Bali - Indonesia

Walk down the long staircase to the monuments, but keep your camera ready as you walk down the stairs as this is where you’ll see one of the most scenic rice fields come by. When at the bottom of the staircase discover these 11th century candi-altars carved into the rocks. From the port it is 52 km / 1,5 hrs drive to the north.

Just over an hours drive from Benoa, to the north of Ubud you’ll find Tegallalang. At this town you’ll find the most breathtaking views over the rice terraces. A little bit north of Tegallalang you simply have to lunch at either Dewa cafe of Bon Bali, they both have delicious Balinese food while you are enjoying a view like this. This is a mandatory photo stop. From port it is 48 km / 1,5 hrs drive to the north.

In the famous artistic Ubud, that is about an hours drive from Benoa, you’ll find Ubud. What used to be famous for woodcarving, paintings and other forms of art is nowadays also on the world map since the Hollywood movie “Eat, pray, love” was shot in Ubud. And let’s not forget the most famous inhabitants of the Monkey Forest that guard the temple complex here. From the port it is 30 km / 1 hrs 15 min drive north.

History lovers pay attention! Klung kung is the former capital of Bali. The city was destroyed during the battle of 1908, but what still stands are the court yard and the meeting room which are both famous for their art work on the ceiling. Be fascinated by the stories these paintings will tell you about Balinese life. From the port it is 40 km / 1 hrs drive to the north east.

This beach is approximately a 15 minute drive from the dock. See the map above for its location. It’s not crowded, not to touristy, it has all the facilities you could wish for and in the evening it transforms into THE beach to eat seafood and to watch the sunset. Because it’s so famous for evening entertainment there is hardly anybody there during the day. Ask your taxi driver for the Belmond hotel or Four Season. Walk onto the beach, pick a bed/chair and enjoy your day!

Kuta Beach is simply the most popular beach around. It is the most commercialized area of Bali and most of it is all based and focused on tourism. You either love it or you hate it. From the port it is 10 km / 20 min drive to the north west.

A must-visit for anybody interested in the Balinese culture and tradition. This museum is the best on the island. It is divided in 5 different buildings that have excellent exhibitions that tell you about the tempels, ceremonies, arts and rituals like tooth filing and cremation towers. There are English signs and often also a non-official guide willing to guide you through the museum for +/- 50.000 IDR. From the port it is 12 km / 30 min drive to the north.

This is the tiny beach Padang Padang. Find it in a cove at an approximate 45 minute drive from the port. It is sometimes crowded but definitely worth it if you want to go a bit off the beaten track. There is a quite adventurous staircase to go down to the cliff to reach the beach and on the beach you’ll find a small market, the surfers and all the beach chillers. From the port it is 23 km / 45 min drive to the south west.

First learn about the spices and fruit they grow on Bali and than get the chance to drink “the most expensive coffee in the world” for just a few dollars. This famous coffee, also known as Kopi Luwak, has first been eaten and defecated by the Paradoxurus or Luwak. Sip it up while overlooking the most dramatic rice terraces. From the port it is 45 km / 1,5 hrs drive to the north.

This is the temple that is famous for its sunsets. Join the rest of the island no later than 5.30 pm to see these two temples beautifully back-lit by the sun. Truly one of those experiences where you get mesmerized by Bali. After the sunset you can also join the daily fire dance at 6.30 pm at the temple of Tanah Lot. From the port it is a 28 km / 1 hrs 15 min drive to the north west.

Pandawa beach was back in the days known as the Secret Beach. This is where the locals, the modern day hippies, expats and families come to enjoy a relaxing day on the beach. Some would say this is the best beach of the island and many would agree. This is not the beach to enjoy the services of a resort, but to enjoy Bali the way the locals do. From the port it is 20 km / 40 min drive to the south.

If you are interested in the multi rooftops temples this is the one to go to! You’ll find a collection on 10 of the Meru towers. They are typical in Balinese temple architecture. They usually have 3,5,7,9 or 11 roofs and this indicates how sacred the building is. Note: you cannot enter the temple, you can only walk around it and make photo’s like the one above. From the port it is a 30 km / 1 hrs drive to the north.