Bali is one of those enchanting island paradises that doesn’t seem diminished by modern times or rising tourism numbers. This Indonesian island, tucked between Java to the east and Lombok to the west, has even rebounded from the horrific bombings that shook it in 2002 and 2005. Today, some two million people visit Bali annually, it’s the country’s top tourist attraction, by far and one of the best tropical vacation spots in Indonesia. But no matter how many people flock to Bali, it has managed to retain its peace-loving nature, deeply engrained culture, sanguine outlook, and enduring spirituality.
Bali’s distinctive civilization may have something to do with its isolation as a Hindu majority in a country that is the largest Muslim country on the planet. Of its population of three million people, more than 90% are Hindu. Ancient and modern temples dot the countryside (some 10,000 in all), and life in Bali revolves around Tri Hita Karana, a spiritual principle espousing the wisdom of maintaining a harmonious three-way balance between man and God and the environment. But Bali is blessed with much more than a rich culture and benevolent spirituality.
Simply put, Bali is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It has breathtaking beaches and steep mountain slopes, terraces embroidered with green rice paddies and lush vegetation. If you’re looking for a beautiful swimming beach with gentle surf, tawny sand, cinematic sunsets, and a mystical vibe, head to Sanur (see below), on Bali’s south coast. If you’re looking for a little more wave action, head to Uluwatu, on Bali’s southern tip it’s one of the world’s most famous surf spots, with awesome breaks and rips.
On Bali’s western tip is Labuan Lalang, an uninhabited island with some of the best diving on Bal(see below) i. Nearly 7,000 hectares (17,297 acres) of marine waters and pristine coral reef are protected as part of the Bali Barat National Park, including Menjangan Island. Ubud is a charming central town away from the coasts; it’s the island’s center of arts. Balinese arts are justly celebrated around the world; be sure to take in a Balinese dance performance, featuring beautifully costumed dancers.
Bali is a big island (5,633 sq. km/2,175 sq. miles), so if you want to explore as much as possible, you may want to rent a car. Many visitors hire a private taxi (car and driver/ tour guide)—an inexpensive and enlightening way to experience the island through the eyes of an insider. Bike tours of rural Bali are popular; you pass villages, fields of rice, and coffee plantations, and sample Bali cuisine; a number of operators are based in Ubud. Try Happy Bike Cycling Tours 62-81-999-260 262www.happybiketour.com or Banyan Tree Cycling Tours 62-81-338-798-516 http://banyantree.wikispaces.com). www.balitourismboard.org or www.indo.com.
The Best Places to Dive and Snorkel in Bali and Lombok
Nusa Penida This island is the nearest dive site for those staying in the south of the island. It is a 40-minute boat ride from Sanur and benefits from the main deep water channel current running down the Lombok Strait. The main draw is from July to November when there is a high chance of swimming with the large Mola-Mola, or oceanic sunfish, or around the same time, you may find manta rays.
Bloo Lagoon This small, white-sand bay just outside Padangbai is not normally a recipe for finding interesting fish, but the treasure-trove of marine life here includes sharks, stonefish, scorpion fish, and nudi branches. One of the highlights of this dive spot is its night dives.
Gili Biaha This island is a 25-minute boat ride north of Candidasa and has some of Bali’s most stunning diving. Here you will find a vast diversity of fish, sharks, and frequent pelagic visitors set against a backdrop of chiseled black walls with beautiful, healthy corals and often superb visibility. Go to the Shark Cove and you are almost guaranteed to see a white tip shark or two.
USAT Liberty Certainly the most famous and most popular dive site in Bali, this wreck lies between 3m and 37m (10 ft.–120 ft.) from the surface and can be enjoyed by serious divers and snorkelers alike. It is easy to reach from the shore and hosts over 300 species of fish. Go for a night dive.
Menjangan Island Situated in the West Bali National Park, 10km (6 miles) offshore, this deer-inhabited island offers deep coral reef walls only 45m to 90m (150–300 ft.) from shore, with a diversity of gorgonian fans and plenty of small and medium-size fish on view. The protected island is reached by boats staffed by ex-fishermen from the area. The high visibility coupled with the gentle currents make this an exceptional place for the whole family.
Belongas Bay This bay in south Lombok has many excellent dive sites and pristine and as yet unpolluted reefs. There is plentiful macro life and an abundance of mackerel, tuna, barracuda, napoleon wrasse, and white and black tip reef sharks. You may even get to see hammerhead sharks.
The Gili Islands Located off the west coast of Lombok, and with over 20 accepted sites, this is an ideal location to base yourself if you want to spend the day sub aqua. The Gilis are famous for their turtles and if you are quick and fortunate, you may even get to swim with them.
The Best Beaches
The image of Bali as a beach destination has likely taken hold from its surf-dominated origins back in the 1970s. And while there are many beautiful stretches, they are less typical and planning your beach trip requires thought—not least because the rip and swell that lure surfers pose a less hospitable attraction for swimmers.
Kuta Beach at 66 While this is not necessarily the prettiest place to lie nor indeed the safest place to swim, Kuta Beach at 66 attracts people from all of the world to soak up the atmosphere and rays and watch the bods on the beds. Settle down on a sun lounger and the world will pass by.
Ku de Ta While more a bar than a beach, treat it as the latter and book one of the four-person sun loungers and kick back for the day with top-drawer service on tap.
Sanur Beach Similar in style to Nusa Dua, Sanur retains its old-world charm and connection to a more authentic Bali than Nusa Dua, with mile after mile of traditional warungs competing with topclass resorts set on the boardwalk. This is a great spot for sailing, kite surfing, and kid-friendly swimming.
Bingin Beach Of all the amazing golden beaches on the Bukit, this remains as charming and original a spot as you can get. Untroubled to date by overzealous developers, and with surfers doing a daily show out front, this is a perfect beachside experience.
Nusa Dua Beach As perfect, friendly, and enticing a beach setting as anywhere.
The offshore reef provides the protection, and the never-ending five star hotels fronting the boardwalk provide the setting for lazing in or by the beach with immaculate service immediately at hand. Dinghies and kayaks abound.
Pantai Pasir Putih (White Sand Beach) This idyllic spot, off the tourist trail, is a closely guarded secret. Just beyond Candidasa, it is a perfect crescent beach protected by two high promontories with a dozen picturesque warungs serving cold beer and prawns, it is the closest Bali comes to the Caribbean with azure waters and gentle breezes.
The Gili IslandsNear perfect, soft white sand beaches surround the Gili islands. Quite how they managed to retain their innocence for so long is a mystery. Take a 3-day break here.