about most major tourist hubs and resorts. So what is the truth? Is Bali what you expect it to be? Read on for the island’s most important highlights and discover your own slice of paradise on the “Island of the Gods”.
Kuta, Legian and Seminyak
Seminyak remains the epitome of sophistication and luxury, Kuta plays the wild child and Legian sits somewhere in between. The 12 km stretch of coast in south-west Bali offers superb shopping, countless choices of accommodation, luxury restaurants and authentic warungs, beachfront bars, nightclubs and spa centres. Key experiences not to miss here include sunset cocktails at the Potato Head Beach Club or the Ku De Ta lounge bar, lounging on Kuta beach amid the lively crowd that plays games, flies kites and has fun, and finally a day devoted to shopping and dining on Jl Laksmana, an area also known as Oberoi, Eat Street or Jl Kayu Aya. You will be hard pressed to meet a traveller in Bali who has not strolled through and been won over by this vibrant area.
Nusa Dua and Jimbaran Bay
The southernmost, fist-shaped part of the island is home to many resorts offering their own versions of a dream day at the beach. The Bukit Peninsula offers excellent surf spots, as well as the crystal-clear waters of Dreamland and Padang Padang. If you have searched for images of the area, you will probably recognise one of Uluwatu’s top attractions, the Rock Bar at the Ayana Resort, with its panoramic views over Jimbaran Bay.
South of Bali’s airport lies Jimbaran Bay. Visitors arrive here mainly in the late afternoon to sample seafood at the dozens of lobster taverns, though bolder travellers might opt for the Jimbaran fish market. In Nusa Dua, Bali’s most heavily promoted resort area, you will find beachfront 5-star resorts, golf courses and plenty of dining and entertainment options.
Ubud and central Bali
A true paradise for those seeking something alternative, spiritual and artistic. This is where the heart of the island beats. Here you can wander through the central market and streets full of galleries, cafés, shops, restaurants and wellness centres. Around Ubud you will find some of the finest hotels on the island—and indeed in the world. Wonderful private villas with panoramic views of either the region’s famous rice terraces or the Ayung River that runs through it. Here you can enjoy an exhilarating rafting descent of the river, with unrivalled views of the tropical vegetation. On the village outskirts lies the Monkey Forest, where you can come face to face with macaques. But the enchanting, postcard-perfect scenery is not confined to the outskirts of Ubud. The plains around Mount Batukaru, the spectacular terraces of Munduk, the atmospheric lakes, the botanical gardens and the magnificent temples at Bedugul are just a few of the most important sights. In Ubud you can enjoy a host of activities, both adventurous and cultural. Elephant trekking, 4×4 safaris through the rice fields, volcano climbing and discovering the fascinating world of spices and herbs are just a few of them.
East Bali and Sanur
With the island’s best diving spots along the coasts of Amed and Candidasa, as well as Bali’s highest point, Mount Agung, east Bali is an area of interest for everyone. Take time to see the floating palace of Puri Taman Ujung and seek out the fishing village of Amed, home to the Aiona garden, wonderful villas and restaurants beneath the Indonesian sun. Sanur is yet another alternative for a coastal stay. Here you will find plenty of hotels in every category, restaurants and schools teaching kite surfing.
North Bali
In north Bali, the days begin with dolphin-watching excursions from Lovina in traditional canoes and continue leisurely with hours of relaxation and bathing at the Sekumpul, Gitgit and Sambangan waterfalls. Be prepared to climb quite a few steps, but as is usually the case, the more steps there are, the fewer visitors you will find. For a quick glimpse into Bali’s past, stop off in the town of Singaraja, which was the island’s administrative centre during Dutch colonial rule and the main port of arrival, before the south developed and took over the reins.
West Bali
Most travellers see west Bali simply as the gateway to the neighbouring island of Java. Only a few visit the West Bali National Park, which is home to wild deer, wonderful secluded beaches and unique local flavours such as ayam betutu. Off the coast of west Bali lies Menjangan Island, which offers superb diving with an enchanting coral reef and crystal-clear waters teeming with underwater life. The still-scarce number of visitors makes the whole experience here all the more thrilling.
Nusa Lembongan
When you tire of the “madness” of Bali’s main beaches, the island of Lembongan, just 30 minutes away by speedboat, is an excellent solution. Setting aside the presence of a few new hotels and modern cafés on the island, Nusa Lembongan still offers genuine glimpses of the country’s island life. Get to know the island and, when you crave some intensity again, you can go diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, kayaking and much more.
Things to do there — Bali
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