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Boutique hotels

Bali Overview

Indonesia

Countryside
The jungle look
Country life
Leisure island

Tan-hungry bodies beautiful come for Bali's sun, sand and surf; fashionistas flock to the Seminyak night scene, and urban escapists head here for stress-easing jungle tranquillity.

Recently, a spate of chic restaurants has sprouted, making the island a regional culinary hotspot while – peculiarly for Muslim Indonesia – its largely Hindu religious heritage has dotted its jungles with architecturally intriguing temples and marked its calendar with an endless string of festivals. Bali is the all-in-one destination; no other place in south-east Asia can compete with its combination of culture and history, gorgeous beaches, lush tropical vistas, great shopping, good people, sexy hotels, sensual spas, and sleek bars and restaurants. Your only problem is deciding what to do each day…

Beautifully Bali

Every morning and evening in almost every Balinese village, you’ll see locals engaged in their daily silat bali instruction. This ancient Indonesian practice is part martial art, part folk dance and part meditative philosophy, and has been an essential element of Balinese cultural life since the Seventies.

Local Knowledge

Taxis
Your hotel will be able to arrange legit, metered taxis on request. The best of the bunch is Bali Taxi (+62 (0)361 701 111), whose blue cabs are clean, safe and charge a fair fare.

Tipping culture
Tipping is not obligatory, but no one who has given you good service is going to object to a few thousand rupiah here or there.

Siesta and fiesta
The laid-back approach to Balinese life extends to the island’s shops and restaurants; many shops close seemingly at random so the owner can attend religious ceremonies and eateries shut when they run out of food for the day. Bali is no night owl and, with the exception of Seminyak – the only place with a pulse after the witching hour– most nightlife will be found in your hotel.

Packing tips
The air in Bali is hot and heavy, so pack cool and light. You’ll need sturdy soles if you plan on jungle-trudging, and if you intend to visit temples or other religious sites, ensure you’re respectfully covered up (arms included). Mosquito repellent is never a bad idea.

Recommended reads
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert: the wittily rendered memoirs of a woman attempting to find herself over a year of travel, culminating in Bali. Bali: Sekala and Niskala by Fred Eiseman: a double volume intelligently exploring all aspects of the island’s religion, myth and culture.

Cuisine
Seek out local eateries and kaki lima roving vendors, all providing the Balinese take on Indonesia’s traditional rice dishes, satays and spicy fish. Don’t miss the iconic babi guling – spit-roasted pig stuffed with chilli, turmeric, garlic and ginger. Many dishes are intended to be eaten by hand; if you want to avoid offending anyone, make sure you use your right.

Currency
Rupiah (IRP).

Time zone
GMT +8.

Dialling codes
Country code for Indonesia: +62; area code for Bali: (0)361.

Do go/don't go
No check-ins or check-outs are allowed on 31March 2014, when Bali observes Nyepi Day (Day of Silence), although stays are still possible. Bali’s airport also closes for the day. July to September is Bali’s high season, when the temperature and climate are at their most appealing. Fans of peace and quiet may want to avoid August, the busiest period, but don’t leave it later than early October because after this point, the rain clouds start to gather.

Don't go home without...

... having a Balinese massage. This would be both a wasted opportunity and, arguably, a sin. Related to Ayurveda, the ancient holistic practice incorporates reflexology, acupressure and aromatherapy oils to stimulate your blood flow, oxygen and qi. An hour or two of kneading, rolling, stroking and deep-tissue and holistic treatment should be on every Bali-goer’s agenda. Several top spas around the island offer great versions.