Destination overview

Apart from the fact that you can have a magnificent holiday that won’t cost a fortune, Bali really is a paradise on earth. Mile upon mile of the sort of beaches you see in brochures, glorious weather, fantastic diving, picturesque rice terraces teetering down steep slopes, towering active volcanoes with crater lakes and sacred caves, lush tropical forests dropping into deep ravines, and truly friendly people. You’ll find that most of the action happens in the southern tip of Bali.

This beautiful Indonesian island located at the western-most of the Lesser Sunda Islands lies between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of the country's 33 provinces with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. It has an area of only 5,632 square kilometres and measures just 90 kilometres along the north-south axis and less than 140 kilometres from east to west. Because of its easy proximity to everything you’ll want to do, you’ll find that it's easy to explore the island on day tours.

Bali is famous for its beautiful landscape. A chain of six volcanoes, between 1,350 and 3,014 metres high stretch from west to east. There are lush tropical forests, pristine crater lakes, fast flowing rivers and deep ravines, picturesque rice terraces and fertile vegetable and fruit gardens. The beaches in the south consist of white sand, while beaches in other parts of the island are covered with gray or black volcanic sand.

In fact, don’t be surprised if you only travel for a short while through the beeping chaos of the streets before you get to your destination. Some of the most popular beaches are minutes away from the airport. There’s Legian, loved by surfers and sunbathers alike, while Tuban is a popular family destination. Kuta is the place for nightlife and has the biggest market – don’t forget to bargain.

Jimbaran Bay is known for its fishing boats and grilled seafood restaurants strung out along the beach. This is an ideal spot for water sports and to watch the sunset. Don’t be surprised if you see a landing plane silhouetted against the cinnabar sky. Ungasan is on the soaring cliffs of the southern-most peninsula, near the amazing three-court Uluwatu Temple, a must-see, while Nusa Dua is famous for its great surfing waves. There’s also the quiet port of Tanjung Benoa where you can snorkel to the reef off the palm-fringed beach.

Bali really is a paradise on earth. When you watch the sunrise kiss the sands of Sanur beach you’ll understand why there are ancient temples right there. Medewi has the longest point break in Bali and the beach is so rocky only anglers and surfers go there, while Candidasa’s beachfront lagoon is covered with fragrant waterlilies. With its proximity to Pura Besakih ‘Mother Temple’ on Mount Agung, the most revered peak in Bali, Candidasa is the ideal spot to explore the more remote cultural treasures of this beautiful island. Be sure and go to the Monkey Forest – but hold on to your camera and sunglasses as these furry residents are cheeky!

If you can tear yourself away from the beach and spas (you simply have to get a Bali massage), there is no shortage of culture and fantastic craft. Head inland past the rice paddies to the Gianyar district and remember to take your camera and wallet, as there’s no shortage of photos to take and things to buy. Batubulan and its stone sculptures line the main road (watch the Barong dance while you’re there), Celuk and Singapadu are the spots to go for excellent gold and silver jewellery, and Sukawati with its two-storied art market, pasar seni and wind chimes will delight you. You’ll get a good selection of Indonesian food at night, too. Mas, is famous for woodcarving while Ubud, is the cultural centre of Bali and home to the best art museums. This is where you’ll see the other Balinese dances - Legong, Ramayana, Baris, Kecak, and the Fire Dance – and find markets with great handicrafts.

While you’re there, take a stroll through lush forest to breathtaking gorges and deserted swimming holes. If you’re into ancient monuments, there are scores. You can visit the Moon of Pejeng, a huge kettledrum from the Bronze Age, Goa Cave where you enter through the mouth of a demon, Gunung Kawi at the bottom of a lush valley, or magnificent Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, with its Hindu and Buddhist temples beautifully silhouetted against the surrounding lake. Arrange to paddle across this at sunrise, it’s like being in a dream.

For spectacular views, go to Kintamani, with its deep crater lake and bubbling hot springs. Git Git waterfall is worth the climb and you can buy great silver or gold threaded cloth from the stalls at the top. And for the best offshore diving visit Amed, Nusa Lembongan and Menjangan Islands.

As you can see, Bali is one of those places where you should pack light – you’ll need the space for the marvellous craftwork you’ll bring home. But really, a swimsuit, sarong, light clothes and warm jumper don’t take up that much space at all!

If you’ve never been to Bali, you must put it high up on the list. But, be careful, because the moment you feel the magic of this island, you'll be addicted for the rest of your life.