With a history dating back over 1,000 years there is much culture and countless historic sites to visit in Bali, Indonesia. In contrast to the historic past, Bali also provides a modern and developed tropical island paradise with large resorts and recreational activities to enjoy.
The capital city of Denpasar in the south of the island provides a cultural and business hub, which is a good starting point for Bali tourists. Located close to Denpasar is the impressive Nusa Dua area that has some of the Bali’s best hotels, restaurants and shops.
Further inland are various small villages that offer an insight into the Balinese culture, particularly in the larger city of Ubud, which houses many of Bali's performing arts venues, art galleries and ancient heritage sites.
Where to go in Bali, Indonesia
Denpasar
Located in the south of the island (slightly inland) is the capital city of Bali. Travelers can enjoy this charming city is a bustling metropolis that houses government buildings. There are numerous cultural attractions inside the city such as the Pura Jaganatha Temple that displays a wide variety of ancient Balinese artifacts and artworks.
Ubud
Situated at the foothills of the jungle rainforest of central Bali, Ubud has developed as the cultural hub of the island with an array of architecture, music, arts and dance. The surrounding area is particularly beautiful with lush green landscape and mountainous hills, a perfect place to go for nature sightseeing in Bali.
Nusa Dua
This recently developed area of the island is home to some of the newest and most exclusive resorts and hotels in Bali. The coastline is blessed with perfect white sand beaches and marine life filled coral reefs. The shopping in Nusa Dua is exceptional, with large malls and international name brands boutiques available.
Kuta Resort Town
The once small fishing village of Kuta is now a luxurious resort town that offers Bali travelers a wide array of amenities and entertainment venues. Kuta is one of the most popular spots to stay on the island, with accommodation catering to all budgets and a smorgasbord of restaurants and bars.
Sanur Beachside Resort Village
The popular beachside resort village of Sanur has long been a vacation destination in Bali with its beautiful beaches and abundance of tourist facilities. Located only a short drive from the capital, Denpasar, Sanur provides visitors with an opportunity to scuba dive, snorkel, sail and sunbathe.
Batubulan
Situated northeast of Denpasar, Batubulan is known for its woodcarvings, which can be seen at the various ornate temples. Also small woodcarvings can be purchased as souvenirs from the countless roadside factories in the village.
Bali Nightlife
The nightlife scene in Bali usually starts quite late, so don’t be surprised if the bars and clubs seem quiet before midnight. Backpackers and surfers tend to congregate in and around Kuta’s watering holes, whilst expats and those seeking more ‘chic’ tend to head to Seminyak for their nights-out. And even though the legendary Double Six club has now closed its doors for the last time, there are plenty of trendy bars and discos to keep you going until dawn!
Deja’ Vu (Seminyak) – Serving excellent cocktails, this beach-front venue plays some of the best sounds to Bali’s trendiest crowd.
Hu’u (Seminyak) – Gorgeous cosmopolitan style bar that includes a 14m pool and expensive wooden lounge deck to pamper its international clientele. Try one of their legendary Lychee Martinis while resident DJs bring up rare grooves and jazz breaks from pre-dinner cocktails to late night clubbing.
61 Legian (Kuta) – This entertainment complex, in the heart of Kuta, is home to a number of popular bars and clubs; some open until 5am! Start your evening at the Blarney Stone Irish pub and then dance the night away at Club Cyclone or the rooftop Sky Garden Lounge.
M-Bar-Go (Kuta) – This fancy hip-hop club, catering to a younger clientele, is one of Kuta’s hot-spots.
Laughing Budda Bar (Ubud) – One of the more popular hang-outs in town, this bar is a terrific place to enjoy great live music in an informal atmosphere.
Jalan Dhyana Pura (Seminyak) – Known amongst locals as "Drink Street" you’ll find a great variety of bars and pubs to suit all tastes. Here’s a selection of just a few: A-Bar - one of Bali's most popular cocktail bars with the thirty-something crowd; JP's Warung Club - an intimate venue offering live acoustic music seven nights a week; The Bottle Shop - for those anglophiles and Aussies who miss the local pub; Liquid - trendy two-storey luminescent bar with upstairs terrace; Mixwell - popular gay bar with drag shows and go-go dancers; Oxygen - minimalist décor with a kick-ass sound system and freaky projections.
