Bali

Southeast Asia has thousands of islands - Bali is the most interesting. The beaches are beautiful, the nightlife endless and the selection of places to stay myriad. But what really sets it apart is its culture and distinctive way of life. Balinese dance is entrancing, its music addictive. Religious ceremonies are a vital part of local life and visitors can't help be caught up in the spectacle. From elaborate processions that suddenly close down major roads to the exquisite little offerings found virtually everywhere, Bali's rich spiritual life is deeply woven into everyday life. Visitors will also be struck by the Balinese approach to life, ...

Southeast Asia has thousands of islands - Bali is the most interesting. The beaches are beautiful, the nightlife endless and the selection of places to stay myriad. But what really sets it apart is its culture and distinctive way of life. Balinese dance is entrancing, its music addictive. Religious ceremonies are a vital part of local life and visitors can't help be caught up in the spectacle. From elaborate processions that suddenly close down major roads to the exquisite little offerings found virtually everywhere, Bali's rich spiritual life is deeply woven into everyday life. Visitors will also be struck by the Balinese approach to life, which emphasizes mellow but doesn't embrace languor. Cheery conversations are a vital part of discourse and visitors are soon drawn in. Bali accommodates every budget: from cheap in busy, bursting Kuta to sybaritic in exclusive resorts set on spectacular beaches. Surfers will find dozens of breaks to choose from, with huge sets rolling in across the Indian Ocean. Inland, the virescent rice terraces exude tranquility and explorations into the rainforested hills yield walks to remote waterfalls and visits to timeless temples.

About the Expert

Ryan Ver Berkmoes has written many books for Lonely Planet, including Bali & Lombok and the Southeastern Alaska and Western Canada sections for LP's Canada guide.