Travelpotato Blog

Uluwatu is a favorite tourist attraction in Bali due to its tranquility, natural beauty and variety of cultural shows on offer. For lovers of surfing, a visit to Uluwatu is a must. The beaches in this area are world-renowned for their perfect waves, where many a surfer can be spotted "getting barreled".

Kuta is Bali's most famous tourist area, and still holds an allure for backpackers and travelers from all over the world. Kuta has become a crowded area, with bars, clubs, souvenir shops and shopping centers lining the streets. Traffic is an entirely different story, but it's all part of the charm. As if she never slept, Kuta, has become the metropolitan city of Bali and a popular destination for young Australians looking for good time.

Regardless of the changes, Kuta also has the best beaches from which to enjoy sunset, and Kuta Beach has become the meeting place for tourists in Bali. The 5 km stretch of beach is ideal for activities such as surfing, sunbathing or simply watching people go by as you sip a cold beer.

Ubud, known as the cultural center of Bali, offers a different type of beauty. With no loud music blasting from crowded bars, girls in bikinis or drunken tourists, Ubud is all about tranquility, culture and natural landscapes. The rice fields surrounding Ubud are some of the best to be seen in Bali, and use an ancient water irrigation system known locally as "Subak".

Ubud has the atmosphere of a traditional village, with panoramic views of green paddies becoming an alternative vista to those of the sun-drenched beaches in the South. Tourists can also visit the surrounding areas of Mount Kawi, Pura Kehen, Puri Saren Agung, Tirta Empul and Yeh Pulu, while the cave at Goa Gajah was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth a visit.

If you're looking for something a little more refined and not quite as busy as Kuta, the upmarket are of Seminyak is a good choice for a relaxed holiday. The variety of accommodation available can be overwhelming, with luxury resorts sitting along side cute boutique hotels, however private villas seem to be the choice du jour these days.

Seminyak is also home to dozens of restaurants and cafes, particularly along Jl. Laksmana which is also aptly known as "Eat Street". From fine dining to cheap and cheerful, there's bound to be something for everyone. The beach at both Seminyak and Petitenget enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, and are a popular place for both locals and tourists to meet at the end of the day to watch the sunset.

Sukawati Market is a well-known traditional art market located in the village of Sukawati, Gianyar regency. Approximately 30 km from Ngurah Rai International Airport, it's best to take a car with driver for the 45-minute journey.

The market sells traditional Balinese clothing, batik and crafts at affordable prices, and is a good place to practice your bargaining skills. Arriving between 8am and 10am, you are guaranteed "morning price".