Field upon field of verdant green rice paddies meet the vibrant blue sky in scenic Tabanan, the regency found in central and western Bali. Recent infrastructure developments have made this previously remote part of the island easier to reach. Tourists can now take in the magnitude of Mount Batukaru, the second-highest mountain peak on the island at 2 276 metres, or absorb some culture at temple complexes like Taman Ayun, Ulun Danu Bratan or Pura Luhur Batukaru. Other sites of interest include NungNung waterfall and the Angseri Hot Springs.
Resting at the far eastern end of Indonesia’s island of Java, the city of Banyuwangi serves as the administrative capital of the eponymous regency. The city features a lively local market and makes a comfortable base for travellers eager to experience the spectacularly scenic surrounding area. Visitors can look forward to trekking through the savannah of Baluran, discovering a diverse range of exotic wild animals in the magnificent Alas Purwo National Park, or simply relaxing on the pristine beaches at Pulau Merah or G-Land. The area also offers some fantastic hiking opportunities, with Mount Ijen and its pretty aqua blue crater lake promising an unforgettable experience.
In the isolated northwestern corner of beautiful Bali, Pemuteran is the perfect place to unwind, watch the sunset and enjoy world-class diving and snorkelling. Pemuteran is known for its marine conservation efforts, and features the largest artificial Biorock coral reef restoration project in the world. This charming little fishing village is dotted with a collection of laidback restaurants, cafes and bars. Visitors can spend a day relaxing at one of the many superb spas, enjoy excellent bird watching and hiking opportunities at the spectacular West Bali National Park, and dive at the magnificent underwater coral gardens of nearby Menjangan Island. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the endemic Bali starling, one of the rarest birds in the world.
Divers from around the world come to explore the wreck of the US cargo ship Liberty, which was torpedoed just off the coast of this Balinese fishing village during WWII. The wealth of marine life that has grown around the wreck and its ease of access make it one of the most popular diving spots on the island.
Mature travellers will delight in the relaxed seaside ambience of Candi Dasa, located at the edge of a freshwater lagoon in eastern Bali. A popular tourist spot since the ‘70s, this seaside town is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere, and superb snorkelling and diving conditions. The most impressive dive sites are around the rocky islets of Gili Selang, Gili Biaha, Gili Mimpang and Gili Tepekong, where divers can see exquisite coral gardens, several species of sharks and, between August and October, enormous oceanic sunfish, which grow up to six feet. A visit to Pura Candi Dasa, twin temples devoted to Shiva and Hariti, set atop the hillside overlooking the lagoon, proves a fascinating expedition.
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.
