Bali is a destination offering so much to the traveller that a
brief guide explaining some of the facets of the island will help to
decipher the many options and hopefully assist with your vacation
choices. Any holiday is about maximizing your time, even if that simply
means relaxing and doing nothing. You still want to achieve the goals
you set in the best possible way and depart with the belief that you
maximized your experience. In order to help you achieve those goals I
have compiled a brief explanatory guide to the myriad of choices the
beautiful island of Bali has to offer.
Amed
This
has to be one of Bali's best-kept secrets. Amed hosts some of the
islands most enchanting beaches in a peaceful, totally relaxing setting.
With very little going on in regard to nightlife, this is the perfect
destination for families and mature travellers.
Amlapura
Amlapura
is the main town in the Karangasem Regency and is home to some of the
islands most alluring attractions including the Tirta Gangga (The Water
Palace).
Asahduren
Bali's clove plantation
located 20 kilometres inland from Negara. The lush bold green of the
plantation is an extraordinary sight.
Barat National Park
Bali's
largest national park located on the western side of the island and
occupies approximately 10% of the islands land mass. The park is
considered the last refuge of one of the most endangered birds in the
world, the Bali Starling.
Bangli
Bangli
offers remarkable views of Mount and Lake Batur. Situated hundreds of
meters above sea level, the breeze in Bangli is both cool and
refreshing.
Banjar
Providing a rare
opportunity to witness cockfighting (for those who like that kind of
thing) Banjar also offers the chance to experience the regions wonderful
hot springs.
Batubulan
Batubulan village
is an artistic rural locale in the western part of Glanyar Regency. It
is famous for the artistic 'blessing dance' of the Barong. The village
is sustained by the artistic crafts of woodcarving and stone
sculpturing.
Bedugul
This is a small village in the mountains regions between northern and southern Bali.
Besakih Temple
Recognized
as the most important and most sacred temple in Bali. Known as the
mother temple, Basakih affords spectacular views of the tropical
surrounds.
Blahmantung Waterfall
This
pristine waterfall is located in the Pupuan area of Tabanan. With a
higher than average rainfall the area is extremely fertile. Offers the
perfect place for a cooling dip in the clear waters below the falls.
Botanical Gardens
A
botanists delight! Eka Karya Botanical Garden in Bedugul was founded in
1959 and is the youngest yet largest of the four Indonesian botanical
gardens.
Candi Dasa
Candi Dasa is located
in Karangasem Regency just 10 minutes from Tenganan villiage. Originally
a fishing village it has recently undergone a rapid transformation into
a thriving tourist precinct.
Celuk
Located in the sub-district of Sukawati, Celuk is considered the home of gold and silver craft in Bali.
Denpasar
Denpasar
is the capital city of Bali with an estimated population of half a
million residents. A number of Bali's best museums are located in the
islands capital.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana
The
islands main cultural park playing home to a giant statue of Vishnu
mounted on his ride that is half man and half Garuda bird.
Gianyar
The
Gianyar Regency is famous for its artistry and culture. Acknowledged
for its beautiful natural scenery form the mountains to the coast.
Gilimanuk
This is the main port for traffic between Bali and Java Island. The port is located west of Negara.
Goa Gajah
Goa
Gajah or 'The Elephant Cave' is so named for the shape of its entrance.
A skilfully carved depiction of hanging leaves, rocks, animals, ocean
waves and demonic humang characters running from the mouth.
Goa Lawah
The
name given to a cave inhabited by thousands of bats that spend most of
their time hanging from the ceiling. It is also home to one of the most
sacred temples in Bali, Pura Goa Lawah.
Jimbaran
Jimbaran
is a fishing village that also houses some of the finest hotels in the
world. The beaches of Jimbaran are lined with hundreds of seafood
restaurants.
Kintamani
Mountain village with impressive panoramic views form the plateau atop Mount Batur.
Klungkung
This
is a destination that holds a special place in Balinese history and
culture. Once home to the kings of Klungkung and their noblemen who
developed the music, art and culture that thrives there today.
Kuta
Perhaps
the most recognizable place in Bali. This beachside precinct is known
as the centre of nightlife activities in Bali. It is also a thriving
shopping area with lines of shops, boutiques and galleries.
Lake Batur
This
is the widest lake in Bali and is surrounded by magnificent scenic
vistas. Considered a sacred place by the Balinese people, visitors can
enjoy the hot springs near by.
Lake Bratan
Located
in Bendugul, Lake Bratan is the second largest lake in Bali. Stunning
views are seen from the lake of Pura Ulun Danu Temple on its shore.
Lovina
Lovina
Beach is a 12-kilometre stretch of coast to the northwest of Singaraja
in northern Bali. Lovina is considered by many to be the best family
vacation spot on the island of Bali.
Mount Agung
Agung
is Bali's highest mountain peak. It is believed to be the home of the
gods in Balinese culture. Bali's most sacred temple, The Mother Temple
of Besakih is perched on its slopes.
Negara
Negara
is best known for the famous bull races. This area is remote and rarely
visited by tourists and offers a glimpse of the true Bali.
Nusa Dua
Nusa
Dua is home to the largest international five-star resorts on Bali. A
peaceful, relaxed atmosphere with calm beaches this location is suited
to the more discerning traveller.
Nusa Ceningan
This area is home to Bali's largest seaweed farms.
Nusa Lembongan
A
small island located 20-kilometres off the eastern coast of Bali. The
island is known as a 'virgin island' with crystal clear water and local
seaweed farming. It is also world-renowned for its quality surf breaks.
Nusa Menjangan
This is a small diving island off the northwest coast of Bali and is exclusive to a set number of divers per day.
Nusa Penida
Another
of Bali's smaller islands that is renowned for the chances of seeing
sharks, turtles and its reef system in crystal clear visibility.
Nusa Serangan
Better
known as Turtle Island this small island is used as a turtle sanctuary.
Locals house turtle eggs in purpose made huts until hatched and
released.
Padangbai
This is a small fishing village in the east of Bali. It is well-known for its beautiful white sandy beaches.
Sengeh Monkey Forest
Located
in the south-west of Bali this small section of forest is renowned for
its primate population who inhabit both the trees and the local temple.
Sanur
Sanur
is one of Bali's largest traditional villages and a well-established
tourist area. Recognized as one of Bali's best snorkelling and diving
locations.
Seminyak
Seminyak is widely
considered to be Bali's premiere tourist destination with its natural
relaxed appeal, world-class accommodation and fabulous fine dining
restaurants.
Singaraja
Once the capital
city of Bali, Singaraja was the main port during the Dutch occupation of
the island and retains a strong colonial feel.
Tabanan
The Regency of Tabanan is home to the dramatic temple of Tanah Lot that is best known as the most photographed temple in Bali.
Tanah Lot
This
is one of the most popular places of interest in Bali. Tanah Lot is
home to Bali's most impressive ocean front Hindu temple.
Tanjung Benoa
A
beautiful area of Bali best recognized for its large number of coconut
palms. It is one of Bali's most perfect water-sports locations.
Tegallalang
Tegallalang is a major arts and craft location with amazing views of the layered rice fields.
Tulamben
This
is a small town on the northeast coast of Bali. It is world-renowned
for its famous dive site that contains a stunningly diverse underwater
eco-system, especially around the wreck of the Liberty Glo, a US Army
Transport ship torpedoed by Japanese submarines in 1943.
Ubud
Ubud
is best known as Bali's centre of art, craft, dance and music. The
spectacular views of terraced rice fields make it one of Bali's most
visited destinations.
Uluwatu
This site is
famous for its magnificent cliff top views and surf break. With its
spectacular temple overlooking the clear blue water of the ocean below.
Large numbers of monkeys inhabit the area.
Hopefully this concise
look at the island of Bali will assist you with planning your next
visit. With so much to do and so little time it is highly recommended to
forward plan and list some of the key elements you would like to
incorporate into your Bali holiday. Whatever your choices, I have no
doubt at all that your time spent in this magical slice of paradise will
be treasured forever.
