Beautiful Bali by Kristina

Beautiful Bali

Once celebrated as an island paradise edged with beaches and known for its vibrant culture, Bali's reputation was damaged by the 2002 and 2005 bombings in which many Western tourists lost their lives. Bali is still officially a danger area but this shouldn't deter you from visiting what is still a fantastic island. Indonesia's only Hindu state, Bali has long been a favourite for holidaymakers from around the world thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals.

Most people start their Bali experience in Kuta, the island's main resort. Kuta's streets are packed with shops, restaurants and tourists - you'll either love it or you'll hate it. Nearby Legian is slightly calmer and more upmarket, while the suburb of Oberoi is home to a swathe of popular eateries and bars. Kuta beach is frequented by surfers and can get busy in high season. If you decide to stay in Kuta there are plenty of guest houses, hotels and hostels. Jimbaran Beach a little way down the coast is renowned for its beachfront seafood restaurants where you can enjoy freshly caught snapper and squid as the sun sets.

Bali's capital city Denpasar is unremarkable and not particularly lovely. The town of Ubud about an hour inland from Kuta is a better choice. Best known for its arts and crafts, Ubud is a great place to escape from the bustle of the more touristy coast. Visit the Neka Gallery or Agung Rai Gallery to experience Balinese art at its best, then take in a traditional dance show in the evening. The Ubud monkey forest is great fun. Buy a bunch of bananas to feed the macaques, but make sure you don't look them in the eye - cute as they may look, they can turn nasty if confronted! From Ubud you can hire bikes to trek through the paddy fields outside the town.

Indonesia's volcanic geography is most evident in the central north of Bali, where Mount Agung (the mother mountain) and Batur rise up from the jungle. If you don't mind an early start and a brisk hike, get up before dawn to climb Batur. The view from the summit at sunrise is stunning - you can even see over to Mount Rinjani on the neighbouring island of Lombok. More adventurous walkers can trek around the crater of the volcano. The climb is relatively easy but its best to hire a local guide who will take you up for a small fee.

The western side of the island is home to the Bali Barat National Park which has over 200 species of birds and plants. The small resort of Lovina is a great base for exploring this part of Bali. Deer Island has great scuba diving and snorkelling.

Balinese food is best enjoyed in one of the many 'warungs' - small local restaurants which serve traditional fare like nasi goreng, a rice and meat dish. Try the national brew batavia arrack, a milky liqueur made from sugar cane - definitely an acquired taste.

There are no direct cheap flights to Bali from the UK, but check out FlightComparison.co.uk for connecting flights to Singapore.