In terms of topography, there are flat beach areas ( Seminyak, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran ), Cliffs with amazing 100m drops ( Uluwatu ), Ricefield mountainous regions ( Ubud ), mountains ( Kintamani ) and so forth.
In terms of things to do, there are amazing urban areas with bars and restaurants within walking distance ( Seminyak, Kuta ), and there are more rural and natural areas where you could be in the middle of no where ( Ubud, Uluwatu ), or big master-planned tourist zones where you will need to drive to the nearest convenience store ( Nusa Dua )
Hence it is very important to choose the area that suits you the best, and then look for a hotel that you prefer within this area. The following is our attempt to break this down for you. They are listed according to popularity :
SEMINYAK > The Jet-Set Centre of Bali
Seminyak is the hip and cool area of Bali where all the best beach clubs, restaurants, bars and shops are located. This is where it everything happens, and is the best place to experience the exciting urban life that Bali has to offer. The cons is that Seminyak is very expensive, and the beaches here are not the best. Having said that, Seminyak is the true heart and soul of Bali, so it is a must to stay here, at least for part of your trip. A lot of people spend the first few days ( or last few days ) in Seminyak, before moving to more quiet and scenic areas like Ubud or Uluwatu. Beach Clubs like Kudeta and Potato Head are prefered to public beaches in this area, as the sea water in Seminyak is more brown and murky.There are also many boutiques here. Choose a place to stay that is close to "Food Street" or close to Kudeta and Potato head as you will be able to walk almost everywhere ( The hotels listed below are all within walking distance of the best bars and restaurants ). 3 nights is the recommended time to stay in Seminyak, as there are many things to do here.
MUST GO PLACES IN SEMINYAK
> POTATO HEAD ( Beachclub, Free use of swimming pool, go during sunset )
> KUDETA ( Beachclub, great cocktails, go during sunset )
> SHOPPING around JALAN SEMINYAK & JALAN KAYU AYA
MUST EAT RESTAURANTS IN SEMINYAK
> METIS ( French Cuisine, reservations a must )
> CHANDI ( Fusion, reservations a must )
> SARONG ( Contemporary French, Beachfront )
MUST STAY HOTELS IN SEMINYAK
> AMANA VILLAS ( Modernist and Exclusive Boutique Hotel )
> W HOTEL ( As all W Hotels are - contemporary and Hip )
> THE SAMAYA SEMINYAK ( Beach Front, Contemporary Designs )
UBUD > The Arts & Wellness Centre of Bali
Ubud is the cultural centre of Bali, it is also known for its amazing rice field landscapes due to its hilly topography. Staying in Ubud is more about "being close to nature" and enjoying a more laid back and quiet life. There are less of a nightlife here. On the culinary front, Ubud boasts the best high end restaurants and street food in Bali ( see below ). For wellness enthusiasts, this is the place for you. Join the many yoga, meditation, spa and wellness programmes readily available is many leading hotels and establishments. 2 - 3 nights is the recommended stay in Ubud, unless you really want to get away from it all, switch off you phone and disappear for a week or so.
MUST GO PLACES IN UBUD
> UBUD MARKET
> MONKEY FORREST
> TEGALALANG RICE FIELDS
MUST EAT RESTAURANTS IN SEMINYAK
> MOZAIC
> IBU OKA
> DIRTY DUCK
> NAUGHTY NURI'S
MUST STAY HOTELS IN SEMINYAK
> COMO SHAMBHALA
> UMA by COMO
> SAMAYA UBUD
> THE CHEDI CLUB TANAH GAJAH
> THE PURIST
ULUWATU & JIMBARAN > The Cliff Area of Bali
Uluwatu and Jimbaran are located in the Bukit peninsula to the south of Bali. It is most well know for its spectacular cliffs, up to 100 meters from the ocean at some points. Uluwatu Temple is the must go to place here. Hotels in this area are mainly large scale resorts. As they are mostly located in the middle of nowhere, transportation can be a bit of a hassle, as you can't just walk out to a convenience store, and need to take a taxi everywhere you go. This area is also the most popular area for weddings.
MUST GO PLACES IN ULUWATU & JIMBARAN
> ROCK BAR @ AYANA RESORT
> NAMOS BEACH CLUB @ KARMA KANDARA
> PADANG PADANG BEACH
> ULUWATU TEMPLE & KECAK DANCE PERFORMANCE
MUST EAT RESTAURANTS IN ULUWATU & JIMBARAN
> MENEGA @ JIMBARAN SEAFOOD ( French Cuisine, reservations a must )
> EL KABRON ( Beachclub, Free use of swimming pool, go during sunset )
MUST STAY HOTELS IN ULUWATU & JIMBARAN
> ALILA VILLAS ULUWATU
> BVLGARI RESORTS
> KAYU MANIS NUSA DUA
> ST REGIS NUSA DUA
KUTA > Cheap & Cheerful Bali
Kuta is where Bali Tourism began about 15 years ago. It's days of glory has long passed, and what is left now is a mismatched collection of old hotels and cheap bars and clubs. Seminyak, located right next to Kuta, is the place to be and be seen these days. Kuta is extremely densely populated, and the traffic is very bad. The only reason to stay is Kuta is because it is much cheaper than Seminyak ( easily USD$300/ night for hotel rooms ), especially for accomodation. Unless money is the issue, it is the general opinion to avoid Kuta totally. It is well worth spending a bit more money and stay in Seminyak.
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