Where to stay in Bali ?

Bali is an enormous island, and is just one of the 17,071 Islands or is it 17,072 (?!) that presently make up the mystical country Indonesia. Bali is famous for its surfing and beaches, and is very popular with Australians, being so close. Kuta, Sanur, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua and Benoa are the most famous beaches and where you will find all the major hotels and resorts located.We strongly recommend that you think very carefully about what it is you need from your holiday in Bali. The beach that you choose will affect your experience.

Kuta for example is a chaotic beach with lots of shopping around, and a lot of people trying to sell you something. If you are looking for nightlife, don't mind being harassed by street stall vendors, like to be one among thousands on the beach, and don't mind hundreds of surf boards whizzing past while you swim then Kuta is probably for you.

If you are looking for a quieter holiday and beach then one of the other choices above would be a wise choice. Our personal favourite is Jimbaran and Benoa.

Jimbaran is where you will find some of the best hotels in Bali, such as the Four Seasons, the Villa Hanini and Pansea Hotel among others. Jimbaran also boasts some of the best seafood restaurants in the world, with ridiculously low rates and sand between your toes.

Benoa is just after Nusa Dua, again some very good hotels can be found here such as the Novotel Benoa, Grand Mirage and others. Benoa is a very natural area.

Nusa Dua on the other hand may boast some big name hotels such as Sheraton, Hyatt, etc. but to be perfectly honest it is all very man made and a little false. Most hotel rooms do not offer you a sea view, instead offering rooms that look out onto lavish and very beautiful gardens. The food also tends to be expensive by Indonesian standards and more often than not is quoted in US$, which means that you always have to be aware of the exchange rate before you even know how much you are actually paying. Having said this the hotels may be big but the area is secluded and does offer a beautiful beach.

There are other areas where very good hotels can be found such as the Aman hotels who boast three in Bali alone, one just outside Nusa Dua. The Nikko is also a little way away from Nusa Dua and is a very good hotel.

Bali also offers some idyllic areas that still remain as they have been for centuries. If you are looking to see a little of Indonesian culture and life, and can do without a beach for a few days then do try to escape from the main areas that we have described above. Instead go to Ubud and experience a relaxed holiday set among stunning scenery of rice fields and hills. There are hotels that range from US$ 5 all the way to US$ 10,000 an night so there is something for everyone.

Lovina is also an idyllic area and very good for diving. The beaches are natural and consequently black, Bali is a volcanic island.