Jimbaran
Location
A relatively new tourist area located in the southwest of the island, 15 minutes drive from the airport. This is a fairly large fishing village, the territory of which is gradually being built up with hotels and villas. The place is famous for beautiful sunsets and delicious fresh seafood, a large selection of which will be offered to you in the fishermen’s taverns on the ocean.
Beaches
A nice beach with fine sand and gentle surf. On a clear day, you can see the outlines of volcanoes and mountains located in the center of the island from here, and in the evening you can watch a beautiful sunset. Many fishing boats that have gone to fish in the ocean light small lanterns on board at night – an unforgettable sight.
Cafes, Restaurants and Shops
The tourist infrastructure of Jimbaran is still underdeveloped, but fishermen’s taverns – small cafes on the ocean – with a large selection of the most delicious and fresh seafood cooked on the grill, compensate for the lack. Coconut shells and oiled coconut wood serve as coals for the grill, which gives all dishes a special taste and aroma. The nearest supermarket Nirmala (Nirmala) is located 5-7 minutes by taxi from any of the hotels.
Attractions
There are no special attractions and architectural monuments, but Jimbaran is a great place for those who like to observe the daily life of the local population.
Sanur
Location
This is the oldest resort on the island, located on the southeast coast, 25 minutes from the airport. It was from here that the first tourists who arrived in Bali in the early 60s of the last century began to explore the island. And gradually the former small village turned into a town. The Sanur promenade is a beautiful 5-kilometer promenade, there are many water sports centers, cafes, restaurants and shops. The simple layout of the town and its atmosphere attract couples and those looking for a relaxing holiday. Good place for family vacation.
Beaches
White sand, numerous lagoons and the absence of waves due to the coral reef, which stretches along the coast in a wide strip. At low tide, the bottom near the shore is exposed, and at high tide, you can easily swim to the reef. Here is the best place in Bali for windsurfing and fishing. The locals, who used to go out to sea in wooden canoes, now take tourists on boat trips along the coast.
Cafes, Restaurants and Shops
Shops and stalls sell goods made in various regions of Indonesia. Many restaurants and bars offer European, Japanese and Asian cuisine. The night market at the crossroads of Jalan Tamblingan and Jalan Sindhu offers a good selection of reasonably priced traditional Indonesian food. The resort falls asleep quite early, so most restaurants take orders until 22.00.
Attractions
Right on the beach in the northern part of the resort is the house-museum of the Belgian artist Adrien Jean Le Mayor de Merpres (1880-1958), who arrived in Bali at the age of 52 and became famous here for his romantic love story for the young dancer Ni Pollock, who posed for many of his paintings.
You can admire Balinese dances any day, both in Sanur itself and in its surroundings.
Candidasa
Location
A former fishing village, today it is one of the actively developing resorts in the east of the island. Distance from the airport is about 2 hours drive. A quiet and peaceful resort, a convenient base for traveling around the eastern part of Bali. Excellent conditions for diving. Beautiful mountain landscape.
Beaches
The beaches are mostly with dark gray volcanic sand. Not far from here there is an amazingly beautiful small white sand beach where films are periodically filmed. Not far from the beach there are picturesque cliffs with a rich underwater world.
Cafes, Restaurants and Shops
Along the main street – a lot of shops and family-friendly cafes and restaurants.
Attractions
Pura Chandi Dasa is a water lily temple dedicated to the fertility goddess Hariti. Ferry port to Lombok is 20 minutes from Chandidasa. Not far away is Tulamben, where you can scuba dive to the sunken ship.
Ubud
Location
A small town located in the central part of the island (90 minutes drive from the airport), a recognized center of Balinese arts and crafts, a source of inspiration for designers from all over the world. The juicy beauty of the jungle and rice fields, combined with the unique architecture and good service, fully justify the price level of the local hotels. This is a favorite hangout place for international bohemians, artists and seekers of the meaning of life.
Cafes, Restaurants and Shops
Many shops, small boutiques and artisan shops, as well as a large handicraft market in the city center will allow you to fully enjoy shopping. Here you can always find something interesting and unusual. Restaurants and cafes for every taste – from healthy Ayurvedic breakfasts to gourmet dishes, from romantic dinners in secluded gazebos to festive feasts at the Royal Palace.
Attractions
The monkey forest in Ubud is one of the favorite places for children and adults. Long-tailed macaques will gladly eat the brought bananas, and you will be able to take interesting photos. The temple in honor of the goddess Saraswati – the patroness of knowledge and arts (Pura Taman Saraswati) stands at the beautiful lotus pond. Puri Lukisan Museum of Fine Arts showcases the work of local artists. Puri Saren – the royal palace of Ubud – was built in the 19th century. In the evenings, you can watch Balinese traditional dances here.
In the vicinity of Ubud, there are many creative workshops and galleries where you can admire and purchase precious wood products, silver and gold jewelry, paintings and batik.