Bali

The spiritual island paradise of Bali is a well-versed holiday retreat for many Australians. Air accessibility, value for money, plentiful accommodation and endless leisure activities ensure an easy getaway. Contrasting landscapes, influencing cultures and religions, tropical climate, laid-back lifestyle and friendly people shape Bali.

Highlights

A visit to Bali is not complete without lazing by the beach, expansive resort lagoon pool, a private villa’s plunge pool or an infinity pool at one of the trendy beach clubs.

Hungry for more? There are seemingly endless options for entertainment, dining and shopping in Bali. Shop till you drop at Kuta’s Beachwalk Shopping Centre or Discovery Shopping Mall. Peruse the boutiques of Seminyak or indulge on Eat Street. If you’re looking to dance the night away, Seminyak is calling.

Looking for less? Wellness is high on the agenda at many resorts and day spas. Relax and get pampered on almost any budget. Hideaway in a private villa, retreat to regional Bali, indulge in room service, or live the high life with butler service – the choice is yours.

The ever popular Waterbom park is on many travellers’ to-do lists. The Bali institution spans 3.8 hectares, just south of Kuta and is home to an array of pools, water-slides and dining outlets. Suits families with kids and the young at heart.

 

Kuta

Kuta has long been a holiday hot spot for shopping and party goers, with its vibrant nightlife, endless bars, restaurants, and shopping malls. In the centre of Kuta you will find Poppies Lanes’, a highlight for any experienced haggler! Enjoy a massage in one of the many spas situated throughout town, splurge at one of the premium hotels, or a relish in a massage on the beach. Kuta has a wide range of accommodation styles, from private villas, small boutique hotels to large resorts, all easily accessible to the famous Kuta Beach. Here you where you will find surf with long consistent waves, excellent for beginners. Why not rent a board and take a lesson? Only 20 mins from Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport, pre-book your transfer and you’ll be at the beach in no time.

Legian

Extending north of vibrant Kuta, and south of stylish Seminyak, Legian comes to life at sunset best viewed from the white sandy beaches adorned by hotels, bars and restaurants. Legian is a great locale for those seeking a bustling nightlife, an abundance of restaurants and streets full of cocktail bars, coffee shops and excellent shopping. Looking to unwind? Meander along the tree-lined beach and witness the sunset, easily accessible by foot from your accommodation.

Seminyak

Dynamic and vibrant; shop, dine and party in the hip heart of Seminyak. With its numerous beach clubs and restaurants, you’ll brunch and lunch at some trend-setting eateries. Just north of Legian, you’ll feel a million miles away with Seminyak’s chic fashion boutiques, rejuvenating spas and yoga studios on almost every corner. Seminyak boasts some of the islands most luxurious accommodation, enchanting Balinese style hotels to extravagant resorts. A plentiful supply of private luxury villa accommodations, chic and elegantly decorated, make a perfect tropical retreat for travellers seeking serenity or the privacy of your own private pool.

Ubud

Beyond the beaches, this enchanting island boasts a lush green interior bursting with dramatic beauty.   Artsy Ubud has an atmosphere all of its own! The cultural heart of Bali, bustling with arts and crafts, Ubud is no longer a sleepy village, however it is a spiritual sanctuary for yoga and meditation. Stay here for relaxation, rejuvenation, and the laid-back café culture, temple viewings, Balinese art, and immersing in cultural dances and performances. Get out and explore Ubud where lush rice terraces spill down the hillsides, rivers meander through tropical ravines and temples dot the landscape.

Canggu

Once a sleepy little village lying just north of Seminyak, Canggu is surrounded by terraced rice paddies and best known for its beaches. With strong breaks off Echo Beach, it’s a popular destination for surfers. Today super-hip beach clubs have popped up along the beachside, alongside established accommodation, nightlife and day spas.
Excellent for all foodies including many vegan eateries and a strong coffee culture and complemented with traditional local warungs.

Sanur

Sanur beach was home to one of the first tourist resorts on the Island, dating back to the 1920’s. Boasting 5kms of long sandy beaches, Sanur is known for being the quieter family friendly area in Bali, due to the shallow shores, protected reef and breakwaters that hug the coastline lending to gentle waves. Sanur plays host to the most magnificent sunrises on the island.

The boardwalk is a great place to start your mornings with a stroll along the splendid paved beachfront cycle-path that stretches some 5 km, why not hire a bike!  Sanur has everything you could wish for including shops, beach clubs, trendy cafes, ice cream parlours and restaurants, all with a relaxed and peaceful ambience.  Sanur is a great place for a laid-back beach holiday.

Nusa Dua/Tanjung Benoa

Sharing the same beaches as its neighbour Nusa Dua, Tanjung Benoa is located on a peninsular, southeast of the island and 30 mins from the airport. Stretching along the beach promenade, you will find many of Bali’s best resorts and hotels. Enjoy a relaxed stroll past manicured gardens and sparkling crystal waters, this is a perfect place for luxury and relaxation. Nusa Dua is a private enclave of large resort hotels, with restaurants and bars generally centred around the stunning hotels and resorts that hug the coastline. For shopping visit the Bali Collection, situated on 8 hectares of open space, it is the largest shopping mall in Nusa Dua, located in a relaxing enclave away from any hustle and bustle of Bali’s streets.
Nusa Dua is also a favourite destination for golfers with a wonderful 18-hole golf course, offering a PAR 71 course on luxurious grounds.  Whether you are a beginner, a pro or just a casual weekend golfer the Bali National Golf Club is an experience not to be missed.

Candi Dasa

If it’s peace and relaxation you are seeking on your next holiday, then Candi Dasa has this in abundance. Escape from the crowds and traffic of the island’s south, just 2 hours east of Kuta, Candi Dasa rests on the edge of a freshwater lagoon, full of water lilies that bloom in the morning. This small town delivers the relaxed lifestyle that many crave when seeking their island paradise. Only 1 hour north of Sanur, you are still within easy reach of larger shops or anything special you wish to buy. 20 mins away is Padang Bai, where you can board a boat to Lembongan Island, or just over two-hours away is Lombok and the Gili Islands.

Uluwatu

Nestled on the southern tip of the island, Uluwatu is home to the Uluwatu Temple, a 1000-year-old Hindu temple perched high on the stunning cliffs, offering breathtaking views over the ocean. Well known for its beautiful sandy beaches and epic surf, this is a world-class surfing playground. Like many beaches in Uluwatu, Balangan Beach is a great spot to enjoy a cocktail at sunset whilst Padang Padang is a good swimming beach for families with kids. Get out and be adventurous, with a hike down to Nunggalan Beach, one of the longest, most stunning beaches in Uluwatu with its white sand and turquoise waters, you’ll be amazed at the pristine beach and a remarkable shipwreck, just fabulous for taking photos!
This little village is a wonderful holiday destination for families, couples, beach lovers, surfers and yogis.

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Bali Weather & Seasons

Bali boasts a warm, tropical, climate all year round, with two distinct seasons. Dry season is generally May to September with slightly cooler weather, whereas October to April is more humid and warmer.

Currency & Tipping

Local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) with credit/debit cards accepted. Foreign exchange outlets and ATM’s are located throughout major tourist areas. Tipping in Bali is customary but not mandatory. A tip of around 10% for service staff is usually sufficient.

Time

Bali is GMT + 8 hours and does not have daylight savings.

Language

There are 2 main languages in Bali – Bahasa Indonesian and Balinese. English is widely spoken.

Navigating

The most popular form of transport in Bali is by car or motorbike taxis. They are relatively inexpensive; however, it is recommended to barter your fare before the journey. Ride-share options are becoming more popular and readily available.

Shopping

Bali certainly is a shopper’s paradise, especially those seeking a bargain. Local wares found in street side stalls and markets are great value. Larger shopping malls are available for those looking for international branded goods.

Cuisine

A visit to Bali isn’t complete without savouring one (or more!) of the local delicacies. Some of the most popular dishes many Australian’s are familiar with include nasi goreng (fried rice), sate (satay), Babi Guling (roasted suckling pig) and Ayam & Bebek Betutu (chicken & duck betutu).

Dining options are varied and cover all budgets with many outlets offering Balinese and western meals on their menus. Street food vendors operate ‘warungs’ which serve local specialties in a small but comfortable setting. Premium dining is available in high-end restaurants some with Michelin-starred chefs. Foodies will not be disappointed in Bali – quality seafood, fresh produce and friendly service!