Bali Hai's Sands

Monday, September 21, 2009  , ,  

Bali, Indonesia
September 2009

Bali has a rich assortment of beaches, each of which is a favorite destination on its own. Bali beaches range from palm-fringed white sand coasts on the island’s south such as Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur, to the cliff-guarded hidden shores of Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Dreamland and Bingin. Beaches here comprise  of striking black sands on the north and western shorelines, with sleepy undisturbed coves within. 
  



Jimbaran Beach

 
Jimbaran is a fishing village and tourist resort in Bali, Indonesia. Located on Bali's southwestern coast of the narrow isthmus connecting the Bali mainland and the Bukit Peninsula, south of Ngurah Rai International Airport, Jimbaran beach and the famous Jimbaran Bay has a spread of seafood restaurants and luxury hotels lining the waterfront. The beach and the bay of Jimbaran offers small secluded areas, where the land gently slopes away from the beach revealing exclusive panoramic haunts hidden under a canopy of leafy tropical forests.

At the waterfront warung restaurants, diners select the live seafood that they wish to eat, and it is immediately prepared, generally grilled over a fire of coconut husks rather than charcoal. The extraordinarily fresh seafood, combined with the fragrance of the husks, the balmy sea breeze and the soothing sound of the waves, creates a memorable seafront dining experience.

Romantic beachside seafood dining under the stars with guitar buskers and low-level fireworks...
 

Kuta Beach


With a long broad Indian Ocean beach-front, Kuta was originally discovered by tourists as a surfing paradise. It has long been a popular stop on the classic backpacking route in South East Asia. Back in the 1980s they used to talk about the three Ks: Katmandu in Nepal, Khao San Road in Bangkok and Kuta. Today Kuta still attracts some hardcore backpackers as well as families and tourists from all over the world.

A former fishing village, Kuta was one of the first towns on Bali to see substantial tourist development, and as a beach resort remains one of Indonesia's major tourist destinations. It is known internationally for its long sandy beach, varied accommodation, many restaurants and bars, and many renowned surfers who visit from Australia.

The 5km-long sandy stretch of Kuta is arguably the best beach front in Bali. The beach is safe, partially clean, and well-maintained, although the beach vendors are frequently present to push their array of products - massages, hair braiding, cigarettes and surf boards. As you move north along the beach to first Legian and then Seminyak and Petitenget it becomes progressively quieter and less frenetic. To the south, Kuta Beach extends beyond the airport into Jimbaran.

Marbled sands at Kuta and Legian with fascinating patterns created by the strong waves...


Legian Beach


Legian is a beachfront town in South Bali, located north of Kuta and south of Seminyak. Stretching north from Kuta, Legian offers the same easy access to shops and bars but a slightly more relaxed and less chaotic feeling. It is a low-key area where you can still get the low prices of Kuta without some of the hassle. The northern area of Legian bordering Seminyak offers a bit of an escape from the crowds and is also a popular surf beach.      

Happily wagging his tail, a dog enjoys his day at the beach...

Cloud formations add to the picturesque scene afore... 
 

As the waves crash onto the sand, a lone surfer walks past...


More photos are available on Merlion Wayfarer Goes World's Picasa at :
Bali Hai's Sands
 
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