The Best Of Bali

By Author: Caron Fontelroy
Total Articles: 10
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Since the Bali bombings in 2005, this heavenly Indonesian island has made a remarkably speedy recovery as far as their tourist trade is concerned. For more information on what''s hot in Bali, read on:

Many people head to Bali for its glorious beaches. Whether it''s a slice of the surfing action you''re after, or simply a beautiful way to unwind, Bali will not disappoint. Kuta beach is famous across the whole of Indonesia for its excellent surfing conditions, and its status as something of a backpacker hub also makes is a great place for nightlife. Across on the eastern side of the southern peninsular, you will find Nusa Dua - a quiet haven offering unspoiled sands and long stretches of shallow water, perfect for taking a quick dip to cool down between sunbathing sessions.

Ubud is Bali''s cultural capital. The streets are lined with arts and crafts of all colours, cultures, sizes and styles. There are several important Indonesian art galleries here too, displaying the work of many famous Balinese artists as well as a few artistically inclined expatriates who fell in love with Ubud''s arty vibe and have now made ...
... Indonesia their home.

If you spend the day in Ubud, linger a little longer to catch a traditional dance performance. Most people agree that the best dances are to be found at the Palace, and the Ramayana Ballet, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, comes highly recommended.

The sunsets on Bali are simply spectacular and a great place to catch them is at Jimbaran Bay. Take a seat at one of the many beachfront restaurants, order up some sumptuous local seafood, sit back, smile and enjoy.

Whilst many of Bali''s beauty spots are scattered around the coast, it is also worth taking the time to explore inland. Taking a tour to view Kintamani volcano is a highly rewarding experience. Sunrise treks are available, on foot or on horseback, leaving the foot of Kintamani at around 4.30am, reaching the summit at approximately 7.30am in time to see the sun emerge over Bali. If you go for the four legged option, check this is OK with your holiday insurance provider first. Most companies, like Go Travel, will allow you to add it as an extra if not.

One of the main pleasures of any exotic holiday is the opportunity to try as many new and exciting varieties of food and drink as possible. Balinese coffee is a particular treat and is available plentifully and cheaply in beautiful handcrafted wooden boxes making an excellent souvenir or gift for someone back home.

Whilst Bali is a major tourist hotspot, it retains a sense of village life and homeliness, largely thanks to the incredible warmth and generosity of its people. You will get pestered to buy things on the street, taxi drivers will offer their services to you at every available opportunity, but everything will be done with a smile, with utmost politeness and a quintessentially Balinese laidback approach to life. Caron Fontelroy never travels without a good holiday insurance policy.