OUR thoughts on BALI

Bali’s idyllic location, constant warm temperature and welcoming people have made Bali holiday’s a favourite of kiwi’s and travellers from all over the world. Bali has arts and culture, beautiful scenery, friendly people, and also ideal for those wanting pure relaxation. One of the obvious attractions of Bali is the warm coastline and fabulous beaches like the famous Kuta and Legian, quieter Seminyak , Sanur, Candi Dasa, or black sands of Lovina to the outer islands of Lombok, and Lombok’s Gili Islands or Nusa Lembongan with fantastic diving, snorkelling and water based activities. If you’re not a total beach bum though, there are many other areas that are worth a visit, including Ganung Batur, a volcanic cone with a lake in the surrounding caldera, head to Ubud to indulge in shopping the local market for handy crafts or furniture, visit the monkey park or one of the ancient shrines and temples that dot the landscape between the amazing rice terraces, all can be done by simply hiring a private guide to explore the country side in air conditioned comfort. Bali’s spectacular accommodation options from beach side resorts to boutique villas make a Bali holiday suitable for anyone. Getting around is easy with lots of taxis, buses or car/motorbike hire companies. Our Asia Specialists have been there and can help you make the right choice for your Bali Holiday.

OUR KUTA
One of the most well-known spots in Bali would be Kuta. Leaving the Sanctuary of your accommodation in Kuta you will find, hustle, bustle and busy streets although the atmosphere is easy-going, informal and fun. A unique holiday location with large stretch of sandy beach and excellent surfing conditions. Kuta offers an amazing variety of shops, boutiques and small stores, which give hours of pleasure to bargain-hunters. There is also plenty to do at night time, more restaurants than you could eat at in a year, candle-lit bars and fun filled nightclubs. Find out from Our Bali Specialists if Kuta would be right for you.

OUR LEGIAN
Just north of all the action and excitement of Kuta is Legian with its maze of roads and alleyways lined with restaurants, bars and market stalls. Some hotels are located right on the beachfront, where you can enjoy the sunset sipping cocktails, a place to enjoy the sun and the surf as well as the many restaurants, shops and night-life.

OUR SEMINYAK
North again from Kuta and Legian heading towards Seminyak, the pace quietens progressively to a slower and more relaxed world of rice paddies and less busy beaches. Just the spot for a more relaxed style of holiday. Perfect for those wanting tranquillity but still with a host of restaurants, night spots and just minutes away from the action of the southern areas of Legian and Kuta.

OUR NUSA DUA and TANJUNG BENOA
Bali’s international resort area located on the southern tip of the island offers secluded luxury on a magnificent palm-fringed, reef- protected beach. Nusa Dua has fabulous resort hotels as well as an international standard 18-hole golf course. A regular shuttle service runs between the hotels and the Galleria Shopping Centre with its collection of fashion boutiques, specialty shops and restaurants, or just a 45 minute taxi ride from the buzzing centre of Kuta. As an alternative to Nusa Dua, Tanjung Benoa to the north is quiet and offers an informal alternative to the more stylised Nusa Dua. Water sports are prevalent here, and there is a distinct "family friendly” environment. Benoa harbour is also the port of call for all the ferries that travel to the outer islands, like Nusa Lembongan and the Gilis, which makes this a perfect base for Bali Island exploration.

OUR SANUR
For those who prefer a more leisurely pace in comparison to the hum of Kuta, Sanur is ideal. The hotels and resorts are nestled among lush, green vegetation and swaying coconut palms. The coastline curves gently around a calm lagoon protected from the surf by a beautiful coral reef. The beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and there is a host of water sports activities available. An ideal place for families.

OUR UBUD
This quaint mountain town is approximately one hour's drive north of the capital, Denpasar. The mountain climate is cooler than on the coast and other than a few late nightspots, village life is serene and quiet. Perched far above the Ayung Gorge and River, the hotels and restaurants offer wonderful views of the sweeping valley and the mountain slopes covered with rice terraces. Art galleries, studios and art and craft stalls line the streets - Ubud is a centre of Balinese art and culture, and accessible as a day trip or with boutique accommodation for a longer stay. Let Our Bali Specialists help to guide you.

OUR BALI ISLANDS OUR LOMBOK
A short flight from Bali takes you to Lombok with its quiet craft villages and stunning tropical beauty. Although Lombok is less developed than Bali, the beautiful countryside and white sand beaches make it a lovely destination for those who want to get away from the crowd. The people and culture of Lombok differ from the Balinese, yet you’ll find them just as welcoming, friendly and willing to share their island paradise with you.

OUR GILI ISLANDS
Dotted around Lombok are the Gili Islands, with those off the North coast becoming popular with day-trippers, backpackers and serious divers looking for the perfect island getaway. Accommodation can be found in small hotels or simple bungalows and are perfect for travellers wanting to find somewhere new.

OUR NUSA LEMBONGAN
Nusa Lembongan is a small island, 20 km off the east coast of Bali. Its local population is less than 4000 people whose major industry is fishing and seaweed farming. Have you ever wondered where the seaweed of your sushi might come from? Known for its great surf, the excellent crystal-clear waters also make it a perfect place for snorkelling and diving. It’s still a basic place, but interesting, and there are some lovely places to stay.

So there you have it, an overview of Bali. Our Bali Specialist have been there, know and love it and would love nothing more than to help you plan the perfect Indonesian getaway.