I S L A N D   O F   T H E   G O D S

Tropical Bali with its rich culture, beautiful coastline and beaches is one of 17,000 islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago

The artistic and spiritual heart of the place is at Ubud, in the cool hilly centre. The tourist enclave of Nusa Dua lies far to the south with the stylish Seminyak entertainment area along the southwest coast. Just south of Seminyak the "Sunset" coast is dominated by the convivial sprawl of Kuta.

The carefully pickled Hindu island of Bali is dotted with amazing temples - like Besakih and Tanah Lot - crisscrossed with meandering roads and scented with the fragrance of frangipani, bougainvillea and other tropical flowers. Small wonder it is refered to as the Island of The Gods.

Laid back Ubud with its paddy fields and rural atmosphere is the place for authentic arts and crafts, romantic dining, and drives up to the crater lake of Mount Batur flanking the awesome cone of mist-wreathed Gunung Agung volcano.

The adventurous can book a white-water rafting trip down the Ayung river in Ubud. Or book a catamaran, sunset or dolphin-watching cruise. Back on dry land, there are some great golf courses, too, including the Bali Golf and Country Club in Nusa Dua.

While shopping in Bali, apart from the gew-gaws and bargains of Kuta, look for local art in Batuan, try Batubulan for stone carvings, or Celuk for intricate silver work. After-hours, enjoy people-watching in the upscale bars of Seminyak where the cool people go.

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F U N   F A C T S

VIEW: Not far from Ubud, enjoy views of popular Lake Bratan , the most accessible of the island's volcanic lakes surrounded by marinas and small towns.

SEE Colourful, traditional Balinese dances, the essence of the Balinese culture performed during temple festivals, weddings and other ceremonies.

DO Visit Besakih temple on the slopes of the great Gunung Agung volcano in eastern Bali. Dedicated to the Hindu Trinity, it is the island's holiest temple.

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