Bali is a world away from the rest of Indonesia, and it's a longstanding favorite with independent travelers. Itinerant surfers started coming as early as the 1930s, but it wasn't until the 1960s that surfing holidays in Bali became fashionable.
Today, the island legacy continues, and Bali sees as many bohemian surfers as it does affluent resort tourists. With miles of luxurious coastline and a range of accommodation in Bali, this small island has room enough for everyone.
Indonesia may have the world's largest Muslim population, but Bali fosters its own distinct culture. Hinduism has flourished here for nearly 2,000 years.
Away from the beaches are fascinating Hindu temples, cultural exhibitions, terraced rice fields and colorful festivals all worthy of a visit – any many photos.
Kuta is the busiest resort district in Bali, with a few of the top luxury hotels in Bali. Behind the main waterfront is a spread of budget guesthouses that are still within easy walking distance of the beach.
From here it's a short trip by taxi or rented motorbike to Uluwatu, a massive limestone peninsula jutting out in the sea. Tourists visit Uluwatu to see the temple, go surfing or watch the sun set over the majestic cliffs.
Nusa Dua/Benoa is another major tourist area, with scores of high-end, big name hotels.
images: PlanetWare
Legian is another must-see. This relaxed beach boasts excellent surf and a strip of restaurants and bars near the onsite hotels. Life in Legian begins and ends on the beach. Surf shops give lessons by day, and then give way to lively bars and live music venues after sunset.
Kuta Beach is also legendary and offers up a smorgasbord of luxury beachfront resorts.
Further south is Denpasar's Ngurah Rai Airport, one of Indonesia's busiest travel hubs. Flights connect to prominent cities across southern Asia, and most of the major hotels in Bali offer free transfers from the airport. For those not staying in a hotel near Bali airport, metered taxis and rental cars are easily arranged around the Arrivals Hall.
Online Hotel Reservation
Source: Agoda
Books about Bali..
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Lonely Planet Bali and Lombok (Regional Travel Guide) List Price: Sale Price: $14.79  |
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The mere mention of Bali evokes thoughts of a paradise. It 's more than a place; it 's a mood, an aspiration, a tropical state of mind. Ryan Ver Berkmoes, Lonely Planet Writer Our Promise You can trust our travel information because Lonely Planet authors visit the places we write about, each and every edition... |
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Lonely Planet Indonesia (Country Travel Guide) List Price: Sale Price: $20.41 |
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With a Lonely Planet guidebook you'll get the best out of your Indonesian trip. Our 9th edition of "Indonesia" will take you to the best beaches and bars in Bali, through lush paddy fields in Sumatra, diving with turtles off the Gilis in Lombok and to a traditional dance in Ubud... |
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Tales of a Female Nomad: Living at Large in the World List Price: Sale Price: $5.03 |
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When Rita Golden Gelman traveled to Mexico during a two-month separation from her husband, she hoped to satisfy an old craving for adventure and, in the process, rejuvenate herself and her marriage. Little did she know it was the beginning of a new life, not just as a divorcée, but as a nomad of the world... |
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Yoga Bitch: One Woman's Quest to Conquer Skepticism, Cynicism, and Cigarettes on the Path to Enlightenment List Price: Sale Price: $8.54 |
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What happens when a coffee-drinking, cigarette-smoking, steak-eating twenty-five-year-old atheist decides it is time to get in touch with her spiritual side? Not what you’d expect… When Suzanne Morrison decides to travel to Bali for a two-month yoga retreat, she wants nothing more than to be transformed from a twenty-five-year-old with a crippling fear of death into her enchanting yoga teacher, Indra—a woman who seems to have found it all: love, self, and God... |
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DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Bali and Lombok List Price: Sale Price: $13.35 |
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DK Eyewitness Bali & Lombok travel guide will lead you straight to the best attractions these beautiful islands have on offer. Packed with photographs, illustrations and clear maps the guide explores these Indonesian islands in detail; from the noisy, colorful and glamorous bustle of Bali to the quiet and tranquil retreats of Lombok... |
Posted by Irwan on August 5, 2010
