There are many resorts on the island of Bali. Some of them are located on the coast of the Indian Ocean and delight their visitors with magnificent beaches. Others are located in the center of the island, where a quiet and cozy atmosphere reigns, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing holiday. This is not to say that all areas of Bali are the same. Each of them is unique: its own microclimate, atmosphere, nature, and infrastructure. Due to this difference, the island is incredibly attractive for active and passive recreation.
All areas of Bali for recreation are divided into four parts: southern, northern, eastern and western. In the south, tourist types of recreation flourish. The eastern part provides an opportunity to take a break from the bustle of the city and truly relax. Those who wish to see real life on the island head west. Many are surprised by the fact that the size of eachThe districts of Bali are relatively small, but the atmosphere and microclimate are different everywhere. It is for this reason that before choosing which area to relax in, you need to find out more about each area separately. And only thanks to the knowledge gained, you will be able to choose the best vacation spot for you.
Kuta District
Kuta is considered to be the first resort in Indonesia where tourism was born. Forty years ago, the inhabitants of this simple fishing village could not even imagine that someday there would be a big piece of paradise in which tourists from all tribes and peoples would gather.
Today, the Bali Kuta area has great tourism potential. Many hotels have been built here designed for the average tourist, many entertainment venues, canteens, souvenir shops, shops, etc. In addition to infrastructure facilities, Bali's areas are full of numerous beaches for both active recreation and a more relaxing one. Among them are very popular beaches for surfers. They are appreciated even by those who have never picked up a board.
The central beach of this area of Bali is called Kuta Beach, as it laid the foundation for the development of the tourism industry. It is very wide, the entrance to the water is gentle, and the sand is white-white. All hotels that are located in this area are designed for poor tourists with an average income. But there are also several higher level hotels. Kuta is considered one of the best areas in Bali.
Rich District
The richest area in Bali - Nusa Dua. All hotels thatincluded in this one have 4 or 5 quality stars. This area belongs to closed territories and is intended more for foreign guests who can afford not only long stays in expensive hotels, but also active holidays on an all-inclusive basis.
The resort is located in the eastern part of the island, next to the Bukit peninsula. Thanks to the highly developed infrastructure, all residents of the Nusa Dua area fully feel the high level of comfort. Even the most demanding tourists are not disappointed. Although the cost of living in this area is very high, on the forums reviews of Bali areas, seasoned tourists recommend booking accommodation as early as possible.
On the territory of the entire beach there is a strict restriction that does not allow you to buy anything from "walking" sellers. Therefore, some vacationers are constantly surprised that they cannot even meet these vagabonds. In addition to the positive aspects, this area has a small drawback: quite frequent and strong high and low tides, which cause great inconvenience to many residents of the coast. In this regard, in almost every hotel they post a schedule that indicates the recommended time for relaxing on the beach.
Nusa Dua has plenty of spas and shopping opportunities. But there are not so many attractions here, but you can visit other areas of Bali at any time.
Jimbaran District
This area is located in the southern part of the island and is intended for tourists who prefer a quiet andcalm rest. The airport is located five kilometers from the resort, so you can get to it in a few minutes. The hotel base provides a variety of accommodation options, ranging from a cozy guest house near the beach to a five-star hotel with luxurious apartments and magnificent ocean views. The level of comfort will depend on your preference.
As for the beaches, they are all perfectly clean, and the water is a bright blue hue. This is what attracts many tourists here, especially couples. Convenience on the beach is provided by special sun loungers and large umbrellas. Which area of Bali you live in is up to you, but Jimbaran is famous for its large number of cafes and restaurants where you can taste a variety of seafood dishes.
If you are a surfer, you will not be able to swim properly in this area, as the waves here are very small. The best option is to go on an excursion to other parts of Bali.
One of the main attractions of the area is the fish market, which has a wide variety of aquatic life, most of which are caught in the local waters. A huge selection of budget hotels, beautiful and perfectly clean beaches, a short road to the airport and enchanting sunsets will not leave you disappointed after a holiday in this area.
Tanjung Benoa
Tanjung Benoa is near Nusa Dua. Not so long ago there was only a huge fishing village on this place, but now many 3-4 star hotels have been built here,different shops, souvenir stalls and much more. Also in this area is a thriving enterprise that provides tourists with water activities. Beaches are unstable due to frequent high and low tides.
The encouraging factor is that the cost of living here is much lower than in the neighboring elite area of Nusa Dua. Various restaurants and cafes serve gastronomically delicious dishes from almost any cuisine in the world.
One of the advantages of this area is a huge selection of hotels. There is also an excellent infrastructure, a short road to the airport and a unique microclimate. The disadvantages of Tanjung Benoa include poor quality beaches and the absence of any attractions. Probably for this reason, this area of the island is a more budget option.
Sanur
Sanur is located on the southeast side of Bali. Construction in this area was intended specifically for tourists, so Sanur is one of the first resort settlements. Here are quiet and calm beaches, highly developed infrastructure, 4-5 star hotels, all conditions for an elite holiday. Which area of Bali to choose for recreation? Take a closer look at the Sanur area, where you can safely relax from the bustle of the city. Most of the residents are elderly tourists who prefer a quiet and cozy atmosphere.
The 5-kilometer-long beach of the same name stretches along the entire coast, along which a stone path is beautifully laid out, providing comfortable movement both on foot,as well as by bike. Near the shore in the ocean there is a coral reef, thanks to which you can safely sunbathe and swim, as there are no tides.
One of the most popular sports in the area is diving. Perfectly clear water, a wide variety of aquatic life, as well as the complete absence of poisonous algae and jellyfish allow divers to truly enjoy the unforgettable underwater beauty. If you are not a fan of diving, then you can take paid training in windsurfing and kiteboarding.
As for attractions, among them are the Mangrove Reserve and the Le Mayer Museum. Also in this area there are a large number of recreation areas, so that each visitor can choose for himself where he would like to relax.
One of the drawbacks is that the hotels are too expensive. As a rule, you have to pay a lot of money for a cozy and quiet atmosphere, which not everyone can afford. Also very annoying coral fragments, which can often be found on the beach.
Ubud
Don't know which area to choose in Bali? Take a closer look at the resort of Ubud, which is famous for its picturesque landscapes and Balinese culture. Also, this area lures many tourists with its exotic atmosphere. The infrastructure is highly developed here: many shops, spas, gymnastic schools and more. The only negative is the lack of beaches. If you want to swim normally, then you will have to walk 20-30 minutes to the nearest beach.
As for hotel rooms, here they areenough. There is a choice between a budget hotel with 3-4 stars and luxury apartments with 5 stars. If you do not know how to diversify your leisure time, then the Ubud area often hosts entertainment shows and events that will not let you get bored. There are also many different exhibitions that will appeal not only to adults, but also to young people.
Ubud is the center of culture in Bali. It is in this area that almost all the main attractions of the island are collected:
- Goa Gaja Cave;
- elephant park;
- water sources of Tirta Empul;
- monkey forest.
The main advantage of the Ubud area is its location. It is located on the highest point of the island, on a mountain hill. Thanks to this location, you can view almost the entire island of Bali, all of its districts. Particularly impressive are the amazing landscapes of evening sunsets, various gorges and waterfalls. Which area of Bali to choose? If outdoor activities are your thing, then Ubud is the place to be.
Amed
Amed is located on the eastern part of the island of Bali with the beach of the same name. This area, as well as Ubud and Sanur, has all the conditions for a quiet and relaxing pastime. Amed Beach is more suitable for couples, as raging waves and low tides are extremely rare. The coastal strip is covered with coarse-grained dark sand.
Housing here is also very diverse. If you need to find economical options, then you should look at 3-4 star hotels, and if you are interested in elite rooms, then there are several hotels to choose from5 quality level. It is also possible to rent expensive villas, but only for a long time.
What to say about the sights? Not far from the resort is the Gunung Agung volcano. On the island of Bali, this is the highest point above sea level. Outdoor enthusiasts are very grateful for the trekking routes, thanks to which you can climb to its top. The underwater world and the amazing coral reef will also not let tourists who go in for diving and snorkeling get bored.
Those who wake up early in the morning can watch many dolphins having breakfast near the beach. This is a truly amazing sight that can only be seen in this area. It is also interesting to go on an excursion to the palace of Kerta Gosa or look into the beautiful cave of Goa Lawah.
Seminyak, Kerobokan and Petitenget
These areas are located in the northwestern part of Bali. They are intended for tourists who really appreciate the rest and are ready to pay a round sum for it. Therefore, the infrastructure is very developed in these areas: many food and grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, spas and much more. But these areas have gained their popularity thanks to a large number of expensive holiday villas.
One of the downsides is the long drive to the airport. To get to it, you need to spend at least 30 minutes, and this is subject to traffic-free roads. In the central area of Seminyak, there is a beautiful beach, in the open bars of which you canenjoy amazingly delicious cocktails and watch the sunset.
The infrastructure in these three districts is one of the best, because it has developed along tourist destinations, focusing on the wishes of both local and foreign guests. The location of the central Seminyak area allows vacationers to go on excursions to neighboring areas.
In addition to the positive points, it is worth noting that there are several pronounced problems in the Seminyak, Kerobokan and Petitenget areas, namely:
- lack of housing for a relaxing holiday;
- cost of living is prohibitive;
- the current on the beach is quite strong.
But despite all these shortcomings, the number of indigenous people in these areas is several times less than tourists. And their popularity is growing every year.
Canggu
Bali Canggu is located 5 kilometers from Seminyak. In addition to the indigenous people, this area is inhabited by expats who have been living here for quite some time. The infrastructure is also very developed here. In addition to hotel rooms of different price categories, beautiful villas and small houses in which tourists live, there are many other buildings in this area: cafes, restaurants, spas, sports clubs, surf camps, etc. It is interesting to see with your own eyes and rice fields on the slopes of the mountains.
As for relaxing by the sea, this area has a unique, uncrowded volcanic-colored beach. Also here you can find several surf spots of various levels that train like newsurfers as well as more experienced surfers, helping them hone their skills.
One of the most visited places in Canggu is a small restaurant located right on Eco Beach. During lunch you can watch the surfers, and in the late afternoon you can meet the bright red sunset, while enjoying a wide variety of seafood dishes.
Conclusion
Which area of Bali is the best place to relax depends on your preferences. In this article, we examined the recreation conditions in each area separately, learned that they all differ in their infrastructure, price range, and that each of them has its own unique atmosphere. Many souvenir shops, spas, various excursions and a variety of local attractions will not leave you indifferent to this amazing island.
If you have already decided that Bali's holiday areas are what you need, we recommend that you get to know each of them better in order to choose the best one for yourself, which will appeal not only to you, but also to your whole family.
