Economic and administrative capital of the island, Denpasar is a bustling city (half a million inhabitants).

It is advised to visit its magnificent market, Pasar Badung, and to allow some time for its beautiful museum. A mixture of Dutch colonial architecture and Chinese influences, the Balinese capital is an authentic city. Witness of a new urbanization, the city remains faithful to its culture and its habits. Your trip to Denpasar will surprise you in more ways than one! Volcanic land, between mountains and beaches, the surrounding landscapes are magnificent.

The ancient capital of the Badung Kingdom, a trip to Denpasar is a journey into the heart of the history of the entire country. Near beautiful beaches, visitors like to stop to visit the city’s many monuments and enjoy its markets.

It often rains on the country, but from May to October the rains are more scattered and it is the right time to leave. Temperatures range from 25° to 35°. In July-August, the kite festival is very popular.

The jewellery handcrafting is renowned throughout the island. You can appreciate its jewellery shops and local crafts, such as pottery, batik, basketry, clothing creation (Jalan Sulawesi Street) and wooden sculptures.

The temple of Jagatnatha (right in the center of the city), and the temple Maospahit will delight the curious eager to become familiar with Hinduism. Stroll around the historic square, Puputan Square, and visit the very interesting Bali Museum, featuring sculptures, costumes and ceremonial masks. And don’t miss the traditional, colourful (and flavourful) markets!

JIMBARAN

The sparkling Jimbaran Bay in Bali is a seaside destination just south of the airport. Jimbaran has a wonderfully quiet and golden beach, where tranquility and peace are religion. At night, the beach comes alive with countless seafood restaurants that place their tables and chairs by candlelight just on the sand. It is a beautiful dining experience, with feet in the sand while the waves of the bay embrace the shore.

Apart from its cuisine, the bay itself is a nice place to swim and sunbathe, especially the beaches of Kuta and Legian. The ocean is generally much quieter here, so families with children will feel completely comfortable. In fact, the whole atmosphere in Jimbaran is much more peaceful than in neighbouring Kuta and Legian. Just south of the airport is the bustling Jimbaran Fish Market, a must-see.

Bali, thanks to its proximity to the equator, has a tropical climate. Average temperatures oscillate around 30°C throughout the year. The wet period is between October and April. Summer is the best time to travel to Jimbaran (May–September).

Jimbaran is bordered by one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali. The sand is fine and white and the waters are calm, it is suitable for swimming, for both children and adults. To enjoy your stay in Jimbaran in the best way, arrive at the beach around 5 pm, book a restaurant and wait until the romantic sunset.

MOUNT IJEN

The lake of Mount Ijen is known as the most acidic lake in the world, despite its beautiful turquoise color (due to its acidity), you are not advised to dive your hand. 1km long and 600m wide, the lake is located right next to a solfatare, producing large amounts of sulphur.

SANUR

In the South of Bali, Sanur is historically one of the first resorts established on the Indian Ocean for Western clientele. It is located a few kilometers from the city of Denpasar, and 10 kilometers north of the newer resort of Kuta Salan.

Today, it attracts tourists by the authenticity of the village, its calm and its bathing waters without danger. Its beach, three kilometers long, is very pleasant: it is lined with tropical trees and a coral reef protects the shore from the swell.

This region is experiencing significant tides, you can only swim at high tide because it is risky to cross the coral reef. But it stops the waves, avoiding the rollers and currents. So you can enjoy the colorful fish with a mask and snorkel.

For a few rupees, the fishermen will take you fishing offshore or simply walk in prao (traditional catamaran). The Balinese are calm and smiling, the culture is rich and the landscapes magnificent. Visit the old house of Belgian impressionist painter Adrien Jean Le Mayeur, in the district of Jl Hangtuah.

To see as well : the Orchid Garden Bali, where you can admire hundreds of orchids and tropical flowers. To the south, in the Blanjong district, is the Pura Blanjong Temple and a mangrove information centre that offers two paths with footbridges over preserved forests.

Sanur Station is an ideal starting point for exploring the rest of the island, including Ubud, located in the middle of the Jatiluwih terrace rice fields, classified by Unesco and the Neka Art Museum with rich Balinese art collections. Visit the Denpasar Market for its ambiance and visit the temples of Uluwatu and Pura Tanah Lot.

TANAH LOT

The Tanah Lot is a famous rock of Bali, on which rests a temple called the Pura Tanah Lot. It is one of the most visited and photographed places on the island, especially at dawn and dusk.

The temple is said to have been built in the 16th century, under the reign of Dalem Waturenggong Dang Hyang Dwijendra (circa 1460-1552), by a priest named Niratha who would have rested there during a trip. Some fishermen, having seen him, would have given him gifts. Niratha would then have slept on the islet. He later asked the fishermen to build a temple on this site to worship the sea gods. Legend has it that a sea snake, born of the Niratha scarf, protects the temple from thieves and evil spirits.

Tanah Lot is one of seven marine temples built on the southwest coast of Bali. Some say that they form a chain because of the fact that it is possible to see on both sides of each temple, the one that precedes it and the one that follows it.

SEMINYAK

Once a small, charming and peaceful village, Seminyak has developed strongly over the past ten years into a large, highly popular seaside town. Its tourist development has led to the flowering of luxury hotels that offer all possible services for tourists.

If you want to get pampered or massaged, this city is the queen of spas and prices are very affordable. Upscale hotels and sophisticated restaurants, chic terraces and trendy clubs, extensive shopping malls and well-equipped spas, is the current image of the old coastal village. If you dream of a moment of pure relaxation where all your daily worries would disappear, then Seminyak is the best address you can find. Let yourself be spoiled by its welcoming establishments that are there only to fulfill your desires.

Of course, all this developed around beautiful beaches, watered by the warm waves of the Indian Ocean. Nothing better than to lie on the sand, feet in the water, and be caressed by the soft rays of the sun … Seminyak has become the tourist capital of Bali. The beaches of Seminyak and Petitenget, which embrace that of Legian, are all endowed with fine grey sand extending to infinity.

KUTA

Located south of Bali, the former fishing village was in the 19th century a considerable port open to international trade. Over the years, Kuta has become a famous destination for its huge idyllic beaches and luxurious hotels.

Kuta’s story is quite unique. In the sixties, in the days of the hippies, this village was part of the «3K» with Kathmandu and Kabul. Originally intended for a poor backpacker clientele, it has become the most touristic, but also the most trendy, place in the Indonesian archipelago. The hotels are numerous, and you will easily find accommodation to your liking and corresponding to your purse. Throughout your stay in Kuta, you can relax on the vast sandy beaches, but also enjoy one of the many water activities on offer.

The beach of Kuta is one of the most mythical of the globe with its stretches of sand as far as the eye can see, its ocean with pleasant temperatures and its swell so precious to surfers. Here, the words of command are relaxation and pleasure! Throughout the year, you will enjoy a pleasant climate and can swim in waters at 28 degrees. Kuta is ideal for enjoying the sun, but it is also a paradise for surfing enthusiasts!

Kuta has many attractions, especially its beach, which is still considered one of the most beautiful in Indonesia. The conditions for surfing are ideal and sports events with professionals from all over the world are frequent. The amusement parks are also remarkable, with slides, trampolines or wave pools: they will satisfy both young and old.

NUSA DUA

Located on the Bikit Peninsula, facing the Indian Ocean, Nusa Dua is one of the most luxurious resorts in Bali. It is an invitation to relax in an exotic setting. Nusa Dua is located 40 kilometres south of Denpasar Airport.

Its hotels with typical Balinese architecture and refined interior design are surrounded by vast tropical gardens inviting serenity. The beach of Nusa Dua is beautiful, bordered by a barrier reef that puts the bathers away from the rollers.

Further north is the beach of Tanjung Benoa, which offers a wide range of water sports. When the tide is low and the reefs are flushing, retreat to the beautiful swimming pool surrounded by the vegetation of your hotel unless you prefer relaxing massages or a cocktail on the beach while admiring the sunset. The restaurants adapt to everyone’s tastes with varied menus (Western, Balinese or Asian).

In addition to beach activities, Nusa Dua offers golfers to practice their swing on several courses.

If you are looking for a wilder beach, without constructions, or contact with the Balinese, head to Geger Beach, which has retained all its character and authenticity. The inhabitants manage the restaurant-bar in the form of a cooperative. There are also umbrellas, sun loungers and massages. You can see the algae harvesters harvesting daily.

From Nusa Dua, you can easily undertake a getaway to the island of Serangan with boats equipped with transparent bottoms to let you admire the underwater seabed during the crossing         

The Pasifika Museum in Nusa Dua has a collection of works on Bali and Indonesia. A 20 minute drive away is the Uluwatu Temple, built on a cliff, from where you will have a magnificent view of the coast and surfers. Also plan a trip to Ubud, located in the middle of Jatiluwih’s terraces, classified by Unesco.

UBUD

Ubud, a small town in the centre of Bali, has forged the reputation of Bali as an island of artists. Located 35 km north of Bali International Airport, it is at an altitude of 300 metres, which explains its cooler climate than many other destinations. In the 8th century, this region was the center of natural medicine and healing. The name Ubud comes from «Ubad» meaning «medicine» in Balinese language. For more than a century, it has been the island’s pre-eminent centre for fine arts, dance and music. Once a destination for backpackers and bohemians, it is now a hot spot for celebrities and art collectors.

This small town is one of Bali’s must-haves. Surrounded by picturesque rice paddies, small craft villages, ancient temples and palaces, a monkey forest and a large traditional market, its central location offers it a proximity to the mountains, beaches and main towns. Thus the ascent of Mount Batur for an exceptional sunrise, or a magical sunset at the temple of Ulun Danu on Lake Bratan are possibilities to discover the divine city of Ubud.

The entire region is a hotbed of Balinese culture. Steeped in traditions, ancient doctrines and rituals, a multitude of Hindu temples proudly stand in the alleys of the city. Offerings and prayers rhythms the days of the Balinese. The Goa Gajah (elephant cave), the sacred sources of Tirta Umpul, or the temple of Gunung Kawi of tampaksiring bear witness to the omnipresence of this religion.

Located in the hills, Ubud is a good alternative for those who want to leave the beach a little and venture into the interior of the island. It is famous not only for its local artists but also for the foreign artists who decided to settle there and be inspired by the pleasant atmosphere of the city, and by the magnificent views in the surroundings. If you want to discover the traditional Balinese arts, you have chosen the right place.

In many ways, the history of the Ubud region dictates the history of Bali itself. It is not surprising that many people come to Ubud with the intention of spending a day or two there and end up staying there much longer, attracted by its rich culture and many other activities.

PEMUTERAN

Isolated at the western end of Bali at the bottom of the austere mountains, Pemuteran is a small, relaxed seaside village.

The extreme natural beauty of this village to tastes of end of the world, and its aridity gives it a unique richness: the culture of the vines. The village of Pulaki, just east of Pemuteran, is the centre of the winemaking industry in Bali where the best vineyards on the island offer tasting of the local rosé.

Pemuteran hides splendid coral reefs on the edge of the island of Menjangan, where a real spirit of marine conservation efforts persists. The project «Proyek Penyu», a turtle breeding program in cooperation with local villagers, is a concrete example.

The beautiful beaches of Pemuteran are particularly pleasant and consist of fine grained black sand where many divers come to bask at the end of an intense day.

LOVINA

Lovina Beach is a huge beach of black sand, stretching over 7 km. Much less touristic than the beaches of the south, it is particularly suitable for swimming, with its calm waters, and its friendly family atmosphere. Lovina Beach is also known for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

The place owes its name to a house inhabited by Panji Tisna, the regent of the Buleleng region (district to which Lovina belongs) and last king (raja) of northern Bali: the name chosen Lovina is a contraction of the words Lov and Indonesia.

The city is actually 7 little villages (Temukus, Kalibukbuk, Anturan, Pemaron, Tukad Mungga, Banyualit et Kaliasem) that came together to create the city of Lovina.. Kalibukuk is the main hub of this region, and is often considered the “downtown” of Lovina.

The whole coast is bordered by fine black sand beaches that are accessible by a multitude of small alleys perpendicular to the east-west coast road. The beaches are generally safe for swimming, and the waters of the north coast of Bali are relatively calm.

Scuba diving, snorkeling and dolphin watching are the main activities, however Lovina is also a good place to relax and take the slow rhythm of traditional local life.

KINTAMANI AND THE LAKE OF BATUR

The descent to Lake Batur starts from the village Penelokan, via a small road to the east. Lake Batur, 1,000 metres away, is the largest lake in Bali with an area of 24 km2. It was formed in the caldera of the Batur and is fed by about ten sources.

BESAKIH

Besakih is the largest temple in Bali, on the south side of the Agung (3,142m). On the left are the spirits of evil, and on the right are the spirits of good. You must pay for the entrance, "guides" insist to accompany you, which is not indispensable, you can visit very well alone, but after all, we must help the local families! Another interest: your guide will keep others away from you, who are constantly harassing you.

Besakih, the mother temple, is almost 1,000m high. It is recommended to have the legs covered. Some temples are forbidden to non-Jhindus, because of religious ceremonies. There are 3 main temples, for Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, and also a number of other temples dedicated to minor deities. This pagoda with 11 merus (roofs), is traditionally reserved for princes.

CANDIDASA

Candidasa Bay is one of the most beautiful in Bali. Unfortunately, it was for a time over-exploited: the coral reef was used to make concrete and build houses … As a result, the beach was no longer protected, and the sand began to be washed away during the tides. For some time, aware of the problem, the authorities have created artificial concrete barriers.

NUSA LEMBONGON

Tens of kilometers off the south coast of Bali, dominated by the impressive volcanic reliefs of its big sister, you will be able to meet the inhabitants and the beautiful landscapes of the island of Nusa Lembongan.

The inhabitants of the island are mostly Hindu. They are mainly fishermen, builders of traditional wooden boats, or marine algae growers. This latter activity is booming because it is more lucrative, and, which does not spoil anything, it is particularly pretty to watch.

The island is not rich and remains very traditional, yet every day hordes of tourists from Bali invade this little gem. For the most part, they spend only half a day there, just enough time to enjoy the modern facilities provided by major tourism groups.

NUSA PENIDA

Nusa Penida has about fifteen diving sites, some of which are also suitable for MTP. The sites are exposed to moderate to strong currents, and dives are often drifting.

The dives around Nusa Penida are internationally renowned, the waters around Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan include some 296 species of corals and 576 species of reef fish. The presence of manta rays throughout the year, as well as the possibility of regularly seeing the moonfish (Mola Mola), also contribute to the notoriety of the dives around these 3 islands. The waters around Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan are stirred by strong currents and offer exceptional visibility throughout the year.

NUSA CENINGAN

It is the smallest of the three main Balinese islands, it lies between its two sisters. It is also a very good surfing and diving spot for lovers of these activities. Perfectly nestled between the large islands of Lembongan and Penida, the island of Ceningan is the ideal transit point to visit both islands, while maintaining the exclusive and relaxing tropical atmosphere of Ceningan Island.

Walk from the bottom to the top of the cliff facing the villas on the west coast of the island of Ceningan and you will encounter island life virtually untouched by tourism, walking along the flat paved roads of Ceningan Island. In the village you will be surrounded by mangroves on one side and coconut trees falling from the tropical hills on the other. It is not uncommon to meet, impeccably dressed and smiling, some schoolchildren on these walks and most of them are only too happy to stop and have a quick conversation with passers-by.