Bali

An island just to the east of the main Indonesian island of Java, Bali defines the word paradise. The combination of friendly, hospitable people, a magnificently visual culture infused with spirituality, and spectacular beaches with great surfing and diving have made Bali Indonesia's unparalleled, number-one tourist attraction.

What to See and Do

Bali is one of over 13,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago and is located just over a mile from the eastern tip of the island of Java. The island of Lombok is to the west. Bali, approximately 90 miles from east to west and 50 miles north to south, is home to about 4 million people.

South

• Seminyak is the most upmarket of the south coast's beaches, with high-end accommodation and mostly high-end restaurants and bars to serve residents and tourists. The atmosphere is more sophisticated and laid-back than Kuta, the most famous Bali beach that now suffers from overdevelopment. Seminyak's beautiful beach is quieter during the day, although this area too is developing fast.
• Legian is located north of Kuta and south of Seminyak. For surfers, this is a great place to go.
• Uluwatu Temple (Pura Uluwatu) is one of Bali's six directional temples and Uluwatu's only site of significance. More remarkable than the temple itself is its location, perched on a steep cliff 200 feet above the roaring ocean waves. There are more steep headlands on either side, and sunsets over Uluwatu are a sight to behold.

Central

• Ubud. Far removed from the party atmosphere at Kuta, Ubud can be described as a magical, wonderful cultural center, famous for its arts and crafts. Half (if not more) of the town and nearby villages seem to consist of artists' workshops and galleries, mostly producing wares for tourists. There are some remarkable architectural sights, beautiful rice paddies and lush jungle, and the famous Monkey Forest--don't bring any food you don't want stolen!

North

• The north of Bali is cooler and mountainous. For travelers, the main attractions are Lake Batur, set in a vast volcano caldera, and Gunung Batur (Mount Batur). The two hour climb to the summit of Mount Batur, still an active volcano, to watch the sunrise is an unforgettable experience. Nearby is Pura Ulun Danau Batur, the second most important temple in Bali.

Menjangan. There are great diving and snorkeling opportunities around Bali, but one of the best is Menjangan, a protected island in Bali Barat National Park. Fish of every color swim over spectacular coral formations in crystal-clear water.

East

• Amed. Most people come to Amed as a getaway, including expats from other parts of the island. It's a favorite honeymoon destination for tourists and is also popular with divers and snorkelers. Sailing trips in small Balinese sailboats can be arranged as well.
• Besakih. High on the slopes of Mount Agung, Besakih is Bali's most sacred temple. Guided tours of the temple complex are possible

• Tirta Gangga is famous for its water palace, a lovely maze of pools and fountains surround by a lush garden and stone carvings and statues.

All over Bali

Bali is a great place to get away from it all and relax. Numerous resorts and spas are waiting to pamper you in gorgeous natural settings.

Hinduism on Bali is unique because it is woven into and around the original Balinese animistic religion. In a true sign of tolerance and acceptance, the two have become one for the Balinese.