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The Island

Most first-time visitors to Bali will be drawn to the island's southern regions, such as Kuta, Nusa Dua, and Seminyak. These areas are famous for their golden beaches, upscale hotels, vibrant restaurants, and lively nightclubs, making them the epicentre of Bali's tourism and entertainment.

In the south, you'll also find the bustling regional capital of Denpasar. Unlike the tranquil villages and serene landscapes elsewhere on the island, Denpasar offers a cosmopolitan contrast with its busy streets, modern amenities, and dynamic atmosphere, juxtaposed with the island's traditional Hindu temples and lush natural scenery.

Heading further north and deeper inland, visitors will encounter a different kind of beauty with green, lush mountains and picturesque hilly rice terraces. The town of Ubud, situated in this region, is Bali's cultural heart, renowned for its artistic heritage, with numerous museums, galleries, and arts and crafts shops.

Elsewhere on the island, diverse attractions await. In the west, the West Bali National Park offers pristine natural landscapes and wildlife. The northern coastline boasts quiet and secluded beaches, while the east is dotted with small coastal villages and dramatic volcanoes. For diving enthusiasts, the southeastern islands present some of Bali's most spectacular underwater spots.

To complement these experiences, Bali's diverse offerings ensure that whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, culture, or natural beauty, every corner of the island provides a unique and unforgettable experience.

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Do & See

Bali is quite simply a tropical paradise with a unique mixture of modern tourist facilities and breathtaking natural wonder, combined with great shopping, beautiful beaches and a rich cultural heritage. Besides spending your day lazing on the unreal beaches, you can also enjoy exceptional diving, snorkeling and wonderful day trips to nearby attractions, like the inland rice fields and cultural expeditions to Ubud.

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Dining

Denpasar has its share of functional warungs (basic Indonesian eateries). For the best of Balinese and international cuisine, however, take a taxi to Seminyak or Kuta. Some of the best Western, Asian, and international food can be found in the restaurants of the major resort hotels, which offer a wide choice of alternatives.

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Cafés

Bali is one of the exclusive lists of islands that produce Kopi Luwak, a coffee that consists of partially digested coffee cherries, which have been eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet, a small animal native to the area. Once the beans have passed through the animal, they are roasted like ordinary coffee beans. Try a cup if you're feeling brave, stick to more traditional coffee, or have some of the fresh fruit juices available at the numerous cafés on the island.

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Bars & Nightlife

The most exciting nightlife in Bali is in Kuta—from throbbing dance clubs to hot karaoke bars and cool jazz cafés, you'll find it all here.

If you're happy to just sip a cocktail and watch the sunset, there are also several options in the many tourist resorts around the island.

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Shopping

Shopping in Bali is rich in artwork and handicrafts. Markets and stalls throughout the island showcase long-held traditions of wood carving, silver and gold craft, embroidery and more, particularly in Ubud, the island's cultural hub. Urban areas also have modern shopping centres that cater to all your shopping and entertainment needs, the most prominent being the pleasant Kuta Beachwalk.

Among Pasar Badung, you can find shops and stalls selling all kinds of goods, from fresh fish, fruits and vegetables to Bali and Java crafts and textiles. On the other side of the river, Kumbasari Complex, there are a lot of small traders selling cheap batik garments, jewels, silverware and antiques.

As for the international-style retail space, there are also a number of air-conditioned shopping centres in Denpasar, like New Dewata Ayu and Matahari, which are located facing Jalan Dewi Sartika. Moving out from the city, Sanggraha Kriya Handicrafts in the eastern suburb of Topathi (8 km from the city centre) sells a wide variety of Balinese handicrafts at a fixed price.

Yet, Bali's best shopping destination is not in Denpasar, but in the vicinity of Kuta and Sanur Beach Resort, or the Ubud Mountain Resort, which are less than an hour's drive from the city. Kuta is a good place to buy cheap beachwear and trendy jewellery. You can go to Ubud to buy the best traditions and modern Balinese wood carvings, ready to bargain with the seller to get a satisfactory price.

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