Bali - Backpacking stopovers on the way to Australia

The tourist face of Indonesia, Bali has for the last 30 years or so been a magnet for travellers in search of budget beach holidays in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

In 2002 the deadly bombing of the Sari Club at Kuta beach by the militant group Jemaah Islamiyah killing and wounding many tourists and locals alike badly damaged the image of an island paradise, but Bali remains a deservedly popular destination, either for a short stopover beach break in Kuta, or a longer trip taking in the cultural sights of Ubud, Bedgual and the mountainous regions to the north. Here is a ruthlessly short list of personal highlights.

Kuta - Shop and eat

Most of the guesthouses and cheap eateries cluster around Poppies lane, and this is as good a place as any to start. Grab a banana smoothie, and watch the world go by. Then, when you’re bored of that, wander the streets and haggle over the price of a sarong / necklace / carved wooden ornament. Then eat some more. Go to the beach. Then go back to your guesthouse, get changed, maybe play some cards, then go out. Repeat.

Ubud - Cultural centre

1. Treks and cycling trips - there are many cycling tour companies, or walks, that you can do around and about Ubud, taking in traditional paddy fields, coconut trees and surrounding villages and art galleries.


2. "Homestays" – an interesting thing to do in Ubud is to stay inside a family’s compound. You are accommodated often in a small separate 'outhouse' while the family carries on with their daily life right in front of you, rituals, ceremonies, food preparation, artwork, all going on. This can provide a fascinating insight into the traditional Balinese way of life.


3. Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah) – Many menacing looking animals and demons carved right into the rocks above a cave – dating apparently from around the 9th century. Beautiful surrounding gardens. Make sure you cover up (covered legs and shoulders) as it is a sacred site.


4. Monkey Forest – There are hundreds of monkeys everywhere you look, roaming freely in and around this forest, temple and cemetery dedicated to them. Very strange, cool, but be careful – they can bite (and steal your money)

Lovina

Beautiful black sand beach – a more "upmarket" end of Bali, it’s quieter than Kuta, but still with some budget options.

Batur/Kintamini

Ever wanted to sleep beside a lake, inside a volcanic crater? Here’s your chance!