A fashionable tourist area in the Nusa Dua area is an enclave of tropical gardens, pristine beaches and well-trained staff. The resort has mainly 4 * and 5 * hotels operating on an all-inclusive basis and offering a full range of services. Nusa Dua has a surf center and an 18-hole golf center.

Between sunbathing and dinner at a restaurant traditional cuisine, vacationers can visit the wonderful SPA centers, or rent a bike and ride along picturesque surroundings. It is most convenient to buy souvenirs in a huge mall Galleria, where there are numerous cafes and boutiques.

Once a small fishing village 2 km north of Nusa Dua - Benoa - is now the newest resort and center water activities islands. The most popular activities are banana rides, diving, fishing, jet skis, windsurfing, parasailing over the sea surface, etc.

Benoa hotels are represented by both high-class hotel complexes and modest budget hostels.

It is interesting that in the resort at a distance of 100 m from each other there are a Muslim mosque, Hindu and Chinese temples. This allows you to get acquainted with different worldviews and philosophies, but you should first familiarize yourself with the rules of conduct and appearance to enter each of the shrines.

A serene vacation on white sand surrounded by lush greenery on one of Bali's elite beaches is accommodation at the Jimbaran resort. There are only five hotels directly on the shore (Jimbaran Puri Bali Resort 5 *, Ayana Resort and Spa 5 *, Keraton Jimbaran Resort & Spa 4 *, Inter Continental Bali Resort 5 * and Four Seasons Jimbaran Bali 5*). The rest are located within walking distance from the sea. Some of them are inexpensive guest houses, and luxurious villas that provide an unforgettable vacation.

In the morning, holidaymakers can go to the exotic Jimbaran market, which sells the freshest, only caught fish, local fruits and vegetables. But tourists prefer to meet the sunset in fish restaurants located on the seashore.

Without a doubt, the most crowded, noisy and colorful resort of Bali is Kuta Beach. There are many restaurants, cafes, discos, aquatic species sports. In any season, there are the most surfers who come to conquer the wave from all over the world. A huge number of bars are focused on Australian tourists, of which there are a great many in Kuta.

The hotel base in Kuta is represented mainly by cozy 3-star hotels, about 15 4-star hotels and several upscale 5-star hotels. As with any beach on the island, luxury villas can be rented at this resort. The beach is carefully cleaned, but the surf brings some garbage and empty bottles every morning.

After beach relaxation and dinner at a fish restaurant, you can go to the Kuta Theater (www.kuta-theater.com), where a magic show with national dances, music, special effects and fire takes place for an hour.

The resort of Legian bordering Kuta is characterized by the same developed infrastructure but more relaxed atmosphere. Surfing and evening entertainment are also popular here. You can relax in one of the luxurious Legian spas. There are about 100 hotels in the village, some of them are located right on the seashore.

The unique atmosphere of the center of the spiritual and cultural life of Bali penetrates into every cell of the body of travelers who come to Ubud. The area, which consists of 14 villages, is famous for its art galleries and traditional craft centers. The resort is located at an altitude of 400 m above sea level, so it is cooler here than in other parts of the island. emerald rice terraces, hiking trails in the mountains, the Ayung River flowing nearby, numerous museums and temple complexes attract true connoisseurs of beauty.

Not the most popular resort among tourists, Lovina is located in the north of the island, and is significantly different from the crowded southern beaches. Yes, and hotels here once or twice and miscalculated. The sand is of volcanic origin, dark gray, sometimes small debris is thrown ashore by the water. Lovina is worth a visit to see numerous flocks of dolphins at dawn, swim in the hot springs of Banjar and get into the largest Buddhist temple of the island - Brahma Vihara Arama.

In the southwest of the Bukit peninsula is the town of Uluwatu, primarily known for its 11th-century temple complex, standing on a rock. During the tour, travelers see only the temple, and do not know that the beaches of Uluwatu are one of the most beautiful and secluded in Bali. And for professional surfers, you simply cannot find higher waves than here. You can stay both in luxurious villas and luxury hotels, as well as in economical hotels of 2-3 * level. visiting temple complex, tourists should carefully monitor their personal belongings, as the numerous macaques that live here take away glasses, shoes, and even photographic equipment from vacationers. You can have a bite to eat and refresh yourself with a beautiful view of the azure waves and slightly pinkish sand in numerous cafes. Most often, they order king prawns, oysters, mussels and other grilled seafood.

Candidasa (Candi Dasa)

The small cozy town of Chandidasa, located between the mountain range and the beach, is distinguished by lush vegetation and a beautiful coral reef. The beach has black volcanic sand, at high tide there are quite dangerous waves that even experienced surfers are afraid to ride, as the bottom is uneven in some places, with boulders and coral formations. Despite the sparseness of the resort, Chandidas has a large number of hotels and restaurants for every taste and budget.

Not far from the city is the authentic village of Tenganan artisans, as well as the beautiful Tirta Gangga Palace, on the territory of which there are many beautiful fountains, lakes and pools.

In the Tanah Lot area (22 km from Kuta), tourist life is centered around the Hindu temple of the same name on the water. You can approach it only by a narrow bridge that appears on the surface only at low tide. On the territory of the temple, built in the form of a pagoda, there are interesting sculptures from different eras, but the entrance to the sanctuary itself is available only to believers. The cost of visiting Tanah Lot is $2.2 for an adult and $1.1 for a child. Near the temple there are several enough good hotels: Villa Sunset Golf 3*, Natya Hotel Tanah Lot 3* and Dewi Sinta Hotel and Restaurant 2*.

The mere mention of Bali evokes thoughts of paradise. It is more than a place - it is a mood, an aspiration, a "tropical" state of mind. Bali, the famous Island of the Gods, is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet. It seems to have everything here: terraced rice fields, white sandy beaches, picturesque green hills, alluring thickets of the jungle, severe and majestic volcanoes, dense mangrove forests - stunningly beautiful places that take your breath away. All this, coupled with an abundance of luxury resorts, spas, a great wave for surfing, beautiful coral reefs, interesting sights and amazing local culture, attracts about three million tourists to the island every year. It's warm here all year round(air and water temperature 26-28 degrees), but it is worth considering that it rains from December to March, and it is unlikely that you will be able to sunbathe. The flight to Bali is long - from 12 hours, a visa (up to 30 days) can be issued at the airport.

Bali - a mix of cultures and religions

Arguably the most enticing of Indonesia's islands, Bali is a unique fusion of cultures and religions. The main population is Hindu, but here you can also clearly feel Southeast Asia. Bali is like an eclectic mix that really sets it apart from neighboring islands. The locals are very friendly and smiling, and it seems that they are not at all tired of the crowds of tourists. You can’t deny them a sense of humor, when they see a bald tourist, many will immediately wink slyly and say that the rain is canceled, they say, the head is clear as a clear sky.

The island, resembling a fish with its outlines, is quite small: 150 km from east to west and 80 km from south to north, which is very convenient, because. There is only one airport in Bali, and in terms of sightseeing, too. But it is large enough to maintain a calm atmosphere despite the colossal influx of tourists. Here everyone can find a secluded corner and relax in solitude.

The geography of the island and the main resorts of Bali

South Bali is by far the most visited part of the island. Resorts such as Kuta, Bukit Peninsula, Sanur, Denpasar, Jimbaran, Kangu, Legian, Nusa Dua, Seminyak are all south.

Quiet beaches with black sand sparkling in the sun are typical for the northern part of the island. Lovina is interesting because in the morning dolphins swim close to the shore. The city of Singaraja is also located here - former capital Bali.

West Bali is Negara, Pemuteran, Gilimanuk and national reserve West Bali.

Calm coastal villages: Amed, Candidasa, Besakih, Kintamani, Padang Bai, the active Batur volcano with a lake at the foot and the highest Mount Agung on the island is the east of Bali.

The quiet offshore islands in the southeast are popular with diving enthusiasts.

A chain of mountains with volcanic peaks, some of which remain active, runs through the center of the island. On the northern side of the ridge there is a rather narrow lowland, and on the southern side there is a plain, which is the center of Bali culture. Lush valleys and hills with carved terraces - rice has been grown on them for centuries.

Ubud is the main cultural and tourist center of Bali.

It is these serene landscapes that surround Ubud, the main cultural center of Bali. In numerous museums and galleries, you can trace the history of Bali, get acquainted with art and crafts. But to absorb a bit of local culture, you should see colorful performances with traditional music and dances.

In Ubud, you can find many ancient Hindu temples and watch the rituals being performed. There is an abundance of various art centers and workshops engaged in woodcarving, batik and other local crafts. It is most convenient to ride a bicycle through the narrow streets of the town, but you can also walk on foot, seeing the sights. Ubud is the heart of Bali, a place where the spirit and culture of the island become more understandable. Maybe that's why there are so many tourists here, even though the nearest beach is almost an hour away. It will take at least a week to see at least some of the sights of Ubud and its environs: the sacred Monkey Forest, the Goa Gajah complex with unique cave, Tirta Empul, built on thermal springs, the Yeh Pulu ensemble carved right into the rock, the tombs of Gunung Kawi, the Chapel of the Mother Goddess ...

Kuta is the surfer capital of Indonesia.

A completely different resort town of Kuta. It is noisy, bright, here during the day the beaches are filled with surfers who have chosen the local tides back in the distant 1960s and 70s, and after sunset the nightlife is seething: many bars and nightclubs entertain the public almost until the morning. There are wide beaches with golden sand, luxury hotels, an unimaginable range of spa services, yoga is very popular, a lot of shops and souvenir shops. During the day, the public relaxes on the beach or in the Waterbom Park themed water park, and in the evenings admires the sunsets, which are magnificent in Kuta. People often come to this place to hold a wedding ceremony and a honeymoon - the atmosphere is conducive to this.

Gorgeous Nusa Dua - Balinese luxury

In the south of Bali there is the Bukit Peninsula, in the eastern part of which there is a closed area with a number of 4 * -5 * hotels, a walking area with boutiques, restaurants and bars, a golf course, a conference hall, and most importantly - a wonderful beach with light sand. All this splendor is called Nusa Dua. The resort is considered elite, the staff is well-trained, there are no annoying street and beach vendors, in general, this is a slightly different Bali - luxury & premium.

Family-friendly resorts

For family vacation the calm and clear waters of Sanur and the well-protected beaches of Jimbaran are suitable. But surfers, along with Kuta, have chosen Seminyak. It should be borne in mind that the entire coast of the island, where it is more, and where it is less, is subject to high / low tides. You should not be afraid, because. most hotels have a timetable and you quickly get used to such a natural phenomenon.

It's not surprising, given the island's volcanic nature, that black sand is the norm, but there are beaches to the south that have fine-grained white sand.

Attractions Bali

Bali's most famous attractions are its countless Hindu temples. Each village has the right to build and maintain at least three temples, but wealthy villages are not limited to this number.

At strategic points throughout Bali, there are nine main temples that are designed to protect the island and its inhabitants from dark forces. The most important for the Balinese is the Temple of the Mother (Besakih), located on the slopes of Mount Agung. Uluwatu Temple on the southern tip of the island is very popular.

Temples rarely match in design. Each decorative detail is strictly thought out and has an earthly or spiritual nature. There are also common elements that are unchanged for the vast majority of temples. This is, first of all, the division into three courtyards: Jaba (outer courtyard), Jaba Tenga (middle courtyard) and Jaroan (inner courtyard). Each of these courtyards contains individual structures and shrines of varying levels of importance.

Tiered pagodas covered with black palm fiber roofs are very elegant. The number of tiers must be odd.

To enter any temple, you should wear a sarong, which can be rented, but it is more convenient to buy and always carry it with you.

Natural attractions of Bali

All of Bali's mountains are volcanoes that are dormant, but some are still active. The magnificent Mount Agung (3142 meters) dominates the East Bali landscape and has been quiet since 1963. Much more active is the Batur volcano, constantly smoldering and periodically producing emissions. You can climb it in a couple of hours - this is one of the most accessible active volcanoes throughout Indonesia.

Come to Bali and you will have a good rest!

Such is Bali: so small and so big, so noisy and so calm... so different... Here you can watch how the mahouts wash and train elephants and ride a gray giant; freeze from the stunning view from the top of the mountain and admire the sunset; spend the whole day on the beach and catch the best wave of your life; see a lot of new and interesting and just wonderful to relax.

P.S. Fans of holidays in Turkey on an all-inclusive system may be disappointed by the island. In general, those who have visited Bali are divided into those who fell in love with the island once and for all and those who understand that this place is not for them. But it's still worth coming here, otherwise how do you know ...

You are going to, you have heard many different names of places associated with Bali - Denpasar, Kuta, Sanur, Uluwatu - but you have no idea how one place differs from another, and which one you should choose for your vacation. BaliBlogger will honestly tell you which part of Bali is the best place to relax, and how different areas of Bali differ from each other.

In a nutshell: the main center of tourist life in Bali is the districts and Seminyak. Most of the hotels are focused there. In addition to hotels in Seminyak, you can also rent a villa: this type of holiday in Bali is very popular.

In addition to Kuta and Seminyak, Canggu and its environs (Kerobokan, Umalas), Jimbaran and different areas of the Bukit Peninsula (Ungasan, Balangan, Dreamland, Pechatu, Padang-Padang, Uluwatu), as well as areas Nusa Dua, Sanur. These are areas where beach holidays and surfing are possible. Another popular area - the town of Ubud - is located in the center of the island and the beaches are an hour and a half away.

In all the above areas there are hotels and houses for rent. Depending on what type of holiday you are interested in, whether you plan to travel mainly on foot or by taxi / car / scooter, whether the proximity of the beach or surf spots is important to you, this or that area is better for you. Different areas differ in prices, the degree of intensity of tourist traffic, privacy, proximity to tourist attractions, walking distance to the beach, etc.

Recommendations for different areas of Bali, depending on the format of the holiday:

Beach in Kuta

For the young and restless, for those who want to hang out and rock every day: Kuta and Seminyak.

If your goal is not seclusion in a villa with a book by the pool and in the evenings you do not like to go to bed early and want constant movement, if you need a party every day, if you want to have breakfast-dinner-lunch in restaurants, then only two places in Bali will suit you - either cheap backpacker Kuta, or its more expensive neighbor - Seminyak.

Trust me if you want active nightlife, constant parties and new acquaintances, only these two areas will suit you. Do not dream of settling in another area and driving every day to Kuta or Seminyak: you will get tired of standing in traffic jams.

It is very important to carefully choose between Kuta and Seminyak: if you choose Kuta, you find yourself among surfers and backpackers, local cafes, young people and noisy parties and happy hours; if you prefer Seminyak, you'll find decent restaurants (some of the best in Bali), trendy bars and clubs, villas and a more affluent crowd. In these areas, there are cafes, restaurants, bars and all the shops you need on every corner, and most importantly, you will definitely not be bored there.

Another reason to settle in Kuta or Seminyak: if you are not planning or, then in these areas everything is located compactly next to each other and you can somehow walk there. In other areas without personal transport, it can be problematic.

By the way, if you decide to try to master surfing, then beginners usually learn to surf on the beach in Kuta, where all surf schools are located.

Of the minuses: in these areas it is noisy and there is almost no nature and greenery. The beaches are not suitable for swimming and they are not the most picturesque in Bali.

Kuta

The choice of Kuta or Seminyak is simple. If you love Asia for its democracy and cheapness, if you have no special claims to the external environment and gloss, if you want to be in the center of the surf party, then you should go to Kuta. If you want to walk down the street and easily meet an Australian or Brazilian surfer, then Kuta is the place for you. If you want crazy parties every night, happy hours in bars with super-cheap alcohol, then Kutu is the place for you. If you don’t understand why overpay for food just because the restaurant has a tablecloth, then you are definitely in Kuta. If you want to stay in a hotel for $10-20 per room or $250 per month, then you will find this only in Kuta. Kuta is the heart of surf Bali.

Seminyak

If you are leaning towards decent restaurants, white sofas or European interiors, lounge-style bars, then Seminyak is for you. If you want everything to be "decent and clean", then you have only one way - Seminyak. There you will find: Jalan Raya Seminyak street with designer boutiques, DoubleSix and Dhyana Pure streets, Oberoi and Petitenget, as well as Kunti I with numerous bars, clubs and restaurants. There is a little more expensive than in Kuta, but you will get a decent level and comfort. (By the way, even there restaurants are still cheaper than in Russia :) It is in Seminyak that most of the hotels located within walking distance from the beach are located, it is in Seminyak that there are many cozy villas and houses for rent.

In Seminyak, you can stay in a hotel ($60-150 per room) or rent a villa (from $180-250). Housing and restaurant prices are much more expensive here than in some other areas of Bali, but you will be in the center of everything.

Just remember, living in Seminyak or Kuta is not for those who seek solitude. No rice fields or rocky shores as a window view. No villa by the sea with a private beach - there is none here. Narrow streets full of motorbikers, cars and loitering tourists - this is what awaits you. But it's never boring here! It even seems to me that it is better to make the first trip to Bali to Kuta or Seminyak in order to feel the real Bali. I spent all my vacation trips to Bali here.

About villas in Seminyak: the prices for villas here are quite high, plus the territories of most villas are not very large due to dense development, in general, for the same money you can get more interesting option in Canggu or Bukit. So choose what is more important for you - a spacious villa and cheap price or proximity to the tourist center.

Beach cafes in Seminyak

You can save a little if you find a villa not in Seminyak itself, but in its environs. For example, in Kerobokan (just west of Seminyak), in the Umalas area, on Batu Belig Street or between Legian and Sunset Road. Seminyak is a 5-10 minute drive away and the price difference can be significant. But again, you lose walking distance to the streets with restaurants and cafes, except that you save a little on a taxi compared to the more remote areas of Bali.

For surfers: Canggu or Bukit Peninsula.

If the main purpose of your trip is surfing, if you do not plan to hang out every day until the morning, but look for proximity to surf spots, if you want a little more Balinese flavor, if you already know how to ride or plan to learn during your trip, and if you If you don’t see any difficulty in moving around the island on a motorbike or by car, then the best option is to rent a villa or find a hotel in Canggu, or on the Bukit Peninsula - on the southern point of Bali (these are the areas of Jimbaran, Ungasan, Dreamland, Pechatu, Padang-Padang, Uluwatu).

Cafe on the beach in Canggu / Echo Beach

Chang.

Canggu has ideal spots for both longboarders and advanced surfers, as well as for more experienced surfers. Famous spots and beaches are Brawa beach, Batu Bolong, Old Man, Echo Beach, Pererenan and so on. Canggu is a picturesque green area with an authentic Balinese village, green rice paddies and black sand beaches. In addition, Canggu is the most trendy on this moment area, it's full of hipsters, all sorts of creative people, trendy surfers and various other advanced youth. There are many European restaurants and cafes in Canggu, so you will always find where to have lunch or dinner.

Canggu is located west along the coast from Kuta and Seminyak. From Seminyak beach to the beach in Canggu about 5 kilometers. On the road from Canggu to Seminyak and Kuta - about 10-12 km. Most of the beaches in this area are deserted, almost wild, except for surfers, so there is almost no one, except that the locals sometimes come out at sunset, either during ceremonies or on weekends. There are no "organized" beaches in Canggu: that is, there are almost no sunbeds, umbrellas and beach cafes, but do real surfers need all this? The surf spots themselves are equipped with parking lots, cafes where you can leave your things and have a bite to eat. But swimming in Canggu is not particularly possible due to strong surf and waves.

Canggu doesn't have the same intense nightlife as Seminyak, but there are regular parties here too. And Seminyak is a stone's throw from Canggu if you ride a scooter and find out all the shortcuts through the rice fields. I really love Canggu because it's beautiful, green, fresh, there are great spots for surfing at different levels and a lot of places with delicious food. If you are planning to go to Kuta and Seminyak often, just look for a villa closer to Seminyak, for example, in such areas as Kerobokan, Umalas, Batu Belig, Brava.

The surf season in Canggu runs from April to November, other times in this part of Bali are not ideal, but still suitable for beginners. By the way, here in Canggu in the summer months (June-August) it happens good wind for kitesurfing.

The Canggu area is a good option for a relaxing holiday with your family, but you will definitely need a car or scooter to get around.

Bukit Peninsula: from Jimbaran to Uluwatu.

The second accommodation option is the Bukit Peninsula and the most famous surf spots for advanced surfers are Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Balangan, Dreamland, Green Bowl, Bingin and so on. The Bukit peninsula has its own microclimate, it is a little drier and hotter than Canggu, there are no green rice terraces, but there are wonderful winding country roads immersed in the greenery of local trees, and high rocky shores with beautiful secluded beaches, which you often have to go down to down the endless stone steps.

In Bukit, the most beautiful (and most expensive) villas with the so-called cliff view are villas on a hill or on the edge of high cliffs, overlooking the ocean and horizons stretching into the distance. True, for such a villa you will have to pay 250-500 or more dollars per night.

Bukit is different from the rest of Bali - in terms of nature and atmosphere. It is inhabited mainly by surfers, it is quite secluded here and there is little going on. If you live in Bukit, then for the glamor and chic you still have to get out to Seminyak. 25 km to Kuta, 20 km to Seminyak. Bukit is the heart of surf Bali, or rather the part of it that comes for real big waves, and not for parties in Kuta. But there are not so many surf spots for beginner surfers, without an instructor it is better not to ride here at all.

There is not much activity in Bukit and not much good restaurants, like in Canggu or Seminyak, so you need to know where to go. And in general, many tourists here are bored. If you are not a lover of solitude, then perhaps Bukit is not for you. There is nothing to do in Bukit without personal transport.

Canggu or Bukit?!

When choosing Canggu or Bukit for surfing, do not forget to check the seasonality of the waves - for example, from November to March there are almost no waves at many Canggu spots. At this time, spots work in Nusa Dua (eastern part of Bukit) and on east coast in the Sanur area.

In general, if you are a real surfer, then for the sake of the waves you will always be ready to load the board onto a motorbike and rush almost to the other end of the island, so in fact it doesn’t matter in which part you settle. You can, for example, settle in Kuta, then it will be approximately the same time to all spots, plus you can surf in Kuta.

Well, the last piece of advice - if you are a beginner surfer (but already riding on your own), then it’s better for you to choose Canggu anyway: there surf spots are much easier than on Bukit, and the Batu Bolong spot is practically a training spot where surf schools bring their students . If you ride very confidently, or hardly ride, then Bukit spots will most likely be beyond your strength. You can also focus on Kuta Beach, this is the main educational spot in Bali, all schools are located there and classes for absolutely zero students are held there. An important detail: some surf schools provide their students with a free transfer from the place of residence to the school and to the place where the surf lessons are held. Another reason to settle in any area you like and use the school shuttle.

For those who are looking exclusively: Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Sanur.

For those who plan to spend most of their time on the beach, who are traveling with their families and do not want to end up in the noisy tourist Seminyak, a hotel or villa in Jimbaran, Sanur or Nusa Dua is most likely to suit.

But in general, to go to Bali for the sake of beach holiday- this is a very bad idea. If you still can change your mind, then it’s better to go, for example, to Thailand, because if you come to Bali solely for the sake of a beach holiday, you will be very disappointed. Firstly, there is the ocean, which means strong waves, in some places so strong that you can’t not only swim, but even go into the water without losing your swimsuit (for example, in Canggu); and in some places the bottom is rocky or reef and is also not particularly bought (Bukit). The only exceptions are Nusa Dua, Jimbaran and Sanur - there are no waves and you can swim and sunbathe on the beach.

Secondly, Bali is not at all bounty beaches with white sand, palm trees and bamboo bungalows on the shore. Bali is a volcano island and many beaches have black (or at least dark) volcanic sand. The only exception is the Bukit Peninsula, there is really beautiful white sand, but you will have to get to the beaches by transport and not all beaches are suitable for swimming because of the waves. In addition, in some places there are corals and stones in the water, and the ocean has such a property as ebb and flow, therefore, at low tide, stones and corals are exposed, so you can only get to the water in special shoes.

Last but not least, Bali great amount deserted beaches, but they are not equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas and other beach infrastructure. The same beaches on which this beach infrastructure is present (like the beach in Kuta or Seminyak) can disappoint you with a huge number of people, both surfers and everyone else, plus souvenir sellers will not leave you alone for a minute. In addition, in winter, the beaches of Kuta are generally different in that even surfers are afraid to come there - the ocean throws a huge amount of garbage right onto the beach. You can only put up with this garbage if you are a desperate surfer and you are driven by a thirst for waves. Read about the differences between these places below.

By the way, if you are already a true connoisseur of a beautiful beach holiday, then do not miss the trip to, that's already where really beautiful beaches and you can live right in a bungalow on the beach.

An important detail: in Bali, the beach does not belong to anyone except the Balinese villages, so there are almost no private and closed beaches in Bali. The maximum you can get is a villa or hotel that is close to the beach or when the beach is within walking distance. Villas near the beach are usually much more expensive, so decide according to your budget. In Nusa Dua, Sanur, Seminyak and Jimbaran there are hotels located on the first line from the sea, but the beaches are still open to everyone.

Once again about the waves: everywhere, in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Bukit - the waves break right off the coast and you won’t be able to swim in calm water, besides, almost all the beaches in Bali are beaches with black or gray sand (exception - Bukit Peninsula). Bukit has a white sand beach, but the coast itself is rocky, to get to the beach you often have to go down a large number of steps. And there are waves everywhere.

The exception is Sanur and the Nusa Dua area, where the waves beat far from the coast and therefore the water is more or less calm near the coast. On Nusa Dua, these are the beaches of Geger, Nico Beach, Sri Lanka, Mushroom Rock and so on. In Jimbaran, the waves are mostly not very strong, so it is possible to swim there.

Seminyak. There are good hotels in Seminyak right next to the beach, and in the area itself there are a huge number of restaurants, cafes, bars and designer shops. It will not be boring in the evenings and Seminyak is equally close to most of the interesting places in Bali. I already wrote above - that Seminyak is for those who do not want to sit around the clock on the territory of the hotel, but want an active evening and night life. Plus Seminyak - active tourism infrastructure, and the cons are breaking waves and not as picturesque beaches as in other places. And do not forget that the beaches of Kuta and Seminyak are places for learning to surf, do not expect calmness in the water, there will be people with boards around.

Jimbaran. An alternative to Seminyak can be considered Jimbaran, which is located on the Bukit Peninsula, there are more or less organized beaches, on which there are waves much less often than in other places in Bali. Although there are quite a lot of large hotels in Jimbaran with a whole entertainment complex, it seems to me that Jimbaran is ideal for renting a villa near the beach. There are slightly calmer beaches than in Seminyak, fewer restaurants and cafes, but in general not far from Kuta and Seminyak. I don’t see any special advantages in Jimbaran, except that if you rent a villa there, then you are more likely to find a villa with an ocean view and a little larger in size than for the same money in Seminyak, since Seminyak is quite densely populated.

. This is part of the Bukit peninsula with picturesque white sand beaches and not very crowded. People who come to Bali are divided into those who come to Nusa Dua and everyone else who comes to Bali. Nusa Dua has its own glory: this place is a real tourist reservation package tourists, this is a place of huge hotel complexes with beaches, so beloved by Russian tourists that sometimes Nusa Dua resembles Turkey or Egypt. Plus, all the cafes and restaurants there are much more expensive than anywhere else in Bali. Many people living in Bali avoid Nusa Dua and rarely go there, unless they come to ride in the winter on local spots or sunbathe and swim on local beaches. So, I would not recommend going to Nusa Dua to a hotel. It is better to rent a villa nearby and come to the beach every day by car or motorbike. In general, Nusa Dua has only one plus compared to other places - beautiful beaches. There are no more pluses, but rather some minuses described above.

This is another beach resort, characterized by the fact that in the huge hotel complexes there you can get all the entertainment right on the spot - massages, spas, tennis courts, cafes and restaurants, so you don’t have to leave the hotel at all. The beach has calm water and no waves, as the beaches are fenced with special bays and breakwaters. Sanur is very fond of European and Australian wealthy pensioners, so in general there is a very relaxed holiday atmosphere. In my opinion, it is too boring for those who are not looking exclusively for a hotel and beach holiday. But Sanur has a significant advantage compared to Nusa Dua - there are still almost no Russians there and Sanur has not yet turned into Turkey or Egypt in terms of the type and format of vacationers.

. And finally: for a super beautiful beach holiday, go better for three or four days to the Gili Islands. A speedboat ticket to Gili and back costs around $35-55. Where, where, but on Gili there is a real bounty: whitest sand, clear blue water, small islands that can be walked up and down in one day, no cars or motorbikes. Most importantly, do not forget to take a book, films or a boyfriend, in two days you will understand that there is absolutely nothing to do on the islands, and all possible fish and inhabitants underwater world already greet you when they meet

For those looking for a beautiful villa, it doesn't matter if it is far or close to the surf spots or the beach.

Proceed from how far you want to move away from the tourist crowd into the green thickets, or vice versa, you want to be closer to the main “movement”. For those who are looking for solitude, Changu, Bukit or even Ubud are suitable (read about it separately below). If you want to be somewhere in the middle, then between Seminyak and Canggu you can look at places like Kerobokan and Umalas, and between Seminyak and Bukit - at Jimbaran. I have already described the difference between Bukit and Canggu above. In addition, Canggu is usually much cheaper than Bukit.

If you want villas with an unusual beautiful view, then look at the villas on the Jimbaran hills - this is the Ungasan area, very beautiful (but expensive villas) on the rocky shores and hills in the Pechatu, Uluwatu, Padang-Padang area.

If you want to beautiful views to Balinese villages, the greenery of rice terraces and the like, then your option is to climb further into Canggu. Overlooking even more beautiful tropical greenery and jungle, this is Ubud.

For those seeking solitude in the greenery of rice terraces and who do not need the ocean at all:

If you are looking for a relaxing holiday away from the tourist areas, want a real Balinese village and fresh greenery around you, if you do not need the ocean, or if you are intrigued by the book Eat-Pray-Love, then perhaps you need to rent a house in Ubud?

Ubud is another "center of life" in Bali, but completely different from Kuta and Seminyak. Ubud has a huge number of restaurants, cafes, shops and galleries, but at the same time, Ubud has its own kind of calmness. Around Ubud are real Balinese villages, with endless rice terraces, green forests and winding mountain-like rivers. In addition, Ubud is a place that is saturated with creativity - there are a huge number of galleries, art shops, a huge number of artists, sculptors and designers, both local and foreign, live here. Here, every village around Ubud is famous for some kind of handicraft: in Cheluk they make silver jewelry, in Masa they make wooden crafts, and in Singakert stone statues of Buddha, Ganesha or someone else are carved out of stone.

I also think that Ubud is an ideal place for a gastro-relaxation tour, there are a huge number of restaurants, very different and very tasty, there are excellent spas, some of which, like Maya Spa Ubud, are world famous. Here you can do art, yoga or just be alone with yourself.

Ubud has a large number of different hotels from cheap to expensive, located either in the picturesque green Balinese jungle or on the pretty streets of Ubud. In Bali, you can also rent a house or a villa.

Less popular tourist areas:

Places, including those described above, as well as areas of Bali, which you have probably heard of, but in which we do not recommend that you spend your entire vacation, unless you have good reasons for this. Read about these areas and the reasons below:

- the east coast of the island, super secluded hotels and black sand beaches. Usually only divers come here, as there are interesting places for diving and diving centers. If you do not plan to dive, you will be bored there. The maximum that is worth spending there: 2-3 days.

- northern coast and the Bali Sea. A place for even quieter foreign pensioners, which sometimes resembles Russian southern resorts in April, before the start of the season. Quiet, deserted and life seems to have stopped. You can go there for one or two days, but more time there will be just boring.

The island of Bali in Indonesia is able to fulfill the most daring dreams of tourists. Here you can relax noisily and cheerfully, serenely and in silence, or you can plan shopping and a rich cultural program. The resorts of Bali are very diverse, the cities are rapidly developing, so all parts of the island are more or less loved by tourists.

When deciding where exactly to go on vacation on the island of Bali, view photos and descriptions of beaches, hotel ratings and prices for accommodation in them.

Nusa Dua

Dreaming of a vacation, you have long been imagining chic villas in five-star hotels, high-class service, white sandy beaches and, of course, palm trees. You do not need to rush anywhere, worry about anything, you just lie in paradise and enjoy life. These are the places you will find in Nusa Dua.

The southeastern resort area of ​​Nusa Dua is considered the birthplace of tourism in Bali. The very first hotels were built here. Today, these popular areas offer tourists a VIP vacation. The entire coastline in Nusa Dua is dotted with five-star hotels: Mulia Resort, Grand Hyatt Bali, Grand Nikko Bali, Melia Bali are just some of them.

The entrance to the territory of the hotels is strictly regulated, all the beaches are well-groomed and located on the first line. On the territory there are luxurious golf courses, green walking paths, many swimming pools, restaurants, expensive spas. In general, the Nusa Dua resort is very similar to a fabulous polished area where vacationers appreciate comfort, chic service and can afford it.

All the best resorts in Bali are concentrated around Nusa Dua, but do not think that budget holiday is not possible here. This is not true. To rent inexpensive houses, you just need to drive a little from the coast. Although you will have to live far from the ocean, you can relax on the same beaches that hotel guests use. There are no closed beaches in Bali, they are all available to any tourist or local resident. The beach is subject to a significant influence of ebb and flow, strong waves are not uncommon, but they do not interfere with swimming.

Shopping and entertainment complexes in Nusa Dua are concentrated in the Bali Collection center, where free transfers are organized from hotels. As a cultural program, you can get acquainted with the art of Bali by visiting the Museum Pasifika, take a walk to the statues of Arjuna and Krishna, which guard the huge Bhagwat Gita book, and also go down through the park to the Water Blow rock. For fans of theatrical performances in Nusa Dua, you can visit the Devdan show, which takes place four times a week in a specially built theater for seven hundred people.

Tanjung Benoa

The ocean is splashing, jumping, bananas, boats, jet skis, parachutes and other water activities. If you can't imagine a beach holiday without all this, then your resort in Bali is Tanjung Benoa.

A small fishing village, located north of Nusa Dua, in the past was the island's waterway. Today, a small port still operates here, the main purpose of which is to rent boats for active water tourism.

Tanjung Benoa is the youngest tourist resort, which is still developing, but has already gained popularity thanks to large water entertainment centers. One of the first water parks to appear in Benoa was Watersport. Now there are already several such centers in the area: North Coast, Benoa marine recreation, Sari Merta Segara are the main competitors of Watersport.

All these centers offer almost the same entertainment: various types of diving, water banana rides, skiing, motorcycles, parasailing, swimming on spinning donuts, flying fish, and, of course, flying on a Jet Water Board, exploring the seabed and other forms of snorkeling. Prices at Watersport start from 55,000 rupees, at Benoa marine recreation - from 25,000 per person.

An unusual highlight that attracts tourists to Benoa marine recreation is the events held here water excursions. You can go to the turtle center, wander through the mangroves, watch the dolphins, or just sit with a fishing rod. If entertainment is booked via the Internet, then almost all companies provide discounts.

Kuta

If you are young and you can't sleep at night, if you don't like loneliness, and silence brings boredom, if you need noise, drive and fun for a good rest, then Kuta is your area. It is located a little higher than the airport, the road will take no more than 15 minutes.

An active youth movement of surfers from all over the world, unusual restaurants, nightclubs, a cool water park provoked a tourist boom in Kuta. Now it is the most crowded resort in Bali, which stretches along southwest coast at a distance of five kilometers. The map of Kuta identifies three main streets.

The street closest to the beaches is Pantai, where hotels and surf schools are located. It's kind of dormitory area. Further stretched street Legian - the heart of youth life. It is here that they have fun, communicate and do shopping. The Sky Garden club is also located here - the center of all parties in Kuta. The next quarter is Mataram street. Life here is completely different: everything is simple, cheap and without pathos. Of the shops and services, those related to surfing are especially in demand.

Kuta is not rich in cultural and historical monuments, the water here is opaque, sometimes even muddy. But the sandy bottom of the ocean and safe waves create ideal conditions for learning to surf, which is conducted by international schools, including a Russian one. Because of this, it is always very crowded here, traffic jams on the streets, and noisy at night. In a word, a paradise for young people.

Sanur

When, sitting at work, you dream of being alone with your life partner, spending time with your children, living a leisurely family life, when deciding which resort to choose in Bali, pay special attention to Sanur. This is a fairly large but very calm area of ​​the island. It is located away from the southern resorts of Bali, the road here from the airport will take a little less than an hour.

Sanur is the southeastern port that connects Bali with neighboring islands Gili, Cheningan, Nusa Penida and Lembongan. This place is appreciated by European tourists for comfort, high level of service, lack of fuss and heavy traffic. Prices here are much higher than in Kuta, but lower than in Nusa Dua. There are different hotels - from 3 to 5 stars, but it is difficult to find cheap accommodation here.

The beach is clean, cozy, the sands are white, the ocean is very calm, the waves are rare. During low tides, it is quite shallow, which attracts families with small children. It is not dangerous for them to swim here, except in the morning hours, when reverse currents. There are many comfortable walking paths around. The only place in Bali where you can safely ride a bike.

The shopping and entertainment infrastructure is very developed. Lots of restaurants, shops, water entertainment centers. The cultural program consists of a visit to the Le Mayeur Museum (examples of Belgian impressionism) and Mangrove Forest Conservation (walks over the mangroves along the hanging paths). It also hosts kite sports festivals.

Lovina

You are terribly tired of the bustle of the city, of people and of all the delights modern civilization. Your only wish is to run away somewhere desert island to enjoy nature and relax on your own away from everything and everyone. If you recognize yourself in this description, then of all the resorts in Bali, Lovina is the most suitable for you. This area is located in the northern part of the island, the road from the airport by taxi will take almost three hours.

The beaches of Lovina are known for their unusual black sands, as well as the calm ocean, unusual for Bali, where there are practically no waves. Affordable accommodation or a room in good hotel you can find in the village of Kalibukbuk, which is the main infrastructure center of Lovina. On the beach there are few restaurants with live music and bars where you can play billiards, and in the evenings watch performances of local dancers.

Ubud is interesting for a variety of tourists. You can come here for unique souvenirs. To do this, immediately go to the street of masters, where you can visit workshops for wood, silver, and a batik factory. There is also a very large selection of souvenirs at the local market.

This city is unique for getting to know the architecture, history and culture of the island. A lot of sights, temples, museums, art galleries. There are also stunning landscapes, rice terraces, magnificent walking paths with names that speak for themselves, like the Artists' Trail, for example. But the most impressive place is the monkey forest.

In Bali, the dry season lasts from May to September, but the most comfortable time to visit is July. The rainy season is warmer, but not everyone who is unfamiliar with the Asian climate tolerates high humidity combined with high temperatures.

It is difficult to make a choice when it comes to Bali, because it is really good here at any point. The ideal option would not be to stay in one place, but to travel around the island, then throughout your vacation you will be able to visit a variety of places and fully enjoy the atmosphere of this amazing place, to feel its color and features of nature. For example, a good route would be to go from the south of the island to the northern part through the center, then looking east.

If for some reason long independent trips around the island do not attract you, then below you will find the scriptures of the most popular resorts suitable for any type of holiday.

Beaches: Tanjung Benoa, Jimbaran, Bukit, Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua can be called the most expensive resort on Bali. Really waiting for you here luxury vacation: first-class hotels, amazing fountains, ideal golf courses, clean wide streets and impressive road junctions. All hotels have fitness rooms, tennis courts. Here you can stroll through the Garuda Wishnu Kecana park, and if you guess the time, you can get to the theatrical performance shown in it. Nusa Dua includes the town of Tanjung Benoa, which owns luxurious areas with impressive views of the ocean waves and islands.

Another place for an amazing beach holiday is Bukit. It is a peninsula that includes Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, and Tanjung Benoa. The western part of this resort is very loved by surfers. Tourists here are offered small pleasant bungalows, which offer a magnificent view directly to the ocean. In addition to them, in this part of the island there are excellent five-star hotels and luxury villas.

Resorts for surfers

For surfing, the Kuta resort area is best suited, the main attraction of which is the wide city beach, which is strewn with numerous surf schools. This place is perfect for beginners. In addition to surfing, Kuta offers vacationers good accommodation options, good local cuisine, as well as entertainment such as discos, bars, clubs and an aqua park. Not far from Kuta, there is another surfing resort, which is quieter and more peaceful, unlike Kuta.

Places for quiet rest and relaxation with the family

Such a pastime is offered to tourists by Sanur, located on the east coast. A leisurely measured life takes place here, and a variety of water sports are also very popular. The beach at this resort is very clean, well-groomed, its sands stretch for seven kilometers along the coast - the resort will perfect place for a relaxing holiday for both young people and pensioners.

Far from the bustle, the resort town of Karangasem is located, which offers breathtaking views of the ocean, welcomes guests with majestic temples and palaces, offers to look at rice terraces and try out the best diving centers. The beaches here are exactly as they are shown on the pages of glossy magazines - only palm trees, sand and clear ocean waters. The resort is ideal for family travel, snorkeling, diving and just a beach holiday. Here you can see with your own eyes a real volcano - Agung.

There are almost no Russian tourists in the north of Bali, which is rather strange, because the places here are quite pleasant and pretty - great for relaxing. Several villages are scattered in these territories, where everyone can rent an inexpensive bungalow or villa. You can relax here on quiet clean beaches covered with sand of volcanic origin. In the mornings, everyone is given the opportunity to go for a walk with dolphins.

The waters off the coast are in a year-round calm, and the whole general atmosphere of these places is rather relaxed. In the local dolphinarium, you can take a course of real dolphin therapy - this is especially indicated for young children. In the north of Bali there are eco-resorts, beautiful bays, impressive views of the mountains and the sea, in a word, the atmosphere here is simply created for a secluded vacation.