POPULAR BALI TOURIST DESTINATIONS

KUTA

Located in southern Bali, Kuta was a sleepy fishing village half a century ago, but it has slowly expanded since the 1960s after its long sandy beach was discovered by travelers from Asia and wandering surfers from nearby Australia. Nowadays Kuta is quite busy and packed with varied accommodation from four-star hotels to budget hostels. Cheap bars and clubs make it “Party Central” amongst revelers, while local and international restaurants offer great dining. Kuta also offers shopping aplenty, from the chic beachfront „Discovery Shopping Mall‟ and Kuta Square to the small shops lining the famous Poppies Lane, Jalan Pantai Kuta and up to Legian and trendy Seminyak – all within easy walking distance. Despite its negative “party town” labels, Kuta has its own beauty and attractions and remains one of Indonesia‟s major tourist destinations; particularly during the peak season from July to August and the holiday season for Christmas and New Year: at these times Kuta will be fully booked by a local younger crowd of Asian travelers and Australian teenagers who are intent on enjoying an affordable vacation in Bali.

LEGIAN

Kuta‟s neighboring suburb Legian is probably the second most popular area with visitors after Kuta because of its close association with beach life and its parties. Indeed, one of Legian‟s main attractions is its extravagant night life. Another attraction is the white sandy beach filled with tanned wannabe celebrities. For first timers Legian is just like another Kuta but give yourself a day, and an evening walk along the famous Double Six Beach, and a night in a cosy niteclub, then you decide what you‟ll do with the rest of your vacation.

SEMINYAK

A few miles north of Kuta and bordering Legian is Seminyak which has the reputation as being the hippest part of southern Bali. More upmarket than Kuta and home to Bali's most chic bars, clubs and restaurants with new places opening almost weekly. Creative energy is the phrase that best sums up Seminyak, energy which also extends to the fashion boutiques. Cool comes at a price, featuring strongly are world class hotels and resorts located next to the beach.

SANUR BEACH

While the rest of Bali's beaches have developed at a breathtaking pace, Sanur (Bali's first beach resort) remains largely unchanged. Sanur is one of Bali's biggest traditional villages but it's also one of the most established tourist areas. Fine hotels, restaurants and modern entertainment venues compliment traditional village activities like drama and dance, so it's a good place to enjoy the delights of a tropical island and gain a real appreciation of Balinese culture and local life. Many ex-pats choose Sanur as a place to live on the island. Its only 15 mins by car to all the action in Kuta but a quiet haven to retreat to. Sanur is fast gaining a reputation as the islands gastronomic capital with many fine dining restaurants in the area.

NUSA DUA

Nusa Dua (meaning Two Islands) is the name of the peninsula that extends off the southern tip of the island of Bali, hosting a pristine complex of luxury hotels. A heavy concentration of big name international hotels lines the beautiful white sand shore that offers excellent swimming conditions in a protected lagoon. Located ten kilometers from the international airport, Nusa Dua is designed as an enclave of the most sumptuous and luxurious hotels in the world dedicated to big-spender tourists. It is an idyllic place for honeymooner and those who are bringing the entire family, the white sand and shallow water are ideal for children to play in the sea while lifeguards keep a watchful eye. The roads in the area are well maintained and 24/7 security staff guard two entrance gates with full security procedures for every incoming and outgoing guest.

TANJUNG BENOA

Like many other beachside destinations in Bali, also used to be a fishing village and an old dock, and today most of the shore-side properties have become upper class hotels and resorts. The remaining mangrove marsh still lies at the western side entrance. Tanjung Benoa is located 15 kilometers from the international airport and neighbors Nusa Dua.

JIMBARAN

Located on the west coast of Bali‟s southern peninsula - Jimbaran offers a small secluded beach area, where tranquility and peace is the perfect antidote to a stressful world. The land gently slopes away from the beach revealing exclusive celebrity haunts hidden under a canopy of leafy tropical forest. Jimbaran Bay is world renowned for its many beachside seafood restaurants with produce straight from the
fishing boats to your table.

CANDIDASA

Pronounced “Chandi-dasa” it‟s located at Samuh Bugbug Village about 12 kilometers from Amlapura, the main town of Karangasem. It was formerly known as Teluk Kehen (Kehen Bay), but since the tourism industry was introduced the name was changed to Candidasa. Only one thing is for sure, Candidasa is a tranquil village offering varying accommodation, from basic to five-star resorts and quite a
few great restaurants in between.

UBUD

In many ways Ubud is considered Bali's cultural heart. Located in the cool mountains, just one hour's drive north of the airport and the resorts of southern Bali, this traditional country town is the home of the Balinese Royal family. Ubud is also a flourishing crafts centre. Around Ubud the surrounding villages like Camphuan, Penestanan, Peliatan and Batuan specialising in crafts and woodcarving which are sold all over the island. There are hundreds of shops selling antiques, woodcarvings, crafts, textiles, paintings and jewellery as well as some of the best art museums in the country, dozens of art studios, an excellent local craft market, and galleries selling local and international art.