Bali

BALI is often described as being too “touristy”. In my opinion that is a rather superficial statement, as all it takes to discover the Bali which has enticed visitors to return time and again, is to leave the tourist enclaves of Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and Sanur behind.

Ubud still attracts painters and writers from all around the world, and successfully stages an annual writers festival.

The silver and goldsmiths of Mas produce some wonderful jewelry which is exported all over the world, and maybe it’s best not to take your credit card when visiting their showrooms.

From the East Coast townships of Padang Bai, Candi Dasa, Amed, and Tulamben, it takes but a few minutes to reach some of Bali’s most spectacular scuba dive sites.

Traveling to the North Coast, one passes through areas of breath taking mountain scenery, lakes, and terraced hillsides, before reaching Lovina.

Heading west for another 30 minutes, you reach the village of Pemuteran, which, amongst other things, offers some enjoyable diving, horseback riding on the beach, and traditional dance performances by local children. There is also a famous turtle hatchery, where, if you are lucky, you are in time to release some very cute hatchlings. Pemuteran is also the site of Bali’s most successful attempt at reef re-generation, the Bio Rock project.