Bali, 11 days: North Bali, Ubud, Nusa Dua

About the destination: This is an area far removed from the frantic pace that can be so evident in South Bali. In the days of Dutch colonial rule, Singaraja, with its port and easy access from Java, was the administrative capital of the island. Traces of that history still linger with the noticeably wide streets and the occasional old house which has retained the large gardens that would have delighted the Dutch so much. This combines to give Singaraja a different feel and atmosphere to any other town or city in Bali. Lovina is the other area of the region often visited by tourists. The name Lovina was actually coined for tourism development purposes in the 1950s and consists of three traditional villages along a stretch of black sand fringed coastline. Development has been a bit haphazard here but that just seems to add to its laid back charm. Lovina is popular with visitors who want a beachside holiday in Bali but do not want the frantic pace of the resort regions of South Bali. Many visitors to the region arrive with their own hire car. It is possible to hire both motorcycles and cars in Lovina with Kalibukuk village being the best bet. If you intend to enjoy just the beaches and associated life in Lovina, then you are best served by walking. Regular local bemos do ply the coast road between Singaraja and Lovina and beyond. Just hail when you see one.

About the destination: Ubud is a town on the Indonesian island of Bali in the Ubud District, situated amongst rice paddies and steep ravines in the central foothills of the Gianyar regency. It's promoted as a centre for arts and culture, and has developed a large tourism industry. Ubud has a population of about 30,000 people. It can be challenging for visitors to distinguish the town itself from the 13 villages that surround it. The area surrounding the town is comprised of small farms, rice paddies, and dense forest.

About the destination: Nusa Dua is an area in the southern part of Bali, Indonesia, known as an enclave of large 5-star resorts. It is located 22 kilometers from Denpasar, the provincial capital of Bali, and administered under South Kuta District. Nusa Dua means two islands (nusa 'island', dua 'two'), because there are 2 islands in the bay of Bali Tourism Development Corporation area. On the southern side lies Peninsula Island, and on the northern side lies Nusa Dharma Island, which is smaller but shadier, and which contains the Pura/Temple Nusa Dharma.