What to see, do and buy in Bali

What to see, do and buy in Bali

Take your pick from spas and sea sports or party the night away in the world's favorite getaway spot. Others have a ball on Kuta Beach.

Bodyworks (Jl. Raya Seminyak 63, Tel: 0361-730454) is very popular with local residents as it provides excellent waxing, cream baths and other salon treatments. A full one-hour body massage costs Rp 129,000.

Cozy Foot Reflexology Aromatherapy in Kuta (Blok A, North Mall Bali Galleria, Jl. Sunset 3, Tel: 0361-766762) is addictive with its Zen interior. It provides each patron with a CD player and a play list of chill-out music.

At Zen Bali Spa in Ubud (Jl. Hanoman, Tel: 0361-970976), the smells of the oils alone are a draw. This cozy spa sits at the edge of a rice field, so expect beautiful views from the rooms. A day of pampering will set you back by Rp 460,000.

For a bit of fun under the sun, learn how to ride the waves at the Bali Learn To Surf school at The Hard Rock Hotel. It guarantees that students will be up and surfing by the end of the first lesson.

You can also take a day trip to Nusa Lembongan to dive, snorkel and surf. Just call Bali Hai Cruises (Tel: 0361-720331). Pay about Rp 720,000 for a reef cruise.

The nightlife in Bali starts at midnight, so set out for dinner at about 8 p.m. and then head for the watering holes. For the gregarious, Kuta and Legian are 24-hour party zones.

Jl. Dyanapura at Seminyak is now the latest party scene. Start at The A Bar (Tel: 0361-733270) and bar hop as the street is lined with pubs.

End the night at Double Six (Jl. Double Six, Tel: 0361- 730466). The party here begins only at 2 a.m. and ends at 6 a.m. It is also one of the busiest clubs where people flock to look cool and listen to the latest techno dance music. The cover charge of Rp 50,000 includes a beer or soft drink.

For shopping and watching, at Kuta Square, just a stone's throw away from the beach, you can find local brand Body And Soul which boasts up-to-the-minute styles.

If you like clothes by Spanish label Mango, you will love it here. Surf labels like Mambo, Stussy and Quicksilver are also aplenty.

Even if you don't buy anything, it's fun just to watch beach babes and surfer dudes who throng the stores to show off their gorgeous tan.

Girls into sea sports must make a stop at Surfer Girl (138 Jl. Legian, Tel: 0361-752693) for gear in funky hues.

Also, look out for Kuta Kids, which stocks quality fabrics and trendy designs for boys and girls, as well as Uluwatu, which sells resort wear and bed and table linen using handmade Balinese lace.

Don't forget the neighboring villages of Batubulan, Mas and Celuk for stone and wooden carvings and delicately crafted gold and silver jewelry.

On the way to the art colony of Ubud, make a stop at Sukawati Market for local textiles and basket ware at bargain basement prices.

For international and multi-cultural cuisine, head for Kuta. Ku de Ta (Jl. Laksamana 9, Tel: 0361-736969) serves modern Australian cuisine in a chic setting.

The interior of Lamak Bar & Restaurant has a dramatic design by Made Wijaya.

Kafe Warisan (Jl. Raya Kerobokan 38, Tel: 0361-731175) attracts the elite crowd with its modern French-Mediterranean cuisine. A plus: Its classic rice terrace setting and extensive wine list.

At Seminyak, margaritas and sunsets are reason enough to stop by La Lucciola Restaurant (Jl. Oberoi, Tel: 0361-730838). Main dishes start from Rp 65,000.

Ubud's many restaurants also offer one of the more interesting cuisines on the island.

Try babi guling (roast pork) at Ibu (Mrs.) Oka behind the Ubud Palace. The kick is in the spicy dip. A filling portion for one costs about Rp 10,000.

Lamak Bar & Restaurant (Jl. Monkey Forest, Tel: 0361-974668) offers fine dining with a difference. Besides a delicate combination of Asian and European flavors that tantalize the palate, the restaurant's interior boasts a dramatic design by renowned architecture and landscape artist Made Wijaya.

For al fresco dining on the cheap, head for Jimbaran Beach where hundreds of stalls offer a fresh catch barbecued on coconut husks.

If you are driving, it is worth making a trip up to Bumbu Bali (Jl. Pratama, Tanjung Benoa, Tel: 0361-774502) in Nusa Dua for a delicious Balinese feast (Rp 145,000).

The choice of accommodation ranges from US$20 for a no-frills, but comfortable stay in a Balinese-style hut to $450 for a one- night stay in a luxury villa with private pool and Jacuzzi.

You can see the Indian Ocean from a luxurious bungalow at Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort. Make your choice based on location.

If you want action, stay in Kuta. For classy villas and boutique hotels, try Seminyak, a step north of Legian. Jimbaran Bay is the base for luxury resorts like the Four Seasons Resort (Tel: 0361-701010) and the Ritz-Carlton Bali (Tel: 0361-702222), while Nusa Dua and Sanur boast self-contained luxurious hotels and bungalows.

If you want to experience Bali in a plush setting, stay at the Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort (Tel: 0361-815900). Built on the ocean front with a lovely view of the famous Tanah Lot Sea Temple, it is the only hotel in Bali with its own 18-hole Greg Norman golf course.

Spacious deluxe rooms and executive suites offer tasteful repose, while the villas feature a private plunge pool.

Le Meridien has launched a new range of specially priced leisure breaks. Choose from long or short weekend stays, or golf and spa packages. Prices start from $130++ per person.

American Express Card members, who book a two-night Weekend Celebration Break at a Le Meridien City Hotel, get the third night free.

-- The Straits Times