Lush and full of flowers, Bali is called the island of one thousand temples. The small island is part of Indonesia and is a very popular destination for those looking for pristine, white-sanded, palm-lined beaches and crystalline waters. A great destination for surfing, snorkeling and diving as well as wonderful opportunities to see tropical flora and fauna. Stunning seaside and volcano landscapes, terraced rice fields and more than 20,000 temples and ornate palaces will surround you.

Denpasar is the capital of Bali. Here you may find found the Werdhi Budaya Art Centre, home to Dance Academy (ASTI) dedicated to traditional Balinese Performing arts, dance, theatre, as well as several art galleries.

For some true local flavor, visit the extensive Kumbasari market near the river, where fresh produce as well as housewares, colorful crafts and miscellaneous wares are all on riotous display. Bargain wisely.

Bali excels in the arts. Visit the village of Celuk to view the works of the silver and goldsmiths of the island, and Ubud, Sukawati, Pengosan and Kamasan for Bali’s fine paintings, woodcarvings, textiles and miscellanous fine arts and crafts.

The Bali Museum – One of Indonesia’s largest museums, the Bali Museum displays a great number of historical and cultural artifacts within its pavilions. It was opened in 1932. Location, Jalan Mayor Wisnu to the east of the Puputan Square. The museum is open 7:30 am – 3 pm Sunday through Thursday, and 7:30 am – 1 pm Friday.

Sanur Beach

One of Denpasar’s most popular beaches and tourist areas offering hotels, dining, shopping and watersports and other activities.

Kuta

Resort area popular among the surfers with a wide range of lodging offerings, restaurants and bars, shops and activities. Check out the traditional dance and music shows.

Nusa Dua

Tourist/hotel area on south Bali’s Bukit Peninsula with beautiful stretches of white-sanded beach.

Other places of interest:

Batubulan

A village of stone carvings located to the northeast of Denpasar. The carvings are of gods and demons hewn from sandstone and are used in temple and other architecture.

Bedugul

This resort area, located 18 km north of Denpasar on Lake Bratan, offers golfing amid tree-covered hills. Other activities include boating, water skiing and other water sports.

Celuk

The village of Celuk is known for its silver and gold jewelry designed and fashioned by local artisans.

Kintamani

This village is located at about 5,000′ above sea level on the rice-paddy terraced skirts of the volcano of the same name. Excellent spot to take in views of Lake Batur and the Kintamani volcano itself

Pura Tirta Empul Temple

This temple, situated at Tampak Siring, is more than 1000 yrs old and contains baths of curative waters used for purification and the restoration of good health.

Sangeh Forest

This sacred forest of dense and fragrant nutmeg trees is home to quantities of monkeys. As inhabitants of the forest, the monkeys too are considered sacred and therefore are protected. It is not a good idea to feed them, and watch your personal possessions such as jewellry and watches, as the monkeys are known to run off with them quite regularly.

Tanah Lot Temple

Situated on top of a large rock jutting into the sea, the Tanah Lot temple dates from the 16th Century. It is dedicated to the God of the Sea and is a place where local fishermen come to pray for good catches and protection. The beauty of it’s silhouette against the sky can be particularly appreciated at sundown

Ubud

This town in the hills and rice-farming reagions is the place to go for Balinese paintings. See the “Purl Lukisan” museum’s permanent exhibition of modern Balinese art as well as the many galleries.

Bali Hotels

• Intercontinental Resort Bali
• Kamandalu Resort And Spa Bali
• Grand Mirage Resort Bali
• Alila Manggis Hotel Bali

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Tags: Asia, Bali, Bukit Peninsula, Denpasar, Indonesia, Nusa Dua, Ubud