GHA DISCOVERY

in Bali

Discovery in Bali

Bali - The Island of The Gods

Bali dazzles visitors with its intoxicating mix of authentic Indonesian culture, serene sandy beaches, thick jungles for trekking and a thriving culinary scene. From the rice paddies and yoga retreats of Ubud to the world-class waves of Uluwatu, there are plenty of experiences to choose from. You can also discover the sumptuous spas of Seminyak and the famously ornate temples of Nusa Dua. Whether you're at the coast or in the countryside, this intriguing island has an abundance of charm.

Ubud

Viceroy

Uluwatu

Nusa Dua

Seminyak

Viceroy

Hotels

Experiences

Ubud

Ubud's popularity continues to grow. Brought to attention by its inclusion in the novel Eat Pray Love, word of mouth about the relaxed ambience, jewel-green countryside and majestic sights ensures that travellers keep adding it to their bucket lists.

Within this beautiful destination in Bali's heartlands, you can hike through the jungle to the Monkey Forest, where around 750 of these intelligent creatures live. With three temples and 186 species of trees, this sacred natural space is a world away from the every day. The intricate carvings of ancient gods at Goa Gajah cave are also well worth a visit. Ornate Ubud Palace and the pristine tiers of the Tegalalang Rice Terraces are two more awe-inspiring wonders to add to your itinerary.

Temple in Monkey Forest

International visitors have long lingered in Bali, including colonialist Dutch plantation owners who conjured up the concept of the rijsttafel (rice table), made up of a medley of Indonesian dishes. Gado-gado – vegetables in a peanut sauce – and semur daging (soy-braised beef stew) are typically cooked as part of the feast.

For a unique hotel experience, you can try Capella Ubud. This refined stay consists of 22 one-bedroom tents set in lush natural forest, each with their own private saltwater pool. Some have hammered copper freestanding baths and gorgeous artworks that bring a luxurious touch to this serene escape.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Monkey Forest

Gado-Gado

Semur Daging

Uluwatu

Uluwatu is the epicentre of surf culture in Bali thanks to its barrelling swells. Rock-backed Padang Padang, one of the best beaches in the area, is known for having the island's answer to Hawaii's iconic Pipeline waves. Make your way to this southern part of the island to see the pros take to the water.

Uluwatu Temple is among the island's most dramatically located religious structures, perched on a clifftop with views of the ocean all around. Lively cultural performances such as traditional fire dance shows are regularly organised at this Hindu temple, dedicated to the sea spirits.

Uluwatu Temple

Much of the island's most famous foods are eaten at holy ceremonies. When looking for an authentic culinary experience, seek out rich dishes like babi guling (suckling pig) and bebek betutu (slow-cooked duck) at local warungs (family-owned cafés).

When finding the perfect place to stay, look no further than Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort. Set in a prominent position, high above the coastline on the Bukit Peninsula, this hotel was built in a terraced architectural style to showcase shimmering sea views from all its vantage points. You can take in panoramas from the 360-degree rooftop lounge or steaming-hot Jacuzzi. It also has a lift to whisk you down to Impossible Beach.

Uluwatu Temple

Padang Padang Beach

Babi Guling

Bebek Betutu

Nusa Dua

The resort town of Nusa Dua is the place to go for pure relaxation. Nestled between two quiet headlands, Nusa Gede and Nusa Dharma, it has a peaceful atmosphere. If thrill-seeking is on the cards, you can take a day trip out to Tanjung Benoa: water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing are available at the northern end of this beach.

Nusa Dua Beach

Nusa Gede is worth visiting at high tide for the Water Blow hole, where seawater hits the rocks and sprays through the air, sending foam in its wake. For sedate days, look out for cooking classes where you can learn how to make classic meals like coconut soup tinged with lemon and spices. Other dishes to try in this region include nasi goreng – literally 'fried rice' – which is one of the most widely eaten meals locally.

Looking for a serene place to stay? Bed down at The Apurva Kempinski Bali for its cliffside location with vistas of the Indian Ocean and tropical gardens. This hotel was built with traditional Balinese architecture and landscaping to blend in with its surroundings.

Tanjung Benoa

Nasi Goreng

Wong Dadah (Cocounut Soup)

Water Blow

Seminyak

Seminyak is Bali at its most style-conscious. Drift between the tempting designer boutiques and craft cocktails bars that line the streets of this stunning beachside destination. Surf shops and antique stores are also abundant, but for culture head towards the coral-coloured Pura Petitenget temple. The wide Seminyak Beach, with its gold-tinted sand, is another lure for travellers – whether you're drawn to its beanbag-lined beach clubs or some of the best beginners' waves on this side of the island.

Seminyak Beach

As it's one of the island's more Westernised areas, international food is firmly on the menu. You can sample everything from stacked American burgers to traditional Greek fare here. Hidden in the side streets, you'll find authentic warungs grilling up meals like juicy skewered pork ribs.

You can book in at the boutique Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort for a rooftop spa and lounge with sublime sunset views. This elegant stay offers luxurious and sleek suites and a beachfront infinity pool.