Idyllically situated on Bali’s unspoiled eastern coastline between the dramatic Mount Agung and the serene Lombok Strait, quiet Manggis is an ideal destination for travellers eager to escape the crowds and relax in a peaceful little pocket of paradise. The development of a number of quaint seaside villages along this stretch of coast has resulted in an increase in popularity of this once little known area. Manggis’s remarkable aesthetic appeal is matched by an equally impressive cultural allure with over twenty temples and shrines to explore including the exquisite Pura Besakih, one of Bali’s most important Hindu complexes. Other notable highlights include the spectacularly scenic rice paddies and terraces of the Sidemen Valley and some excellent local markets.
Far from the boisterous beach party scene of Kuta, in the central region of this remarkable little island, lies Ubud - the cultural centre of Bali. Surrounded by lush, terraced rice paddies, and exquisite temples, Ubud is jam-packed with tourist attractions. Its busy town centre is lined with a slew of art galleries, cafes, craft shops, and spas. One of the town’s most visited sites is the Sacred Forest Monkey Sanctuary, home to hundreds of wild monkeys as well as three Hindi temples. Spend your days strolling around the lively streets of central Ubud or get away from the hustle and bustle by cycling along ricefield-lined rivers where traditional village life carries on relatively undisturbed. Nights can be spent enjoying live music concerts, or one of the nightly Kecak Fire and Dance or shadow puppet performances.
Like many other popular tourist spots in Indonesia, Labuan Bajo, in the far Western region of Flores, was once a sleepy fishing village. Today it functions as a bustling departure point for visitors wanting to go explore the nearby Komodo archipelago – home to the legendary Komodo ‘dragons’, huge prehistoric lizards that can weigh up to 70 kilograms and grow up to three metres in length. Beyond the opportunity to encounter these fearsome reptiles in their natural habitat, travellers also visit the area for the outstanding diving and snorkelling conditions. Shark diving, dolphin and whale watching and all manner of water sports are also popular activities for holidaymakers.
Pecatu is a beach resort town located in the southwestern part of ‘The Bukit’ - the southern peninsula of Bali. Pecatu makes an excellent base for exploring this large limestone peninsula which, bar a sliver of land just south of the airport, would be an entirely separate island. The Pecatu area is rugged and hilly with dramatic limestone cliffs isolating small, secluded beaches. Visitors can also look forward to discovering the famous cliff-hanging temple at nearby Uluwatu, surfing some of the best surf spots on the island, and playing a round of golf on the world-class and exceptionally scenic New Kuta Golf Course.
