Tours

Bali's reputation as a paradise on earth was not earned without merit. The island's wondrous tropical retreat is resplendent with natural attractions, theme parks, nightspots, shopping opportunities, inland adventure and water sports. The fascinating indigenous culture and warm, gracious people make a holiday here all the more interesting and pleasant. The island promises a little something for everyone.

Kuta-Legian

A day spent in Kuta can cover a whole range of activities. Often a major destination for shopping, bargain hunting on summer apparel, ethnic arts and crafts, jewelry and more can be found at Kuta Center. If you seek something more adrenaline-inducing, go head over to A.J. Hackett to experience bungee jumping Balinese style. Afterwards, you may need to calm down, so head for Kuta Beach for some sun and calming ocean views. While you are at the beach, stop in at Wave to enjoy the open air dech, the diner, or the dance floor. An evening of entertainment can be found at The Legian Arcade which features not only plenty of shopping and dining but also offers nightly performances of Balinese dance and local contemporary music.

Bali Bird Park and the Village of Ubud

As home to the rare and beautiful Bali Starling, the Bali Bird Park is most active in t he early morning, when the birds first begin to sing. Next head over to Goa Gajah to see the ancient elephant cave with its serene pools of water and elaborate carvings. From here the village of Ubud is only a ten minute car ride away. Stop in at Ary's Warang with its menu that covers traditional Indonesian dishes yet also supplies home style comfort food for Western travelers. Explore Ubud's Shopping District even if you are not interested in purchasing curios. The art galleries, traditional craft shops and markets are a feast for the eyes, and lead you to Forest Monkey Road and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, home to the descendents of Hanuman t he Monkey General as well as a temple and several statues and fountains. Next stop in at Cafe Lotus for a refreshing lassi by the lotus pond before finishing your day.

Sanur Beach

Heading down Jalan Puptuan towards the boardwalk and beach, make sure to stop at Indico Wines to sample some of Bali's native grapes. Wine tours can also be arranged at their store here. Next stop is Sanur Beach with its white sands, shops, snack stands, and plenty of water and beach activities. Take a break from the sun in the Inna Grand Beach second floor cafe, or head to Apa Kabar for a more extensive meal. Clothing and fun accessories with a Balinese flavor can be found at nearby Mama & Leon Threadworks. Finally end your day in the sun over a refreshing drink at the Bonsai Cafe.

Puputan Square and Downtown Denpasar

Full of small alleys, markets and color, downtown Denpasar can be explored mostly on foot. Start out at the fresh flower market at Pasar Kembang. Pick up a gardenia to take with you on your journey. Next head two blocks north to Puputan Square, the cultural and historical center of Denpasar. Facing one side of the square is the former Dutch governor's mansion, where events for the Bali Arts Festival are held in June and July. Also facing the square is the Pura Jagatnatha temple complex, recently opened to the public. Next take a short walk over to the Museum Semarajaya, the museum established in 1932 to preserve and explain traditional Balinese arts. Not far from the museum and Puputan Square is Jalan Sulawesi, a street full of fabric shops and tailors. Whether you are searching out the services of a tailor or an excellent location to snap some photos, the cottons, silks and woven fabircs here are certain to please. Afterwards take a short cab ride to Jalan Teuku Umar Barat, Denpasar's main street, find a warang to refresh yourself with some traditional lo cal snacks, then head northwest along the main street to see what the stores have on offer.

Mount Batur

Some companies combine a morning hike or cycling excursion with afternoon rafting. A trek up Mount Batur takes about three hours and rewards climbers with a panoramic vista of hot springs, lava rocks, farms and Lake Bratan within the caldera. Lying at the rim of this volcano, Kintamani village serves as an excellent vantage point for viewing the crater lake; you can also book nature hikes here. Mount Agung, Bali's highest peak, challenges serious trekkers and cyclists with more arduous routes.

As you venture through exo tic Bali be sure not to miss out on all the art and culture that Bali upholds.

Bus Tours

City Discovery (+1 419 244 6440/ http://www.city-discovery.com/bali/tour.php?id=177)

Adventure Tours

Bali Adventure Tours ( +62 361 72 1480/ http://www.baliadventuretours.com/ ) Waterworld ( +62 361 77 2781 ) Bali Bungy Company ( +62 361 75 2658 ) A.J. Hackett ( +62 361 73 1144/ http://ajhackett.com/bali/ ) Bali Sling Shot ( +62 361 75 8838 ) Dhyana Putri Adventures ( +62 361 742 7977 )

Bike Tours

Mulia Tour ( +62 361 22 3747/ http://www.muliatours.com/ ) Sobek ( +62 361 28 7059/ http://www.balisobek.com/ )

Cruise Tours

Waterworld ( +62 361 77 2781 ) Bali Hai Cruises ( +62 361 72 0331/ http://www.balihaicruises.com/ ) SongLine Cruises ( +62 361 28 3192/ http://www.songlinecruises.com/ ) SailSensations ( +62 361 72 5864/ http://www.sailsensa tions.com/ ) Waka Louka Land Cruise ( +62 361 42 6972 ) Starlight Dinner Cruise ( +62 361 73 2603 ) Bounty Cruises ( +62 361 72 6666/ http://www.balibountycruises.com/ ) Island Explorer Cruises ( +62 361 72 8088/ http://www.bali-activities.com/ )

Dance Tours

Kecak Dance Tour (+62 361 727800/ http://www.penjortour.co.id/tour.html) Barong Dance and Bird Park Tour (+62 361 727800/ http://www.penjortour.co.id/tour.html)

Temple Tours

Besakih Temple Tour (http://www.penjortour.co.id/besakih_temple.html) Bedugul Tour (http://www.penjortour.co.id/bedugul_tour_bali.html)
&l t;br />River Rafting Tours

Sobek ( +62 361 28 7059/ http://www.balisobek.com/ ) Bali Adventure Tours ( +62 361 72 1480/ http://www.baliadventuretours.com/ ) Bali Safari Rafting ( +62 361 23 5196 )