Bali is the most visited island in Indonesia and attracts over 8 million people a year. Denpasar is the capital of the island that serves as the main gateway. Bali is a great place to wallow in some adventurous water sports. Bali has something for everyone.
When you arrive:
Bali has its only airport Ngurah Rai International Airport, located in Denpasar, the airport is served by almost all major airlines in the world. The process to obtain a visa upon arrival is fairly simpler; most of the nationalities can obtain a visa upon arrival by paying 35USD at the Visa on Arrival desk in the airport.
Reaching the City Center or Hotel:
Unlike many other South East Asian cities, Bali does not have Tuk Tuks. Blue Bird is an official taxi company and has a counter in the arrival area of the terminal. A 20mins ride to the Denpasar city would cost approximately 5USD.
Here are some regions of Bali, you would be able to choose the right place that suites your taste.
Jimbaran:
This fishing village is well known for seafood restaurants. You can choose from a variety of live seafood which is traditionally grilled over a fire of coconut husks.
The famous and one of the oldest temples in Bali – Uluwatu Temple is 13kms to the east of Jimbaran.
Nusa Dua:
Nusa Dua is famous for water sports like banana boat, parasailing, jetski, and diving. Operators charge somewhere between 25USD – 30 USD for each activity. However, Nusa Dua has no nightlife.
Kuta and Legian Street:
Kuta is the most popular beach on the island and is a hub for backpackers; it is good to spend a day to two by indulging in some water sports and by clubbing in Legian Street.
You may take a half day trip to the famous Tanah Lot temple or take a guided tour to explore some insights of the nearby attractions in the island.
Seminyak:
Seminyak is a laid-back place in the north of Legian, it houses more of an upscale beach resort and villas, with some trendy bars and restaurants.
Denpasar:
This capital town of the island bustles with many shops and markets and lies at a considerable distance from Kuta, Legian and Seminyak.
Sanur:
Sanur has the white sand beach and the sea is usually calm and shallow, the waves here are not high. Sanur is often visited by families with young children. Sanur is one of the few places on the island where you can dine on the beach.
The famous Le Mayeuron museum is located in Sanur.
Ubud:
Ubud is a place that you can’t afford to miss; it’s a vibrant part of the island ranging from culture and people, nature, rice fields, Balinese temples and museums, arts and theatres. You can indulge in some adventurous activities like white water rafting or take a biking trip. Ubud has plenty of Spas offering authentic Balinese massage.
The monkey forest is the major attraction in Ubud.
Lovina:
Lovina is a coastal town in the north of Bali, with black volcanic sand. Lovina is much cheaper and has a much different atmosphere than the southern part of Bali. Lovina is much tranquil, less neon signs and no surfers, which makes this a perfect place to relax.
Dolphin sighting is the major attraction of the town, the 2.5 hrs. the trip usually costs around 5USD.
The famous Pura Ulun Danu Bartan (Temple by the lake) is located at 28kms to the south of Lovina.
Singaraja:
Singaraja is an old port city and the second largest city on the island. Singaraja is located on the northern coast of Bali and has numerous well preserved colonial buildings, as this was the former colonial capital during the Dutch Colonialism.
Pemuteran:
Located in the north-west of Bali, Pemuteran is at about 120Kms away from Denpasar. Being much away from the bustling part of Bali, Pemuteran is known for its tranquillity. Balinese people often refer this place as “Nyegara Gunung” which means the energy of connection between the sea and the mountain; as this serene place has a black sand sea on one side and a beautiful mountain on the other side. Pemuteran is widely known for snorkelling and diving activities in the area of Menjangan islands, with hectares of colourful coral reefs.
Bali Barat nature reserve is at a close proximity of Pemuteran
Seririt:
Seririt is a small town along the northern coast of Bali. Seririt is known for the Buddhist monastery Brahma Arama Vihara, the most prominent monastery in the country. People can participate meditation session that focuses on mental peacefulness, known as Vipassana.
Kintamani:
Kintamani is the gateway to exploring the 1700meters high Mt.Batur an active volcano. People usually go on a hiking early in the morning to catch the sight of the golden rays of the sun. Kintamani is also famous for its native breed of dog named after the place itself. It is an evolving breed indigenous to the Kintamani region which evolved from the local Bali street dogs.
Candidasa:
Candidasa is a laid-back coastal town to in the eastern part of the island. Candidasa is one of the popular places on the island for scuba diving.
Amed:
Amed is quite popular for honeymooners and for divers. Amed is a perfect place to learn diving as there is a school Apneista, which offers free lessons on diving and yoga.
Wonderfully written article. I am planning on visiting there as part of a long ended trip and your article will really help me plan. Thank you,
Shelley Pittman
Thanks Shelley glad to know that. You would certainly have a nice time in the paradise.
Been fortunate enough to join a 2-week press trip in Indonesia but never encountered these places in Bali! Will surely recommend this to family and friends. Thanks for the fantastic list!
Thank you Trisha.
Nice article! De spar is the place to go if you want to avoid the crowds!
True Joe. Thanks.
Bali looks fabulous, I know for sure I will make it there soon. Im going to have to say Ubud and Seririt look like winners for me 🙂
They surely are Kimberly. Hope you enjoy your time out there.
I’d love to spend time on the beaches, but I’d also love to explore the temples and the rich history. Thank you for the great overview!
Thanks Lauren. Kuta is a paradise if you want to pick the best beach in the Island.
I’ve been in Ubud only and I truly loved it! Bali is more than beaches so I am planning to explore more its rich culture. This post will definitely guide my way. 🙂
Thanks Jessica. You must consider Seminyak or Northern parts of the Island for its unique charm and cultural sights.
Seriously, I love this article. You gave me an idea on where to spend my days in Bali. I’m planning a trip next year. Thank you for this detailed post 🙂
Glad to hear that Cai. Hope you enjoy your time in Bali.
I have always loved Bali even when it can be quite expensive to go there. I heard a lot about the Seminyak from my friends and they said that it’s a great place.
Seminyak is amazing. What I love about Bali is it has places that can suit the taste of all type of travelers.
A beautiful island, but very busy with tourists.
If you want to avoid the crowds, Denpasar is the place to go.
Hardly anybody stays there! 🙂
True Chris. Denpasar is the contrast of Kuta.
This blog is helpful for peoples who would like to find beauty and secrets of this world . continue your journey and writings..
Dear Nidhy,
Thank you for your comments, really thoughtful.
Keep Exploring,
Sreeram.
Yes / It is beautiful place to visit . Thanks Sreeram and I’m excited for ur upcoming Timeline.
Dear Dhiraj,
Thank you for your kind words, you may subscribe on the bottom of the webpage and get all the updates straight on your mailbox. Cheers and Keep Exploring.
Sreeram.
Love the place!
Salamat Po 😉
Sreeram