Which area of Bali should I choose?
Bali looks small on the map, but each area has its own feel, and journeys are long: allow 1.5 hours from the airport to Ubud, 2.5 to 3 hours to Amed, and 2.5 to 3 hours to Munduk and Lovina. The right choice depends on what you want:
- A first trip: the south for beaches, surf and nightlife (Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu), then the centre.
- Culture, rice fields and temples: the centre, around Ubud, the best base for sightseeing.
- Diving and peace and quiet: the east (Amed, Tulamben, Sidemen, Candidasa), with Mount Agung as a backdrop.
- Hiking, waterfalls and cool air: the north (Munduk, Lovina, the Bedugul lakes).
- Getting away from it all: the west (Pemuteran, West Bali National Park), wild, with snorkelling.
- A change of scene: the Nusa Islands (Penida, Lembongan, Ceningan), by boat from the south-east.
How many days? From Australia, a week works. From Europe or North America, aim for 10 days at the very least, and 12 to 15 to combine two or three areas without rushing.
Tip: rather than changing hotel every night, stick to two or three bases: the journeys eat into your days.
Travel times are approximate, by car from the airport.