When I close my eyes and think of Bali I see green terraced rice paddies and humble roadside offerings to the gods. I hear soothing gamelan music and roosters crowing at dawn. I smell the heady scent of tropical flowers and pungent flavours at a warung. I taste the exotic spices and the salt encrusted sea spray. I feel the warm sun and cooling mountain air. In my heart I am reassured by the kind and gentle nature of the Balinese.

Located just south of the equator, Bali is blessed with incredible beauty, beaches and a culture that pervades into all corners of life. The beaches may be the magnet that draws us to this island of the gods, but the culture is what brings us back for more.

Here are some of my favourite places that encompass all that is good about Bali and its island neighbours.

Head to the hills of Ubud. It’s cool up here and the streets teem with culture. A great way to see it all is by bicycle. Artistic villages, stone sculptures, temples, health retreats, rice paddies, museums, spas, great cuisine all mixed in with the traditional village way of life. It’s also flavour of the month due to the impending release of the Julia Roberts movie ‘Eat, Pray, Love’.

Nusa Lembongan lies approximately 12 miles from south east Bali. Transfers to this tropical isle are from Benoa Harbour daily. With a tiny population of about 5,000 people living in their two traditional villages, the main income is derived from seaweed farming. Quiet, white sandy beaches, simple rooms right on the beach and incredible sunsets. Here is the Bali that many only dream about.

Lovina Beach. Located in the north of Bali, Lovina offers a beautiful coconut fringed panorama. The sea is calm all year round. Dolphin watching on an outrigger canoe is a highlight. Close by is the amazing Git Git waterfall. If you like what Kuta offers but don’t like the crowds, Lovina Beach is for you.

Senggigi Beach, Lombok – a place very close to my heart. Senggigi was my honeymoon spot just over sixteen years ago. Superbly positioned Senggigi is Lombok’s main beach resort. Accommodation here is generally excellent value for money. West facing Senggigi has blood red sunsets that can be enjoyed for free each evening and to the north hidden coves provide a beach to yourselves bar the occasional local fisherman.

Gili Islands. Just off the northwestern coast of Lombok lie three tiny coral-fringed islands. With white sandy beaches and clear water teeming with reef fish the islands of Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trewangan offer excellent diving. A variety of luxury villas bungalows and simple huts are available for rent. Daily boats depart from Senggigi to the Gili Islands.

TO BOOK ACCOMMODATION IN BALI