Bali may be small in size – you can drive around the entire coast in a day – but as Indonesia's most tourist friendly Island it is a big winter sun destintion for people from our part of the world. This is one of those destinations that people who have visited rave about with so much to see and do from the white sandy beaches, temples, rice terraces and amazing surf.
Some things not to miss while you're there include this selection
Gunung Kawi
In the bottom of this lush green valley is one of Bali's oldest and largest ancient monuments. Gunung Kawi consists of 10 rock-cut candi (shrines): memorials cut out of the rock face in imitation of actual statues. They stand in 7m/23ft-high sheltered niches cut into the sheer cliff face. Each candi is believed to be a memorial to a member of the 11th-century Balinese royalty, but little is known for certain.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
This very important Hindu-Buddhist temple was founded in the 17th century. It is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of the waters, and is actually built on small islands, which means it is completely surrounded by the lake. Both pilgrimages and ceremonies are held here to ensure that there is a supply of water for farmers all over Bali.
Museum Le Mayeur
The Belgian artist Adrien Jean Le Mayeur de Merpes (1880-1958) arrived in Bali in 1932. Three years later he met and married the beautiful Legong dancer Ni Polok when she was 15. They lived in this compound from 1935 when Sanur was still a quiet fishing village. The house is an interesting example of Balinese-style architecture. Almost 90 Le Mayeur paintings are displayed inside the museum, with information in Indonesian and English. A free guidebook in English is available and is filled with useful information and beautiful colour photos.
Bali
For more information visit www.balitourismboard.org
Search and book flights to Bali here
Search and book flights to Bali here