Bali holidays

One of the most well known of Bali’s beaches, Seminyak Beach is the ideal place to get away from it all. You can hire umbrellas and sun loungers here, and chill out on the sunny and super fine sands. The beach is lined with cosy beach clubs where you can sit, cocktail in hand, and gaze out over the Indian Ocean. There’s lots of little shops in the area, and you can even book yourself a beachfront massage.

Best for beach parties is Kuta Beach, which is lively in the day and even more lively after sundown. During the daytimes, the local surf school attracts young travellers looking to ride the waves. And at night, the sands become a hotspot for local musicians who turn the beach into one big party. You’ll find traditional Indonesian food offered beachside, and international fare like juicy steaks just over the road.

Lying halfway between Seminyak Beach and Kuta Beach is Legian Beach. This is a watersports hotspot, especially for keen surfers and bodyboarders. You can hire all your equipment right here on the beach, so there’s no need to pack your own gear. Entrance to the water is shallow here, so the whole family can get involved in the fun. And when it’s time to relax, the nearby juice bars offer up cool refreshments.

In Bali’s marketplaces and beachside stalls, you can pick up all sorts of bargain buys, like wooden Balinese crafts, beaded jewellery, handwoven textiles, natural organic soaps, and dreamcatchers. Accessories bearing the Bintang beer brand are also popular. If you’re looking to visit Bali’s most famous market which was featured in Eat, Pray, Love, it’s the Ubud Traditional Market near the Monkey Forest.

Barong masks, modelled after the Balinese King of the Spirits, are massively popular souvenirs. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and from simple to incredibly intricate carvings. Silver jewellery is another good option, especially silver that’s been made into a Gamelan ball. These balls, which are also called harmony balls, feature a chime inside. Locals use them as part of their daily meditation practice.

The main shopping street of Seminyak runs parallel to the beachfront, and it’s a shopper’s paradise. There’s lots of designer boutiques and retailers here, and it’s easy to find brands like Frangipani, Enki Eyewear, and MINKPINK. And if you’re looking for everything under one roof, Bali’s malls are the place to be. The Beachwalk shopping centre in Kuta boasts brands like Guess, H&M, Kate Spade, and Lacoste.

Nightlife in Bali isn’t just about drinking and dancing. In fact, you can have a great night out without the booze. Bali’s night markets are buzzing, with opportunities to shop for handicrafts and souvenirs, and grab a bite to eat from a local vendor. You’ll also find cultural performances at the night markets, giving you a chance to learn more about traditional Balinese arts. Alternatively, why not book an evening spa treatment, or take a beachfront stroll under the stars? And if you do fancy a drink or two, Bali’s serene rooftop lounges are ideal. Nusa Dua, Sanur, and Ubid are amongst some of the island’s quietest resorts.

Bali was once a hippy hotspot, and even now that its visitors are a more diverse bunch, it’s retained that fun, down-to-earth, anything goes party vibe. The coastal resorts of Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak are amongst the most lively destinations on the island. Typically, Bali’s coastal nights begin with a traditional Indonesian dinner at a local restaurant before moving to the nightclubs, bars, and beach clubs. Kuta has a well-earned reputation for being wild and free, while Seminyak offers a more upmarket atmosphere.

Balinese cuisine brings together Indonesian, Chinese, and Indian flavours into one gastronomical delight. Rice plays a huge role in Balinese cuisine, and is often steamed and served alongside spiced meats, vegetables, and exotic fruits. Warming spices like black pepper, cumin, clove, and nutmeg are often used.

While there are lots of tasty dishes to try, one of the most popular is betutu, which is chicken or duck cooked in the iconic Balinese spice blend. Another option is lawar, which is a minced meat dish of fresh veggies and coconut. And for something different, savoury porridge called bubur mengguh is one to try.

There’s a big street food scene in Bali. Pedagang are mobile stalls, often bicycles, that serve up quick bites that are easy to eat. You’ll also find lots of warungs along the roadside and along the beaches. These family-run huts specialise in traditional fare like deep fried snapper and spiced pork crackling.

One of the most potent drinks in Bali is Arrack. Distilled from sugarcane, Arrack is similar to a dark rum, with deep and rich flavours. Or for a drink with a difference, brem is a sweet and fruity fermented drink made from sticky rice. And for cocktails, Bali Moon fruit-flavoured liqueurs offer a taste of summer.