PURA LUHUR ULUWATU – This Hindu temple is perched precipitously on the southwestern tip of the Bukit Peninsula, atop sheer cliffs that drop straight into the ceaseless surf. Enter through an unusual arched gateway flanked by statues of Ganesha to find walls of coral bricks covered with intricate mythological carvings. It’s a popular sunset spot.
SACRED MONKEY FOREST SANCTUARY – This cool, dense swathe of jungle (officially Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana) houses three holy tern pies and a cheeky band of long-tailed Balinese macaques. Nestled in the forest, the Pura Dalem Agung has a real Indiana Jones feel to it; the inner temple entrance features Rangda figures devouring children.
MUSEUM LE MAYEUR – Bali is an island with centuries of artistic flair; the first Western artistssettled in Sanur over 100 years ago. Here you’ll find the memorial museum to Le Mayeur de Merpres (1880-1958), one of Bali’s most influential artists -a Belgian by birth, who married a local Legong dancer in the 1930s. The beautiful beachfront Balinese compound housing the museum was once their home.
SUNDOWNERS – The popular beach resort of Seminyak is pricey, but the fun strip of beach that runs south from the end of Jl Camplung Tanduk to Jl Arjuna in Legian is still a good spot for cheap sunset drinks. Vendors are mellow and a sunset lounger and ice-cold Bintang beer cost about £9. Take a stroll along the beach and you’ll find a number of beach bars, including the colourful fantasy of La Plancha.
SPA PAMPERING – Bali is an island that invites visitors to pay close attention to their well-being; Balinese massage is the perfect holiday prescription. The pampering needn’t cost a fortune. Bali’s spa spectrum is as broad as its beaches: treatments, often am id tropical flora or with your toes in the sand, can cost from as little as a few pounds. Try Sundari Day Spa in Kerobokan for an organic, high-class experience without the high price tag.
ALCHEMY – Ubud has become Bali’s culinary epicentre in recent years. This raw-food cafe epitomises the town’s next-generation, New Age side. Expect a vast customised salad menu, plus cashew-milk drinks, durian smoothies, fennel juice and addictive raw-chocolate desserts. The cafe is supplied by Alchemy’s organic farm, and has an on-site health store and holistic clinic.
