Recently, tourists who have come to rest in Bali are increasingly asking us questions - where to go, what is most interesting to see if this or that sightseeing tour in Bali is suitable for traveling with children, etc. Often people already have rich travel experience in different countries but don't know anything about Bali. Therefore, we decided to create a series of notes "Guide to Bali".

The debut note of the "Guide" is dedicated to sightseeing tours on the island of Bali. Our goal is to answer the question, what are sightseeing tours on the island and reveal some of the features of tours in Bali.

Certainly in the Balinese excursion tours, has its own specifics. In some countries, the basis of excursions is nature, in others - museums, in others - shopping. So, what are sightseeing tours in Bali and what is their peculiarity? We will not paint some individual tours. You can find all our sightseeing tours, their descriptions and photos on the excursion page. And in this article we will focus on the distinctive features of sightseeing tours in Bali.

Features of tours in Bali

Feature 1. Duration. Bali is a compact island - about 150 by 80 km and, accordingly, all the main tours of the island take from 6 to 10 hours. And this is considering the fact that the main roads in the central part of the island are narrow and two-lane. Even very narrow ones. Therefore, a very important point is the experience of driving on Balinese roads.

Feature 2. Variety. In previous articles, we have already said that Bali is a universal island and suitable for almost everyone. The same goes for tours. Cultural and introductory, simply sightseeing, sea, active-extreme and specific - make up a unique range of activities on the island of Bali. One of the best places for diving? On Bali. Second (or first?) surfing capital? Bali. Architecturally unique and island-only Hindu temples? On Bali. Endemic animals that only live in one place? On Bali. Beautiful nature: two oceans, volcanoes and impenetrable jungle? And it's all in Bali. And also, Bali is nightclubs in the south of the island, luxury hotels of world brands, respected and revered healers, healers, a variety of shopping on the island, from python skin products and the world-famous Kopi Luwak Coffee to rattan and red furniture. wood (mahogany, cesalpinia, padauk) and much more.

Feature 3. Tours are conducted exclusively by local guides. All qualified and legal - only local. Firstly, according to Indonesian law, no foreigner has the right to conduct tours in Bali. If you go with a "foreign guide" to any temple, you will find that your "guide" will hide and play the role of a tourist. Secondly, given that our guides speak excellent Russian, they will tell you about the island better than anyone.
We are constantly developing and improving our knowledge not only about the history and traditions of Bali, but also deepening our language skills.

Feature 4. Prices for sightseeing tours. Although we have not been to many countries and cannot say anything specific about foreign tours and prices. But we were told a lot about the fact that, in comparison, for example, with Europe, Australia, Singapore and other destinations, our prices for excursions are low. Especially considering that Bali is, in principle, quite an expensive tourist destination. Turkey and China, in terms of cheap sightseeing tours, are unrivaled thanks to their commission souvenir points. As far as we heard, in Turkey sightseeing tour even free at all. But in factories.

Feature 5. Sightseeing tours in Bali are a high level and comfort. Unfortunately, the contrast between Bali and all of Indonesia is very great. While farmers in Kalimantan earn $1 a day, Bali opened the world's only ocean road in 2013. The authorities of Indonesia, taking into account the number of tourists a year - more than 4 million - are trying to create with the help of the island of Bali - the face and positive image of Indonesia in the world. Of course, the farmer from Kalimantan is not better off, but the tourists and residents of Bali are fine. The government also makes sure that the tours are of high quality and safe. Therefore, all guides must have a special license, and cars must be safe.

Feature 6. Sightseeing tours in Bali are safe. Have you heard many times about a bus crash in Bali or some other accident? And thank God. That is, the tours are safe. Of course, unless you order a barker driver from the street. What does a licensed guide mean? This is not only a local person who has passed all the standards (medical and about knowledge about Bali, as well as with a car that has been serviceable and passed technical inspection), this is a conscious person who, for example, will never drive after drinking alcohol. True, in principle, real Balinese do not drink much. And if they drink, then a little :-)

Feature 7. In general, sightseeing tours in Bali are not shopping tours. But, of course, there are plenty of places where you can buy many unique things cheaply: souvenirs, python and cobra leather products, Luwak coffee, jewelry, batik, etc. Some goods and souvenirs from Bali are presented in our section. If the tourist does not ask, we will not take you to the factories, but we will follow the route. If asked, we organize a shopping tour, depending on the interests of the client. For example, recently a representative of one of the Moscow shops came and collected information about coffee varieties and prices. And we helped her with this.

feature 8. Sightseeing tours in Bali are individual. For European, Russian, Japanese, Australian tourists, first of all. The Chinese, Malaysians, and Indonesians from other islands also love Bali as a resort. But they, for various reasons, prefer to travel in groups in large buses and mainly to factories for shopping. Individual tours, on the other hand, provide not only comfortable, faster cars than large buses, but also a certain flexibility when you can ask the driver, for example, to stop. As for buses, the Bali government is now considering the possibility of banning large buses on the island, the size of which is sometimes beyond reasonable and the possibility of turning around on one of the central roads. We hope and believe that this will be the case.

In our first note, from the section “Guide to Bali”, there is enough important information, after reading which you will get the first impression of sightseeing tours in Bali. Since often the information posted on the websites of many travel companies by people who have never been to Bali is far from the truth.

Also, we are always happy to answer your other questions about your vacation in Bali and help organize your individual tour of the Island of the Gods!

All photos presented in the article were taken by famous Indonesian photographer Helminadia Rainford.

More about Bali:

Bali is often called the island of the Gods. This island is unique, unlike any other island in the world. It has its own culture, its own religion, its own style of dress, its own traditions, its own language. Over the past decades, the island has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, but despite great amount tourists, the Balinese remain the same as they have been for centuries and millennia - friendly, smiling, religious and honoring traditions.

Every morning the Balinese feed their gods. Photo credit: Peter Hunziker, Flickr

Bali has a huge number of cultural and natural attractions. In order to get acquainted with at least the main ones, you need to spend at least a week on the island. Be sure to visit the most beautiful temples in Bali - Besakin, Tahan Lot, Ulu Watu and the temple on Lake Bratan. The magnificent rice terraces around the cultural center of the island - the charming city of Ubud, are also on the list of the main attractions of the island.

Balinese women head to the temple. Photo credit:made yudistira, Flickr

Traditional ceremony on the ocean. Photo credit: made yudistira, Flickr

From aquatic species surfing reigns in Bali. The island has excellent opportunities for learning to surf and many exciting surf spots located mainly along the south west coast islands. At the same time, the northern and southeastern coasts are great places for diving.

And, of course, the island of Bali will especially delight lovers of beautiful beaches and bays, charming villas, traditional massage, SPA procedures, delicious food and other hedonistic pleasures.

But when planning a trip to Bali, you should understand the most important thing: Bali is not a beach holiday, Bali is a lot of attractions, adventures, cultural experiences, beautiful pictures, a pleasant atmosphere, delicious food and surf diving.

where to go

The main tourist regions and beaches of Bali

Travelers usually differ in the formats of travel/holiday in Bali. Some travel around the island, stopping for a day or two in different places to immerse themselves in the culture and atmosphere of Bali as much as possible, others live in one place, making “outings” from time to time to the sights of the island, others just come to surf, dive, hang out or relax , fourth - combine stops in several places and different formats of rest.

The capital of Bali is the city of Denpasar, the administrative heart of the island, from here all trips around the island begin. A cheerful pleasant atmosphere, an art center and museums, a huge number of shops and a colorful market are the main attractions of the city.

The southwestern coast of the island is washed by Indian Ocean, there are always big waves and, accordingly, excellent conditions for surfing, the main infrastructure is concentrated in the very south of the coast. The east and west coasts are washed by the straits that separate Bali from neighboring islands and , there are no big waves here, but strong currents.

The northern part of the coast is washed by the seas, there is a very calm, quiet and warm sea. The north and east coasts are great places for those who are fond of diving and snorkeling.

White sand beaches can only be found on the Bukit Peninsula - the southernmost "patch" of Bali and on neighboring small islands that do not have volcanoes. In the southwestern and south east coast- the sand is already more gray than white, the eastern and northern beaches are with black volcanic sand.

The atmospheric town of Ubud is the best place for those travelers who want to get closer to the unique culture and lifestyle of Bali, indulge in traditional food and spa. Fans of calm relaxation and yoga should also pay attention to such regions as Tabanan, Canggu and Candidasa (see more details below), you can choose and book a yoga retreat.

Southwest coast of Bali

Kuta is the largest and most popular among surfers and young people resort town and Bali beach, in fact, the continuation of Kuta are the resort villages of Legian and Seminyak - with more calm and respectable surf beaches and developed infrastructure entertainment.

Further west are the much less touristy surf regions of Canggu and Tanah Lot, with small surf beaches and great surf spots, rice terraces and fishing villages. Already quite far from Kuta on the west coast is Medewi Beach.

South of Kuta is Jimbaran, a large white sand beach and fishing village that separates the main coast from the tiny peninsula of Bukit, the southernmost part of Bali. The west coast of the Bukit Peninsula from Jimbaran to Uluwatu is incredibly picturesque, with tiny coves along the rocky coastline, tiny white sand beaches and challenging surf spots.

Kuta

Kuta is the largest and most famous resort town of Bali, a cult place for fans of surfing and active night parties. Kuta Beach is huge and wide, but absolutely not suitable for beach holiday in the classical sense. But Kuta is a great place to learn to surf, as there are no dangerous rocks here, the bottom is sandy, the waves break near the shore and roll foam, on which, in fact, beginners learn.

Kuta is the place where you should look for budget accommodation and surf schools, there is also a huge number of democratic in spirit and prices bars, restaurants and nightclubs. In the evening, when the water recedes, cheerful companies gather on the beaches of Kuta to watch the magnificent sunset.

How to get there: by bemo (minibuses) from Denpasar, by tourist shuttles from the airport, Ubud, Sanur, Candidasi, Padang Bai, Amed, Lovina, Kintamani and Bedugul, by boat plus shuttle from the islands of Lembongan, Lombok and Gili.

Surfing in Kuta. Photo credit: LauriusLM, Flickr

Sunset in Kuta. Photo credit: I Nyoman Butur Suantara, Flickr

Legian

Legian - is actually a continuation of Kuta, its more relaxed version. The beach here is almost the same as in Kuta, in the water - mostly beginner surfers. Unlike Kuta, you can find sunbeds and umbrellas on Legian. The main format of housing in the village is mid-range hotels and guest houses. There are also enough restaurants-cafes-bars in Legian, although in general, the atmosphere is much calmer.

How to get there: by taxi or hotel transfer from the airport, by taxi, motorbike or on foot from Kuta or Seminyak.

Legian. Photo credit: sethgoh, Flickr

Seminyak

Next to Legian, Seminyak is a trendy and expensive resort village. The format of housing here is hotels and villas with a stylish design, well-groomed areas and swimming pools. The trendiest boutiques-spas-restaurants-cafes-bars-nightclubs are also to be found in Seminyak. On the beach - umbrellas, surf rentals, beach restaurants.

How to get there: by taxi or hotel transfer from the airport, by taxi or motorbike from Kuta.

The resort village of Seminyak. Photo credit: Brenda Gill, Flickr

Canggu

The name of a small village located a few kilometers north of Seminyak is used to refer to the part of the coast that stretches from the tourist village of Seminyak to the Tanah Lot temple and includes several tiny fishing villages and beaches.

These are the favorite destinations of surfers and travelers looking for authentic Bali, with its authentic little villages, rice terraces, fish markets, peaceful atmosphere and endless ocean without tourist crowds.

The sand on the beaches of Canggu is gray, the waves are large and dangerous for inexperienced surfers, although surf spots of varying difficulty can be found along the coast. From housing - from simple small cottages to luxury villas, both along the beaches and a little further from the ocean. There are also some excellent yoga schools and yoga retreats in the Canggu region.

Beach in Canggu area. Photo credit: David Dunlop, Flickr

Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot - this picturesque sea temple can be safely called one of the symbols of Bali. The image of Tanah Lot can be found in the photo albums of almost all travelers who have visited the island. Tanah Lot is an active temple; traditional religious ceremonies and holidays are often held here. The temple is also one of the most popular places in Bali to watch the sunset.

To the north of the temple along the coast are luxurious secluded hotels, with beautiful villas and a very calm atmosphere. The beaches here have dark sand. In the area of ​​the temple itself, you can find different accommodation options. The Tanah Lot area is geographically part of the Tabanan regency and conditionally separates the tourist south of Bali from the remote, little-developed tourism West Bali.

To search for accommodation near Tanah Lot: Hotels and guest houses, villas and bungalows

How to get there: by taxi or own transport (rent a motorbike, car, car with a driver, etc.)

Sea Temple Tanah Lot. Photo credit: Pedro Nunez, Flickr

Jimbaran

Once a small fishing village, Jimbaran has been transformed by tourism into a rather large sleepy village nestled in the bay of the same name on a wide isthmus that separates the main part of the island from the tiny Bukit peninsula.

Jimbaran Bay and Beach are idyllic, with white sands, relatively calm oceans and gorgeous sunsets. Hotels and restaurants line the beach. In the evenings, the beach turns into a large, romantic and expensive food zone, with tables right on the beach and the opportunity to choose fresh fish from large boats next to your favorite restaurant.

Jimbaran Village is home to Bali's largest morning fish market with a huge selection of fresh fish and seafood. Here, a little further from the beach, you can find good options for budget housing.

To search for housing in Jimbaran: Hotels and villas on the beach, guest houses and homestays in the village

How to get there: by taxi or own transport (rent a motorbike, car, car with a driver, etc.)

Jimbaran beach. Photo credit: Anise Lin, Flickr

Peninsula Bukit and Uluwatu

The west coast of the Bukit Peninsula from Jimbaran to Uluwatu Temple is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and interesting regions of Bali. Uluwatu Temple, located on the rocks, is considered one of the most beautiful temples of the island.

West coast landscape karst rocks with tiny coves and rock-tucked beaches of white sand and emerald water that are full of life – surfers take on the challenge of the waves at the rocks, while lazy lovers enjoy the white sand, idyllic views and coconut milk. On the south coast from Uluwatu to Nusa Dua- the beaches are large, beautiful and sparsely populated.

There is a fairly large number of housing on the peninsula, focused mainly on surfers and backpackers. The main format is budget bungalows and nice inexpensive villas, on the cliffs near most of the beaches you can find very nice hotels with absolutely incredible views. Motobike is an obligatory part of life on the peninsula, because. the bulk of housing is located in the depths of the peninsula, in addition, many beaches lie far from the main roads.

To search for accommodation on the Bukit Peninsula: Hotels and villas, guest houses and homestays

How to get there: by taxi or own transport (rent a motorbike, car, car with a driver, etc.)

Rocks of the Bukit Peninsula in the Uluwatu region. Photo credit: Natalie Belikova, FiveStepsPhotoblog

Surfing on the Bukit Peninsula. Photo credit: John Seaton Callahan, Flickr

Southeast beaches and islands of Bali

The southeastern beaches and islands stretch from the eastern part of Bukit Island to Candidasa Beach. These are, in fact, the beach areas of Bali,

Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is part of the east coast of the Bukit Peninsula, which is most often called a hotel enclave, as the entire coast of Nusa Dua is built up with expensive beach hotels.

It should be given credit for the fact that the beaches of Nusa Dua are magnificent, not crowded, very calm, with white sand and quiet turquoise water. Nusa Dua hotels are no less magnificent, with well-equipped beaches, restaurants, spas, security, etc. Prices in restaurants-shops, of course, are much higher than in general in Bali.

Budget accommodation near beautiful beaches Nusa Dua - city hotels and guest houses in the eastern part of the Bukit peninsula.

To search for housing on the beaches of Nusa Dua: Hotels and villas on the beaches, city hotels and guest houses

How to get there: by taxi or own transport (rent a motorbike, car, car with a driver, etc.)

Nusa Dua beach. Photo credit: ssalis, Flickr

Sanur

Sanur is a more democratic alternative to Nusa Dua. The resort village borders Denpasar (the capital of Bali) and stretches along the southeast coast, just north of Nusa Dua. The location of Sanur is ideal, from here you can go to the center, to the east, to the south. The beaches here are wide, with still light sand. Good, relatively inexpensive hotels stretch along the beach; in the village itself, a little further from the beach, you can find good options for budget housing.

From Sanur begins the dive coast of the island, in the village there are several tour operators and dive schools. In general, Sanur is loved by fans of a relaxing beach holiday, families with children and travelers who do not lie on the beach much and travel a lot around the island.

To search for accommodation on Sanur Beach: Hotels, villas, hotels and guest houses

How to get there: by bemo (minibuses) from Denpasar, by tourist shuttles from the airport, Ubud, Kuta, Kandidasi, Padang Bai, Amed, Lovina, Kintamani and Bedugul, by boat from Lembongan Island, by boat plus shuttle from Lombok and Gili Islands.

Sanur beach. Photo credit: Bali Home Villa Jimbaran, Flickr

Located off the southeast coast of Bali, small island Lembongan (Nusa Lembongan) is a great place if you want to suddenly escape from the noisy and crowded southern beaches Bali. The beaches here are white, the water is emerald, the atmosphere is lazy and very authentic. Lembongan is deservedly considered one of the best diving spots in Indonesia, in addition, there are several surf spots on the island. There are two more islands near Lembongan - the tiny Nusa Ceningan, connected to Lembongan by a bridge, and the large non-tourist Nusa Penida, which can be reached by regular boats.

The main format of housing on the island is bungalows of different levels of comfort and prices, and the so-called beach huts - beach houses.

To search for accommodation on the island of Lembongan: Bungalows and beach houses

How to get there: by boat from Sanur, shuttle plus boat from Kuta and Ubud.

Lembongan Island (Nusa Lembongan). Photo credit: Peter Saputra, Flickr

Ubud and downtown Bali

Undoubtedly, the cultural center of the island is Ubud - a quiet little cozy city in the mountains in the center of the island. Most travelers choose Ubud as their main stop to explore the sights of Bali's central region. But, stopping for a couple of days in small villages far from the city is a very unbanal and interesting way to get to know the real non-tourist Bali closer.

In order to feel the atmosphere and learn more about the culture and traditions of Bali, you need to live in Ubud for at least a few days. The suburbs of Ubud are villages of craftsmen, each of which has its own “specialization”. Artists live in one village, woodcarvers live in another, and batik painters live in a third.

Small cozy hotels and bungalows, SPA salons, a huge number of shops, Balinese restaurants, rice terraces, monkeys walking around the streets of the city, communication with local residents - all this makes your stay in Ubud unforgettable.

How to get there: by bemo (minibuses) from Denpasar; by tourist shuttles from the airport, Kuta, Sanur, Candidasa, Padang Bai, Amed, Lovina, Kintamani and Bedugul, by boat plus shuttle from the islands of Lembongan, Lombok and Gili.

Traditional architecture in Ubud. Photo credit:Jean-Jacques Halans, Flickr

Rice terraces in Tegallalang, Ubud. Photo credit: I Sing Cheu Leng, Flickr

Typical Ubud housing format). Photo credit: Jorge de la Torriente, Flickr

Bedugul

The name of a small village located near the mountainous lake Bratan gave its name to a rather large mountainous region in the central part of Bali. The most famous attraction of these places is the temple on Lake Bratan, the images of which are invariably associated with Bali.

Picturesque mountain lakes and waterfalls, charming villages where you can rent cute inexpensive bungalows and villas, a large botanical garden, small temples and colorful markets are on the list of cultural attractions of these places. lovers active rest and adventure will delight trekking to waterfalls and lakes, canyoning and boat trips on the river.

How to get there: by bemo (minibuses) from Denpasar and Singaraja, by tourist shuttles from Ubud, Kuta, Sanur and Lovina.

Temple on Lake Bratan, Bali. Photo credit: Natalie Belikova, FiveStepsPhotoblog

Munduk

The small village of Munduk, located northwest of Bedugul, is considered one of the best regions for trekking in Bali, moreover, both independent hiking along the trails to the waterfalls and along the rice terraces and coffee plantations, as well as more complex trekking accompanied by local guides, are possible here. There are nice little hotels and guest houses, with cute cafes and delicious local food. Bike or motorbike trips to nearby lakes or villages are also a great way to get to know this beautiful place.

Rice terraces in the village of Munduk. Photo credit: Matthieu Jolivet, Flickr

Waterfalls in the Munduk area. Photo credit: Diane Saint-Sauveur, Flickr

Tabanan is the name of a rather large regency in Bali, the territory of which stretches from the highlands to the coast. This is one of the most beautiful regions of the island. Mount Batukau is the second highest mountain in Bali, on the slopes of which one of the six main temples of the island is located - Pura Luhur Batukaru, symbolizing the strength of the mountains, and Jatiluwih rice terraces are the main attractions of the region.

In fact, despite its beauty, Tabanan is not so indulged in by tourists, so there is an absolutely authentic, very relaxed atmosphere here. There are several eco-lodges and yoga retreats located in the region.

How to get there: only on your own transport (rent a motorbike, car, car with a driver, etc.)

Pura Luhur Batukaru, Tabanan. Photo credit: Jambo Jambo, Flickr

Tabanan - Bali. Photo credit: Hengki Koentjoro, Flickr

Kintamani

Kintamani is a region of the island of Bali, which enjoys special respect among lovers of eco-tourism. The Kintamani region combines the Batur volcano, Lake Batur and small villages located on the edge of a huge caldera and on the shore of the lake. Dramatic landscapes, the proximity of the most active volcano in Bali and a special atmosphere attract in Kintamani, first of all, adventurers who are not enough just to drink a cocktail on observation deck overlooking the volcano.

How to get there: by bemo (minibuses) from Denpasar, by tourist shuttles from Ubud, Kuta and Sanur.

View of the lake and volcano Batur, Kintamani. Photo credit: rona_rodriguez, Flickr

Amed and East Bali

Agugng Volcano dominates the eastern part of the island, on the slopes of which the Besakih Temple, the main temple of the island, is picturesquely located. Along the coast stretch dark gray, almost black sandy beaches and a lazy relaxed atmosphere reigns.

Amed

Amed - This rather remote beach in eastern Bali is a favorite spot for divers and backpackers. East coast Bali is washed by the sea, there are no huge waves and the undercurrents are not as strong as in the southern part of the island, washed by the waves of the ocean.

Black sand, picturesque view of the formidable Agugng volcano, magnificent undersea world, excellent infrastructure for diving and snorkeling, a large selection of accommodation and, most importantly, a special relaxing atmosphere distinguish Amed from the noisy party southern beaches of the southwestern part of Bali.

To search for accommodation on Amed beach: dive hotels, villas, hotels and guest houses

How to get there: by tourist shuttles from the airport, Ubud, Sanur, Candidasa, Padang Bai and Lovina.

Amed is a remote beach in eastern Bali. Photo credit: Paul Hagon, Flickr

Candidasa

Candidasa (or Candidasa) is a sleepy little town often chosen by travelers as the main base for exploring eastern Bali and diving enthusiasts. Candidasa boasts good value for money and luxury hotels and villas along the coast, many of which are located right on the water's edge with magical sea views.

The beaches here are narrow, with black sand, the sea is relatively calm. The atmosphere in Candidasa is pure relaxation) so it is not surprising that yoga schools and yoga retreats are densely settled here.

How to get there: by tourist shuttles from the airport, Ubud, Kuta, Sanur, Padang Bai, Amed, Titra Ganji and Lovina.

A typical Candidasa villa overlooking the ocean. Photo credit: Bali Home Villa Jimbaran, Flickr

Padang Bai

Padang Bai is a tiny, pleasant port town on the east coast, connecting Bali with Lombok and the Gili Islands. Most travelers just pass through Padang Bai, missing the opportunity to spend a couple of days in the charming village and explore the small temples and tiny picturesque beaches around.

To search for accommodation in Padang Bay: hotels and guesthouses

How to get there: by tourist shuttles from the airport, Ubud, Kuta, Sanur, Candidasa, Amed and Lovina, by boat from the islands of Lombok and Gili.

Weekdays at Padang Bai. Photo credit: dicky_noorkalam, Flickr

Tirta Gangga is a small village in the eastern part of the island, picturesquely located among rice terraces - a great place to stop for a day or two. The main attraction of these places is the eponymous palace on the water. Trekking in the surroundings with visits to small temples and local villages is a must for adventure seekers.

To search for accommodation in Tirta Ganja: eco-lodges and homestays

How to get there: by tourist shuttle from Candidasa, by taxi or rented transport.

Palace on the water in Tirta Ganja. Photo credit: HOBOS.at, Flickr

This fairy island attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. Surfers come here for high waves, designers and creative people for inspiration, office workers to relax on the beaches and in spas. Is it possible to fly to Bali on your own? Of course yes. It is not necessary to use the services of a travel agency.

A nice bonus only for our readers - a discount coupon when paying for tours on the site until August 31:

• AF500guruturizma - promo code for 500 rubles for tours from 40,000 rubles
• AFTA2000Guru - promo code for 2,000 rubles. for tours to Thailand from 100,000 rubles.

And many more advantageous offers from all tour operators you will find on the website. Compare, choose and book tours at the best prices!

Traveling "on your own" will cost 40 percent cheaper. Only a number of questions arise: how to get there, what documents need to be issued, whether a visa is needed, where to stay, what excursions to go on, which beach to choose. This guide will help answer all these questions and more.

You need a visa to travel to Bali. You can issue it directly after arrival at the airport for $ 25. The waiting time will be 30 minutes. Or get to the Indonesian embassy in the Russian Federation in advance and resolve the issue with a visa there. In addition to a visa, a tourist will need a passport.

Which resort to choose

The question is very relevant for everyone who decides to fly to Bali. Which resort to choose? Tour operators help to quickly find a ticket, based on the requirements and wishes of the client, because they are specialists in the field of tourism. If you are going to the island on your own, then there is often no one to tell you which part of the island to go to and which hotel to choose. You will have to read numerous reviews of "experienced" travelers.

According to them, you can get some general idea about the resorts and hotels, get the information of interest. It will be necessary to "rummage" a bunch of sites. You can spend a lot of free time searching. If it exists, great. If not, please use the information below. They contain helpful information about places where you can relax in Bali.

Kuta

A resort center where young people “hang out” and tourists actively relax. It is the most famous major resort on the island. You can get to it by taxi from Ngurah Rai Airport. Travel time is no more than 15 minutes. A cheaper option is to take the bus. The beaches of Kuta cannot be considered clean, at least in comparison with Nusa Dua.

Fans of nightlife will love this place. There are plenty of bars and clubs in Kuta. You can leave one and go to another. Street lights are lit at night. There are bars where you can watch a movie. A trip to the Waterboom Park water park will be a good entertainment. You can also go shopping. There are some markets even at night in the resort.

Swimming pool, buffet breakfast

Fabulous

Booked 20 times today

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Citadines Kuta Beach Bali

Outdoor pool and fitness center

Fabulous

3734 reviews

Booked today 21 times

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The Stones - Legian Bali, Marriott's Autograph Collection Hotel

Outdoor pool with gazebos

Fabulous

1054 reviews

Booked 13 times today

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Nusa Dua

The most elite resort on the island. The beaches are the most suitable, and the luxury hotels are some of the best. Here you can have a great rest with children. The hotel has everything you need: swimming pools, restaurants, beaches and parks. And they are not fenced off. You can easily go to one or the other.

INAYA Putri Bali

Situated along the beach

Fabulous

2097 reviews

Booked today 36 times

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Novotel Bali Nusa Dua

Spa, 4 restaurants

Fabulous

590 reviews

Booked 13 times today

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Grand Aston Bali Beach Resort

Lagoon pool, fitness center

Fabulous

575 reviews

Booked 8 times today

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Resort Tanjung Benoa

It is located next to the expensive Nusa Dua, in comparison with which it is much cheaper. It used to be a fishing village, now it's a small, quiet resort. In the evenings, vacationers are divided into two categories. One goes to the beach to watch the sunset, the other goes to Kuta to have fun in the clubs.

Benoa Rose Residence One

Tanjung Benoa

Terrace Apartment

Booked 1 time today

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Jimbaran

Resort for wealthy citizens. Remarkably tasty fish is cooked in restaurants, more than half of the people go out to admire the sunsets in the evenings. You can dine right on the beach: tables and chairs are almost coastline. If staying at this resort is not affordable, then you should at least come here for a romantic candlelit dinner. A meal by the sea will be remembered for a long time as the most unusual way to eat deliciously and enjoy the local beauty.

Temple Hill Residence Villa

Jimbaran

7 minutes walk from the bay

Fabulous

90 reviews

Booked 4 times today

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Keraton Jimbaran Beach Resort

Jimbaran

Surrounded by tropical gardens

Fabulous

1649 reviews

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Gending Kedis Luxury Villas & Spa Estate

Jimbaran

Spacious villas with private pools

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Sanur

Sanur is considered an ideal place for families with children. The waves at this resort are low, so you can not be afraid for kids and teenagers. Silence reigns in Sanur, unlike other places for recreation. It's a long way to get to Kuta from here. This resort is not famous for entertainment until dawn. After ten in the evening you will hardly meet anyone on the street. The atmosphere here is the most suitable in order to be able to spend a holiday in a relaxed atmosphere.

Ubud

In Ubud, adherents of organic nutrition and enthusiastic yoga gather. Those who want to eat healthy sandwiches and talk about meditation and karma clearing stop here. By the way, in this secluded place among the jungle, the film “Eat. Pray. Love", which quickly gained popularity after the release.

Goya Boutique Resort

Luxury Boutique Resort

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2 outdoor pools

Fabulous

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SenS Hotel and spa Conference Ubud Town Center

Outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi

Fabulous

507 reviews

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In Ubud, you can watch a national dance that introduces you into a trance. The cost of a ticket for such a spectacle is about 6 dollars. You can stay in a homestay at this resort for only $10/night. This is the minimum price. To dispel boredom, you should go to a local spa for a massage, go to the village of Kintamani to look at coffee plantations and admire the volcano Batur. The Antonio Blanco Museum is not to be missed. It was founded by a Spanish artist who settled in Bali.

These are the main resorts of Bali. Which one to choose is up to you. You can generally live in different parts of the island. This is the best of all options. You can adhere to the following program, arriving on a paradise island.

Day 1

Seminyak

For those who are used to having fun nights out, it is better to start with Seminyak. Hanging out there will be one hundred percent. After a memorable fun, you should think about something more interesting that will bring new knowledge and add impressions. We need to go on our first tour.

Java island

A great solution is to fly to the island of Java. It is located outside the resort itself. The tour will cost a lot (about $ 300). This must be taken into account first of all. But if funds allow, then Java should be visited. There are many temples on this wonderful island: Borobudur, Mendut, Pavon. They are distinguished by their unique architectural style and special coloring. After studying all the most remarkable information and details about the structures, the legs will obviously get tired. You will need to take a breather, so that later, with renewed vigor, go for vivid emotions.

You can grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant serving hearty meals. Lunch is included in the cost of the tour. Just do not forget that the food on the island for the most part is very heavily peppered. If anyone likes to taste food with a twinkle, then in Java it will work out. Those who do not particularly prefer spicy food should eat more rice and drink more water. After dinner and gaining strength, we must go again. Where? To the Hindu temple Prambanan. This building is amazing just by looking at it from the outside. What can we say about the interior decoration! The beauty in Prambanan is indescribable.

It's hard to write about it, you have to see it. It seems that the temple is a work not made by hands. It is hard to believe that such a wonderful architectural building could have been designed by man. It is one thing to come up with and think through all the details of the design, and quite another to embody all this. After admiring Prambanan, a return to Bali is expected. The day will come to an end, it will be necessary to go to bed without staying up late. Otherwise, the next day it will be difficult to get ready for a new excursion.

Day 2

Taman Ayun

The excursion day can be started from Taman Ayun. This is one of the most beautiful temples in Bali. It is located in a park where centuries-old trees grow and amaze with their splendor. clean ponds. Before entering the temple, you need to cross the bridge. The path leads to a fountain built according to the symbolism. The number of jets (there are 9 of them) is equal to the number of Balinese gods. The jets are directed in different directions according to the principle of the location of the cardinal points. Further, the path will lead to a more luxurious temple courtyard.

Lake Bro

After Taman Ayun, you can go to the very heart of the island, to Lake Bratan. It is considered sacred. The lake is located on a once extinct volcano.

Local residents use water from it for cooking and for other purposes. Without him, they would have had a hard time. The nature around the lake is unusually clean. Many tourists believe that this is the most best lake on Bali. It's quiet and cool here. You can watch the clubs of incense distributed by the Balinese during religious ceremonies.

Ulun Danu Temple

Here stands the Ulun Danu temple, which fascinates with the unusual structures of which it consists. You can go to Botanical Garden. Just do not think that there is full of tropical evergreens. The garden is more like an ordinary park middle lane Russia. Therefore, if there is no extra time and money, then it is better to go somewhere else. On this, perhaps, day trips should be interrupted for a while.

Hiking Mount Agung

If you want something unusual and mega-memorable, then at night you should definitely make a trip to Mount Agung. You need to mentally prepare yourself for it. The path is not going to be easy. In the evening, you should have a proper dinner and lie down for a couple of hours, even better - take a nap. As soon as the night approaches, you will have to pack on the road.

The possibility of doing something unreal arises in everyone's head active tourist. So why not? Climbing up mountain peak, which is the highest point in Bali, not everyone can.

This is only possible for the desperate daredevils. Upon returning home, you can boast of conquering the mountain and your courage. This test is for strong-willed tourists, but it's worth it! Emotions overwhelm those who reach the top. It should be noted that it is always cool in the mountains. The farther from the earth, the colder and colder it gets. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to grab a warm jacket.

The closer to the cherished peak, the more difficult it is to climb. Strength becomes less with every step. But on the other hand, at the end of the path, such a bewitching landscape opens up, which cannot be described in words. One feels freedom and there is a feeling of boundless happiness. On this ascent, perhaps, it is worth finishing the second day of your stay in Bali. After such a rich program, it is definitely worth returning to the hotel, where you can treat yourself to a sound sleep.

Day 3

Rafting on the Telaga River

Love rafting? Then in the morning you can get ready to go down the Telaga Waja river. The cost of the alloy is about 70 dollars. Telaga is a mountain river with a "severe character". You will have to learn to bypass the rapids and waterfalls. In short, only real extreme people can embark on such an adventurous voyage. The river will provide explosive emotions, stormy memories with the smallest details from such a descent will not be forgotten for at least a week. Most rafting enthusiasts are delighted with rafting on Telaga.

Before the descent, a briefing is given and the necessary uniforms are issued: helmets and vests. Tourists are offered a choice of two routes for rafting: along the above-mentioned river and the Ayung River, which is very “calm”. It is difficult to call it a mountain. This is even more likely not rafting, but just a walk along the river with the opportunity to view the local landscapes and take wonderful photographs.

It is unlikely that you will be able to take a photo yourself. Here it is necessary to follow the river "surprises". On this kind of excursions, tourists are photographed by a professional photographer who swims along with everyone. I'll have to pay him for the photo disc. But there will be something to show to relatives! And it’s better to buy such photos for yourself as a keepsake.

Day 4

In the morning you should go to the beach to soak up the sun and swim in the warm sea. In the afternoon, if you wish, you need to go again for another excursion. Do not waste time lying on a sun lounger! You have to try something new, see something incredible. Then the trip will seem not just a trip to Bali, but an unusual adventure.

The day can be spent visiting the water palaces. Such structures are rare to find. They are located not far from each other, in the principality of Karangasem. Here everyone will delight their eyes with stunning landscapes and find out what the life of the Balinese rajas was like.

Taman Ujung

The elegant palace of Taman Ujung used to be the residence of one of the Rajas. The complex includes three swimming pools with palaces designed for a good rest. The buildings are a combination of local and European architecture. They are cool even on the hottest days due to their location on the surface of the water.

In the 20th century, the temple was partially destroyed by a volcanic eruption and an earthquake. In 2004, Ujung was restored. Tourists are given the opportunity to walk around the residence, see the Raja's bedroom.

From the hill you can admire the magnificence of what you see here: rice terraces, Agung volcano and fishing villages shocked by their irresistibility. Everything in Tirtaganga Palace is reminiscent of Ujung. These are reservoirs, and fountains, and numerous sculptures.

It is noteworthy that in this place there is a spring, which symbolizes the origin of life on earth. At least it is symbolic for local residents. Water is taken from it for rituals and ceremonies. One such excursion per day should be enough. “What to do with yourself?”, the reader will ask.

shopping

The fourth day of your stay in Bali is suitable for shopping. In a few days, whatever one may say, you will find out where, what and how much. So, let's go shopping! In Bali, you should not buy things a year in advance. It is better to avoid clothes of famous brands here. It is preferable to make your choice in favor of carved wooden products. If you didn’t take enough dresses or sundresses with you (for most, the suitcase is bursting at the seams before the trip, but you still can’t shove everything you want), then you can buy good models in Kuta or Legian.

Walking around the shops and shops will take several hours. To find what you really like, you have to run around and spend precious time. The good thing is that it is available and will not be wasted. How many pleasant little things are waiting for their only buyer in Bali! Those who are still chasing popular clothing brands are waiting for two large shopping centers in Kuta. These are Discovery and Matahari. They are close to each other. But if you want to find something unique, then you should take a walk through the many streets in search of a dream product. And the purchase will be successful, and the mood will rise.

It is not known whether it will be possible to be on this most wonderful island at least once in a lifetime, take a leisurely walk around its surroundings, admire the unique charms that this tropical island is so rich in. You can end the day with a delicious dinner in a restaurant or cafe. It's hard to recommend a specific place. It all depends on where you live, income level and food preferences. In general, finding a place where they cook well, even if there is not a lot of money, is not a problem.

Day 5

Car rental

This day would be good to spend with maximum benefit for the body and soul. You can start it with a tour, and then treat yourself to something pleasant. The choice of excursions is huge, how to prioritize? To see as much interesting and unusual as possible, you can take a car with a driver. Russian speakers - the best option. He will become both a driver and a guide in one person.

If you come across an English-speaking driver, who is the vast majority in Bali, you will have to somehow find a common language with him. Travel prices are negotiable. Approximately for half a day you can pay about $ 50. As an example - a trip to the south of Bali.

Bali Cultural Park

The first significant attraction is Bali Cultural Park. The park has recently appeared, construction and design work is still going on in it. Despite the unfinished work, there is no shortage of what you can see. Sitting back in the car, you can chat with the driver. If, of course, there is mutual understanding.

Locals are happy to talk about local customs and traditions. For example, you can find out that children in Bali are called names in order of priority. The first baby born in the family is called Wayan, the second is named Made, the third is Nyoman, and so on. Moreover, the fifth is again given the name Wayan. Accordingly, there are many children with the same names. It takes a long time to distinguish one from the other.

Dreamland beach

Having chatted heartily and having replenished your knowledge base, you will probably drive up to Dreamland beach. This is one of the most beautiful places on the island. The water on the beach is such an azure color that it is difficult to describe. One drawback is that everything on the beach is paid. This applies to the umbrella, toilet, shower. It's not worth sitting here for long.

uluwatu temple

The beach is beautiful, but there are other attractions that deserve more attention. In particular, the temple of Uluwatu. It is better to look at it during the daytime, as there are crowds of people in the morning and evening. Many come to this place for the sunset, which is extraordinarily beautiful. You can enter the territory where the temple is located for 20 rupees.

Tourists in open clothes are not allowed here. You will either have to buy a sarong for rent, or be left without impressions behind the fence. The most interesting thing is that it is necessary to cover the bare parts of the body not only for women, but also for men. Tourists are not allowed inside the temple. But this is not a problem. In Bali, in general, you can visit a small number of temples, being foreign tourist. You should get used to it.

People come to Uluwat for the amazing views of nature. The temple is located, one might say, at the end of the world. Therein lies its wild popularity. Having admired, you can return home to rest.

Day 6

SPA programs

In the morning you can go to the beach. In the afternoon, it is better to go for spa treatments or massages. Indonesia takes pride of place in the spa rankings. It's better here than in Thailand or India. To experience how slowly the body relaxes is a must for yourself. Fatigue and stress will instantly leave the patient.

Employees of the spa centers will help you navigate among the many services provided. In the evening, you should take a walk on the beach along the coast, dream and take pictures as a keepsake. Dinner in a relaxed atmosphere will complement this day in the best possible way.

Day 7

The last day in Bali should be spent in such a way that it will be remembered as one of the best. It is worth trying to do everything that was planned. At the end of the holiday there should be only positive emotions and moments. On this day, it is better not to go on excursions, but to devote yourself to enjoying the warmth and exotic. Of course, you can’t help but go to the beach to swim and sunbathe, and in the evening you should pack your suitcase and, without wasting your last hours in Bali, take a walk through the streets before going to bed.

As a rule, when we talk about Bali, we imagine a fabulous island with tropical vegetation, hospitable locals, as well as always warm ocean and beautiful sunsets. This island has always attracted travelers from all over the world, but recently it has become especially popular with our tourists. independent rest on Bali.

For Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians and residents of other CIS countries, traveling to this wonderful island has always carried many advantages: firstly, these are reasonable prices for holidays, secondly, beautiful nature, and thirdly, the opportunity to apply for a visa right at the airport .

However, when buying a tour in agencies, the cost will be overpriced, so we recommend that those who want to save money go to Bali on their own, since it’s not so difficult to do it these days. First of all, you need to make a trip plan, book a ticket and find a place to stay, and then complete the necessary documents.

How to organize a trip without travel agencies

Choose your travel dates and where to stay

Buy plane tickets

To book a hotel

Get insurance

How to buy tickets

You can fly to the Island of the Gods with Etihad Airways, AirAsia, Qatar Airways, Emirates and other airlines. The price in both directions will be about $700 depending on the airline and the number of transfers. In fact, the cost of the flight will be the most expensive item in the budget of your trip.

The entire flight will take from 15 to 30 hours and will take place with one or two transfers, depending on the city of departure. In particular, Singapore, Bangkok or Shanghai can become a transit point. Often the transfer takes more than 8 hours, so it is better to prepare in advance for the wait.

If you are not too limited in finances and do not like a long road, a stop in one of the above cities for a couple of days in a decent hotel, combined with a sightseeing blitz, can be a convenient option.

However, the easiest, and most importantly, profitable way is to buy tickets on the portal. This site has a very convenient search for air tickets, with the ability to save the request data, as well as a subscription to promotions in the direction you need. To find the best airfare for the dates you are interested in, simply select the departure airport and destination (Denpasar - DPS), and then click on the dates in the calendar or enter them manually and click on the search button. In a matter of seconds, the Aviasales booking system will show you all available flights to Bali on the specified days and rank them by price, number of transfers or other criteria. If you want to know how long the flight will last, then this information is indicated.

Airfare low price calendar

Check airfare prices:

Booking a hotel

Bali has a fairly large selection of accommodation of various prices, including typical hotels, cozy guesthouses and luxurious villas. The process of self-booking a hotel online is discussed in.

Early hotel booking on the Internet will allow you to save almost half the amount. But there is one more effective method save money on booking a room in Bali, while not losing in comfort. The fact is that the same rooms in hotels (in the same hotels) are priced differently on different sites, somewhere the price is low, and somewhere much higher. The main task is to find the site with the lowest price for this hotel. But there are many booking sites (only large sites on Bali hotels are more than 100), visiting each one and comparing prices is a very long and tedious process, because in this case, each time you will need to enter a place of rest, arrival date, departure date, quantity person in the room, the necessary food, it will take more than 10 hours of your precious time. That is why a service was created that saves a lot of time and finds the most low price to the hotel among hundreds of sites. It scans all sites for hotels, compares all offers and displays the most profitable option for you, and the service itself is absolutely free. Why overpay for hotels, because this money will come in handy at the resort itself and increase your comfort level? Just use the Roomguru service and be sure that you will find the best deal!

Find a cheap hotel from Roomguru right now:

How to rent a house

Some travelers who go on a trip to Bali on their own rent a separate house to stay with local residents, but this is quite a risky option, because. not all homeowners are decent people, and in some houses after a day of living, insects are found that can significantly spoil the rest. But if you are still not afraid to rent a house in another country, then you need to do this as safely as possible.

There is a special service called Airbnb (you can read more about the service), where you can rent a house in Bali, as well as in many other places on our planet. Airbnb does not guarantee 100% protection against scammers and bad houses, but, nevertheless, using it is much safer than renting from the first landlord you meet.

It is better to take care of booking an apartment or a room in advance, especially if the tour dates are in the high season. To really save money, but at the same time live comfortably, book accommodation at least a few months in advance.
Naturally, prices for coastal houses located on the first line will be higher than for housing within the city, slightly removed from the sea.

Of course, you can try to find a suitable option already on the spot, but this will require a lot of time, good knowledge of English, as well as a driver's license to move around the island in search of houses for rent.

Required documents

For independent travel Bali requires very few documents. If you do not plan to stay on the island for more than a month, early visa processing is not required. The treasured seal can be obtained free of charge already at, directly upon arrival in Bali. If you are thinking of staying on the island for more than 1 month, it is better to immediately purchase an extendable visa for $35 (issued for a maximum of 60 days).

Tourists who go on a trip to Bali on their own, preferably in advance, because medical services in Bali are not cheap. And, of course, do not forget your passport when leaving home.

The main resorts and attractions of the island

Thinking about how to go to Bali on your own, you will definitely come up with the question of the main places worth visiting. There are, differing in atmosphere and nature. Almost all places can be reached inexpensively (it is best to find out about it right now using the link provided to easily navigate the island).

You can enjoy a traditional holiday on the beaches of Nusa Dua, Legian and Seminyak, or enjoy nightlife in bustling Kuta, get acquainted with the works of local artisans and admire the rice terraces in the city of masters of Ubud or look at the black sand in former capital Bali Singaraja.

In addition, there are hundreds of temples on the paradise Indonesian island that are worth visiting in the morning or sunset hours, when the flow of tourists is not so strong. It is also worth driving to the Batur volcano with the lake of the same name, watching a wonderful sunset from the windows of the Uluwatu temple, or going to one of the waterfalls, be it Git-Git, Sekumpul or Melanting. For a better understanding with the local population, it’s better to know, they can come in handy in a variety of situations, starting with bargaining in the market, ending with a request for help (if one is suddenly needed, which is extremely, extremely rare).

In addition to cultural enrichment, you can actively relax in Bali: go rafting on the Ayung River, ride a wave in the ocean with local surfers, ride elephants or go to the water park in the Kuta area. It is better to book in advance so that there are no problems with paying and explaining to the guide what you want to see specifically.

More detailed information about the main attractions of the island of the gods can be found in the article "" on our website.

Approximate travel cost

The price of a trip to Bali will depend on many factors, including the duration of the trip, the type of accommodation, as well as the cost of and. In general, the average tourist on the island will need between $50 and $100 a day. Add to this (about $ 700), a visa and ($ 100), as well as, ($ 150-200), as a result, for 2 weeks of rest you will need from $ 1600. You can get more detailed information from the article "".

It is much cheaper to get a rest in Bali if you use all the chips from the course, I strongly recommend that you familiarize yourself with this manual.

How to relax cheaply

And although the blog already has a lot of different information about Bali, this article has ripened in me: about a super short, literally “express” guide to the main resort areas of Bali. I tried literally in a couple of sentences to give such a description to each district of Bali, so that a person unfamiliar with Bali would immediately understand which of the districts to choose for recreation.

So if you are still wondering “which area to choose for a vacation in Bali”, then here is the answer from Baliblogger :)

By the way, over time, video releases about all areas of Bali will appear on my youtube channel (an issue about Kuta is already being prepared), so subscribe to the channel so you don't miss these episodes!

Kuta

The main tourist area of ​​Bali. It was from Kuta that tourism originated in Bali, and it was backpacker tourism: that is, for those who were attracted not by the beauty of expensive hotels, but by the untouchedness, cheapness and “village” of Bali. Integrity over time has faded into the background a little (too many tourists here), but the cheapness has remained. Kuta is the most youthful, democratic and unpretentious region of Bali. If you are not afraid of the simplicity of Southeast Asia, then you are here; if you are a backpacker or just a person who does not need excessive comfort, then you are here. Plus, Kuta is very roomy, everything is at hand, and most streets with sidewalks or on them can be walked on foot (which is rare in Bali). And there is nightlife here every day, just go to Legian Street, and the dress code is simple everywhere - flip flops, T-shirts, shorts :)

Prices: you can eat for $2-3 of local food, a little more decent for $5-7. Kuta is the cheapest tourist area.

Beaches: long beach several kilometers, main beach for learning to surf, there is infrastructure (sunbeds, etc.), but it is difficult to swim because of the breaking waves. The beaches are public, not owned by hotels. Sand color: gray-yellow; water is dark blue with green.

Housing: cheap private hotels for $10-20, cheap mid-range hotels for $40-70; there is no housing on the beach!

Night life: very active, almost all bars and clubs are on Legian street; SkyGarden, Bounty, Eikon, Espresso Bar and many others are places where you will be allowed even in flip flops and shorts. Most places are open every day and are always full of people.

Transport: you can get around Kuta on foot or on a scooter, as everything is compact. But the streets are narrow and be prepared for traffic. Distance from the airport: 5-15 minutes; to Uluwatu - 30-40 minutes, to Canggu - 20-30 minutes.

Main streets: Legian - the main street; Pantai (Jalan Pantai) - beach street; Poppies I, Poppies II, Benesari are small popular streets where everyone settles or goes to cafes.

detailed guide to Kuta: and video

Seminyak

Seminyak is an area so closely bordered by Kuta that the border is quite blurred. You walk along the beach from Kuta to the west (to the right, if facing the ocean) and gradually find yourself in Seminyak, or you walk along Legian, then it gradually turns into Seminyak. But the difference between the two areas is huge: if Kuta is cheap and quite young, then Seminyak is more expensive (in some places it’s just glamorous and very decent), and the audience is older. The advantage of Seminyak is that it is as compact as Kuta, that is, it is close to everything and you can even walk on foot in some places - compared to other areas of Bali. And Seminyak is also loved by those who want to live not in a hotel, but in a villa, there are many of them. There are trendy bars and clubs.

Prices: the average bill in an ordinary restaurant is about $10, in a trendy and decent one from $20. Seminyak is much more expensive than Kuta.

Beaches: a little cleaner than the beach Kuta, but in general, the same problematic for those who like to swim, there are also surfers in the water and a lot of waves :) The beaches are public, they do not belong to hotels. Sand color: gray-yellow; water is dark blue with green.

Housing: there are hotels for every taste (from inexpensive threes to fashionable fives), unlike Kuta, there are hotels overlooking the beach (but the beach is public); many villas in different price categories (from cheap one-two for $ 150 to cool ones for a couple of thousand; yes, yes per day)

Night life: also very active, but more decent than in Kuta. Everyone is usually decently dressed, sometimes even very straight (girls in dresses and high heels); new places are constantly opening, but the most popular ones on this moment: La Favela, Mantra, Townhouse, Hue Bar, The Straw Hut etc. Main parties on Thursday-Friday-Saturday.

Transport: everything is also quite compact, in principle, you can get by with a taxi, without transport. Distance from the airport: 20-30 minutes; to Kuta - 10-15 minutes.

Main streets: DoubleSix (DoubleSix or she is also Jalan Arjuna) and Dayana Pura (Dhyana Pura) - the older part of Seminyak; new streets (more modern and fashionable) - Oberoi (Oberoi or Laksmana; main restaurant street); Petitenget - a street with many nightlife spots; Batu Belig is the outskirts of Seminyak, but a very popular street with villas and restaurants. ( )

Sanur

Sanur is the oldest resort town in Bali. And if Kuta for a long time remained a village where hippies and surfers liked to settle, then Sanur has long been a resort with large hotels and a more decent environment. Sanur has a huge number of hotels right on the coastline (but the beaches are still public, as in all of Bali), a fairly relaxed atmosphere and many places for walking and a relaxing holiday. Tranquility and peace are the symbol of Sanur, in my opinion. Sanur, for example, is one of the few places where you can ride a bike. It is for this tranquility that Sanur is so loved by tourists with families and older tourists. Another plus of Sanur is that you can swim here, as the waves crash very far into the ocean. (However, during strong low tides during the full moon / new moon, it can become very shallow).

Prices: Sanur is more expensive than Kuta, but a little cheaper and easier than Seminyak.

Beaches: Suitable for swimming. Sand color: gray-yellow; water is dark blue with green.

Housing: Most tourists settle in hotels, here they are for every taste and every price; there are hotels on the first line. The choice of private houses and villas in Sanur is not very large.

Night life: not particularly developed, there are no nightclubs, it seems to me that Sanur does not have much, maybe only restaurants with live music.

Transport: for short distances (for example, to the beach) you can walk or cycle. Distance from the airport: 20-30 minutes; to Kuta - 20 minutes.

Canggu

For those who are too noisy and crowded in Seminyak, and do not have enough space, the Canggu area is perfect. A few years ago, Canggu consisted of endless rice terraces and narrow paths among them. The picturesqueness, solitude and tranquility of this area fell in love with foreigners and now a huge number of Europeans and various other foreigners live in Canggu. Canggu is also a favorite area for trendy hipsters: it’s not far from the parties and events of Seminyak, and not as expensive as in Seminyak. Canggu has a huge number of trendy cafes, going where you feel like you are at a hipster party in Moscow or somewhere in stylish Europe; however, this does not mean at all that Canggu is a youth area! Many wealthy and family foreigners of different ages live here. The main disadvantage of Canggu is that the beaches here are absolutely not bathable; add black volcanic sand and strong surf to this. But everyone in Canggu is attracted by the beautiful Balinese landscapes (until they were completely built up) and the opportunity to rent a villa and live a quiet quiet life with a lot of western cafes and restaurants nearby.

Prices: Slightly cheaper than Seminyak, but more expensive than Kuta.

Beaches: Beaches with black volcanic sand, and big surf. There is no infrastructure on the beach, you can not swim. But there are many great waves for surfers. Beaches: Echo beach, Berawa, Batu Bolong, Pererenan, etc.

Housing: a large number of villas and private houses of the Balinese type. There are private hotels owned by foreigners, many surf camps. There is no housing “overlooking the beach” (only super elite :).

Night life: Canggu residents usually go to Seminyak for nightlife, since it is close at hand. But there is still one popular place in Canggu - this is Deus, where parties are held every Sunday and all the hipsters of Canggu gather :))

Transport: there is nothing to do in Canggu without personal transport. Narrow roads are almost always without sidewalks, a large number of vehicles. It is also almost impossible to ride a bicycle - you will have to breathe exhaust fumes or risk being crushed. Distance from the airport: 30-40 minutes; to Kuta - from 30 minutes (constant traffic jams in Canggu due to narrow streets).

Main streets: Brava (Jalan Pantai Berawa) - the closest street to Seminyak, popular among expats for its villas and restaurants; Humalaya (Jalan Umalas I and II) - a popular area with villas; the main “avenues” are Kerobokan (Jalan Raya Kerobokan) and Canggu (Jalan Raya Canggu). Foursquare map of Chang.

detailed guide to Canggu: and video

Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is a tourist paradise (or tourist reservation), for the most part, by the way, Russian vacationers. Those very beautiful pictures with transparent, almost turquoise and even water and beautiful lemon-yellow sand, which usually lure “vacationers” to Bali, just for the most part from Nusa Dua. The beaches here are generally really pleasant - especially against the backdrop of the rest of the beach Bali (but still, even here it’s not the Maldives!). But that's just where all the beauty of Nusa Dua ends. And it’s not for nothing that you don’t particularly meet foreigners living in Bali in Nusa Dua, they all know that everything is expensive in Nusa Dua (more expensive than Seminyak), and for services they can’t even be compared with Seminyak. Nusa Dua's verdict is: if you lazy tourist a beachgoer looking for a holiday in a hotel on the beach, from which you don’t plan to get out, then Nusa Dua will suit you. If you do not want to be a package tourist, then you do not need to go to Nusa Dua. Here the atmosphere of Bali is not felt at all! Although yes, the beaches there are very “bathable”!

Prices: tourist area with inflated prices

Beaches: suitable for swimming, calm water, yellow sand, clear water; the most famous beaches: Geger (Geger), Nikko (Nikko).

Housing: basically huge all-inclusive hotels of all kinds and stars

Night life: if only as part of animation in hotels :)

Transport: taxi and somewhere you can walk on foot. Distance to the airport - 30 minutes, to Kuta: 40 minutes.

Jimbaran

Of course, it is difficult to call Jimbaran a separate resort - it is too small - but still it requires a separate paragraph. Jimbaran is actually a small Balinese village, with essentially one street lined with local shops and shops. There is nothing picturesque or remarkable in the village. But several hotels nestled right on the shore (including five-star hotels like Four Seasons and InterContinental) and so Jimbaran got on the map tourist routes Bali. Jimbaran itself lies in a huge bay on the shore of a long (probably five kilometers) beach. big waves there is not much along this bay and it can attract tourists. True, the beach is public and there are always a lot of locals on it (especially at sunset). In terms of infrastructure in Jimbaran, there is little that is interesting for tourists: apart from a couple of decent restaurants nearby, there is especially nowhere to eat decently in Jimbaran, there is also nowhere to go.

Prices: about the same as in Canggu, between Kuta and Seminyak; but since there is nowhere to go in particular, it's hard to talk about prices :)

Beaches: long beach, with yellow-gray sand and ordinary translucent water; you can swim if there are no breaking waves (they are infrequent)

Housing: mostly hotels on the coastline; there are few villas and private houses in Jimbaran itself, if only somewhere at a distance of 10 minutes drive, etc.

Night life: in Jimbaran itself it is not, except perhaps the only Rock Bar, but it is more of a cocktail bar.

Transport: it is better to have your own transport, otherwise you will have to sit in a hotel, there is nowhere to go in the village itself, and pedestrians are rare in it; but you can take a taxi. Distance to the airport - 5 minutes, to Kuta - 10-15 minutes.

Bukit - Balangan, Padang Padang and Uluwatu (Bukit)

Bukit is a small peninsula on the south coast of Bali, just beyond Jimbaran. Bukit is completely different from the rest of Bali, and if not a narrow strip of land connecting Bukit with the rest of Bali, then it could well be a separate island. The usual Balinese landscapes - rice fields, palm trees along the roads and spacious beaches with black volcanic sand - are not here; but here there are picturesque rocky shores, beautiful secluded beaches with simple wooden cafes-warungs and the most beautiful waves in Bali. So it is not surprising that most of the foreigners living in Bukit are surfers. There are no trendy restaurants here, no stylishly dressed people, no hipster cafes. There are endless hilly expanses, which can only be bypassed on a scooter or car, and in fact one big village - with chickens, cows and other exceptionally rural simplicity. Bukit - for an amateur :)

Prices: Slightly cheaper than Canggu, cheaper than Seminyak, but more expensive than Kuta; good restaurants few, but many ordinary warungs

Beaches: the most beautiful in Bali, but not all are suitable for swimming due to the waves; although in some places it is still possible; beautiful lemon yellow sand and clear blue water; famous beaches: Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Balangan, Bingin, Dreamland, Karma Kandara, Greenbowl, Pandawa and others.

Housing: a large number of private houses (from simple and inexpensive Indonesian houses to cool villas on a cliff overlooking the ocean and the island); a large number of private hotels, homestays and surf camps.

Night life: not very developed and mostly geared towards surfers; Sunday parties at the Single Fin bar on Uluwatu, Thursdays at Bingin at Cashew Tree, etc.

Transport: if you do not plan to drive a scooter or rent a car, there is nothing to do in Bukit; here everything is far apart and you need your own transport; Bukit is completely non-pedestrian. Distance to the airport - 20 minutes, to Kuta - 20-30 minutes; to Nusa Dua - 15-20 minutes. – open foursquare in Bukit

Watch the video release on how to choose your area for a holiday in Bali: