Bali & Indonesia

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Known as the ‘Land of the Gods’, Bali is undeniably beautiful. For a small tropical island, Bali has an amazing ability to provide something for everyone. Each region is so unique which makes it impossible to describe Bali as one destination. Take the time to visit chilled out Canggu with its beach bars and wholefood cafes. Enjoy shopping in the great selection of boutique shops in stylish Seminyak and dine where the restaurant scene is vibrant and eclectic and there is a contemporary nightlife. Or escape to Sanur, which is considered Bali’s first beach resort area but still retains its Balinese character and old style village ambience. The calmer waters of Sanur offer a lagoon style beach.

Aside from the main attraction of Bali’s beaches, cruise the water to nearby islands or head inland to the fertile grassy plains, terraced rice paddies, striking lakes and vast volcanic mountains. Ubud is a fascinating place to wander around. It’s a town set in spectacular hillside and surrounded by terraced rice paddies, virgin jungles, lush forest and river valleys. Dotted throughout the island are historical, cultural and spiritual monuments with some of the most breath-taking natural scenery. Food is available at every turn to tempt every tastebud, there are a myriad of activities on offer and accommodation to suit any traveller. You will be enthralled with every step.

In a Villa

Villas in Bali are now a growing trend and ideal option. With private pools and kitchen facilities, standalone villas offer luxury and seclusion. When costs are split between a group, they can work out cheaper than a hotel. Most include fully equipped kitchens and dedicated butler service or personalised concierge services. Some even offer shuttle services or private drivers to take you to a restaurant for dinner, or drop you off at the nearby beach. Villas are furnished with a living area, dining and fantastic open plan environments; not forgetting the outdoor private pool to laze the day away in. Booking your own villa is perfect for that relaxed holiday house atmosphere; great for families and groups of friends travelling together, or to celebrate a special occasion.

Plenty of space, modern conveniences, personalised service and attention to detail are all part and parcel of the private villa experience. Some villa complexes in Bali also have communal facilities in terms of a pool or restaurant onsite or a gym and spa, so it’s a little like being in a nice resort but with the privacy of your own villa if you prefer.

Foodie Heaven

Bali has a surprising amount of restaurants that will cater for whatever you are needing. You didn’t book a trip to Bali to eat burgers so be sure to try a traditional Warung which is a small family- owned eatery serving traditional Balinese food. Gorge on bowls of Mee Gorings accompanied by a cool drink of choice and you’ve got a delightful and cheap lunch. Sunday Brunches are becoming a common event at some resorts and beach bars. Bookings are essential for a lazy Sunday spent eating good food and being kept hydrated in a relaxed setting.

Warehouses that have been converted to funky restaurants are proving a popular venue for dining as well. Offering individual or shared plates, you’ll definitely want to set aside an evening well in advance for what is likely to be a highlight of your holiday. Dining outdoors is commonplace in an environment where the air is still warm once the sun goes down. Grab a table outdoors when given the chance.

The best part of many of your dining experiences in Bali is the price. Nowhere near what you would be paying in New Zealand!

In Luxury

Beautiful, first class, stunning, high-end, amazing, breath-taking – just some of the adjectives that come to mind for the number of luxury resorts that are sprinkled around Bali. The beachfront resorts that boast balconies and ocean views to the cliff top properties with infinity edge pools have all been designed to provide the ultimate in luxury. Award-winning spa complexes, attentive yet discreet staff and outstanding restaurants all come together to provide you with an exceptional home away from home. Many resorts in Nusa Dua are within a gated complex, offering 5-star service, ultimate luxury and is considered Bali’s most esteemed resort area. Benoa is still of high status but generally less expensive. The beaches are renowned for calm, clear water, ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Your luxury accommodation is not often as expensive as you may think either. You’ll be wowed by the design of the hotel, the manicured gardens, the facilities on offer and the atmosphere within the grounds. Deciding on what photos to send to friends that best showcase what you’re experiencing is the hard part!

As a Family

Bali ticks all the boxes for a perfect holiday for families. Warm weather, sandy beaches, tasty food, great resorts and plenty of exciting activities to keep the kids busy. The tough part can be deciding what to do and where to stay. Family resorts often have pools, slides and kids’ clubs, while villas offer private pools and extra space. Pick locations that are convenient for restaurants, beaches and shopping. Visit a supermarket early on during your stay and stock up on snacks and drinks. If you are in a villa with a private pool, take some pool toys from home, or buy when in Bali.

When it comes to waterparks, the sprawling Waterbom Waterpark covers all sorts of heights and frights, with whopping 250 metre slides and some reach speeds of 70 kilometres per hour. Finns Recreation Club has a Splash Water Park, Bounce Trampoline Centre, Strike Ten Pin Bowling and Cubby House Kids Club. Mum and dad may like the Fitness Centre that is also here, or the Body Temple Spa.

 

Experiences in this area


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