BALI
Bali is the most famous holiday destination in Indonesia, and there are many reasons to love this island. But ultimately, what keeps me going back to this island time after time for the past 20 years, you ask? Well, here are a few of the many things why Bali keeps drawing me back and will make you want to experience it today:
Bali culture is known for its warm hospitality and genuine friendliness. This is experienced in the service and smiling faces of the staff within the resorts, the shops and locals you’ll meet on the street and the beach.
The natural beauty is second to none with terraced rice paddies, palm-fringed beaches, traditional villages and Hindu temples.
Bali provides value, from hotels, resorts and villas to restaurants and shopping that’s really hard to beat! When compared to the Pacific Islands, USA, and Australia, there’s just no comparison. Moreover, the enormous variety of restaurants is hard to find anywhere else in the world in such high density, especially from South Kuta as far as Canggu. You’ll be spoilt for choice whether you fancy Indonesian cuisine, European, Asian, silver service, or eating off a banana leaf plate.
The surf is what originally brought the tourists to Bali and it continues to entice. Even for the non-surfers, the surf beaches are mesmerising. There’s something to be said about sitting on famous Kuta beach with a Bintang beer in hand watching the surf rolling in.
BALI Weather
The dry season matches our colder months, making it the perfect place for a winter’s holiday.
Generally the dry season is from about April to October.
From November to March there are often heavy downpours (mostly short in the afternoon or evening) with the wettest months being December and January.
Average daily temperates are in the high 20’s to low 30’s.
Disclaimer: This is a general guide only based on previous years and can change at any time.
BALI Southwest Beach Destinations
SEMINYAK and KEROBOKAN
Seminyak and Kerobokan are the upmarket beach towns of Bali with a myriad of luxury and boutique resorts, villas, spas, high-end shops and fashionable restaurants. To the south is Legian and to the north disappearing into the balmy mist is Canggu. Seminyak is about 2 ½ kilometres long if you walked along the beach. You’ll find European fashions available in shops and European style clubs and cafes. The beanbag beach cafes are definitely worth visiting, especially around sunset where you can relax with a cold Bintang beer and chilled music while watching the life on the beach as the sun goes down beyond the surf.
Boutique Shopping.
Many expats operate trendy shops here.
Dining.
You’ll be spoilt for choice with some of Bali’s most fashionable restaurants with international menus. The list of the top 10 regularly changes as competition is intense.
Surfing, swimming and sunbathing.
Like Kuta and Legian, Seminyak is also a hot spot for beach activities.
Nightlife.
There are some nightlife options in Legian plus you’ve got all of Kuta and Seminyak’s options close by.
Walking, Running and People Watching at the Beach.
In the morning you’ll find many expats and locals running and walking along the beach at sunrise. Jump on a beanbag at one of the many beachside eateries for sunset and a great atmosphere.
Day Tours
Many tours will pick you up from your hotel.
Much of what we sell here is luxury 4 – 6 star resorts and villas. There are some beautifully designed architectural masterpieces here, some right on the beach including the modern Double Six Luxury Hotel, the Grand Seminyak, the W Bali, The Seminyak Beach Resort and The Legian Bali. Taking up a large expanse of beachfront, the traditional Oberoi Bali is a beautiful example of Balinese architecture and gardens. Other are set further back from the beach, surrounded by trendy restaurants, bars and shops. We suggest staying within walking distance of the attractions that appeal, for example, the beach or the restaurants and shops as traffic can get congested at times.
The choice of villas is immense, most with their own private pool. We can assist in selecting the right villa for you.
SOUTH KUTA
South Kuta (or Tuban) is the original village between the Airport and Kuta. It’s a lovely beachfront area, somewhat sheltered from the surf by a reef (the south end around the airport is surfable). The area houses some of the nicest beachfront resorts in the whole Kuta area with acres of tropical gardens, huge pools and luxury rooms. South Kuta is constantly developing with tourist facilities, classy restaurants, shopping centres, nightlife and western fast food. To walk from the most southern hotel near the airport to Kuta Square should take about half an hour along the beach walkway, otherwise an inexpensive taxi might be a more tempting option.
Swimming, sunbathing and surfing.
The beach isn’t too busy and there are groynes out as sea that reduce the surf.
Reef breaks near the airport are accessible by boat from South Kuta.
Restaurants
There is plenty of choice here and it’s an easy walk to Kuta for even more choice.
Shopping
There is a beachfront mall and lots of smaller shops. For more shopping visit the Beachwalk in Kuta or take a taxi to Seminyak or Mal Bali Galeria.
Most Other Day Tours
Many tours will pick you up from your hotel.
There are a half dozen beachfront resorts. Bali Dynasty is often awarded the best family resort which comes with its own kids club, pool and slides, and well thought out family rooms. The Anvaya Beach Resort is the most recently built resort.
LEGIAN
Legian, just north of Kuta Central and south of Seminyak fuses nicely with its party nieghbour to the south and more chilled counterpart to the north. Legian takes up about 1 ½ km of coastline with surf, beanbags and a relaxed atmosphere dominating the area. A paved walkway runs the length of Legian between the hotels and the beach making it easy to walk to Seminyak and Kuta.
Surf, Sunbathe and Swim.
Easy beach breaks make Legian ideal for learning to surf. It’s also safe enough to swim and lifeguards are present.
Shopping.
The roads are wall to wall shops, restaurants, bars and cafes.
Nightlife.
There are some nightlife options in Legian plus you’ve got all of Kuta and Seminyak’s options close by.
Walking, Running and People Watching at the Beach.
In the morning you’ll find many expats and locals running and walking along the beach at sunrise. In the evening jump on a beanbag at one of the many beachside eateries for sunset and a great atmosphere.
Day Tours
Many tours will pick you up from your hotel.
There’s a great range of 3 – 5 star near-beachfront resorts to choose from.
The luxurious Padma Resort Legian has beautiful pools and gardens and is a good choice for families.
Bali Niksoma is well known as the boutique ‘couples’ hotel.
Bali Mandira has a very nice chill bar / restaurant overlooking the beach.
The Hotel Kumala Pantai and Hotel Puri Raja are popular choices in the 3 star range.
KUTA CENTRAL
Kuta Central is probably the area that most people think of when they’ve never been to Bali.
Kuta is where tourism began in Bali, starting out as a transit point of those seeking enlightenment in India. That was back in the 60’s. Then the Australian surfies based themselves here to surf the breaks and from that time until now, Kuta has become the ever developing, ever changing tourist hub.
Kuta Central is crammed into a tiny area of about 1 ½ km by 500 metres sandwiched between South Kuta and Legian. These days many of the restaurants have international gourmet menus. Shops are becoming more boutique and exclusive but you’re still going to find great bargains, restaurants, bars and entertainment that flows into the night.
You’ll always see surfers paddling their boards from the shore, there’ll be some Bali locals renting surfboards, selling fresh pineapple and cold drinks, the old massage ladies and plenty of sunbathers from around the globe. The beach disappears into the mist at either end and is a lovely place to walk in the early morning hours.
Surf, Sunbathe and Swim.
Easy beach breaks make Kuta ideal for learning to surf. It’s also safe enough to swim and lifeguards are present. The beach is wide and long so grab your towel and set yourself up for a day at the beach.
Shopping.
The roads are wall to wall shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. Go crazy!
Nightlife.
Bali is famous (and infamous) for it’s Kuta nightlife. There are so many options here to suit your taste.
Walking, Running and People Watching at the Beach.
In the morning you’ll find many expats and locals running and walking along the beach at sunrise. Sunset brings out the local boys playing beach soccer and the beach fills up with creating a festive atmosphere.
Day Tours
Many tours will pick you up from your hotel.
When you stay in Kuta the beach, bars, shops and restaurants are all within a few minutes’ walk.
Consider the hotels across the road from the beach including Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort next to the Beachwalk Shopping Mall or the Hard Rock Hotel if you like big pools and a pumping atmosphere. Also worth considering is The Stones.
CANGGU
Canggu is the length of beach about midway between Seminyak and Tanah Lot.
Once surrounded by terraced rice paddies, Canggu beach has taken on a life of its own with beach clubs, trendy cafes and restaurants.
Batu Bolong is a good surf spots for intermediate surfers and Echo Beach is for the advanced.
Surfing
Canggu has become increasingly popular, including Echo Beach, Batu Bolong and Berawa Beach.
Beach Clubs
Finns Beach Club with its absolute beachfront location in front of the famous Berawa surf break draws crowds throughout the day.
La Brisa is a boho-style club and The Lawn is more laid back.
Bars and Music
The Deus Ex Machina, Old Man’s and Vault Nightclub will fill your nights.
Day Tours
Some day tours may pick up from Canggu.
The artistic beachfront Tugu Bali is the top pick for a luxurious and cultural experience Como Uma Canggu is a modern beachfront resort.
Villas abound with an impressive choice on offer. Let us know your requirements to match you to the right villa.
JIMBARAN BAY
Jimbaran Bay is one of the prettiest bays in Bali, with calm blue waters and a beautiful beach.
The bay is located just south of the airport, and while planes can be seen flying majestically in and out, fortunately, disturbing noise does not reach the beach.
There’s not much in the way of facilities for tourists outside the hotels here, except for the seafood restaurants that open up at night on the beach selling delicious BBQ’d seafood. Even if you’re not staying in Jimbaran Bay, you should still make sure to head down here for dinner one night. After all, it’s fairly basic, usually plastic chairs and tables out in the sand—but the setting is perfect, especially at sunset.
The BBQ Fish Restaurants on the Beach
Fairly basic but lovely to enjoy during sunset.
Swimming
Jimbaran Bay is the perfect bay for swimming.
Day Tours
Many tours will pick you up from your hotel.
Jimbaran Bay caters well to the upper end of the market. The iconic award winning Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran continues to rank highly.
In the bay, our favorites include the large Intercontinental Bali Resort and the more intimate Belmond Jimbaran Puri.
Further around the coast you’ll find the Ayana Resort set above the ocean with breathtaking views. The resort is famous for its Rock Bar, one of the best places for a sunset drink.
BALI Southeast Beach Destinations
SANUR
Traditionally a fishing village, Sanur has managed to keep that lazy seaside feeling. The main street is lined with a mix of quaint little shops selling Bali knick-knacks mixed up with restaurants that have a real Balinese atmosphere and various types of accommodation. Sanur beach is sheltered by a reef which can be surfed when there’s a good swell. During low tide it’s too shallow to swim but it’s still picturesque with an abundance of coconut palms and gold sand.
There’s a wonderful walking track weaving its way along the beach. High tide turns the beach into a fun place of water sports and swimming. Sanur is a good place for families who are looking for a safe beach for the kids to swim at and for couples that want to get away from the crowds but don’t want to be isolated. At night food stalls appear out of nowhere in the market area and sell local delicacies at a fraction of restaurant prices. This is a fantastic place to experience some amazing Indonesian dishes in a more authentic environment.
Swimming and Sunbathing
The beach is long, beautiful and not too busy. It’s a safe beach for small children to swim as it’s calm when the tide is in.
Watersports
Kayaks and jetskis are available to rent. Kite surfing and wind surfing are also popular.
Walk or Ride the Beachwalk
A lovely walkway runs the length of the beach – several kilometres long. Bicycles and scooters are available for hire.
Shopping
The new Icon Bali Mall is on the beach and has many international shops. Locally owned shops line both sides of the street running the length of Sanur beach.
Restaurants
Besides the hotel restaurants and low-key beach bars, the main street offers a good choice of local and international dishes. A street-food market appears every night which is a great place to try real authentic Indonesian food – even the locals eat there.
Day Tours
Many tours will pick you up from your hotel.
Many of the hotels here are locally owned by Balinese families. We recommend staying on the beach if possible as the beach is the main attraction, so why be far from it!
Sanur offers a choice of 3 to 5 star beachfront hotels and resorts. Most popular around the 4 star mark are the Segara Village, the Griya Santrian and Puri Santrian resorts.
For luxury we recommend the Maya Sanur Resort, the modern Andaz Bali, the original Bali Hyatt Regency and the Intercontinental Bali Sanur Resort.
NUSA DUA
This is Bali’s top end beach resort area, quite similar to Denarau in Fiji but with a nice beach and half the price!
Within the exclusive Nusa Dua area of beautifully manicured gardens, immaculately clean roads and walkways connecting some of the finest 5 star hotels in Bali. The area is encompassed on one side by an international 18-hole golf course and the other side by a dreamy gold sand beach. The beach is sheltered from the ocean swells by a reef, so when the tides in, the beach is a great place for swimming in the warm tropical waters.
The Bali Galleria shopping centre is a small conglomeration of air-conditioned shops, restaurants and banks although you’ll find the choice is much better elswehre.
Unlike the rest of Bali, there’s an absence of hawkers. The area is often used for international conferences with facilities and capacity able to cater for thousands of delegates.
Swimming and Sunbathing.
The beach is long, beautiful and not too busy. It’s a safe beach for small children to swim as it’s calm when the tide is in.
Golf.
Bali National Golf Club is rated as one of the best in Asia and is located within the Nusa Dua complex.
Day Tours
Many tours will pick you up from your hotel.
You’re spoilt for choice with luxury 5 star large beachfront resorts.
For opulence choose the St Regis Bali Resort or The Mulia which is one of the largest resorts and is often rated among the best or The Apurva Kempinski
The Samabe is the smallest of all the beachfront resorts so if you’re after something more intimate within Nusa Dua, consider this option.
Or take your pick of international branded hotels including Starwood and Accor.
Club Med is one of our favourites with loads of activities, gourmet meals and drinks included.
TANJUNG BENOA
Tanjung Benoa is a peninsular that extends north from Nusa Dua. While enjoying the same views over the ocean as Nusa Dua, Tanjung Benoa is quite a different place. The area has a lovely, relaxed local feeling about it. There is one main road running the length of the peninsula and dotted on either side are restaurants, dive shops, water sports centres and hotels. Like Nusa Dua, for a better choice of shops, restaurants and nightlife head to the Seminyak side of Bali.
Swimming and Sunbathing. The beach is long, beautiful and not too busy. It’s a safe beach for small children to swim as it’s calm when the tide is in.
Watersports. Non-motorised and motorised options available including jetskis, parasailing etc.
Golf. Bali National Golf Club is rated as one of the best in Asia and is located nearby within the Nusa Dua complex.
Most Other Day Tours can be booked for your stay in Tanjung Benoa. Many tours will pick you up from your hotel.
As the beach is the main feature of Tanjung Benoa, we recommend staying on the beach. We recommend the Novotel Bali Benoa, Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa and the Hotel Nikko. For 5 star luxury consider the Conrad Bali or for villa opulence the Royal Santrian.
BALI Southern Cliffs
BUKIT PENINSULAR (THE BUKIT)
This limestone peninsular, located south of Jimbaran Bay and west of Nusa Dua, encompasses some of Bali’s most beautiful beaches including Balangan and Uluwatu. The Bukit is home to many exclusive cliff top resorts and two 18 hole golf courses.
Due to it’s more remote location The Bukit is an ideal place to base yourself if you intend to stay within your villa or resort and not take too many day trips. The endless Indian Ocean views from some of the resorts and the surf below are what draws romantic couples this way. It’s a great place to get married too!
Surfing
Impossibles, Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin, Dreamland, Balangan and more. There are plenty of surf spots here. You don’t need to stay in The Bukit to access these surf spots. Staying somewhere else, eg: Legian or Nusa Dua will be fine to take a day trip from.
Visit Uluwatu Temple
Perched on a steep cliff 70 metres above the Indian Ocean.
Be Inspired
Due to its clifftop location, many of the resorts here have the most amazing views over the Indian Ocean. Some resorts have access to small, almost private beaches.
Cocktails at Sunset at the Rock Bar
One of Bali’s most iconic bars, built on a rock 14 metres above the Indian Ocean. Guests at The Ayana receive preferential entry.
Spend the Day at a Beach Club
There are several pay to enter beach clubs dotted along the coast.
The idea here is to choose a resort that will give you the best views and facilities that’s within your budget.
The Karma Kandara is one of our favorites – a villa resort with stunning views and a beach only accessible from the resort.
The modern Anantara Uluwatu offers a variety of suites and villas.
Ayana covers hectares of ocean front property. It’s a large resort that can easily handle large conferences but caters well for couples and families.
Bulgari Resort is among the most luxurious resorts in Bali.
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BALI Outer Island Destinations
NUSA LEMBONGAN
A 25 minute speedboat from Sanur Beach will take you across the incredibly deep Badung Strait to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida islands. Here the pace of life is slow and relaxed.
Nusa Lembongan is a small island, about 8km in total. Nearby, making a cluster of three islands is the small Nusa Ceningan and the larger Nusa Penida. Traditionally Nusa Lembongan is a seaweed farming island. With its impressive reef breaks, the island attracted the surfers, then not long afterwards the hotels, resorts and villas arrived.
Outside the accommodation and restaurants, the island facilities are basic and fairly rural, it really does feel like a village.
Relax and Unwind
You may think that Bali is the place to unwind – it really doesn’t compare to the level of unwinding you’ll do here!
Snorkelling, Diving and Kayaking
In the Mangrove Forest or around the bays. Often mantarays can be spotted.
Surfing
With reef breaks with names like Lacerations and Shipwrecks you need to know what you’re doing!
Visit Nusa Penida
There’s some inspiring coastline to photograph.
Choosing a resort or private villa overlooking one of the bays and Badung Strait will mean you’ll be able to enjoy watching the waves rolling in over the reef during the day and glorious sunsets in the evening.
Mushroom Bay has some rustic options right on the beach. Note this it the main bay for day trippers so it’s busy during the day and quiet from about 3pm.
Get in touch to discuss options.
GILI ISLANDS
The Gili Islands are a group of three small islands located just a 20 minute speedboat ride from the northwest coast of Lombok. The islands can all be walked or cycled around easily. Horse and carts are the alternatives to taxis as there are no cars or motorbikes on any of the islands. Fast ferries connect Bali with the Gili Islands and is often a more practical way of getting there compared to flying into Lombok and travelling up from there. Gili Trawangan, known as ‘Gili T’ or ‘the party island’ is the largest and most developed of the islands.
Plenty of beachfront bars, cafes, restaurants, dive schools and nightlife here. It has a local population of around 1500. Gili Meno is more of a couples, or romantic island. It’s the smallest and quietest of the island. If you prefer a grass roots type atmosphere than Gili Air may be for you. It has the beach bars, cafes, dive shops and a choice of budget to casual luxury.
Diving and Snorkelling. There are plenty or reputable dive schools if you’d like to learn to dive. The marine life is diverse and it’s quite normal to see turtles too.
Chill, Sunbathe and Swim. With white sand beaches and clear water it’s paradise.
Party into the night in one of the many bars on Gili Trawangan
Enjoy quiet nights on Gili Meno or Gili Air.
LOMBOK
Lombok is an island east of Bali and is one of the more popular side-trips taken from Bali. It’s remote south coast is also known for beaches as well as for surfing spots, particularly around Kuta (yes Lombok has a Kuta beach too!)
Lombok is a lot less developed than Bali and many still live in traditional Sasak villages outside the main centres. Mt Rinjani sometimes erupts but is a popular multi-day hiking destination. It’s the 2nd highest volcano in Indonesia.
Take a day trip to the Gili Islands.
While we recommend staying at the Gili’s a day trip from Senggigi is also possible.
Climb Mt Rinjani.
At 3726 metres it takes a few days for the round trip. It’s best to arrange a tour.
Relax at the tourist resort beach area of Senggigi.
With a variety of hotels and restaurants along the coast.
Surfing and Fantastic South Coast Beaches.
Spend a few days along the South Coast for unspoilt white sand beaches and great surf spots.
Watch MotoGP and Motorbike Racing
The Mandalika Circuit, located on the south coast.
Spread out around the Senggigi Beach Area there’s plenty of choice of 3 – 4 star hotels and resorts plus an increasing choice of high end beachfront boutique hotels and villas.
Nearby the Gili Islands are the remote and luxurious hotels, Tugu Lombok and Oberoi Lombok
Nearer the airport, the South Coast is still slowly developing, the Novotel Lombok Resort and Pullman Lombok Mandalika offer the international standard choice. Note though that these are located next to the Mandalika Circuit where racing noise can interfere with a quite time on the beach.
There are several surf resorts dotted along the south coast too.
BALI'S Cultural Heart
ubud
If you’ve ever seen photos of the amazing Balinese terraced rice paddies then you’ve got an insight into some of the beauty of Ubud. This village is about an hour or so drive from Kuta and is set at the foot of Gunung Batur, a sacred mountain in the north of Bali. The drive up to Ubud is picturesque and certainly deserves some shots from the camera. Ubud has a cooler climate than the beach but still tropical. The area is very lush, with huge trees shading the many rivers that grace the land. Ubud is an easy place to fall in love with – the slow pace of life, the arty shops, cafes and restaurants and above all, a magical atmosphere. I’d recommend you spend a few days of holiday in. It will add magic to your holiday!
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Wander around the walkways through the forest filled with monkeys. It’s a great experience for the whole family. Try feeding the monkeys some bananas for some extra excitement!
Walk the Rice Paddies
Ubud’s hillside location makes for amazing panoramic views of terraced rice paddys, rivers, coconut palms and forest.
Award Winning Restaurants
Some of Bali’s top restaurants are in Ubud serving up the best of international and local cuisine. There are also excellent healthy food options here
Cooking Classes
Learning the secrets of some of the delicious Bali and Indonesian dishes will make you popular back home!
Zoos
The Bali Bird Park is home to over 250 species of bird and also home to the infamous Komodo Dragons. The award winning Bali Zoo makes for another lovely day trip. They also have options for Elephant expeditions and overnight stays in luxury accommodation.
Traditional Dancing and Musical Performance at the Royal Palace
Ubud is home to the royal family and regular traditional Balinese dance performances are held within the palace compounds. Don’t miss the experience of a Balinese Gamelan Orchestra with classical dancing.
White Water Rafting
Passing through Class II and III rapids down the Ayung River, the journey takes you through some of the most spectacular tropical rain forests, past waterfalls and valleys.
Ubud Market
Go early in the morning to experience what a ‘real’ market is, when the locals go to buy their fresh meat, fruit and vegetables. Mid morning the market converts into more of a tourist market selling local handicrafts.
Art Museums
There is an abundance of art museums featuring paintings of a developed and practiced style specific to Ubud, as well as modern art.
For a rough layout of Ubud, the centre is mostly flat. The further out you get the hillier it gets. Many of the luxurious resorts and villa complexes are located further out of town where the views are of unspoilt valleys and rice paddies. Within walking distance of Ubud centre you’ll find a variety of 3 and 4 star hotels we recommend. Our favorites near the centre include the Komaneka Monkey Forest, Warwick Ibah and Komaneka Bisma. About 20 minutes walk to the market is one of our all time favorites – the Hotel Tjampuhan, which opened in 1928. Think thatch roof, overgrown trees and picturesque surroundings. Not everyone’s cup of tea but definitely ours! There are many luxury resorts that come highly recommended.
BALI Lesser Known Beaches
MENJANGAN
Menjangan Island forms part of the remote West Bali National Park. The island name means deer in Bahasa Indonesia as a sizable population of Javan Rusa and Indian Muntjac deer live wild in the park there. Blessed with beautiful marine life and some of the world’s rarest species, Menjangan is one of the top dive spots in Bali. Located at the north western point of Bali it’s not far to the coast overlooking Java. Because of this it makes a great stopping point when travelling overland from Java. It’s about a 3 hour drive to the resort areas of South Bali.
Diving and Snorkelling
Menjangan Island lies just off the coast of Bali. In the marine reserve you’ll find colourful coral reef gardens and diverse fish life.
Explore the National Park
Birdspotting, walking, mountain cycling and horse riding options available in the forest.
Our pick is The Menjangan Dynasty Resort is the ultimate in luxury glamping.
LOVINA
Lovina is a quiet beachfront village spanning about 8km on the North Coast of Bali. Nothing much happens here which I guess is an asset is some ways. The nights are quiet; only a few bars and restaurants are open and are few and far between. With its north-facing vantage point, Lovina not only gets to see the spectacular sunrise and sunset daily – weather permitting, of course.
The sand is black here and also the sea is calm. Step out in the water and you’ll realise that it’s clear water that can be snorkelled.
Traditional outriggers called perahu pulled up on the shore are a reminder that Lovina is a fishing community at heart. At night, the fishing boats come out and with their spot lights hunting for squid.
Dolphins also cruise around these waters and a morning boat trip can be taken to find some. Tickets for the boat ride can be purchased at the hotel or no doubt, someone will try and sell you one.
Typically Lovina would be a stopping point for a few nights while exploring Bali.
Relax and read a book
Lovina is quiet and this is the reason it appeals to many.
Swim
The beach is black sand but the water is clear.
Dolphin Sunrise Tour
This is the most famous tour option there. Head out in a small boat to spot the dolphins.
Around the 4 star bracket head for the Puri Bagus Lovina which is built right on the shores of Lovina in beautiful manicured gardens. For luxury head for either The Lovina for an inspiring beach resort experience or 4km inland with sweeping views over the ocean, The Damai is sure to please.
CANDI DASA
Snorkelling and Diving. Further north in Amed, you can also enjoy swimming among the tropical fish.
Great base for Exploring Inland and Further North. There are hidden treasures in Bali that so many miss; however, if they only stay in the south. Cut out the driving time and stay in Candi Dasa instead.
We recommend the Puri Bagus Candi Dasa and the Rama Candi Dasa Resort for good value 3 ½ to 4 star oceanfront experiences.
For more of a luxurious getaway then consider the Karma Royal Candi Dasa or for opulence choose the Amankila.
AMED
Amed is a long coastal strip of fishing villages in North East Bali. Once known for its traditional salt farming, however, it’s now known as a low-key dive spot – in fact, it’s one of the better underwater playgrounds in Bali, with a historical shipwreck as one of the attractions. The beaches are lined with traditional jukung outriggers that are used daily by the local fishermen. The pace of life here is slow and relaxed. Nearby attractions on land include Mount Agung, Besakih Temple and Tirta Gangga water palace.
Diving and Snorkelling. With a shipwreck and plenty of tropical fish, this is one of Bali’s best underwater spots.
There’s a smattering of hotels and villas to choose from here from budget through to private luxury villas. For the very best lock in the Griya Villas and Spa.
