Bali Information - About Bali

Bali is an island in the Indonesian archipelago, the largest in the world, which consists of over 17,000 islands spanning over 5000km. Indonesia consists of Bali is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands which also comprise Lombok, Sumbawa, Komodo, Flores, Sumba, Alor and Lembata.

Bali province is divided into 8 regencies and 1 city - Badung, Bangli, Gianyar, Jimbaran, Tabanan, Karangasem, Klungkung and Denpasar city. As a tourist to Bali however, you will be more interested in the different regions and their places of interest.

South

• Denpasar — This is a large bustling city and the administrative center and transport hub of the island but not a major tourist destination. Sights you can visit here include the Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali which houses Balinese antiquities and cultural objects, the Pura Jagat Natha (Temple of the Rulers of the World), the Werdi Budaya Art Centre (permanent exhibition of Balinese paintings), Bali National Museum and Puputan Square. There is also a traditional night market which is worth a visit.
• Jimbaran — An exclusive area south of Bali airport and home to a handful of 5 star luxury resorts. Jimbaran is famous for its fresh seafood restaurants along the beach. You will enjoy watching the amazing sunset from here and the seafood prices as well !
• Kuta — Surfers central, by far the most heavily developed area in Bali. Known as a backpackers area and low cost hotels where 5 star means 3 or 4 star although the prices won't disssappoint. A chaotic mess of roads, traffic, construction and people but lots of shopping and night-life, and the center of party culture in Bali.
• Tuban - This is the southern extension of Kuta which also happens to be where Bali airport is. It is a little quieter than Kuta but filling up fast with many top resorts.
• Legian — Surf beach. Located between Kuta and Seminyak. Also the name of Kuta´s main street.
• Seminyak and Kerobokan — Quieter, more upscale beachside resorts and villas just to the north of Kuta, with some fashionable upscale restaurants and trendy designer bars. Much of the nightlife has moved into this area, especially around Jalan Dhyana Pura.
• Sanur — On the South East coast, not far from Kuta. More sea-side resorts and beaches but more on the quiet side.
• Canggu - An area located about 20 mins drive of greater Seminyak, popular with expats. There is also unusual museum boutique hotel here, the Hotel Tugu located on Canggu beach. The hotel restaurant offers guests a chance to dine and enjoy traditional Indonesian cuisine fit for royalty.
• Tanah Lot - Famous for its temple on a rock, off the coast where tourists flock to watch the golden sunset and take photos of the temple silhouette. The Le Meridien Hotel is located here with its golf course.

Southern Peninsular / The Bukit

• Nusa Dua — This is the famous goverment managed pristine enclave of high-end luxury resorts. There is a golf course and convention center as well as beautiful beaches.
• Pecatu - This is an area south of Jimbaran which is being developed into an integrated resort. Still under construction, it is also the location of the famous Dreamland Surfers Beach, now renamed New Kuta Beach by the developers of the land to confuse you. There is a golf course and botanical gardens here.
• Uluwatu — A small village near the southernmost tip of Bali with a stunningly located clifftop temple. The name is also broadly used to describe the southern portion of the island. Uluwatu beach is one of the islands greatest, located at the other end of an amazing cave. The only tourist attraction here is the Uluwatu Temple which is also well known for its money snatching monkeys, or eventually you will have to part with some money anyway to get a local (usually the monkey's owner) to retrieve your belongings! The monkey has to part with your items, but the owner gets to keep your money ! Nice arrangement. Apart from that there is also a very well performed Kecak dance performance at sunset which is worth the trip there.

Central Bali

• Bedugul— A scenic mountain village north of Ubud where the main tourist attraction is the Pura Ulun Danu temple in the scenic Lake Bratan and a botanical gardens.
• Between Sanur and Ubud — A series of "crafts villages" featuring wood carving, painting, batik, and jewelry such as Mas woodcarving village, Celuk known for its silversmiths and goldsmiths and Sukawati village selling crafts.
• Ubud — The center of art and dance in the foothills, with an interesting small palace, monkey forest, and lots of arts and crafts shops.
• Sayan — This is where you can see spectacular rice terraces and stay at luxury hotels and villas overlooking the Ayung River.

West Bali

• Gilimanuk — This is the seaport town where you can catch a ferry to Java.
• Negara — Where you will find the Bali West National Park

North Bali

• Lovina — Beautiful black volcanic sand beaches and coral reefs on Bali's north coast makes Lovina the ideal location for snorkeling and diving. It is also the only area in Bali known for dolphin watching, a major tourist attraction. Being on the north shore, it is a much quieter area and a great escape from the hustle and bustle of other larger tourist areas. It consists of a string of small villages. With lovely resorts and one main street parallel to the ocean, you can also find restaurants, bars, live music, and enjoy a peaceful yet lively stay on the north shore.
• Singaraja -- Singaraja is the largest city on the north shore.
• Kintamani — Cooler mountainous region of Bali where growing fruit and vegetables is the main horticultural activity . The main attraction for travellers is located around Lake Batur where Peneloken provides the first spectacular view of this crater lake, set in a vast volcano caldera. A climb to the summit of Mount Batur, still an active volcano, to watch the sunrise is an unforgetable experience for more energetic travellers.

East Bali

• Amed — A peaceful fishing village. The newest tourist area to be developed in Bali, featuring black sand, coral reefs and excellent diving. Some good restaurants too.
• Candi Dasa — A very quiet tourist area with a few good restaurants. A great place to curl up with a good book.
• Tirta Gangga -- Mountains, the water palace and beautiful rice terraces.
• Padang Bai

Islands

• Nusa Penida — is an island southeast of Bali island, Indonesia. Administratively, the island is a subdistrict of Klungkung regency. There are two small islands nearby: Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. The Badung Strait separates the island and Bali.
• Nusa Lembongan — is an island off the southeast coast of the main island of Bali. The water is quite clear; good for diving and snorkeling. Surfing is crowded but nice waves. Nice coral sand beach. Learn about the cosmetic seaweed farming industry.
• Nusa Ceningan — is the smallest of the three islands and is rarely visited. Waters around Nusa Ceningan are crystal clear, hosting colorful coral and sea creatures, making it an ideal location for snorkeling and for any other water sport activities.