Bali is one of the most beautiful and unusual islands in Asia. The culture and friendliness of it’s people are world famous. It is a small island, part of Indonesia located between Java and Lombok. The people are predominantly Hindu and over thousands of years have cultivated their own version of this colourful and unique religion that features heavily in day to day activities and traditions that the Balinese still hold strong in their daily living.
The weather is warm to hot all year round, it gets hotter and humid in the wet season between December and March, cooler and less humid around June to September. Average temperatures range from 28 to 32 degrees Celsius.
There are many, many things to do and experience in Bali. You would need at least a month to fit in all there is to offer so use this guide as a way to fine tune your holiday so you can enjoy what suits you most.
Areas of Bali
Kuta/Legian – the busiest and tourist heavy part of Bali – offers mostly cheap backpacker type accommodation, and cheaper beach hotels, lots of markets, nightclubs and cheaper style restaurants. 20 minutes from the airport.
Seminyak – the more up market strip of the tourist trail. Many mid range to expensive hotels, restaurants and shopping here. Villas available but usually just off the main roads and can be affected by road and nightclub noise.
Canggu to Tanah Lot – As soon as you depart the main Seminyak roads and head north along the coast you pass through rice fields and local villages, and quiet beaches. The area is dotted with villas, the odd café, occasional restaurant, some local shops etc. This can be a favourite for people looking to see a more cultural side of Bali, meet more of the local people and relax to the sounds of birds rather than car horns. It is still close enough to Seminyak to drive in for a shopping trip or a meal at your favorite restaurant but also easy to escape back to a more peaceful environment. The beaches in this area also offer some of the best surf breaks in Bali. It is also central for day trips to Bedugal, Ubud and Lovina as you don’t have to drive through the traffic around the tourist areas.
Ubud - Located in central Bali, is best known for it's arts and crafts, galleries, shopping and slightly cooler climate. The Ayung river is close by where you will find white water rafting. Also popular are the Balinese Dance performances, monkey forests and the Elephant Safari Park.
Candi Dasa - a small sleepy beach town on the east side of the island. Good for diving and a base for exploring for north on the island.
Sanur - popular spot for families, low key shopping, restaurants and beach activities also on the east side of the island.
Tanjung Benoa - A white sand beach location at the very south of the island. Lots of beach water sports and the departure point for the ferry trip to Nusa Lembongan. Lots of small restaurants and shops on the main road.
Jimbaran - A few resort style hotels here, most famous for the JImbararan Beach Seafood BBQ;s and watching the sunset in the evening.