Lush and languid, Bali beguiles with its beach-side charms.
Bali is so picturesque that you could be fooled into thinking it was a painted backdrop: rice paddies trip down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soar through the clouds, the forests are lush and tropical, and the beaches are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Recent tragic events have scared away many of those who simply saw Bali as a place for cheap beer. While the Bintang is still tasty and plentiful, Bali's temples, ceremonies, beaches, mountains and passion for life are undiminished and more easily enjoyed than ever.
High level terrorism-related warnings have been issued by Western governments concerning travel in Indonesia, including Bali. Travellers are advised to check with their local embassy or travel advisory for up-to-date information before making travel plans. Terrorist bombings aimed at tourists took place in 2002 and 2005 and although it is normally safe, the island could be a target in the future.
Check out Safe Travel for updated government warnings.
severity: High-level alert
3,160,000
Name: Rupiah
Code: IDR
Symbol: Rp
127/230V 50Hz
Official: Indonesian
GMT/UTC +8
+62
Metric
article by Tim Rock, November 2007
Want to plunge into the deep blue and get your mind blown by Bali's underwater wildlife? Right this way. Read the full article ›
Tags: Island & Beaches • Water Sports • Bali
photofeature by Tim Rock, November 2007
Mantas soar overhead, parrotfish and sweetlips shimmy in the cotton candy coral: it's a whole other world down there. Read the full article ›
Tags: Water Sports • Bali
article by Emma McMahon, June 2006
Relax, seven days of stretching and sweating at a spot best known by surfers will see you rise with the sun. Read the full article ›
Tags: Sports • Bali • Relaxation
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