I just won a chess game I should have lost. My opponent lives in a paradise called Bali, Indonesia.

Bali

Island in Indonesia

4.43,274 Google reviews

Bali is an Indonesian island known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs. The island is home to religious sites such as cliffside Uluwatu Temple. To the south, the beachside city of Kuta has lively bars, while Seminyak, Sanur and Nusa Dua are popular resort towns. The island is also known for its yoga and meditation retreats.

Area: 2,232 mi²

Capital: Denpasar

Population: 4.225 million (2014)

Bali is the most popular island holiday destination in the Indonesian archipelago. The island’s home to an ancient culture that's known for its warm hospitality. Exotic temples and palaces set against stunning natural backdrops are some of its top attractions. Dining in Bali presents endless choices of local or far-flung cuisine. After sunset, famous nightspots come to life offering exciting clubbing and packed dance floors. Inland, towering volcanoes and pristine jungles greet you with plenty to see and do. Most can't stay away from the beach for long, though. Enjoy amazing beach resorts and luxury resorts in any of Bali’s famous areas. These include Kuta, Seminyak and Jimbaran where most of the great hotels and villas are right on the beach. They’re also home to most of Bali’s exciting surf spots. For tranquil seascapes and sunrises, the eastern beach resorts are your best bets. These include Sanur, Nusa Dua and the remote coast of Candidasa are your best bets.

In Bali’s farther and lesser traveled East Bali and northern region, you’ll find some world-class diving spots with calm bays. They're home to pristine coral gardens teeming with colorful marine biodiversity. The island’s center also offers plenty of reasons that it can be better than the beach. Explore the scenic central highlands of Ubud with its flowing rice fields, valleys and forested rivers. Yet Ubud's not only a place for cultural day-trippers. It also offers plenty for adventure-seekers and shopaholics. Picturesque mountain jogging tracks are within a short walk from designer boutique and chic cafe-lined streets. Sightseeing opportunities in Ubud are virtually endless. The town itself is densely dotted with a multitude of ancient temples, palaces and historical sites. There are many more off-the-beaten-track spots around this magical island worth discovering. Not convinced yet? See our 10 Must See and Do list!

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