Tiny, volcanic Bali is one of the most enchanting islands in the world.
It entices a million tourists a year, drawn like moths towards an exotic flame. A flame fed by a fascination with the unique Hind Balinese culture of a gentle people, the legendary beauty of a land checkered by verdant rice fields studded by ancient temples, and the allure of coral seas alive with marine life beyond imagination.
Bali offers the best in trekking, mountain biking, white water rafting, sailboarding, surfing, hang gliding & paragliding, and cruises & sailing. You might also want to rent a car and tour the island on your own.
Scuba diving in Bali
There is no better place than Bali for an introduction to Indonesia's underwater wonderland. And no harder place to decide between time on land or under water. In the traditional tourist stronghold of the Kuta/Nusa Dua/Sanur triangle, divers have a reef at their doorstep. It is a moderate drop; an undemanding dive made thrilling by a surprising range of fish.
Culture and coral waters — Easy thrills for the novice — Challenges for the serious diver and photographer
There is no better place than Bali for an introduction to Indonesia's underwater wonderland. And no harder place to decide between time on land or under water. In the traditional tourist stronghold of the Kuta/Nusa Dua/Sanur triangle, divers have a reef at their doorstep. It is a moderate drop; an undemanding dive made thrilling by a surprising range of fish.
There is more at Nusa Pendita, 1.5 hours away by boat. Upwellings mean good visibility, bracing waters and challenging currents. Abundant and varied hard corals hug drop-offs and steep slopes rife with sweetlips, mantas and sharks. Lucky divers may glimpse the bizarre and rare oceanic sunfish and hawksbill turtles.
But the best of Bali's waters lie beyond the tourist triangle. Discover Titan triggerfish and bluespotted stingrays in Padang Bai's mixed reef; coral walls of an underwater canyon at Candi Dasa; a kaleidoscope of fish at Cemeluk's coastal reef; friendly fish at Tulamben's picturesque Liberty Wreck and craggy reef walls blanketed by soft coral in Menjangan's mind-snapping clear waters.
Hard-core divers can escape the established dive zones with a hired boat. A long ride north brings them to the Kangean islands, to a world of coral knolls rising from sandy beds.
The shopping in Bali is like nowhere else on earth. You'll find unique fashion items of extremely high quality as well as informal beach wear perfect for Bali's climate. You'll find ancient Chinese or Dutch pottery, ornamental statues and pots, traditional cloth and weavings, batik, wood carvings, Bali paintings, gold and silver jewelry, cane bags and baskets, furniture everywhere - and the bargaining is half the fun!
Bali is the perfect starting point for any Indonesian adventure, as well as being the perfect place to end you holiday before returning to the real world.
Flights: Numerous direct flights from Europe, Australia and most Asian countries. Domestic flights to and from major cities within Indonesia.
Sea: Regular passenger ferries from Lova and Lombok.
Cruise ship stop-offs.
Overland: By car from Java.