Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SURFING OFF THE BUKIT PENINSULA
Views aside, the greatest assets of the Bukit are its
surfing beaches
. Heavy ocean swells
strike the gorgeous craggy shoreline to produce the most revered breaks in Bali. Balangan,
which receives the most shelter, is generally the most forgiving wave, while Uluwatu, the
most exposed, is for advanced surfers only; a wave that, like the locals, demands respect.
Board rental is widely available throughout the area and the
breaks
are at their best from
April to October. Finally, a word of warning: while the beaches are stunning,
swimming
can be dangerous because of rips and reefs. If swell directions play ball, Balangan provides
shelter at its southern end, Bingin has lifeguards in season and Padang Padang is calm since
waves detonate on the reef outside.
GETTING AROUND: THE BUKIT PENINSULA
Public transport in the Bukit is sporadic at best and although many visitors
hire taxis
for one-
destination trips, to see it properly you'll need your
own wheels
. Incidentally, be aware that
parking charges of Rp5000/car or Rp3000/scooter are standard to access Bukit beaches.
Jimbaran
With its crescent of golden sand and upmarket hotels,
JIMBARAN
is a quieter alternative to
Nusa Dua and a similarly short hop from Kuta-Legian-Seminyak. Easy access to the airport
makes it a handy first- or last-night destination.
Tourism aside, its raison d'être, however, is
fish
. Every morning at dawn the town's fish-
ermen return with hundreds of kilos for sale at an enjoyable covered
fish market
in Ke-
donganan, at the northern end of Jimbaran beach. It's at its best around 6-7am, but stays open
all day - the stallholders are used to sightseers. Even if you don't see it, you can taste the
