Indonesia - Bali - Overview of where to go

Bali is a beautiful island and each aspect of it is unique. Many people come and stay in the south of the island and some travel and stay all over he island. It an extremely easy place to travel around. There are plenty of tour agencies who will organize everything for you or you can self tour. each way has its pluses. so where are the places to go in Bali.

The following destinations that are throughout the island I feel are worthwhile to stay at or visit as a day tour. They all have good accommodation, food and activities unique to that area.

Kuta/Legian/Seminyak . This is the busy south. There are heaps of hotels, shops, restaurants and activities. The areas blends into each other becoming more milder as you move north. It is crowded and buildings are the main feature. The beach is greyish white sand and activities abound along the whole stretch. Highlights: shopping, down the beach at sunrise and sunset, clubbing.

Kerobokan, Berewa, Canggu, Echo Beach and Pererenian Beach. This is further north along the same beach. It is much more quieter than Kuta area and rice fields begin to appear there is solitude to a degree on the beaches, much fewer restaurants and accommodations. A great place to stay for tranquility yet close to the Kuta action. Highlights: quiet beaches with a lot of local life, surfing.

Balian. A beautiful coastal enclave with great accommodation and food. The coastal scenery is great and the beaches isolated. Highlights: long coastal and village walks are great, surfing.

Medewi. A rocky, black sand beach village on the west coast of Bali. It has reasonable accommodation and food. The beaches are devoid of tourists and are very pretty but the water is very murky. It is an excellent base to explore the coast and cultural features of the area. Highlights: Pura Ramut Siwi (get a blessing) and Pupuan (see the rice fields), surfing, explore the quiet coastline.

Pemuteran. A pretty and isolated coastal area in the north of Bali. Hotels are generally expensive and the food is good. It is the best place to explore the north west corner of Bali. Highlights: trekking in Taman Nasional Bali Barat, snorkel/dive Menjangan Island.

Lovina. A mixture of villages on the north coast with a reasonable amount of accommodation and restaurants. There are plenty of things to see and do. The atmosphere is laid back. Highlights: snorkel/dive reefs, hot springs

Amed. A mixture of coastal beaches, coves and villages on the north east of Bali. Hotels and restaurants are spread out over a wide area. Highlights: diving/snorkeling at Japanese fishing boat, Jemeluk, Lipah, Selang and Liberty wreck, trekking in hills, drive the spectacular coastal road from Amed to Ujang.

Tirta Gangga. A beautiful, small and quiet village in the mountains. Highlights: water palace, trekking the rice fields.

Candidasa. A long stretch of coastal village along a shore of break walls. Highlights: temples, snorkeling, diving

Padangbai. A small size coastal town with a ferry port and white sand beach. This a sea transport hub to Lombok and other destinations. lots to do in and around the area. Highlights: snorkel/dive blue lagoon, swim at white sand Tugas Bias, seafood, watching Balinese coastal life.

Sanur/Benoa/ Nusa Dua. Coastal towns with white sand beaches. All facilities can be found with a slower pace of life than Kuta. Nusa Dua is a pure tourist created town. Highlights: views, shopping

Bukit. The hill area of the south of Bali. It is arid and dry but has spectacular coastal scenery. Surfing is the main attraction. highlights: coastal scenery, Uluwatu temple, monkeys

Ubud. In the centre of Bali, it is a town spread over a large area (incorporating a number of villages). It has all facilities but laid back. It is a great base to explore the centre of Bali. highlights: cultural activities, walking, spas, historic sites, food

Danua Bratan Area. A quiet natural hilly area. There are beautiful lakes, views, quiet towns. peace and quiet is the theme. Highlights: lakes, trekking, botanical gardens, views

Agung Batur area. A dry, volcanic region in the centre of Bali. There are volcanoes and lakes within volcanoes. It is a quiet area with okay facilities. Highlights: views, volcano climb

Nusa Lembongan. A dry flat small island off the east coast of Bali. The coastline of the island is varied and pretty. Surfing/diving is the main attraction. Highlights: surfing, walking, snorkeling.