Our Travels
Bali is back! by Travel Nation's Martin
Lake
For further information and how to include Bali
on your round the world ticket, contact Martin at Travel Nation on 0845
3444 224 or martin@travelnation.co.uk
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!
For further information and how to include Bali
on your round the world ticket, contact Martin at Travel Nation on 0845
3444 224 or martin@travelnation.co.uk
|