Bali
Bali’s appeal is huge, attracting a diverse range of visitors from backpackers to honeymooners, young families and expats. The Island is world famous for its mix of stunning beaches, mist-covered mountains and rice paddies, served up with a unique cultural and spiritual flavour from its numerous museums and temples.
A short drive from the international airport in capital city Denpasar, you’ll find the renowned beaches of North Kuta. Kuta beach and Legian beach have long been established as a real surfers’ paradise. The villages of Kuta and Legian are host to an array of markets, bars, cafes and waterparks, which more than cater for the crowds of visitors. For a change of pace, head to Sanur Beach on the east coast. Its more relaxed atmosphere makes the region popular with families.
Heading inland, you can easily spend a few days cycling alongside rice paddies or wandering through the forests at Tegallalang Village. Or head to Ubud for a more cultural experience. Ubud is Bali’s artistic capital and home to Puri Lukisan Museum, Neka Art Museum, Antonio Blanco Museum and the Arma Museum. In between visits why not try a Yoga class or visit Ubud Monkey Forest where you’ll see macaques sitting on the temples roofs. There’s also the mystical Elephant Cave and the ancient Tirta Empul baths that date from the 9th Century and where you can still go for a dip.
To the South of Ubud, admire the exotic animal and bird species at the Bali Zoo and Bali Bird Park. To the north in central Bali is the Gunung Kawi Temple, carved into the mountainside in the 11th Century.
In South Kuta, visit the beautiful Jimbaran Beach and enjoy an incredible seafood banquet served right on the sand. The east coast of South Kuta is Nusa Dua, home to Mengiat Beach and a collection of Asian Pacific artworks housed in the Pasifika Museum. Perched on a cliff top on the southwest coast is Uluwatu Temple, one of the prime spots on the Island to sit, unwind and marvel at the incredible Balinese sunset.
