Bali is an Indonesian island that offers a diverse range of destinations and experiences for travellers. It is known for being extremely lavish and expensive in some areas, and cheap but equally beautiful in others. It’s luscious beaches and warm waters attract millions of tourists every year, yet there are certain areas in Bali that are designed for different groups, and here is my guide to them.
Nusa Dua - if you are looking for a luxurious holiday, this is the place, although your wallet might not thank you. Nusa Due is a luxurious, gated resort area located on Bali’s southern coast. It is known for its upscale hotels, private beaches, and exclusive dining spots. It has hundreds of traditional and international cuisine options, and is probably the spot where you are least likely to get the infamous Bali belly. The beaches in Nusa Dun are safe for swimming and there are a range of water sports activities, and there is definitely fun for all the family there. Nusa Due is perfect for relaxation, there are many luxury spas and wellness centers that offer massages, facials and yoga classes. It is also home to many world class golf courses including Bali National Golf Club. However, my favourite part of Nusa Due is the Bebek Bengal Crispy Duck restaurant - right next to the water where you can find all sorts of creatures and then relax in a cabana and eat some delicious Indonesian food. Nusa Due is perfect for those wanting to splurge a little more.
Kuta - if you are looking for a good time with other young people alike, Kuta is the place to be. It is known for its vibrant energy - it has the best nightlife in Bali, with many bars, clubs and restaurants that stay open late into the night. Young travellers and backpackers are often seen in Kuta due to its budget accommodations. There are many hostels, guesthouses and budget hotels, which allow people to stay at a fraction at the cost of staying in a hotel. There are also many opportunities for water sports such as surfing, bodyboarding and kiteboarding, and there are many rental shops available to surf on Kuta’s long, white sandy beaches. Shopping is a big industry in Bali, and Kuta is home to many shops and markets that sell a range of goods, and night markets in Kuta as-well as throughout Bali in general are a must.
Sanur - known for its relaxed atmosphere, it is perfect for families. Sanur has picturesque beaches with calm waters and soft sands, which are perfect for young children, in comparison to the large waves for surfing in Kuta. Sanur Ofers many cultural experiences, it is home to many temples including the famous Pura Blanjong, and it provides a glimpse into the local Balinese way of life. The sunrise views in Sanur are famous, with vibrant colours painted across the sky as the sun rises over the horizon - it is worth waking up for. Sanur is known to cater towards families, and it is home to many resorts and accommodations with kids clubs that even people not staying in hotels can enrol their children in, such as with the kids club of the spectacular Hyatt hotel. As does most of Bali, it offers a variety of water sports, but it is also known for cycling and walking, it has pedestrian friendly paths and cycle paths on the beach front, allowing visitors to explore the town at a relaxed pace.
Seminyak - the place to be for shoppers, known for its upscale boutiques, designer stores and fashionable beachside markets. Some popular destinations include Seminyak Square, Jalan Laksmana, and Seminyak Village, and visitors come from all over Bali to shop. It is also home to many upscale restaurants and cafes, offering cuisines from all over the world with stylish interiors and spectacular views of the ocean, with amazing beaches great for surfing. Nightlife is also great in Seminyak, with trendy bars and clubs that offer live music and entertainment. It’s a popular destination for a more upscale and fashionable experience in Bali.
Ubud - located more centrally in Bali (the rest have all been relatively south), Ubud is known for its lush forests and rice paddies, filled with culture and stunning natural scenery. It is known as Bali’s cultural centre, home to many art galleries and museums and traditional Balinese dance performances, famous for its handicrafts such as wood carvings, jewellery and textiles. Personally, my favourite part of Ubud is probably the most obvious answer - the Monkey Forest, where for 60Rp you can roam around the beautiful sanctuary and see over 700. Grey long-tailed macaques right in front of you, just be careful that they don’t steal any of your belongings! Ubud is extremely peaceful and disconnected to the chaos of Denpasar and Kuta, offering wellness and for those to be able to connect with their spirituality. Ubud is perfect for outdoor activities such as trekking, cycling and white-water rafting, the famous Ayung River is a popular destination for rafting. Ubud is perfect for those looking for a relaxing holiday.
Lastly, Denpasar - the capital city of Bali and it serves as the island’s main gateway for international flights. It is not normally known as a tourist destination, and you can see why as soon as you step out of the airport and get hit with a nice smell of pollution and beeping cars stuck in never-ending traffic jams. However, if you would want an authentic local experience Denpasar could provide this, with its bustling markets, traditional architecture and local temples. Its cultural attractions such as the Bali Museum display a rich collection of Balinese artifacts and is a good way to look into Bali’s history. Denpasar offers a diverse range of local foods with many stalls and night markets providing the authentic experience. However, I wouldn’t recommend Denpasar as it is not particularly beautiful, it is probably the part of Bali most similar to run down areas of Indonesia, there are other places to get immersed into Indonesian culture, but if you are wanting to live like an Indonesian local and stay in the main transportation hub, this could be the place for you.
Overall, there are many options for tourists who are searching for different Bali experiences, whether that be a beach holiday in the South, a cheap, fun and vibrant holiday in the Centre or getting immersed in the culture in the Balinese countryside, there is something for everyone. Just make sure you don’t order your cocktails with ice when going out, unless you want to feel what an IV drip is like of course…
