Towns & areas in Bali

A

Ubud

Small character town in the center of Bali known for years to be the "town for painters" has in the last years developed into the center of "Cultural Tourism" in Bali. Ubud is packed with galleries, art centers, museums, craft shops and restaurants. Local government focuses more on preserving the local traditions and ceremonies rather than turning it into a modern tourist town.

B

Denpasar

The provincial capital of Bali and one of busiest cities on the island. Congested streets, crowded markets, department stores, many government offices and banks dominate this area.

C

Kuta

Three kilometer long strip of white sandy beach, beautiful sunsets, funky nightlife, 10 foot high barrels draw surfers and tourists to Kuta from all over the world. Kuta is filled with bars, clubs, restaurants, small shops and many affordable places to stay, typical touristic town.

D

Jimbaran

Small town in south of Bali, very close to the airport largely occupied by luxurious hotels and resorts with great character and feel to it. There is a beautiful beach here from which you can enjoy scenic views of all of Bali's mountain tops: Gunung Agung, Batur, Batukau, Abang and Seraya and observe departing planes from nearby airport. Come for sunset and enjoy candle light dinner at grand restaurants or try fresh fish in a local fish market.

E

Nusa Dua

Name literally means "Two Peninsulas" and is an area in southern tip of Bali consisting primarily of luxurious hotels and a huge Golf and Country Club. Very modern with many tourist facilities, malls, shops, restaurants and galleries.

F

Sanur

Even though Sanur is one of the first established tourist towns in Bali it lacks intrusiveness of Kuta's loud clubs and busy nightlife. Long stretch of the beach, many small cafes, restaurants and a quiet atmosphere charm visitors seeking a relaxed holiday. Center for many water sports.

G

Seminyak

Named one of the top shopping destinations in South East Asia, Seminyak is an extension of Kuta and Legian roads filled with boutiques, small stalls and shops of crafts and garment made in the area. If you are bored of shopping enjoy a white sandy beach, only a walk away from the center.

H

Canggu & Kerobokan

In comparison to busy towns of Kuta and Seminyak nearby Canggu seems almost deserted and is more a residential area to go for walks on the beach, enjoy sunsets or surf. Nightlife is almost nonexistent, restaurants are few, but don't worry, in case you get bored - Seminyak is walking distance from here.

I

Tabanan

Tabanan and nearby area is largely known for farming and a very well developed rice culture. The city of Tabanan itself is more of an industrial area with many shops to buy farming equipment and supplies. Check out the local subak museum if you are interested in learning about construction of Balinese irrigation channels.

J

Gianyar

Bustling city with a large traditional market in the center where you can buy anything from household, appliances, paraphernalia for ceremonies, food to jewelry to textiles. Gianyar is also the name of the regency.

K

Bangli

One of the oldest towns in Bali set in upper mountains with spectacular rice field and mountain scenery. Worth visiting for many beautiful temples.

I

Candidasa

Set in East Bali Candidasa is an old fishing town that got developed into a popular tourist destination. Sadly, after the exploitation of the coral reefs a couple of years ago, the beaches surrounding Candidasa have been almost completely eroded. It still remains a very nice place to stop for snorkeling, diving or a night stop over in exploration of the east coast of Bali.

M

Amed

Amed is worth seeing just for the scenic mountain, rice field landscapes that surround it. Located right at the beach at hillsides of the nearby volcano Amed is a jewel, quiet, sleepy relaxed fishing town, known for diving, snorkeling and beautiful scenery.

N

Lovina

Lovina remains a quiet town. Its shores are lined with hotels, once hoped to become another Kuta, coconut trees, quiet dark sandy beaches and coves.

N

Singaraja

Busy town with beautiful colonial architecture, palaces of old rulers, many beautiful Hindu temples and phenomenal statues and sculptures. Its the main commercial center in the north hence can be very loud, crowded, but interesting for a short trip when exploring the north.

O

West Bali National Park

The park constitutes most of Bali's natural wealth and an abundance of wildlife and ecosystems. From marine wildlife, dry Savanna, Bali Sterling habitat (conservation project to protect endangered Bali birds) to thick rainforest. The park provides a sanctuary, preserves and protects endangered species of animals in this area. Only traveling on foot is allowed, fees apply to those that want to penetrate the area and stay overnight.

P

Nusa Penida

In the old days Nusa Penida used to be the place where the Balinese would be send for exile. Nowadays poor and still very much undeveloped for tourists remains a great place for a one day snorkeling or diving trip. Marine life is at its best with sharks, dolphins, and rare ocean sunfish.