BALI
"the island of the gods"
Bali is blessed with a history of ancient civilisations , a dramatic volcanic landscape and an abundance of beaches making it one of the most exotic destinations in Asia.
The southern coastline of the Island is where the majority of tourists gravitate towards, the world’s top hotel brands have discovered unique locations and built equally unique resorts many incorporating balinese style architecture surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens, others have taken the latest trends and built resorts that blend into the dramatic sites upon which they are placed.
The luxury traveller can also look at the amazing array of villas available and plan a holiday that totally fits with their schedule, villas for romantic getaways, family gatherings, weddings or a “big birthday”.
Bali is also renowned for its world class restaurants, chic beach clubs, beachside bars and design boutiques making shopping a treat.
Only an hour away from the coast past the tropical jungle, rice terraces with land being farmed like it has been for centuries is the town of Ubud, a popular artists community. The countryside surrounding it is dotted with luxury resorts, many focused on health and wellbeing and total relaxation .
Anyone searching for adventures can explore the rest of Bali and discover surf breaks, snorkelling and diving on coral reefs, hiking on volcanic peaks and cycling through the diverse countryside .
Bali does have a little piece of magic for everyone, it isn’t called the island of the gods for nothing.
SEMINYAK
Seminyak has become the most stylish area on the Bali , it is home to some of the newest and chic resorts and the hub for world class cuisine with many of Bali’s top restaurants located here headed up by globally recognised chefs.
Boutiques sell beautifully designed homewares and clothing stores line the streets many of them already selling the latest designs for the next season, Bali is renowned for having the European designer come to get ranges designed and made to export to fashion style centres around the world .
Do you choose one of the luxury resorts or a luxury villa for your stay in Seminyak. The destination certainly provides the ingredients and atmosphere for a memorable holiday.
NUSA DUA
Nusa Dua is a little world of its own within the Bali landscape. It is a beautiful, well manicured, quiet and secluded enclave with an abundance of 5 star resorts many with private villas in their large gardens ensuring that everyone especially families with younger children feel secure. The beaches are less crowded and a lot calmer, making swimming and the wide range of water sports there much easier to enjoy.
The broadwalk along the beachfront is lined with cafes and restaurants and is great for walking and biking where the next cold drink or snack is never too far away. People watching is always a fun way to while away a few hours and the broadwalk is the perfect venue for this leisurely activity.
As Nusa Dua is much slower paced environment,on those days one is looking to explore maybe take a day trip to Ubud or plan a visit to Seminyak to dine and shop, it is easy to hire a car with driver or even take a local taxi . Excursions outside this tranquil world will show the other sides of Bali that are loved by so international many travellers.
Travelling with the family or looking for a peaceful romantic break ,Nusa Dua is where the perfect holiday is most likely to be achieved.
CANNGU
Canngu is the latest area to be developed along Bali’s southern coastline and is much more laidback than the other beach areas. Villas abound and they range from 2 bedroom up to as many as 12 bedrooms and all the luxury villas come with well trained staff who excel at making a holiday “ at their villa” unforgettable.
As this beachside community expands a range of stylish cafes and restaurants have developed along with designer stores selling the latest on trend clothes, beachwear and homewares.
The black sand beach is frequented by surfers both locals and tourists offering great entertainment during the day from the cafes and bars along the beach.
For those wanting to celebrate a special occasion with a group of friends or for a large family get together ,the perfect villa will exist in Canngu making it worth travelling so far for.
ULUWATU
The cliffs of Uluwatu make it a great place to relax and get away from the crowds. Stay at one of the luxury resorts with their beautiful villas perched on the cliffs getting spectacular views over the rolling Indian Ocean which stretches to the horizon. The beaches are beautiful but often wild not making them ideal for swimming but their unique location at the bottom of the towering cliffs has make them perfect for some of Bali’s best beach clubs.
Uluwatu is the ultimate destination for couples seeking a luxury romantic break ,a honeymoon or for a wedding in a unique location.
JIMBARAN BAY
Jimbaran Bay is a corner of Bali where the local community and the luxury resorts sit comfortably side by side. The beach is the focal point for everyone where you can still see the local fishermen pulling in their catch and then it being sold at local fish market.
In the evening the lively beach restaurants also offer the local catch, nothing can compare to eating freshly cooked seafood as you sit at tables set in the sand watching the sunset.
The luxury resorts and villas set above the bay in this beautiful location are renowned for their architecture either totally traditional or thoroughly modern many of them sitting in the Top 50 list of the Best Resorts in the World. It is always worth a visit the famous Rock Bar at The Ayana to watch the sunset but don’t expect this to an intimate experience ,as this bar is now world famous.
UBUD
Ubud offers an opportunity to relax ,explore ancients temples and rivers, trek through rice paddies and maybe even stumble across a temple ceremony with ancient rites being performed . The ultimate experience is to see a traditional Balinese wedding with all the ceremony and colour that surrounds it.
Ubud is the centre of a thriving arts community, so galleries abound and the opportunity to join art classes is always an option here. The delicious food and the best restaurants in the town utilise the local ingredients that grow so easily in the surrounding countryside.
Spas, yoga studios and wellness retreats take full advantage of the beautiful terrain in Ubud matching many of the luxury resorts , spilling down the jungled hillsides to fast flowing rivers below.
It is always worth taking some time out in Ubud to get closer to the traditional Bali.
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Currency: Rupiah (Rp.)
Most Major Credit Cards are accepted.
Banking hours are from 8.00am to 2.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Electricty: 220V / 50Hz
Flying Time: Approx. 9 hours from Auckland to Denpasar direct
Local Time: 8 Hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
Weather:
Daytime temperatures varying between 20-33⁰ C year-round. From June to September, the humidity is low and it can be cool in the evenings. At this time of the year there is hardly any rain in the lowland coastal areas. From December to March, the monsoon can bring heavy showers and high humidity, but days are still often sunny with the rains starting in the late afternoon or evening and passing quickly.
Entry requirements for
New Zealand passport holders:
Indonesian Visas are no longer required by New Zealand passport holders. Max stay 30 days, non-extendable.
Valid passport for at least 6 months beyond the intended period of stay with at least one blank visa page.
Temporary passports are not acceptable.
Must hold a valid return or onward ticket.
Conditions apply.