Why go to Bali?

Twenty years ago it was all surf, sand and sex and this is still part of the attraction but that picture is now paralleled by romantic resorts, family holidays, visits to dewy terraced rice fields, cultural performances and healing hotels and activities.

Here are a few things that just about all visitors will appreciate.

Beaches

I enjoy the Bali beaches and the lifestyle that goes with it. The surf can be great, the beaches are OK although they are not the greatest in the world. I enjoy a beach massage, and there is something magical about watching the sun setting across the water while you are enjoying a beer or a meal to the sounds of a local band.

Bali has a rich assortment of beaches, ranging from well-used palm-fringed white sand coasts on the island’s south such as Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur, to the cliff-guarded ‘hidden’ shores of Uluwatu, Padang Padang which is my favourite, Dreamland and Bingin.

Bali beaches also comprise striking black sands on the north and western shorelines, with sleepy undisturbed coves in-between. But after a few days, I have had enough and I want to head inland.

Inland

Deep in the emerald rice-terraced hills of central Bali is Ubud with its art galleries and studios. This area has spectacular landscapes of ravines and valleys, crisscrossed by the numerous streams which help make Bali such a fertile place. Despite the fact that it is thronged with Westerners keen to immerse themselves in Balinese culture, and Chinese who have arrived here in tour groups, Ubud still has a certain charm, though it suffers from its success.

There seems to be an unspoken rule in Ubud, in fact in all of Bali; if there is a bare stone surface you need to carve it. You see bug-eyed stone gods, fierce garuda birds, winged lions, frogs and turtles. But the art doesn’t stop here. Just walking the pavements becomes an exercise in dodging the small and disposable works of art and floral offerings placed to appease the gods.

Monkey Forest and the Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Ubud Monkey Forest is one of Ubud’s most popular attractions; a natural forest sanctuary that is home to a horde of grey long-tailed macaques. Besides watching playful monkeys in their natural habitat, the site offers cool walks along paved pathways through a leafy nutmeg forest. Beautiful ancient temples with guardian statues covered in moss also feature throughout the forest.

The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are famous for the beautiful scenes of rice paddies that offer a perfect Bali photo opportunity. The vista sprawls down from the road to the rice terraces on the slopes across the valley. Naturally, there are souvenir shopping options along the roadsides, and the trip to nearby Pakudui Village is worthwhile.

Eating and drinking

There are thousands of restaurants in Bali where local and international cuisine can be found. For visitors, the best areas are Kuta and Seminyak, not far from the international airport, and in the village of Ubud. There are also countless cosy and wonderfully designed cafés and coffee shops where you can meet people from all over the world, read a book, have a snack or pastry, or surf the internet.

Street food and eating in one of the local small warungs is something you should not miss out on. It’s not only cheap but authentic and really tasty. Then if you can’t resist, many well-known Western fast food chains are found on the busy streets of Kuta, Legian and Seminyak, and in the many modern and stylish malls and department stores. A popular activity of mine is to watch the sun set into the Indian Ocean with a cocktail crafted by renowned mixologists, or just enjoy an icy cold Bintang beer in a comfortable beach chair.

Shopping

Visitors are spoiled for choice by the variety of goods on offer, in a rich array of shopping venues. You can browse through hand-painted batiks and hand-made trinkets at local markets or buy the latest designer styles in air-conditioned malls.

The Ubud Art Market has beautiful silk scarves, lightweight shirts, handmade woven bags, baskets or hats; statues, kites and many other hand-crafted goods. Most of the goods found here are made in the neighbouring villages. Prices vary, depending on your bargaining skills.

Resorts

The best beach resorts are found along the southern coastline of the island, some with private beaches but all of them are only steps away from soft, golden sand. Most feature a multitude of water sport activities, and within the tropical gardens of the resort grounds, there is a choice of world-class dining and spa facilities to cater to your needs. Many are large five-star properties run by international chains.

In this category, my favourites are The Laguna and The Westin Resort in Nusa Dua, The Seminyak Beach Resort and Spa and the W Bali in Seminyak and the Anyan Resort and Spa on the cliffs in Jimbaran.