Bali

DESTINATIONS indonesia bali

Bali

Bali's breathtakingly beautiful scenery makes it easy to just settle for the imaginary cliche of the island as a tropical paradise and nothing more. But behind the luxury resorts, picture-perfect rice fields, and idyllic beaches lies a rich culture, steeped in tradition and spirituality, and one of the friendliest and most welcoming places you're likely to find anywhere. Dare to go beyond the comforts of the resort areas to truly explore all the island has to offer and let yourself be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime.

The Island

Most first-time visitors to Bali will be drawn to the island's southern regions, such as Kuta, Nusa Dua, and Seminyak. These areas are famous for their golden beaches, upscale hotels, vibrant restaurants, and lively nightclubs, making them the epicentre of Bali's tourism and entertainment. In the south, you'll also find the bustling regional capital of Denpasar. Unlike the tranquil villages and serene landscapes elsewhere on the island, Denpasar offers a cosmopolitan contrast with its busy streets, modern amenities, and dynamic atmosphere, juxtaposed with the island's traditional Hindu temples and lush natural scenery. Heading further north and deeper inland, visitors will encounter a different kind of beauty with green, lush mountains and picturesque hilly rice terraces. The town of Ubud, situated in this region, is Bali's cultural heart, renowned for its artistic heritage, with numerous museums, galleries, and arts and crafts shops. Elsewhere on the island, diverse attractions await. In the west, the West Bali National Park offers pristine natural landscapes and wildlife. The northern coastline boasts quiet and secluded beaches, while the east is dotted with small coastal villages and dramatic volcanoes. For diving enthusiasts, the southeastern islands present some of Bali's most spectacular underwater spots. To complement these experiences, Bali's diverse offerings ensure that whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, culture, or natural beauty, every corner of the island provides a unique and unforgettable experience.

Do & See Dining Cafés Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Bali is quite simply a tropical paradise with a unique mixture of modern tourist facilities and breathtaking natural wonder, combined with great shopping, beautiful beaches and a rich cultural heritage. Besides spending your day lazing on the unreal beaches, you can also enjoy exceptional diving, snorkeling and wonderful day trips to nearby attractions, like the inland rice fields and cultural expeditions to Ubud.

Seminyak

Seminyak is a stunning resort area to the southeast of Denpasar. It boasts some of the most marvelous beaches on the island, and also offers great shopping, dining venues, and upscale nightlife, making it one of the island's most popular tourist …

Waterbom Bali

For a day filled with splashing water slides, tropical parks, and thrilling attractions for the whole family, pay a visit to Waterbom Bali in Kuta. You find all the necessary facilities like towel rental service and locker, plus restaurants, a food court, and a swim-up …

Bali Safari and Marine Park

This park in Gianyar is home to hundreds of amazing animals, representing more than 50 species. The park showcases much of Indonesia’s protected wildlife, including rare and endangered species in their natural surroundings, such as the Sumatran …

Tirta Gangga

Tirta Gangga, which literally means 'water from the Ganges', is a beautiful former palace belonging to the Royal family of Karangasem, located a few kilometres north of Amlapura. It is famed for its stunning water garden and setting, surrounded by rice …

Yoga in Bali

The village of Ubud is known for being an important centre of art and culture. This is also where many of the island's prime yoga schools are located. The Yoga Barn is one of the most popular, offering alternatives for both beginners and more advanced …

Surfing in Bali

The island of Bali is one of the world's prime surfing spots. Here you can find everything from challenging waves for advanced surfers to calmer waters for beginners. Several surf camps and schools also offer different kinds of classes for all levels. One of the best-renowned companies is UP2U Surf School Bali in …

Traditional Music and Dance

No visitor should miss Bali’s many traditional Joged and Legong dances, Barong performances, or excerpts from the great Hindu dance-drama, the Ramayana. Most large hotels stage performances nightly. For Barong, head for the open-air performances held every morning at Batubulan, northeast of the city centre. Wayang kulit shows (a traditional form of puppet theatre) …

Bali Bird Park

Bali is rich in wildlife, and birds make up a large part of it. At the Bali Bird Park, you can see 250 different species, some of them from other parts of the world. In addition to all the birds, there is also a small collection of reptiles, among them, the legendary Komodo …

Werdhi Budaya Art Centre

This complex of ornate wooden buildings in traditional style exhibits traditional Balinese culture through musical, theatrical and dance performances held in the large amphitheatre. If you're lucky, you might catch the Bali Art Festival held here during your …

Cooking Classes in Bali

To understand the culture of a country you have to taste authentic cuisine and experience a meal with locals. The Lobong Bali Cooking Class in Ubud gives you the opportunity to first follow a local family to the market and buy the ingredients, to then together prepare and enjoy a meal. This is a …

Bali Pulina Coffee Tours and Recreation

Bali Pulina is located just 7 km north of Ubud, surrounded by rice fields and green forests. Take part in tours exploring the coffee plantations and learn how the popular 'Luwak Coffee' is cultivated and processed. Coffee tastings and recreational activities such as zip lining, a swing or an infinity pool are also on …

Dining

Denpasar has its share of functional warungs (basic Indonesian eateries). For the best of Balinese and international cuisine, however, take a taxi to Seminyak or Kuta. Some of the best Western, Asian, and international food can be found in the restaurants of the major resort hotels, which offer a wide choice of alternatives.

Chez Gado Gado

Chez Gado Gado was formerly a club but has now been renovated as a stylish restaurant and its beachside location is practically unbeatable. Come here for its outstanding international food and cocktails as well as stunning water …

Melting Wok Warung

Bali Asli

This restaurant, surrounded by mountains and rice fields, is not easy to find, hidden in the small village of Gelumpang in northeastern Bali. They use mainly their own farmed ingredients or products from the local market in their cooking and the cuisine is authentic Balinese. They also host cooking classes, all of them including …

Taco Casa

This Mexican restaurant gives you a good alternative to Indonesian cuisine. The portions are large, and the flavours are spicy and delicious. Here you can enjoy enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, and salads, all made from scratch with only the best ingredients. Wash it down with a glass of freshly squeezed fruit juice or maybe a …

Sea Circus

Sea Circus describes itself as a restaurant, cocktail bar and coffee den, and as such, they do a bit of everything. From coffee to cocktails, breakfast to tapas, stylish decor and animated parties, it's a great place to visit any time of day or …

Ku De Ta

Ku De Ta is highly rated by expats and visitors alike and is one of the most stylish spots in Seminyak. The menu accentuates modern Australasian styles, along with Indonesian influences. The open-plan restaurant is light, breezy and open all day. At night, it becomes one of the rowdiest spots on the island, with …

Cafés

Bali is one of the exclusive lists of islands that produce Kopi Luwak, a coffee that consists of partially digested coffee cherries, which have been eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet, a small animal native to the area. Once the beans have passed through the animal, they are roasted like ordinary coffee beans. Try a cup if you're feeling brave, stick to more traditional coffee, or have some of the fresh fruit juices available at the numerous cafés on the island.

Kopi Pot

Kopi Pot is a popular café and restaurant offering two distinct menus: Indonesian favourites and international dishes with seafood, all complemented by their famous homemade desserts. Guests can enjoy their meals or a hot cup of coffee while watching the world go by from its charming garden …

Gusto Gelato & Caffè

Gusto Gelato & Caffè serves world-class Italian gelato, with rich, interesting, and creative flavours, including kemangi and fried sesame, among many more. In addition to their tasty ice cream, they also have great coffee and a very relaxing ambience in the …

Tutmak Warung Kopi

Tutmak Warung is popular among locals as well as tourists for its hip yet casual atmosphere and excellent home-style cooking, decadent desserts, strong coffee and the unbeatable friendly service and attention from the …

Sea Circus

Bars & Nightlife

The most exciting nightlife in Bali is in Kuta—from throbbing dance clubs to hot karaoke bars and cool jazz cafés, you'll find it all here. If you're happy to just sip a cocktail and watch the sunset, there are also several options in the many tourist resorts around the island.

Komune Resort & Beach Club

The Komune Resort and Beach Club is only half an hour's drive away from the capital of Bali, Denpasar. While watching the sunset, you can listen to some chill-out music, but if you are more up for something to watch, join one of the regular movie screenings held at the open-air …

Rock Bar

Perched 14 metres above Jimbaran Bay on distinctive rock formations, Rock Bar Bali is part of the Ayana Resort complex and has earned once the title of Bali's Best Bar. This trendy hangout offers stunning sea and sunset views from its terrace, serving refined dishes and cocktails. A strict dress code is enforced, so …

Potato Head Beach Club

Potato Head Beach Club is one of the most popular clubs in Bali. If you want to enjoy your free time in an infinity pool and then go out dancing while the best DJs are playing, you should visit the Potato Head Beach …

Sea Circus

Woobar

Woobar stands out among the healthy dining and drinking options at the W Hotel in Seminyak. The menu consists of comfort food featuring Asian and Mediterranean flavours, and the bar offers 3 poolside decks on which to enjoy your meal and …

Ku De Ta

Hard Rock Cafe

Hard Rock Cafe is one of the liveliest spots in Kuta, offering drinks, American classics like burgers and nachos, and live music in its rock 'n' roll-themed …

Shopping

Shopping in Bali is rich in artwork and handicrafts. Markets and stalls throughout the island showcase long-held traditions of wood carving, silver and gold craft, embroidery and more, particularly in Ubud, the island's cultural hub. Urban areas also have modern shopping centres that cater to all your shopping and entertainment needs, the most prominent being the pleasant Kuta Beachwalk. Among Pasar Badung, you can find shops and stalls selling all kinds of goods, from fresh fish, fruits and vegetables to Bali and Java crafts and textiles. On the other side of the river, Kumbasari Complex, there are a lot of small traders selling cheap batik garments, jewels, silverware and antiques. As for the international-style retail space, there are also a number of air-conditioned shopping centres in Denpasar, like New Dewata Ayu and Matahari, which are located facing Jalan Dewi Sartika. Moving out from the city, Sanggraha Kriya Handicrafts in the eastern suburb of Topathi (8 km from the city centre) sells a wide variety of Balinese handicrafts at a fixed price. Yet, Bali's best shopping destination is not in Denpasar, but in the vicinity of Kuta and Sanur Beach Resort, or the Ubud Mountain Resort, which are less than an hour's drive from the city. Kuta is a good place to buy cheap beachwear and trendy jewellery. You can go to Ubud to buy the best traditions and modern Balinese wood carvings, ready to bargain with the seller to get a satisfactory price.