With Air New Zealand flying direct to Denpasar from the 19th of June we now have access to one of the most diverse travelling paradises in the world.
With miles of sand to relax upon, surf, sacred caves, towering volcanoes alongside deep ravines with fast flowing rivers and wildlife – Bali is just begging to be discovered.
While the island is known for its rich cultural heritage – temples and palaces, festivals and ceremonies – there’s also a wide variety of adventure and epic nightlife options on offer.
With at times polarising experiences to be had - where you decide to go on your trip can be a make or break decision for your dream holiday.
To help you with these challenging decisions Getfrank travelled to the island of the gods to give you a round-up of five of the main regions in Bali (don’t say we don’t do anything for you!)
Kuta
Whether with a bunch of mates, a sports team or as the ultimate stag do - Kuta is ideal for the ultimate ‘The Hangover’ style trip
Accommodation options are spread across the divide to suit any travellers pocket - for the ‘young and young at heart’ you’ll want to check into the Bounty Hotel on Poppies II, while those who have a bit more to spend can enjoy the luxury offerings of the one year old Pullman Legian or the more ‘Bali classic’ Mercure Kuta both of which overlook the beach.
If you’re a beginner surfer Kuta Beach is the perfect training ground, waist deep out past the white-wash it’s incredibly easy to get in a massive amount of rides without killing yourself with exhaustion.
Our team had the pleasure of being coached by the ‘good dudes’ at Odyssey Surf School – we couldn’t recommend them more, especially when you’ve got the Hard Rock Café across the road to fuel up at midday or close off with a round or three of the local brew – Bintang.
With plenty of local stores (Poppies II) offering ridiculously cheap prices on sunglasses (NZD$3), boardies (NZD$4) and Onitsuka Tiger shoes (NZD$12-15) the shopping at Kuta can become a full-time gig and worth the trip itself – just make sure you’ve got your bartering skills up to scratch before you open your wallet.
Once the sun goes down though, this is where Kuta really comes to life - Superclub 61 Legian with the renowned Sky Garden and free drinks between 9 and 10pm is sure to set even the faintest soul alight. From there, you can’t go wrong with a stopover at the Apache Reggae Bar for a bit of tunes from Bob Marley and even New Zealand’s own Katchafire before entering the ultimate grave yard shift with rocket fuel drink bottles at Bounty Discotheque. (Referenced in the Crowd Goes Wild wrap up at the bottom of the page)
Seminyak
Post the hangover and stepping it up a notch, north of Kuta is Seminyak - the ‘Ponsonby’ of Bali.
Luxurious and fashionable, Seminyak boasts luxurious accommodation and upmarket spas, restaurants, boutique fashion stores and incredible bars overlooking a stunning beach - which remains a lot quieter during the day giving you chance to relax and enjoy your holiday.
Whether staying or driving through Seminyak, make sure you visit both of the following establishments;
Ku De Ta
Since its arrival in 2000, Ku De Ta has become recognised as one of Asia's most beloved and distinctive lifestyle destinations. With a powerful beachfront location and a reputation for intimate fine dining, cutting edge design and architecture THEN backed up with big name international performers, the Ku De Ta experience is something you cannot miss.
Potato Head Beach Club
Another place that just needs to be seen... inside a HUGE elliptical amphitheatre built using a collection of 18th century teak shutters you’ll find an impressive 500-square metre emerald lawn. This is skirted with an infinity pool facing the horizon of the Indian Ocean creating an incredible platform to enjoy a blend of cuisine, entertainment and innovative cocktails.
Make sure you set aside an evening to experience their eclectic menu inspired by international home cooked recipes, tapas selections of Southeast Asian cuisine or French fine dining through an interpretation of a Japanese Chef.
Ubud
The Heart and Soul of Bali, surrounded by gently rolling rice paddies and terraces Ubud is regarded as the cultural centre of Bali and is completely free from what can be at times the hedonistic scene of Kuta.
Temples and historical sites such as the Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), Gunung Kawi (Poet Mountain) or the sacred Monkey forest (where you can hand feed the monkey’s). Museums and Galleries, Art courses, cooking classes, cultural performances, yoga and meditation or the craft markets - all can be found here and in beautiful style.
For those with the cash in the pocket when it comes to accommodation make sure you experience Viceroy, you can read the extended review here
If you’re an adventure junky though you’ll most likely hit Ubud inadvertently for the white water rafting.
Noting the risks involved with white water and seeing some of the clandestine business in operation make sure you google Bali Adventure Tours – they also have the Bali Elephant Safari Park in their portfolio which is promoted as the only complete elephant experience in the world and is where you can get up close with these incredible animals in a stunning tropical park setting.
Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua
Located 40km south of Denpasar and Kuta, Tanjung Benoa is where tourists and locals alike come to relax on the beach and read a book.... or take advantage of an outstanding line up of adrenaline pumping water sports.
What seems like a hundred speed boats will be running at any one time with para-sailers crossing within metres of others, jet skis, hoby cats and outriggers all heading out for incredible dives, fishing and surf trips and yet another group of boats towing wild flying fish behind them – it’s all on here an Tanjung Benoa!
For those with an edge for excitement and risk this is the ultimate in entertainment and you won’t be held back or feel chaperoned out there on the main beach, however if you’re slightly risk adverse you’ll definitely want to have Jet Set Marine on your contact list. As the only American managed water sports centre in Bali they ensure all activities are conducted within international standards so you (and/or the kids) will be well and truly catered for.
From snorkeling the Nusa Dua Reef, Parasailing, Flying Fish, to Banana Boating, Jet Skiing, Wakeboarding or Kayaking Tanjung Benoa has got it all complete with a lobster lunch.
Sanur
Slowing down the pace to round this round up off... Sanur is the place if you want a holiday (or a holiday from the holiday) that's relaxed, quiet and stunningly beautiful. It's Bali's oldest upscale resort area and is perfectly nestled on the beach – a firm favourite for older families and those wanting a quiet break.
If you’re going to make the most of ‘experience Bali’ make sure you book in with Bali Hyatt hotel – a 5 star resort hotel with its distinctive architecture and lush tropical with secluded lily ponds, timeless appeal the Bali Hyatt blends into the serene village life of Sanur. The hotel offers restaurants, lounges and bars to complement the luxurious suites and rooms that are available.
Although the diving available around Sanur is not the best Bali has to offer, nearly all of Bali's most established dive operators are located here for trips further afield.
For those that appreciate a decent dive definitely lock in a trip to the USAT Liberty, considered Bali's most popular dive site the American ship was an armed cargo steamship that was torpedoed by the Japanese in 1942. It's been submerged for years, and has been transformed into one of Indonesia's most beautiful artificial reefs.
As noted above Bali is an incredible mixture of everything you could want in a holiday destination. There's something for absolutely everybody and with such a huge line up of experiences on offer even after three trips myself I can’t wait to get back there to explore even further.
GetFrank travelled to Bali courtesy of the legends at Air New Zealand, flight details below;
Flights to Denpasar, Bali; (19 Jun – 14 Oct)
2 services per week nonstop from Auckland
Dep NZ Tue and Sat 7.05pm, arrive Bali 12.35am [next day]
Dep Bali Wed and Sun 8.05am, arrive NZ 8.05pm [same day]
One way internet price
Ex Auckland
Seat Fare From $599
[Seat + Bag $629, Works $679]
https://diigo.com/0b8aoc
http://heartbreakingf56.beep.com
https://independent.academia.edu/ZThorne
https://www.wikidot.com/account/sites#/new
http://heartbreakingf67.nation2.com
http://heartbreakingf84.joomla.com
http://heartbreakingf07.bernod.com
http://vxxdp9syspleo.pen.io
http://heartbreakingf30.soup.io
http://heartbreakingf22.wordpress.com
http://heartbreakingf20.pentaclemagazine.org
http://heartbreakingf81.site123.me
http://heartbreakingf16.myblog.de
http://pagebin.com/posted.php?pid=1T9WbkJV
http://heartbreakingf08.withtank.com/
http://heartbreakingf98.mee.nu
http://heartbreakingf87.magnoto.com
http://heartbreakingf47.wallinside.com
http://heartbreakingf32.inube.com/blog/7407234/sleep-with-mattresses-onsale/
http://absurdjuvenile5.1apps.com
http://www.blogster.com/heartbreakingf34/sleep-with-beds-on-sale
http://heartbreakingf39.postbit.com/sleep-with-mattresses-available-for-sale.html
http://heartbreakingf97.fourfour.com/page:sleep_with_beds_onsale
http://heartbreakingf10.spruz.com
http://heartbreakingf18.aircus.com/sleep-with-beds-onsale
http://www.facecool.com/profile/CecilCharles160
http://heartbreakingf76.angelfire.com
http://heartbreakingf90.page.tl/Sleep-With-Beds-on-Sale.htm?forceVersion=desktop
http://heartbreakingf48.page4.me
http://journals.fotki.com/heartbreakingf22/sleep-with-beds-on-sale/
http://heartbreakingf82.mihanblog.com
https://justpaste.it/1fn3u
https://diigo.com/0b8axu
https://notehub.org/zr3ch
http://aquaticdynasty66.beep.com
https://independent.academia.edu/ScottNelson30
https://www.wikidot.com/account/sites#/new
http://aquaticdynasty48.nation2.com
http://u5ettfqsgabwx.pen.io
https://justpaste.it/1fn5z
http://aquaticdynasty43.soup.io
http://aquaticdynasty32.bernod.com
http://aquaticdynasty91.wordpress.com
http://aquaticdynasty27.site123.me
http://aquaticdynasty04.pentaclemagazine.org
http://aquaticdynasty51.myblog.de
http://aquaticdynasty68.withtank.com/
http://pagebin.com/posted.php?pid=K0ffpjph
http://aquaticdynasty99.mee.nu
http://scientificview13.nation2.com
https://www.wikidot.com/account/sites#/new
http://mqhvhwljfuis.pen.io
http://scientificview58.soup.io
http://scientificview51.site123.me
http://scientificview81.withtank.com/
http://scientificview01.myblog.de
http://pagebin.com/posted.php?pid=4gNmtbtk
http://scientificview28.mee.nu
http://scientificview32.magnoto.com
http://scientificview85.wallinside.com
http://scientificview86.postbit.com/
http://scientificview52.inube.com/blog/7736137/guide-to-foam-mattress/
http://www.blogster.com/scientificview54/guide-to-foam-mattress
http://scientificview08.fourfour.com/page:guide_to_foam_mattress
http://agonizingbruise.1apps.com
http://scientificview05.aircus.com/guide-to-foam-mattress
http://scientificview23.page.tl/Guide-to-Foam-Mattress.htm?forceVersion=desktop
http://www.facecool.com/profile/MinnieNeal
http://scientificview40.page4.me
http://journals.fotki.com/scientificview59/guide-to-foam-mattress/
http://scientificview33.mihanblog.com
http://scientificview41.angelfire.com
https://diigo.com/0brqhy
https://www.wikidot.com/account/sites#/new
https://independent.academia.edu/AndrewSwift8
http://highfalutinout45.nation2.com
http://highfalutinout06.soup.io
http://highfalutinout05.bernod.com
http://highfalutinout63.site123.me
http://highfalutinout66.withtank.com/
http://highfalutinout24.myblog.de
http://highfalutinout22.mee.nu
http://pagebin.com/posted.php?pid=LgHrzGSE
http://highfalutinout64.magnoto.com
http://highfalutinout05.wallinside.com
http://highfalutinout22.inube.com/blog/7736218/just-how-to-pick-the-best-polyurethane-foam-mattress-to-relieve-back-injuries/
http://highfalutinout30.postbit.com/howto-choose-the-best-foam-mattress-to-pains-and-relieve-back-aches.html
http://noxiousnucleus5.1apps.com
http://highfalutinout37.aircus.com/just-how-to-pick-the-best-polyurethane-foam-mattress-to-pains-and-ease-back-aches
http://highfalutinout57.fourfour.com/page:howto_pick_the_best_polyurethane_foam_mattress_to_alleviate_back_aches_and_pains
http://highfalutinout47.angelfire.com
http://www.facecool.com/profile/DanRodgers
http://highfalutinout92.page.tl/Just-How-To-Select-The-Right-Polyurethane-Foam-Mattress-To-Pains-And-Relieve-Back-Aches.htm?forceVersion=desktop
http://highfalutinout23.unblog.fr/2018/03/29/howto-choose-the-best-memory-foam-mattress-to-alleviate-back-pains-and-aches/
http://journals.fotki.com/highfalutinout10/howto-pick-the-best-memor/
http://highfalutinout68.page4.me
http://highfalutinout10.mihanblog.com
https://notehub.org/4q7sd
http://wistfulancestr24.site123.me
http://wistfulancestr77.withtank.com/
http://wistfulancestr73.myblog.de
http://pagebin.com/posted.php?pid=77OGDnKf
http://wistfulancestr24.mee.nu
http://wistfulancestr61.magnoto.com
http://wistfulancestr04.wallinside.com
http://wistfulancestr96.inube.com/blog/7739429/mattress-reviews-helps-in-selecting-the-right-mattresses/
http://permissiblequag.1apps.com
http://wistfulancestr21.postbit.com/mattress-reviews-helps-in-selecting-the-right-beds.html
http://wistfulancestr46.fourfour.com/page:mattress_reviews_helps_in_choosing_the_right_beds
http://www.facecool.com/profile/AlmaWard
http://wistfulancestr75.page.tl/Mattress-Reviews-Helps-in-Selecting-the-Best-Mattresses.htm?forceVersion=desktop
http://wistfulancestr75.page4.me
http://journals.fotki.com/wistfulancestr25/mattress-reviews-assists-/
http://wistfulancestr25.mihanblog.com
https://diigo.com/0bsa4s
https://notehub.org/osv71
https://independent.academia.edu/RobertFleming15
https://www.wikidot.com/account/sites#/new
http://industrioussol86.nation2.com
http://usf3ieasck6c.pen.io
http://industrioussol27.bernod.com
http://industrioussol13.soup.io
http://industrioussol93.pentaclemagazine.org
http://industrioussol91.site123.me
http://industrioussol06.withtank.com/
http://industrioussol82.myblog.de
http://pagebin.com/posted.php?pid=auHUoJCo
http://industrioussol26.magnoto.com
http://industrioussol60.wallinside.com
http://industrioussol93.postbit.com/many-items-assert-to-be-the-bed-bug-remedy-but-how-well-do-they-work.html
http://industrioussol21.inube.com/blog/7739744/many-items-assert-to-become-the-bed-bug-remedy-but-well-do-they-work/
http://wateryvagrant50.1apps.com
http://industrioussol41.fourfour.com/page:many_goods_claim_to_become_the_top_bed_bug_treatment_but_well_do_they_work
http://www.facecool.com/profile/KellyRutledge
http://industrioussol18.page.tl/Many-Goods-Assert-To-Be-The-Bed-Bug-Treatment%2C-But-How-Well-Do-They-Function-f-.htm?forceVersion=desktop
http://industrioussol63.page4.me
http://journals.fotki.com/industrioussol29/many-items-claim-to-be-th/
http://industrioussol30.mihanblog.com
https://notehub.org/js9b6
https://diigo.com/0bsai3
https://independent.academia.edu/AutumnLord
https://www.wikidot.com/account/sites#/new
http://wakefultelegra41.nation2.com
http://f01mssu8wt4y.pen.io
http://wakefultelegra24.soup.io
http://wakefultelegra03.bernod.com
http://wakefultelegra85.pentaclemagazine.org
oakey sunglasses outlet store
coach outlet store
canada goose
pandora charms sale
ray ban sunglasses outlet
adidas yeezy boost
ugg outlet store
nike air max 97
mcm outlet store
moncler coats
pandora jewelry store
ecco outlet
ecco shoes for women
coach outlet store online
prada outlet online
hollister clothing
air max outlet
oakey sunglasses outlet
discount oakley sunglasses
nike air max uk
coach outlet online
mlb jerseys
kate spade outlet online
nike shoes outlet
adidas nmd r1
louboutin shoes
supreme uk
coach factory outlet online
pandora charms
nike outlet
canada goose sale
salvatore ferragamo shoes
new balance outlet
coach factory outlet online
gucci outlet online
mont blanc pen
coach factory outlet
cheap oakley sunglasses
michael kors outlet clearance
moncler outlet online
hermes handbags
canada goose jackets
birkenstock shoes
canada goose parka
polo ralph lauren outlet
yeezy boost 350
longchamp sale
michael kors outlet online
michael kors uk
michael kors outlet clearance
coach outlet online
polo ralph lauren outlet online
adidas outlet online
gucci outlet
birkenstock sandals
cheap air jordans
cheap air max
skechers outlet
polo ralph lauren outlet online
harden vol 1
cheap jordan shoes
louis vuitton outlet
supreme shirts
polo ralph lauren outlet online
coach outlet
air jordans
adidas yeezy
fitflop uk
canada goose coats
cheap oakley sunglasses
fitflop shoes
polo outlet online
cheap jordan shoes
gucci outlet online
ugg outlet
michael kors outlet store
ralph lauren outlet
michael kors
pandora charms sale clearance
birkenstock uk
philipp plein
kate spade outlet online
pandora charms sale
nike outlet online
ugg boots
coach factory outlet online
kate spade handbags
kate spade outlet
louis vuitton factory outlet
adidas originals
michael kors outlet store
air max
salvatore ferragamo outlet
coach factory outlet online
toms outlet online
tods shoes
birkenstock shoes outlet
canada goose
yeezy boost 350
tiffany and co jewelry
ralph lauren uk
michael kors handbags
nike outlet store
cheap jordans
coach outlet online
coach factory outlet online
canada goose sale
adidas yeezy boost
cheap ray ban sunglasses
pandora charms outlet
kate spade outlet store
adidas outlet store
mlb jerseys cheap
canada goose jackets
coach outlet online
ray bans
pandora charms
air max 90
nike air max 2019
adidas outlet online
adidas outlet store
ugg boots
fitflop uk