The Best of Bali

When planning your trip, look at the map for distances and count about one hour for 40 km in your own vehicle, and twice that time in public transportation (to allow for multiples stops and waits). Move during the quieter, cooler hours of the morning, remembering that it rains more often in the afternoon and that public transportation becomes scarce in many areas after 2 pm. Prefer the little side roads, always charming and less crowded.

Beach resorts
Although Kuta beach is Indonesia's most famous and popular beach, it can sometimes be (over) crowded and polluted, with loud music, hawkers and hookers (Bali's infamous "Beach Cowboys"). It is also right along one of Kuta's most busiest streets (Jalan Pantai, the Beach Road), a street which you need to cross to go to your hotel coming from the beach. But if you want to surf, that's the place to be. Better, uncrowded, clean and quiet beaches are Seminyak beach and Nusa Dua in Southern Bali. The most scenic beaches, full of coconut trees against the amazing green and lush mountains, are the remote and isolated black volcanic sand beaches of Northern Bali, which are ideal for swimming and diving.

Snorkeling and diving
Ideally all along the beach in Northern Bali, also in Nusa Dua.

Surfing
Bali is world famous for its surfing and the best beaches for surfing are in the South, in particular Kuta, Sanur and Jimbaran.

Yoga, meditation, spa, massage and general well-being
Mostly in and around Kuta (Seminyak) and in Ubud.

Bali famous rice fields and terraces
These can basically be seen all over Bali, but the most photographed ones are in Central Bali, around Ubud.

Mountain hiking, walking, bird watching
The best places for walking are situated around Ubud, on the mountain slopes of Northern Bali and for those who want to higher, Mt. Agung, Batur and Batukaru. Bird watching is primarily in the West Bali National Park, but birds are everywhere. Unfortunately, the exotic and protected species, including mammals and reptiles, can best be observed in the Denpasar bird market. DON'T BUY THEM!

History, culture, temples and museums
Bali is dotted with Hindu shrines allover the place, the more famous and numerous ones are in Southern Bali and around Ubud. Include Tanah Lot, Klungkung, the Elephant temple and too many to name. Check any tourist guide or map.

Arts and handicrafts
The south of Bali is world renowned for its arts and handicrafts which can be found all along the main roads and in all markets. Some villages specialize in special crafts: stone sculpture in Batubulan, wood carving in Mas and Tegalalang, gold and jewelry in Celuk and batiks in Tohpati. These villages, all located between Denpasar and Ubud, can easily be visited in a half-day or day trip. However, all of these items are readily available in the shops in Kuta.

Furniture
Bali is also very famous for its robust and beautiful decorated, elegant furniture, in teak and other materials. Finished products are readily available in furniture shops in and around Kuta (expensive). If time allows, on the main road between Kuta and Sanur are the workshops where you can order. Prices are much lower. Much shops can arrange export of the furniture.

Clothes, shoes and souvenirs
Plenty of colorful cheap summer clothes of excellent quality can be found in all tourist centers, in particular in Kuta. There are also several shoe shops and brand names are widely available in the department stores in and around Kuta, Matahari being the most famous one. There are plenty of souvenirs in all the markets and shops in all tourist centers.

Restaurants, bars and nightlife
Excellent restaurants can be found in all tourist centers and just about everywhere in Bali you can experience the local, very cheap and tasty local food in the "warungs". Kuta and Ubud have a very large number of all kind of restaurants from all over the world (Thai, Moroccan, Spanish, Italian, Greek, Japanese, Chinese, Dutch, German, French ...). The beach in Jimbaran is famous for its delicious grilled sea-food at night, right on the beach and at very reasonable prices (go to the places frequented by locals). Nightlife is concentrated in Legian and Seminyak and you will find a place for every taste. There are also a few fabulous (partly transvestite) cabarets (try the Oriental Cabaret).

Unseen Bali will be happy to assist you with additional information and practical arrangements, whether in advance or right on the spot while you are in Bali.