Our Travels

Bali is back! by Travel Nation's Martin Lake

In the period following the bomb blasts in 2002 and 2005, tourism in Bali was at an all time low and the locals were struggling to make ends meet. On my last visit in 2003, restaurants were giving discounts of up to seventy per cent just to get you through the door. Just five years later and Bali is thriving once again - and it's still excellent value.

If you don't want the hustle and bustle of Kuta in the west, or the characterless resorts of Nusa Dua in the south, head for the charming Sanur in the east. I stayed at the Puri Santrian Resort at the south end of the beach. It's a genuinely Balinese resort, with a fantastic spa to help ease away your aches and pains. There are three pools, a swim-up bar and large comfy sofas to lounge around on next to the beach. Sanur itself stretches the length of the beach. It's full of little shops, bars and restaurants so there's no need to feel confined to only eating in your resort. It's cheaper too, a three course meal for two including a couple of beers and some cocktails will set you back about £12.

A visit to Ubud in the centre of the island is a must. This little town, set in the forested hills and ringed by Hindu temples, is one of the best places to shop in Indonesia. The central market is a hub of noise and colour with everything for sale from smiling buddhas to bizarre fruits. Barter hard though! For a real bargain, head to Monkey Forest Road. It's full of workshops and stalls selling intricate woodcarvings, batik prints and brilliantly painted carved masks, something's bound to catch your eye. Whilst you're in Ubud, take a trip to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Be warned though, don't take any food with you, the monkeys will find it!

An afternoon and evening in Jimbaran Bay on the west coast is not to be missed either. This fantastic stretch of beach is a working fishing village. Watch the brightly coloured wooden boats head out to sea whilst you kick back sipping your Mai Tai. Fresh lobster, king prawns or red snapper will be on the menu for your evening meal, served up as you sit on the beach watching the sunset over the bay.

Bali is a stopover option on most 'round the world tickets' or returns to Australia and New Zealand. The best time to visit is between May and October when it's virtually rain free with unbroken sunshine. So when you're thinking of stops on your trip of a lifetime, think Bali, you won't be disappointed!