Top Bali Experiences

Beaches made for bliss

Beaches are what Bali is all about; choose an east coast resort within earshot of the water and be the first out for a daybreak swim, or watch the sun sink over the wilder sweep of the western coast - either way, this island offers pure tropical magic. Which one to choose? It is all a matter of taste. And it all depends whether you want to party, relax or do both. Among the most popular beach areas are Kuta (the place for parties.), gorgeous Sanur, Legian (close to Kuta, but quieter and more relaxing); the stylish, sophisticated resorts of Seminyak and Nusa Dua, and luxurious, secluded Jimbaran. For a gentler pace, try Candidasa, the glorious white sands of Tanjung Benoa, or maybe go offshore to Lombok Island.

The lap of luxury

Bali's brilliant five-star resorts offer the kind of luxury you'll never forget, in some of Asia's most beautiful settings - beachside, hillside or cliff-top. Head into the cool green mountain hideaways around Ubud, or opt for the exclusive resorts of Jimbaran, Seminyak and Nusa Dua. Choose an elegant waterside hotel, a beachfront bungalow or a romantic villa with views of the Indian Ocean; there's a style of accommodation for every discerning traveller. Making up your mind is the hard part; you can rest assured that life in whichever resort you choose will be very close to perfect. You can spend your days in self-indulgent relaxation, or enjoy some of the island's tropical action - we suggest teeing off on a tropical fairway, taking a private cruise or an elephant safari, chartering your own yacht, or discovering the island's colourful underwater world on an exclusive dive trip. Browse the boutiques, explore temples and volcanoes; dine in top tropical style - there's a lot more to Bali than sun and sand.

When families come first

There's no shortage of family-friendly accommodation in Bali, whether you're looking for budget or first class, and it's a fact that the Balinese simply love children - so you can be sure of a warm welcome. We suggest picking the type of place that offers suites or multi-room villas, so that can spread out and enjoy your stay. Forget Kuta, and look instead at the less-busy beaches like Legian, Sanur or Tuban - which is right next door to Kuta, but a whole lot quieter and safer for swimming. Some of the big Bali resorts also provide children's clubs and special facilities - and if you can drag your family away from the beach, there are plenty of land-based activities to enjoy, plus the Bird Park, Reptile Park and the fabulous scenery of the island itself.

Time for romance

Is there anything as romantic as a tropical hideaway? Bali, with its wealth of beautiful beaches, emerald-green highlands and exotic temples is one of the loveliest places on earth, and it's blessed with some of the world's most romantic resorts. Chances are you're looking looking for privacy, a touch of luxury, an idyllic beach and a room with a view - and you'll have no trouble finding them on this island. Romance is quite literally a way of life here, and all around the scenic shoreline there are tranquil, hidden retreats offering accommodation for couples. You might also consider going inland to the remarkable mountain scenery of Ubud, where the air is cooler, and the views are simply spectacular.

Get ready to shop

Take an empty bag to Bali; you'll soon fill it with bargains, and you'll have plenty of time to do so, as most places stay open until 11pm. Book an organised shopping tour or head out on your own: you can't go wrong. The best place for markets is Denpasar, but if you prefer not to tackle the island's busy capital, you'll find others in the major tourist areas. Ubud is the island's cultural heart, and the ideal place to shop for Balinese art. The market at Sukawati is a one-stop shop for crafts and fabrics: perfect for souvenirs (check out the puppets). It's also close to Celuk, a centre for gold and silversmiths. In complete contrast, head to Kuta for department stores, boutiques, specialty shops, duty free and fashion, or Legian Street in Seminyak for designer shops, antiques and furniture. Nusa Dua and Sanur are good shopping spots too. Buy duty free at the airport or Kuta, Sanur and Nusa Dua, and don't forget the skilful tailors and dressmakers, who can whip up something gorgeous in just one day. And finally, always bargain with a smile.