Bali

Bali is the Aussie's version of our Costa Del Sol. A huge island in Indonesia, it's the closest island to Australia which makes it popular with the Aussies. With its warm climate, hospitable locals and plenty of places to see, it's the ideal location for that fortnight away. The Balinese are Hindus unlike the majority of the Indonesians who are Muslims. Bali depends on tourism for a lot of its trade and because the island is so large, each place has a unique feel.

Sanur is a haven for honeymooners, with a beach that stretches for miles. Restaurants and shops align the promenade in a romantic setting. Hotels run alongside the beach and range from mid to expensive. Sanur is an ideal setting for wedding packages. You can hire a Balinese band to play local music as you drink out of coconut shells. Food is reasonably cheap and and local seafood is plentiful. You can have your own spacious bungalow with a pool for the sum of $25. Kuta is the lively area and is packed with shops, bars, clubs and restaurants. My recommendation is Macaroni' a funky, Italian style cafe where meals are approx $3 - they serve a selection of pasta and various salads. Take advantage of happy hours in bars where you can buy one and get one free. Jungle juice is a popular combination and is served in pints! It's very cheap to drink and fun trying the various selection of cocktails.

The Bounty Ship is a karaoke bar which also has live bands and they offer a goldfish bowl to drink from! It's a wonderful idea for a bar where you have to climb the stairs to get onto the deck. After 12pm a disco opens downstairs. The Bounty Ship is open 24 hours. The Sari club is most popular with the Aussie's and gets busy early so make sure you beat the crowds.
For those wanting to relax on the island, try the quieter resorts of Nusa Dua or travel further north where you can climb a volcano or take boat trips to see dolphins. There is a monkey forest in Ubud where you can explore temples and enjoy the wildlife. Bali is a wonderful place to visit so make it a stopover when you're heading to Australia.