Bali style architecture
Bali is romantic and beautiful. Look beyond the facade at Kuta beach, which resembles any other beach resort in the region, and travel to the inland regions, to the villages to see the true beauty that most visitors to Bali miss.
Like any other beautiful beach resort, the areas frequented by travellers has bowed to market pressures, and stalls selling small trinkets and beachwear line the backstreets of Kuta Beach, whilst brand names line the main street, with familiar names like McDonald's, Hard Rock Hotel and Quiksilver prominently displayed along Kuta Square.
However, rent a 4WD for just USD 50 ( with driver ), and spend the day exploring the island. Travel to Ubud to experience the unspoiled village life, where you can stay in inexpensive accomodation overlooking paddy fields. See the beautiful scenery of Mt Batur and Mt Agung. Enjoy the view from Kintamani.
If you're itching for an adrenaline rush, try white water rafting. The grade 3 and 4 rapids will offer a rush and give you something to remember. Mountain bike through the villages to see the woodcarvers working. Watch the villagers as they engage in the deadly serious sport of cock fighting, as they pit their champions against each other for small bets.
For the affluent, there's the Alila Ubud, where you get luxurious accomodation and spa facilities. For those on a tighter budget, there are cheaper alternatives like the well-received Bunga Permai Hotel and the Agung Raka Bungalows. Yet even the "cheaper alternatives" provide generous 4 poster beds, private terraces with simply gorgeous views, and private baths.
Over at the Kintamani region, where the scenery is dominated by the majestic Mount Batur, you can enjoy the Tirta Sanjiwani hot springs, which boast an olympic sized tepid pool and several pools fed directly from the spring. Inexpensive accomodation can also be found at the Lake View Hotel.
While you're going past Denpasar, do make it a point to stop to pick up some mangoes, for Balinese mangoes are known to be succulent and sweet.
The Hard Rock Hotel Bali
Enjoy Spa treatments at Bali
Alila Ubud, Bali
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