Bali

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Unearthing Asia

Bali Island is a small beautiful island and a part of Indonesia archipelago. It is famous for its rugged coastline, sandy white beaches and clear blue waters. But venture deeper into the hilly landscapes and you will find lush rainforest and volcanic mountains, beautiful rice terraces, remote villages and isolated lakes. Note that apart from long distance buses public transport is virtually non-existent. If you would like to explore the island you will have to join one of the pricey guided tours or hire your own car with driver (US$40 to 50 per day).

Seminyak
Upon arrival at Bali airport avoid the mayhem that is Kuta and head north to Seminyak. It is a lot more upmarket with good yet affordable hotel accommodation, fashionable restaurants like the outstanding Cafe Degan and superb night clubs right on the beach (check out the Potato Head).
Seminyak makes a good base to explore the south of Bali and I spent a few nights at the friendly Bali Ayu Hotel.

Ubud
Ubud is the cultural centre of Bali and is famous for its arts and crafts. It is also one of the best places to watch a traditional Balinese dance. The centre of Ubud is great for dining with a great choice of simple cafés and posh restaurants.
Outside Ubud, Goa Gajah (Elephant cave) dates back to the 11th century. The site lay undetected for several centuries before being rediscovered by a team of archaeologists in the 1920s.
Despite the fact that Ubud is nowhere near the sea it is a great place to stay for a few nights. I spent a few nights in a very cheap and basic yet clean and friendly place named Warji Homestay.

Nusa Doa
The long sandy beach at Nusa Doa in south east Bali is sheltered by reefs and therefore ideal for swimming. It is lined by a number of large international resorts and a shopping centre that is home to dozens of shops and excellent dining opportunities. Nusa Doa is a ring-fenced, artificial and sanitised enclave but still ideal if all that you want is to relax on a nice stretch of beach or at a decent hotel pool.

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