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BALI PLACE OF INTEREST
- BALI'S BEACHES -
Roiling waves topped with white foam, palm-lined beaches, sunny skies and
sparkling sandy beaches typify many parts of the island of Bali.
While these ingredients attract tourists from around the world,
there are other physical features offering alternative attractions
such as the wild coastline and black sandy in the west; the
tranquil lagoons of Lembongan island and the peaceful coves
in the northern shoreline
Kuta Beach
Like honey attracting bees, Kuta beach is irresistible to
surfers and sun-worshippers of all age and nationalities.
Though Kuta's fantastic surfs are always given the spotlight,
it should be pointed out that the clean sandy beach extending
from Canggu to the airport in Tuban is another attraction.
One of the best hotel in Kuta is Kuta Paradiso, which offers
shopping and the beach at your doorstep. The hotel is situated
next to a shopping complex and the beach is just a few minutes'
stroll away. Offering fist class comfort, all rooms are each
equipped with a safe deposit box, hairdryer, satelite television,
IDD phone, private balcony and individually controlled air-conditioning.
The tasteful decor includes a variety of Balinese handicrafts and
artifacts. Marble bathrooms feature separate bathtub and shower.
The hotel offers either formal or relaxed dining options, and
also the El Patio Coffee Shop and the Fukutaro Japanese Restaurant.
For the health conscious, there is a fully equipped gym with sauna
and massage or they can clock up the laps in the 25-metre pool.
Tanjung Benoa
A promontory stretching from Nusa Dua into the sea, Tanjung
Benoa boasts of a beautiful beach.
Water sports of all kinds can be enjoyed here. Accommodation
is available in several four-star hotels, and there are seafood
restaurants as well.
Sunset Legian
Aptly called the United Nations of beaches, Sunset Legian sees
all kinds of people from all parts of the world indulging in
both passive and active pursuits such as reading, meditating,
beach volleyball, foot massage and sun-bathing. When the sun
goes down, the action goes up - the beach bars get filled up,
the football field is at its busiest, and the locals wade into
the waves, fully clothed.
Tuban Beach
Located between Kuta and the airport, excellent for those
seeking sedentary activities like sunbathing or reading,
Tuban Beach is a tranquil spot. Hotel lifeguards make the
sea a safe place to swim.
Uluwatu, Padang-Padang, Bingin Beach
These places used to be the exclusive playgrounds of surfers as
access was along rough dirt tracks. Also, the hike down to some
of the beaches deterred many people. But this is no longer true,
as tarred roads have been built, along with access paths down to
the most popular beaches.
Nusa Dua Beach
Ensconced in a lagoon, Nusa Dua is dotted with many five-star hotels,
some of which have private beaches. This area is a swimmer's haven
as the waters are tranquil and clean.
Sanur Beach
In the 1930's, Sanur was the Beverly Hills of Bali, with many rich
and famous people having their residences here. Today it is a center
for windsurfing, para-sailing and other water sports. Sanur Beach
is much sought after by families as it is in a calm, quiet lagoon
area. The stretch from the Grand Bali Beach Hotel to beyond the
Bali Hyatt is served by a beach path, making it possible to enjoy
the many hotels and restaurants along the strip.
Jimbaran
Jimbaran is a sleepy cove where fleets of fishing boats color the
scene. Since the opening of the Four Seasons Resort and the Inter
Continental, this once-quiet area has now become a popular resort.
Local families and tourists are drawn by its beauty, and to enjoy
the food of the superb seafood restaurants along the beach.
Jimbaran's grey sand and calm waters attract many people.
It is a very popular spot for windsurfing and small sailing craft,
which are available for rent.
Padang Bai
The harbour for boats to Lomok, Padang Bai is a quaint, laid-back
fishing village with a few inexpensive losmens for accommodation.
A short walk over the rugged headland to the north will lead you
to an intimate white sand beach.
Candidasa
This is the gateway to eastern Bali and is developing as a popular
tourist destination. The beach had once been washed away due to coral
picking but this has now stopped, and the coral is returning.
Amed and Tulamben
Amed and Tulamben are alternative destinations in east Bali. Amed
is a quiet resort town which offers simple losmens, a couple of small
hotels and good snorkeling.
Tulamben is even quieter and popular with local divers. A shipwreck
and a drop-off accessible from the beach offer easy access to a colorful
underwater world. Diving courses are also available.
Lovina, Kalibukbuk, Pemuteran Beach
Between Singaraja and Seririt on Bali's wild north coast is a busy
stretch of losmens and hotels, and the low sea makes this area by
far the most inspiring beach in Bali. The coastline has a number
of tranquil coves, Lovina being one of them. Dolphins are often
seen playing in the waters off Lovina.
The diving off Pulau Menjangan, part of West Bali National Park,
is generally regarded as the best in Bali. Boats are available to
take divers over to the inhabited island.
Pemuteran is the perfect choice for those who would like to visit
The Menjangan Island.
The West Coast
This stretch of Bali is very beautiful and wild. Some surfing
is done in this area but it is not recommended for beginners as
the roaring sea is filled with treacherous rips. The beach around
Tanah Lot is fantastic for horse-riding, watching dramatic sunsets
but not really safe for swimming.
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