Days 2 and 3: South Bali

Where to Stay

Here are a few upscale options in Jimbaran Bay, Uluwatu, Nusa Dua Beach and Seminyak Beach, while affordable bungalows abound in Legian Beach, Kuta Beach, Sanur and Canngu

• This bustling capital features colorful markets, temples, an art centre and a wonderful museum housing one of the best Balinese art collections in the world...

  Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay – Comprised of all private villas, this property is consistently ranked one of the top hotels in Bali. This beachside hotel offers fantastic honeymoon packages and a combo deal with their retreat at Sayan in the central highlands near Ubud

• Legian Bali – An all-suite hotel on Seminyak Beach with tropical gardens and spa

• The Bale – Twenty contemporary sleek pavilions at Nusa Dua overlook the Indian Ocean

• Bulgari Bali Resort & Spa – The newest over-the-top hotel in Bali located on the Uluwatu Peninsula near the famed temple, offers stunning villas designed with native stones, local wood finishes and handmade fabrics commissioned for the property

Sunbathing on pristine beaches, unwinding by the hotel’s infinity pool or enjoying watersports such as surfing, snorkeling, diving, jet skiing, fishing or parasailing are a few activities to enjoy in this area.

City of Denpasar– This bustling capital features colorful markets, temples, an art centre and a wonderful museum housing one of the best Balinese art collections in the world

• Pasar Badung – Market vending flowers, fruit, vegetables, textiles and even bejeweled dance costumes

• Jalan Sulawesi - The best street for buying gold jewelry

• Pasar Burung – A lively bird market that also sells dogs, tropical fish and fighting cocks

• Pura Maospahit – Temple dating from 13^th-15^th centuries is one of Bali’s oldest

• Bali Museum – The collection of ritual masks, excavated artifacts ranging from Bronze Age to 19^th century and the fantastic brickwork Ceremonial Gate are not to be missed

Pura Luhur Uluwatu – This fine example of traditional Balinese architecture is also one of the island’s holiest temples

• This 11^th century place of worship is best visited late afternoon into sunset

• Admire the three-tiered pagoda, characteristic in Balinese temple complexes, the arched doorway of the main gate and the fiercely-carved guardian statues

Beaches – There’s a beach in Bali to suit anyone’s tastes, from the popular surfer-haven Kuta to tranquil, family-oriented Sanur

• Jimbaran Bay – Offers the opportunity to witness local daily life and boasts striking views and sunsets from its attractive beach. There are also many thatched-roof restaurants on the sand featuring fresh seafood and local delicacies

• Nusa Dua – Featuring mostly luxury resorts, this area also has the famous Bali Golf and Country Club

• Kuta & Legian – This long sandy strip of beach is home to clubs, bars, and shops, attracting young backpackers and surfers

• Poppies Lane I in Kuta is a great street for casual dining

• Kuta Square is the main shopping hub

• Kuta Art Market for woven baskets and other crafts

• Seminyak – Extending north from Kuta and Legian, it becomes more tranquil the farther up you go and the luxurious Oberoi Hotel is here

• Sanur – The beach runs nearly the full length of the town, popular with families and vacationers looking for a respite from the boisterous Kuta scene

• Traditional Spa Treatment – Indulge in a classic Balinese body treatment using native ingredients and techniques

• A favorite is the Javanese Lulur Treatment, a two-and-a-half-hour experience involving a natural masque of herbs and spices ranging from turmeric and nuts to coffee and ginger, followed by a cooling yogurt moisturizer. After a shower and flower-infused bath, finish with a leisurely massage. Many spas offer tandem treatments for couples

• Most high-end hotels have a spa, and the Four Seasons facilities are excellent