Candi Dasa
A haven of quiet relaxation, the fishing village of Candi Dasa on Amuk Bay is the antitheses of frenetic Kuta to the southwest. With a rocky coastline, most swimming is confined to resort pools, although some of Bali’s best diving and snorkelling is found in this area. Candi Dasa is also a great base from which to explore the historical and cultural sights of the east, including the pre-Hindu village of Tenganan, the sacred baths of Tirtagangga, and Bali's mother temple, Pura Besakih.
Denpasar
The capital city of the Indonesian province of Bali, Denpasar is served by the Ngurah Rai Airport, the main international and domestic gateway to the island. The traditional Badung Market is well worth a visit due to the sheer variety and colour of the foods, handicrafts, and artefacts on offer. Also highly recommended is Bali Museum’s collection of art treasures.
Jimbaran
Some of Bali’s finest hotels call Jimbaran Bay home. Only 5-10 km south of Ngurah Rai airport, the bay is considered one of Bali’s most picturesque stretches of white sand beach. Still a working fishing village, the daily departure of the local fleet against the sunset is a popular attraction. The beachfront is lined with seafood restaurants offering excellent views over the tranquil waters, and is a comfortable 10-20 km from the frenetic markets and nightlife to the north.
Kuta - Tuban
Kuta is a hectic hub of activity, day and night. Travellers from across the globe converge in search of bargain shopping, accommodation, restaurants, bars, discos, and clubs. Local white sand beaches offer excellent surfing conditions, and the atmosphere is informal and easygoing. Lying just south of Kuta is the slightly quieter and more family-oriented township of Tuban.
Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is synonymous with style. Bali’s most luxurious resorts are located here, along with a championship golf course ranked among Asia’s Top 5. The southern tip of Benoa Peninsula delivers seclusion, a palm-fringed reef-protected beach, clear waters for diving, and waves that rate from gentle (northern peninsula) to surfable (southern peninsula). Art galleries, fashion boutiques, and restaurants provide plenty of temptation.
Sanur
The leisurely pace of Sanur makes it a popular choice for families and those after a taste of the quiet life. A broad range of accommodation is represented along the coastline, which curves gently around a lagoon protected by a spectacular coral reef. The sheltered nature of the beach makes it ideal for swimming and a host of water sports. Regular public transport runs to and from Denpasar well into the night.
Seminyak - Legian Beach
Legian is a notch off the pace of Kuta. Beachfront hotels, restaurants, shops, and nightlife are all part of the mix, along with locals, expats, and tourists who head to the beach to cool off, play sport, and relax. Seminyak further north, is the most upmarket of the west coast’s beaches and offers a relaxed world among rice paddies and sleepy beaches. Chic bars and restaurants are dotted throughout this neighbourhood.
Ubud
Ubud is the arts and cultural centre of the island. This charming mountain settlement is 25 km (1 hour’s drive) north of Denpasar and comprises 14 villages dotted with palaces, temples, museums, galleries, shops, arts and crafts, and excellent restaurants. Other than a few nightspots, village life is quiet and serene. Don’t miss the nightly traditional dance performances and nearby Monkey Forest Park.
View hotels on a map