The Indonesian island of Bali is a traveler's dream, both for the adventurous and the not so adventurous. The tranquil waters, the silver stretches of glistening white sand are just ideal for a lazy relaxed vacation – just to unwind from the mad, mad world beyond. On the other hand you have the dense jungles, teeming with monkeys, the hidden stone temples, calling out for the energetic to explore and the hike up the rugged path to the summit of Mount Batur for the adventurous.

Let me list out some of Bali’s other attractions, in case you want to do something between relaxing and exploring.

• Rice terraces of Bali are certainly the most beautiful rice terraces on earth. The emerald green steps are so gorgeous that they offer travelers the best photo opportunity. Just don’t miss the rice terraces in the river gorge north of Tegallalang village in central Bali.
• Bali is all about culture – music, dance, arts and craft - the renowned barong, legong, and monkey dances - and the gripping gamelan orchestras – the wood carvings, the stone sculptures, the paintings – they are a class of their own.
• Once in Bali you wouldn’t be surprised why one calls Bali ‘The Island of the Gods’. Over 10,000 temples dot the landscape. Each year the Balinese hold countless temple ceremonies and make frequent offerings to please the good spirits and appease the evil ones. The mesmerizing upbeat aura of these ceremonies is unmatched anywhere in the world. You would simply love it.

I wouldn’t be doing justice to my account of Bali if I didn’t mention the town of Ubud. The town of Ubud, which rests among the lush hills and rice terraces, is the undeniable artistic heart and soul of Bali's art. The traditional dance performances every night, the art galleries and museums, the spectacular Ubud Palace, the restaurants, the artifacts shops , white water rafting , hiking, the villas with a picturesque rural views, - the town of Ubud has it all.

If you’re young and fun loving, and you are in Bali, head straight to Kuta, the fun place for you. Its streets, sidewalks, bars and clubs teem with energy. The nightlife pulses into the wee hours of the morning – the beaches, the food the surfing all spell ‘youth’.

Bali offers world –class surfing, snorkeling and diving. And don’t miss out on whitewater rafting. Balinese cuisine is acclaimed by gourmets around the globe – need one say more.
Let’s not forget the Spas; for Bali really has become the Spa capital of Asia, if not the world!

Just a word …………………. don’t miss these five Indonesian islands nearby.

• Lombok
• Sulawesi
• Java
• Komodo
• Kalimantan

If all you’re looking for are palm-fringed beaches kissed by tropical waters, Bali won't let you down. Bali has many long, palm-fringed, white-sand beaches kissed by clear, warm tropical waters. There are beaches for every taste. Some are packed with sunbathers and lined with convenient shops, eateries, bars and other tourist facilities. Others are populated with big-wave-seeking surfers. Still others are serenely off the beaten path and shared by few people. Have your pick – the eastern coast, the western coast or the northern coast – the choice is all yours.
Whatever you’re looking for in a holiday, Bali sure is a traveler’s dream!