Renowned for its superior surf beaches, Kuta is located in southern Bali and is the region's most popular tourist destination. Kuta has so much on offer and families looking for quality holiday accommodation will have no shortage of options to choose from, all within a short walk to restaurants and entertainment. Younger travellers on the other hand, will enjoy the many water sports available as well as great value accommodation and best of all, Kuta's notorious party reputation.
South Kuta is a peaceful and soothing island, more relaxed than central Bali. Aside from being a great beach, South Kuta is close to everything you could possibly need while on holiday in Bali. It's not far from the international airport and only a brief stroll to the nightlife of central Kuta. Choosing where to stay while on holidays in South Kuta is a breeze as there are so many options to choose from, with everything from five star accommodation to budget hotels. An array of shopping, dining and recreation options are also dotted throughout this area and in close proximity to accommodation.
Legian, just north of Kuta, shares the same easy access to shops and bars but is far more relaxed and less busy than the main island. Those wanting to take it easy will love the slower pace of Legian away from the party atmosphere of central Bali allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of the island. There is not a great deal of organised tourist attractions, however this is a benefit as it leaves you free to explore the island at your own leisure and discover the "real" Bali while on holidays.
Seminyak is the high end spa and boutique shopping capital of Bali. Adorned with upmarket accommodation and chic high end restaurants and bars, the atmosphere is more sophisticated and laid back than Kuta. Seminyak beach and Petitenget beach are sweeping expanses of sand that stretch to meet the horizon. To the south, they become Legian beach and then Kuta beach. Famous for their captivating sunsets, these beaches are far quieter than those in central Bali.
Located south of Denpasar, Nusa Dua is renowned for the high end hotels that swathe the peninsular. With easy access from both Kuta and Jimbaran Bay, Nusa Dua is celebrated for its glorious beaches of long white sandy shores and warm, safe waters. Less focused on the party atmosphere of central Bali, a Nusa Dua holiday places an emphasis on art and culture.
Sanur is Bali's oldest luxury resort area and is a typical beach-side town. Despite its abundance of restaurants and accommodation, it remains quiet, relaxed and peaceful. Sanur has an array of cultural, natural and historical attractions which perfectly balance the quintessential shopping and beach-related sights so there is something for everyone. As well as shopping and eating, there are plenty of photo opportunities along Sanur's paved beachfront cycle path. Another favourite is the local night markets which are a feast for the senses and offer plenty of food options.
Located in central Bali, Ubud is far removed from the bikini and party scene of Kuta. Considered the cultural epicentre of Bali, Ubud is renowned as an arts and crafts hub. Much of the surrounding town and village consist of artist workshops and galleries where extraordinary architectural sights and artistic gems can be found. Ubud is so full of things to see and do it would be wise to allow at least a week for your holiday.
Jimbaran Bay is located just south of the airport and main island of Kuta. Home to a multitude of five star beach resorts and a few more modest hotels, Jimbaran Bay offers little in the way of budget accommodation. Nicknamed the "Beverly Hills of Bali" and "Millionaires Row", a holiday in Jimbaran Bay is a holiday in style! Jimbaran Bay also offers some great natural attractions and surfing is a big drawcard.
East of Bali lies Lombok, a tropical paradise that lives up to Bali's reputation for pristine natural beauty. Stunning beaches, majestic waterfalls and the awe-inspiring volcano of Mount Rinjani are just some of the natural wonders that draw tourists to this tropical island. However Lombok is not the tourist hub of Kuta and with relatively few tourists, even in peak season, you are free to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the island.
The Gili Islands are a haven for those wanting a relaxing and laidback holiday. If you're ready to well and truly settle into 'island time' then the Gili Islands are your destination of choice. All forms of motorised transport are banned from the island, leaving you free from the bustle of the main islands and able to enjoy the tranquillity of the Gili Islands.
