Indonesia Travel Guides

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Bali Travel Tips

Whether you’re drawn to Bali by the legendary beaches and world-class surfing conditions, or by the misty jungles and sparkling highland lakes, it won’t let you down. The Indonesian island encapsulates a tropical world, blessed with cultural riches, spiritual celebrations, and rare wildlife. And of course you can also party the night away in some of the coolest clubs in Asia.

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Where to Stay in Kuta - From Luxury Beachfront Resorts to Simple Guesthouses

For tropical sea views and pampering spa treatments, you'd do well to focus your attention on the area's luxury beachfront resorts. These are found lining the sand from Tuban in the south, near the international airport, to Seminyak in the north. Travel a few blocks inland to find simpler accommodation, where rooms can sometimes be quite basic and budgets stretch a whole lot further.

Shopping in Kuta - From Batiks to Surfwear and Designer Jewelry

Whether you're looking for a Balinese carving to hang on the wall, board shorts, or designer clothing at knock-down prices, Kuta is a shopper's paradise. International sports and fashion brands have set up shop alongside local stalls selling traditional batiks. If you're in the market for a special one-off garment or accessory, you'll find dozens of jewelry stores and clothing designers, all offering their customized wares in exclusive boutiques.

What To See and Do in Kuta - Beach Life and Beyond

Many come to Kuta for its rolling surf breaks and high-energy nightlife, but the resort has plenty more to offer families, culture-lovers, and adventure seekers. You can parasail over the Java Sea or scuba dive beneath it, while the carved idols and lush courtyards of an atmospheric Hindu temple will plunge you deep into Balinese history. At the end of every day, the famous Kuta sunsets look like watercolour paintings.

A City Guide to the Colorful Streets of Kuta

Since the 1960s, Kuta has grown from a sleepy fishing village to a thriving, vibrant resort with a hyperactive nightlife. You don't have to look far beyond the party scene to find quiet corners for sunset cocktails, markets stuffed with Balinese crafts and spicy street food, ritual dances, and shadow puppet shows. And Kuta's long beaches are famous for a reason, offering something close to paradise on the Java Sea.

Party Island - Kuta's Legendary Nightlife

The sun sets early on equatorial Bali, but for partygoers, the night doesn't really get started until 10 PM or later. Sprawling Kuta is the island's centre of holiday revelry. At night, the resort telescopes into a half-mile rectangle of pubs, bars, dance clubs, and simple watering holes between Jalan Legian and the main beach road, Jalan Pantai Kuta.

Family-Friendly Kuta Beach - Good Times for Young and Old

Kuta is popular among lively 20-somethings, but it also offers opportunities for family-friendly fun. Mom, dad, and children can play together around the pool, or you can all stretch out on the sand, surf the waves, or cheer a baby sea turtle on its race to the ocean. Sunny, friendly Kuta a perfect place to make firm friends with other families who've come to relax in a tropical wonderland.

Kuta Culture - Hindu Art and Ancient Rituals

By some accounts, there are more temples than houses on Bali, and spiritual life defines the art and culture of this predominantly Hindu island. Hundreds of canang sari - colourful offerings of flowers and rice in handwoven trays - decorate the sidewalks of Kuta each morning in gratitude to the gods. From ceremonial masks to traditional dances, native customs and crafts cast a powerful spell while extending a warm welcome to visitors.

Spice and Everything Nice - Indonesian and International Food in Bali

Learning all about Indonesian food is one of the highlights of any visit to Kuta. You can get a real Southeast Asian flavor experience by sampling satay, nasi campur, or a spicy stew at one of the many street stalls. Or try the chef's recommendations in a local restaurant. If you prefer international-style dining, there are plenty of other global cuisines on offer.

Kuta in the Know - Top Tips for Planning the Perfect Bali Getaway

Bali's tropical climate, white sand beaches, and exotic culture attract visitors from around the world. Kuta is brimming with activity and is the largest resort on the island, close to the international airport. Central Kuta, and the surrounding neighbourhoods of Tuban, Legian, and Seminyak, all make great vacation destinations in their own right. They are also convenient jumping-off points for touring the coastline and delving deeper into Bali's lush interior.

Jakarta Travel Guide - Your destination overview of Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta is Indonesia's capital and largest city, and it sits in its own little province in the northwest of Java. It has an impressive 2,000-year history and has played host to a number of powerful colonial masters, including the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English

Bali Travel Guide - Your destination overview of Bali, Indonesia

The spectacular island of Bali in the Indonesian archipelago offers a fantastic mixture of tribal culture, picturesque beaches, exciting activities and world-class amenities. Bali is an island paradise that has something for everyone to enjoy on vacation.

Nightlife & Entertainment in Bali

Alive with monster mega-clubs as well as chilled-out bars and cultural hotspots, Bali's got plenty going on to keep night owls busy on their holiday. There’s a kind of dizzying alchemy to the combination of fabulous sunsets, exotic scenery and party atmosphere which makes a night out in Bali unforgettable.

Family Friendly Attractions in Bali

It may be seen as the traditional preserve of backpackers and party-ready students, but Bali offers plenty for families in search of a memorable vacation. As well as activity parks set up to cater to children, there are enchanting animal sanctuaries and forest adventures which are ideal for families.

Arts and Culture in Bali

Much like the many layers of its distinctive rice terraces, Bali is multifaceted and complex. Ancient temples, half-hidden in the rainforest, exist alongside modern beaches, with all the trappings tourists desire. Old handicrafts, passed down through generations, are still sold in traditional markets, while shopping malls sell sleek designer wares. In Bali, there’s always a surprise around the corner.

Where to stay in Bali – a neighborhood guide

With such rich diversity in its surroundings, Bali’s accommodation is as varied as the island geography itself. From family-run guesthouses to luxurious beach resorts, thatched-roof bungalows to private villas, there are plenty of options to select from to suit every type of traveler and budget. Saunter along the sun-speckled beach of Jimbaran Bay, delve into the wild forests of Ubud, or, soak up tranquil luxuries of Sanur and Seminyak.

Bali shopping guide - where to shop and what to buy

Just like all other Southeast Asian destinations, when it comes to shopping in Bali, bargaining is expected. Lively market stalls thrive on the daily chaos of trading and negotiation. Offering a spot of respite from the searing heat and hectic hawker scene, shopping malls sell brand name clothes and cosmetics to satisfy the expanding western market.

Where to eat in Bali – a food and dining guide

Light, fragrant and infused with a gentle mix of local spices, eating in Bali is a cultural experience. A fraction of the price compared to western food, small rice-based and seafood dishes are affordable staples found in abundance. Authentic Balinese food is a little harder to come by, however, with most local eateries and warungs (cafes) serving Chinese, Indonesian or Halal cuisine from Sumatra.

What to see and do in Bali – a guide to notable attractions and landmarks

An exotic province brimming with island attractions, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Bali.  Whether you choose to trek through the Balinese rice terraces, climb the rocky façade of Mount Batur, surf the waves of Kuta or scuba-dive the coastal reefs, you won’t be short of activities to keep you busy.

An island guide to Bali - ancient temples, artisan crafts and sacred forests

A tiny Indonesian province, Bali’s geography is etched with verdant rice terraces, dewy jungle palms and rippling sandy bays. Becoming increasingly popular as an island getaway, Bali has plenty of attractions to tempt travelers. Head south to Uluwatu Temple to witness hypnotic displays of the kercak dance, visit Ubud to explore local villages filled with ancient handcrafted techniques, or journey east to plunge into the picturesque dive spots dotted all along the coastline.

Jakarta Food and Dining Guide - Restaurants, where to eat, and more

Much of the dining in Jakarta is highly visible on the street and at the markets, where some of the best deals and tastes can be had. There is, of course, Western-style top-enders in the touristy areas of South Jakarta and in the star-rated hotels, while fast food can be had at the likes of McDonalds and Pizza Hut.

Jakarta Shopping Guide - Find where and what to shop and buy

Jakarta shopping options range from cheap, pirated tack up to the best high-end merchandise in swanky department stores. Getting about and finding the best spots cam be tricky, however, although when you know where to go, shopping in Jakarta can be a pleasant experience.

Jakarta Sightseeing Guide - Visit notable attractions and landmarks

Indonesia's capital has a wealth of sights, attractions and landmarks to check out that range from historical streets to mega religious structures and monuments. Although there is much to see, Jakarta is not overrun with sights and is not as overwhelming as many other Southeast Asian centers.

Jakarta Travel Tips - Helpful hints and advice on local destination information

Jakarta is a noisy and chaotic metropolis and there are cautions to be aware of as with any large urban center. While it can be a headache and the weather decidedly muggy, it can also be lots of fun if you know what you're doing. More on Jakarta travel tips.

Jakarta Entertainment Guide - For fun, recreation, and relaxation

Jakarta covers most types of interests in the entertainment department. There are many lively streets for party-goers, a waterfront entertainment complex nearby that comes complete with a beach, and plenty of museums and cultural attractions.

Bali Food and Dining Guide - Restaurants, where to eat, and more

With Bali being a popular international vacation destination there is a wide selection of flavors and cuisines on offer as well as local foods in Bali. There is something for everyone to suit all tastes and budgets.

Bali Attractions & Landmarks - Sightseeing Guide

Modern museums, beachside resorts coupled with a mixture of natural and ancient cultural attractions can be found in Bali. Nature sightseeing is a must with Bali’s large forest areas and untouched coastlines that offer spectacular scenery and picturesque photograph opportunities.

Bali Travel Tips - Helpful hints and advice on local destination information

Bali is a fairly safe place to visit although there have been terrorist attacks on tourists in the past so it's advised to keep your wits about you and exercise caution at all times. Make sure to check your country's travel advice website before booking your vacation.

Bali Entertainment Guide - For fun, recreation, and relaxation

Bali is an exciting vacation destination that has something for everyone of all ages and tastes to enjoy. From sporting activities to adventure tours, shopping, dining and nightlife, Bali is a truly entertaining place to visit.

Bali Shopping Guide - Find where to shop and what to buy

Shopping in Bali is fantastic with an abundance of markets offering inexpensive locally made goods coupled with modern shopping centers filled with brand name fashion labels. Expect to pay normal prices for international brands while locally made goods are relatively inexpensive.

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