Protected by a coral reef, the waters of Sanur form a shallow lagoon in which you can paddle or put on a mask to see the fish. As for the fishermen, they appear at low tide – at dawn – while early rising locals stroll along the seafront path, making ..

Linked to its neighbour Nusa Lembongan by a suspension bridge (cyclists and pedestrians only), the smallest of the three islands comprising the Penida archipelago has only recently become a tourist destination. Its inhabitants are hugely friendly and..

The corner of Monkey Forest Road and Jl Raya Ubud marks the very centre of Ubud, distinguished by its large craft and food market where soup or a kebab may be purchased, and the Puri Saren palace, residence of the royal family. Nearby are the enchant..

On show among other works are pictures by the Pita Maha group , which nurtured Balinese art in the 1930-40s: historically limited to Hindu mythology and local folklore, painting came under external influences and expanded its sources to incorporate ..

This museum traces the history of Ubud’s artistic heritage, and also promotes its continuing flourishing; on show are traditional Balinese paintings ( wayang ), work by the Young Artists , a 1960s movement inspired by Dutch painter Arie Smit, and ..

Art enthusiast and collector Agung Rai (born in Peliatan) established an art gallery before founding his museum (1996); two impressive buildings surrounded by vegetation, fountains and pools. Admire the work of Walter Spies (1895-1942, the famous G..

In a valley bottom below the road (from where there is a good view of the site), Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu nestles in a verdant setting . With its meru acting as a backdrop, little pavilions and altars loaded with offerings, the place has great char..

The god Indra caused this spring to flow by tapping a rock, after his troops were caught in a trap by their enemy, King Maya Denawa... An elixir of immortality sprang forth, saving them. The site of an annual pilgrimage (at the full moon in the fourt..

A walkers’ paradise! A renowned ecotourism destination, Munduk is a haven of peace in the lee of a verdant mountain, surrounded by rice paddies, coffee and clove cultivation, jungle and waterfalls. The Dutch once had plantations here, and the odd col..

Little remains of the splendour of the Gelgel kingdom, which in Klungkung sparked a political and cultural flowering during the 18C-19C, before the Dutch destroyed the town. Enter through the finely carved South Gate (Pemedal Agung) and continue to..

If passing through Kintamani early in the day, don’t miss the market (every third day, from around 5am to 10am), the region’s largest. Everything is available, including anoraks and pullovers. In season, taste the delicious fruit harvested locally: s..

The route winds across the mountainside, offering fine views now and then over terraced rice paddies and overgrown gorges. On reaching Gitgit, take the path leading to the falls (well signposted: 10min walk). Shops line the route; expect also to be b..

Dedicated to the gods of the earth and crops, Pura Maduwe Karang is striking for the creativity and originality of its sculptures. A profusion of figures drawn from the epic tale the Ramayana stand on either side of the entrance steps. Time weather..

Fed by the fresh water of a mountain spring, a large pebble-floored pool makes for an inviting stop. Visitors can eat (and stay the night) here, in the surroundings of a fine tropical garden giving onto the sea.

An enchanting verdant backdrop is the setting for this hot spring, channelled into three pools , of which the third is the hottest at 38°C. Spouting heads of nagas (dragons) direct the water between the pools, causing it to cascade some 3m down in..

Perched among frangipani on a promontory overlooking the sea, Pura Rambut Siwi occupies a truly beautiful site . Built in the 16C under the aegis of Danghyang Nirartha (as was the case at Tanah Lot), it housed a reliquary of hair from the holy man. ..

A splendid collection of species from the four corners of the world grows at the Bali Orchard Garden in Sanur. Some are even for sale in sterile and hermetically sealed jars. Coffee lovers can try the world's most expensive coffee here: the very rare..

Don’t miss this museum, located in the home of the flamboyant Filipino-American artist who died in 1999. His exuberant work and the house’s Baroque décor, which would befit Dalí himself, make it worth seeking out. Women (his Balinese wife in particul..

Birdwatchers should make a point of visiting the renowned Petulu heronry north of Ubud, where each late-afternoon from April to October the extraordinary spectacle of thousands of herons and egrets returning to their nests may be observed. The birds ..

This curious giant frieze (25m long, 2m high) running along a section of cliff continues to defy academic explanation. Vestige of a 14C hermitage, it depicts Ganesh, recognisable on account of his elephant head, and other figures realistically carv..