Bali insider information
Kerobokan jail is a popular, if not a little odd, tourist attraction. Infamous inmates include Schapelle Leigh Corby, the Australian woman convicted of drug smuggling, Michael Loic Blanc, the French man convicted of drug smuggling, and the Bali Nine drug smuggling gang.
Bedugul is where the Balinese flee during the very hot and humid weather. This retreat is tucked into the crater of an extinct volcano, 1,400 metres above sea level. The air is fresh, the countryside lush and the fruit and vegetables considered the finest in Bali.
Ubud is Bali’s fine-arts, dance and music centre (and a staple on the Eat, Pray, Love pilgrimage trail). The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival takes place towards the end of the year. It is considered to be one of the world’s top literary festivals.
On rainy days, beachgoers still have a good chance of catching some sun if they head over to the “Bukit”, the hill south of Jimbaran Beach on Bali’s west coast.
Make sure you bring a sweater if you’re heading up to higher, in-land regions such as Bedugul or Kintamani. Temperatures usually hold up during the day in these mountainous areas, but it gets surprisingly chilly once the sun sets.
The southern resort of Kuta is probably Bali’s busiest coastal town – home to many of the island’s liveliest nightclubs and bars. Adrenaline junkies will also appreciate the multitude of activities on offer, ranging from diving to bungee-jumping.
People looking for a more secluded area in which to while away their holiday might be better off heading to the southern coastal town of Sanur. The beach lacks the crowds of nearby Kuta, despite being just a 30-minute drive from the airport.