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The Island
The guide was updated:
Bali is more than just a tropical holiday hotspot—it's an island rich in tradition, culture, and contrasts. Once a sleepy Hindu kingdom known for its rice farming and rituals, Bali began welcoming international visitors in the early 20th century and has since evolved into one of Southeast Asia’s most beloved destinations.
Most first-time visitors gravitate toward the island’s southern coast—Kuta, Nusa Dua, and Seminyak—famous for golden beaches, upscale resorts, buzzing restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife scene. This is the heart of Bali’s modern tourism.
Nearby lies Denpasar, the island’s regional capital. It offers a sharp contrast to Bali’s laid-back beach towns and quiet inland villages, with busy streets, shopping centres, and local markets sitting alongside Hindu temples and traditional compounds.
Head north or inland and you’ll find a slower pace and a different kind of beauty. Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali—set among lush hills and rice terraces, it's known for its arts scene, yoga studios, craft markets, and spiritual retreats.
Beyond these hubs, the rest of the island unfolds with variety.
The West is home to the protected wilderness of West Bali National Park. The quieter north coast offers black-sand beaches and dolphin spotting, while the east features sleepy fishing villages and dramatic volcanoes. Off the southeast coast, the islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan lure divers and snorkellers with their crystal-clear waters and marine life.
Wherever you go, Bali has a way of mixing the sacred with the scenic—offering something for every kind of traveller.
Most first-time visitors gravitate toward the island’s southern coast—Kuta, Nusa Dua, and Seminyak—famous for golden beaches, upscale resorts, buzzing restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife scene. This is the heart of Bali’s modern tourism.
Nearby lies Denpasar, the island’s regional capital. It offers a sharp contrast to Bali’s laid-back beach towns and quiet inland villages, with busy streets, shopping centres, and local markets sitting alongside Hindu temples and traditional compounds.
Head north or inland and you’ll find a slower pace and a different kind of beauty. Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali—set among lush hills and rice terraces, it's known for its arts scene, yoga studios, craft markets, and spiritual retreats.
Beyond these hubs, the rest of the island unfolds with variety.
The West is home to the protected wilderness of West Bali National Park. The quieter north coast offers black-sand beaches and dolphin spotting, while the east features sleepy fishing villages and dramatic volcanoes. Off the southeast coast, the islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan lure divers and snorkellers with their crystal-clear waters and marine life.
Wherever you go, Bali has a way of mixing the sacred with the scenic—offering something for every kind of traveller.