Bali & Nusa Lembongan

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

About the destination: Nusa Lembongan is a small island paradise located just off the southeast coast of Bali, Indonesia. Far quieter than its famous neighbor, it offers turquoise waters, powdery white-sand beaches, and dramatic coastal cliffs. The island is compact enough to explore in a day, yet diverse enough to keep you busy for several. Expect a laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals, and a growing selection of stylish cafés and boutique accommodations, all while retaining a relaxed, village feel. Most visitors come for the sea: snorkeling and diving are superb, with healthy coral reefs and a good chance of spotting manta rays and colorful tropical fish. Popular snorkel spots like Crystal Bay and Mangrove Point can be reached by boat, while surfers head to breaks such as Shipwrecks, Lacerations, and Playgrounds. For those who prefer to stay on land, Dream Beach and Mushroom Bay are ideal for sunbathing and swimming, and the famous Devil’s Tear viewpoint offers powerful waves crashing against rugged cliffs—especially dramatic at sunset. Getting around Nusa Lembongan is easy, with scooters and bicycles available for rent, or you can hire a local truck-taxi for short rides. A narrow yellow bridge connects Nusa Lembongan with neighboring Nusa Ceningan, making it simple to extend your exploration to cliff-jumping spots, hidden coves, and more photo-worthy viewpoints. While the island is casual, it’s best to bring cash (ATMs can be limited) and reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the marine environment. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to mid-range resorts and a few upscale villas, many with ocean views and infinity pools. Dining is centered around Mushroom Bay and Jungut Batu, where you’ll find seafood warungs, beach bars, and Western-style options. Nights are generally low-key, with sunset drinks, live music on select evenings, and early starts for the next day’s adventures on and under the water.

About the destination: Canggu is a coastal village and 10 km beach on the south coast of Bali, Indonesia. It lies approximately 10 kilometers north of Kuta, and presents a much more relaxing atmosphere of dining, cultural and beach activities. The main Canggu streets are Jalan Batu Bolong, Jalan Padang Linjong, Jalan Batu Mejan and Jalan Tanah Barak. Along Jalan Batu Bolong you find the temple of the dead, Pura Merajapati, and the Pipitan Cemetery. Along the beach there are two main temples, Pura Batu Bolong and Pura Batu Mejan, which are both hundreds of years old and were initiated for building by Dang Hyang Nirartha. The Canggu area used to have scenic views of paddy fields and coconut groves but current rapid developments are quickly replacing these traditional views with private villas. Canggu has gained popularity among surfers as a longboard-friendly surf spot, one of the few on the island. Three main strips have developed for tourists - surfers and non-surfers alike. The spotlight on the area as a surf destination has been helped along by the presence of Deus Ex Machina's Bali outpost, the Deus Temple of Enthusiasm, and its annual contest that focuses on classic single fin longboarding.