SeminyakSeminyak has arguably the best beach on theisland, and the area is the epicentre ofentertainment, dining, fashion and shopping aswell as being home to a number of boutiquehotels and villas. The sea here is fantastic forsurfing, which means it is not great for swimming,but there are flagged areas where you can swimand body board (many hotels have free boards),and all the hotels that we recommend in the areahave swimming pools. The sunsets from this stripof beach are spectacular and there are a host ofexcellent spots to watch from, whether in adesigner bar, from your hotel balcony, on a towelon the beach or simply walking in the surf.THELEGIAN, SEMINYAKOne of Bali's finest beach hotels and situated onthe stunning Seminyak beach, the Legian has 67suites, all with ocean views as well as a collectionof exclusive private pool villas. Rooms are finishedin a modern style, with iPods as standard andminimalist decor throughout. All the facilities youwould expect from a five star property are hereand the spa on the beach has won numerousawards. Being so close to the sophisticated areaof Seminyak, there are plenty of superbrestaurants just a short walk away.Southern beachesThe beaches of southern Bali do not have theblack sand of the other coasts of the island andthey have therefore become more popular. Our favourites are the surfing beach of Seminyak,the great value resort of Sanur which is popularwith families and Jimbaran Bay known for itsstunning sunsets. All of these tend to be a littlemore relaxed than places like Kuta.130Boys with local boat, SeminyakThe Legian, SeminyakFishing boats, Jimbaran

www.audleytravel.com/indonesia ?01993 838 110 ?Indonesia131SanurThe village of Sanur runs along a long stretch ofwhite sand beach with a good choice of hotelsand a fine selection of beachfront restaurants.Sanur has all kinds of watersports available and issuitable for families as an outer reef protects theinside lagoons from the ocean swell.LATAVERNA, SANURLa Taverna was one of the first hotels to open inBali and over the years has played host to artists,writers, musicians and a wide assortment ofcolourful personalities. The European ownershave endeavoured to maintain the classic spirit of'Old Bali' whilst providing every comfort for theirguests. The intimate hotel has 36 well-appointedrooms and bungalows set in beautiful, lushgardens and all have their own private verandahor balcony.Boats on the beach, SanurTemples of southern BaliUluwatuPura Luwur Uluwatu, to give it its full name,is one of the oldest temples in Bali and isperched precipitously on top of a cliff face on the southwest point of the peninsula.Lying 250 feet above the sea, the temple hasfantastic views overlooking the Indian Oceanand you can be mesmerised for hours justwatching the huge swells roll in and crashagainst the cliffs below you. You might evenbe lucky enough to see dolphins playing inthe waves.JimbaranThe fishing village of Jimbaran, only twokilometres south of the airport, has one of thenicest beaches in Bali and has developed tobecome a very pleasant resort. The soft goldensand is home to several beautiful accommodationoptions, and there is still a lively local communityatmosphere. There is a large fruit and vegetablemarket at the crossroads in the centre of thevillage, and under a huge holy tree stands an 11th century temple, Pura Ulun Siwi. The fishingindustry still thrives in the area and if you are up early in the morning you can see thefishermen returning. The fish is served up at many of the little stalls or warung along the beach in the evenings.JIMBARANPURIBALI, JIMBARANWith a fantastic location, directly on the beach,the Orient Express owned Jimbaran Puri Bali hasbeen one of Audley's most popular Balinesehotels for years. There are 42 stylish cottages, 22 luxurious pool villas and a stunning beachfront restaurant and bar showcasing one of Bali's best sunsets. The property has asupremely romantic atmosphere.La Taverna, SanurJimbaran Puri Bali, JimbaranUluwatu, Bukit peninsulaGirls at prayerTanah Lot Tanah LotTanah Lot is one of seven sea temples locatedaround the coast of Bali. Accessible only at lowtide, it is said there are poisonous sea snakesaround the rocky base, guarding the temple fromevil spirits and intruders. This doesn't stop it being a popular spot for worshippers andphotographers alike.