Trying to capture even a snapshot of the best of Bali within two pages is impossible.
Every city oozes with its own unique character and the way you choose to discover it unlocks a multitude of different experiences.
If you want luxury, adventure, relaxation, family-fun, nature, romance or a spiritual awakening – this place has it all.
So without doing any justice to the incredible island that is Bali, here’s a taste-test of some of the best bits you can experience just a four hour flight away.
RELAX
Nusa Dua: If your perfect getaway involves you laying on a beach or poolside, cocktail in hand and a massage booked in daily, then welcome to Nusa Dua. This is your paradise. This island has the ultimate chill factor, and luxury is at an all-time high. There are golfing resorts, boutique shopping, galleries and great dive spots. Check out Geger Temple for a dose of culture and spirituality before experiencing one of the many fine dining restaurants on the island. If you’re a five-star traveller and need some R&R, then Nusa Dua should be your first port of call.
STAY
Seminyak: Slightly quieter than the bustling city of Kuta, but still full of bars, restaurants and shops, Seminyak is a popular choice for many travellers to base themselves for their trip. It’s full of luxury villas and resorts and is in the heart of the action. Be sure to enjoy a sunset cocktail at Potato Head and Ku De Ta and some of the restaurants in town will serve you the best food you’ll ever have.
DISCOVER
Ubud: Known for the monkey forest, Ubud is ridiculously beautiful and, if you dare, an opportunity to get a little too up close and personal with wild monkeys. And while you should definitely take a stroll through the forest with a banana or two (hide your sunglasses, jewellery and watches or say goodbye to them forever), don’t make that the only part of your visit. Away from the hustle and bustle of Kuta and Seminyak, Ubud’s main streets are more laid-back with an emphasis on zen. The best way to meet the real Ubud is to take a bike tour. There are a few different bike tours you can do, but make sure you choose one that takes you through rice fields, volcanoes and down the back streets where the locals live. It will be the highlight of your trip.
EXPERIENCE
Climb Mt Agung: Standing at the top of Mt Agung, watching the sky turn from black to deep blue, pink and orange as the sun rises over the holiest mountain in Indonesia, is an experience that will stay with you for life. It’s tough, scary and incredibly moving, and if you’re physically fit and up for a challenge, put this on your itinerary. About a two-hour drive from Denpasar, you’ll need a driver to take you to the mountain and it’s recommended you arrange a tour guide to climb with you – after all, the summit is 3,031m above sea level and depending on where you start, the trek can take between 5-7 hours. Worth it? Absolutely. But don’t take our word for it.