Where to Stay in Bali
Bali's Finest Resort Towns and How Best to Travel Around Once There
Sep 5, 2009
Nestled between Java to the west and Lombok to the east, Bali is the most popular of all Indonesian tourist destinations. Its name alone conjures up images of paradise, with impossibly blue water and verdant jungle, and that isn’t too far from the reality.
Where to Stay in Bali
As Bali’s tourism industry has blossomed, different areas have evolved to cater for the wide spectrum of visitors. For the young and energetic, who just want to surf and party, the town of Kuta is perfect. Not only is it home to some of the best bars and clubs in Bali, but it also has lots of very cheap accommodation.
Due east of Kuta is the resort of Sanur. This too has plenty of hotels, restaurants and bars, but the tourists tend to be middle-aged and, as such, it is much quieter.
Ubud, near the center of the island, is a bustling town that is home to many galleries and workshops. It has earned the reputation as Bali’s cultural center, and it is possible to wander the streets for hours admiring locally produced arts and crafts.
Jimbaran Bay, at the southern tip of the island, has several high-end hotels, including the stunning Four Seasons. The crescent shape provides the white sand beach with shelter and, as it is predominantly west-facing, fantastic sunsets. No visit to Bali is complete without enjoying a sundowner here.
Traveling Around Bali
As Bali is a relatively small island, it has no rail network. The only choice to make when it comes to transport is the number of wheels, and the specific choice is dictated by the reason for travel. For example, when visiting one of Bali’s main attractions, the tour company who arranges the booking will also provide a car.
Metered taxis are readily available for ad hoc hire by flagging them down in the street, and offer exceptional value. For the more adventurous, there are also several car hire companies on the island. However, it is strongly advised to take every insurance option–Bali’s roads are anything but safe.
On that note, the remaining mode of transport is only for the foolhardy. Many locals have gone for the cheap and reliable option–the scooter. Thousands of these two-wheelers zip around Bali’s roads like angry insects. Helmets are optional, especially for children who ride either standing on the footplate or sandwiched between two adults.
There are firms that hire scooters out to tourists as a cost-effective way of getting about, but only those who are used to riding in busy traffic should even consider it.
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