On Bali you can lose yourself in the chaos of Kuta or the sybaritic pleasures of Seminyak and Kerobokan, surf wild beaches in the south or just hangout on Nusa Lembongan. You can go family friendly in Sanur
or savour a lavish getaway on the Bukit Peninsula. Ubud is the heart of
Bali, a place where the spirit and culture of the island are most
accessible. It shares the island's most beautiful rice fields and
ancient monuments with east and west Bali. The middle of Bali is
dominated by the dramatic volcanoes of the central mountains and
hillside temples such as Pura Luhur Batukau
(one of the island's estimated 10,000 temples). North and west Bali are
thinly populated but have the kind of diving and surfing that make any
journey worthwhile.
In 1993 I visited Bali and Lombok
for the first time. When I went through immigration, the officer
glanced at my passport and said in the sweetest voice possible: 'Have a
wonderful birthday on Bali'. Who wouldn't fall in love? I spent a lot of
that trip slack-jawed with wonderment. I remember dancers and musicians
materialising from across the rice fields to perform in Ubud,
I remember Gili T with just a couple of cement huts and some amazing
snorkelling. Since then, these places – like me – have changed greatly,
but their essence still evokes love.
The
rich and diverse culture of Bali plays out at all levels of life, from
the exquisite flower-petal offerings placed everywhere, to the
processions of joyfully garbed locals, shutting down major roads as they
march to one of the myriad temple ceremonies, to the other-worldly
traditional music and dance performed island-wide.
Almost
as big as Bali, Lombok is the largely undiscovered island next door.
From its volcanic centre to untrodden idyllic beaches such as Mawun, it
rewards travellers who want to explore. Many are drawn to mighty Gunung
Rinjani, Indonesia's
second-highest volcano. Rivers and waterfalls gush down its fissured
slopes, while its summit – complete with hot springs and a dazzling
crater lake – is the ultimate trekker's prize. The fabled Gili Islands
are three exquisite droplets of white sand sprinkled with coconut palms
and surrounded by coral reefs teeming with marine life and, on Gili
Trawangan, legendary nightlife.
Crowded and frenetic, the swathe of south Bali hugging the amazing wide
ribbon of beach that runs north almost from the airport is the place
many travellers begin and end their visit to the island.
Destination
Ubud
Ubud is culture, yes. It's also home to good restaurants, cafes and
streets of shops, many selling goods from the region's artisans. There's
somewhere to stay for every budget, and no matter what the price you
can enjoy lodgings that reflect the local Zeitgeist: artful, creative
and serene.
Destination
Ulu Watu & Around
Ulu Watu has become the generic name for the southwestern tip of the
Bukit Peninsula. It includes the much-revered temple and the fabled
namesake surf breaks.
About 2km north of the temple there is a dramatic cliff which has steps
that lead to the legendary Ulu Watu surf breaks. All manner of cafes and
surf shops spill down the nearly sheer face to the water below.
Destination
Canggu
More a state of mind than a place, Canggu is the catch-all name given to
the villa-filled stretch of land between Kerobokan and Echo Beach. It's
a popular area both to stay and for day trips from other parts of Bali.
A stretch of about 1km of Jl Pantai Berawa running near the Canggu Club
is the de facto centre of Canggu.
See more
Sights
Top Pick
Architecture
Taman Kertha Gosa
When the Dewa Agung dynasty moved here in 1710, the Semara Pura was
established. The palace was laid out as a large square, believed to be
in the form of a mandala, with courtyards, gardens, pavilions and
moats...
Top Pick
Museums & Galleries
Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali
Think of this as the British Museum or the Smithsonian of Balinese
culture. It's all here, but unlike those world-class institutions, you
have to work at sorting it out...
Top Pick
Landmarks & Monuments
Gunung Kawi
At the bottom of a lush green river valley is one of Bali's oldest and largest ancient monuments...
Top Pick
Museums & Galleries
Museum Le Mayeur
Le Mayeur de Merpres (1880–1958) arrived in Bali in 1932. Three years
later, he met and married the beautiful Legong dancer Ni Polok when she
was just 15...
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Tours and activities
Small Group Tours
Classic Bali & Lombok
Snorkel the warm tropical waters and watch Balinese shadow puppets dance in the night. Marvel at floating palaces and temples...
$1614
$1899
Small Group Tours
Bali, Flores & Komodo Explorer
If you’re looking to get in three of the Indonesian islands on a trip
that combines proven highlights with off-the-beaten-path gems, you’re in
the right place...
$2449
Small Group Tours
Classic Bali
Watch the sun rise over volcanic peaks and the spires of Pura Besakih.
From pristine beaches and temples surrounded by jungle, Bali is a land
loaded with cultural and natural highlights...
$849
$999
Sightseeing Tours
Private Karangasem Day Trip Including Mt Agung
Visit a stunning variety of landscapes and vistas on this private day trip to the region of Karangasem...
$38
See more
Tips and articles
Article
First time Bali: where to eat, stay and play
Decades of tourism haven’t dampened Bali's deep-rooted spirituality and
natural charms. Volcanoes rise from the sea, monkeys swing in the trees,
and there are still dozens of idyllic spots to escape the crowds...
Article
Spa-aaah! A guide to Bali's best spas and chill-out spots
Whether you’re looking for the royal treatment or a quick rub-down, Bali's spa options are seemingly infinite...
Article
Surfing for novices amidst Bali's monster waves
Tucked within Indonesia’s ferociously powerful waves, lies a unique
surfing experience that will bring mile-long smiles to beginners and
intermediate surfers alike...
Article
Nyepi: tips for celebrating Balinese New Year
2008-03-06_1801.32_Ogoh_crowd.JPG by mattspong. Creative Commons
Attribution This is an excerpt from Lonely Planet's A Year of
Festivals...
See more
From the store
Book
Bali & Lombok travel guide - 14th edition
The mere mention of 'Bali' evokes thoughts of a paradise. It's more than
a place; it's a mood, an aspiration, a tropical state of mind.
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Indonesia - Bali (Chapter)
With its impossibly green rice terraces, pulse-pounding surf and truly
charming people, this small island looms large for any visit to
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night...
$4.95
Book
Indonesia Bundle (Print only)
Save 30% with this popular bundle of travel guide books for Indonesia.
Get quick tips with the Pocket Bali and plan your accomodations and
excursions throughout Indonesia with the Indonesia travel guide.
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Book
Pocket Bali - 4th edition
Lonely Planet's Pocket Bali is your passport to the most relevant,
up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries
await you.
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