West of Kuta

As Bali increases its efforts to gain a greater share of the tourism market from both Australia and Asia, and benefit from the effects of the reduction in long haul travel for vacation it is creating a stronger profile for itself that focuses on a much more discerning market. This market is experienced in travel, especially in the South East Asia region, and is likely to be family and group oriented.

Through the expansion of the villa market and the provision of excellent services, Bali's affordable luxury appeal, plus its core attraction of luscious natural environment, picturesque ceremonies and attractive people combine to create an attainable aspirational destination.

This move into a more selective, sophisticated market is becoming most evident in the area that extends up the coast from the areas known as Seminyak and Pettienget, Batu Belig and Canggu. Following the coastline almost all the way up to Medewi a journey from a starting point of KuDeTa will allow you to pass by some of the newest, and most stunningly appointed villas, exquisite spas and high quality restaurants.

Let The Finder introduce you to Bali's - West Coast:

First of all the appeal of a slightly out of town vacation is two fold, you are close to nature and it can be an economic saving to be that little bit off the beaten track especially in high season so do check out our recommendations for their seasonal variations in rates.

What to do:

There's plenty to do along the coast, surf schools and riding schools are particularly popular activities for families ; there is even a Polo Club in Ye Ganga where you can practice beach polo with Bali Island Horse. Bali Horse Riding at Saba Bay takes riders along a deserted stretch of coastline and through traditional Balinese Villages. The rides are suitable for the inexperienced, and are covered by insurance. And if horses are really your 'thing' find your way to the Umalas Equestrian Resort, a tropical boutique style resort complete with horses.

If it is surf that gets your family up in the morning then you can do no better than check into the Chillhouse in Canggu where your hosts, Sabina and Alex will create total surf styled adventures for all abilities, and you can stay in their luxury accommodation with all the amenities, private gardens, pools, spa and fresh food restaurant, or check into the Gerry Lopez Treehouse loft, a three storey surf 'pad' that takes you literally right back to nature.

Surfing lessons for the 'grommet' or beginner are plentiful along the surf safe breaks of Legian and Kuta where you will find the best of the surf schools, with international standard instructors and excellent safety practices out on the sand from sun up to sun down. Amongst the best are the Quicksilver Surf School were beginers can learn from a real legend, Cheyne Horan.

Where to stay

The abundance of villas in this area allows you to chose a place the suits you from the tropical cabana and the Balinese bungalow to the exquisite luxury of a ultra modern villa.

Villa Barbar is one such option, a stunning property on absolute and private beach front that has a rambling spacious layout perfect for huge and extended families and group vacations. Here you can escape the world and live totally secluded, yet totally catered to.

If you prefer the ambience of something a little more Balinese, but still private consider Villa Serenity in Batu Bolong, Canggu. This pleasant villa complex has a real family feel to it, with a pretty garden, perfect pool for games or relaxation and a warm inviting vibe.

Desa Seni also offers privacy at its unique and imaginatively designed resort where all the antique houses have been transported in from around Indonesia to form a tropical 'village'. Each house has its own history, its own garden and its own charm, from the Tolkienesque Bonjonegoro, East Javanese two storey building to the quaint Majapahit two bedroomed bungalow each home has a complete range of discreetly hidden modern amenities, like flat screen tv and internet connection and ensuite bathrooms.

Where to eat:

Dining options are amongst the best on the island, so much so that Naughty Nuri of Ubud opened her second place here where she serves wicked cocktails and a great family menu to her fans from the South. Sarong in Pettitenget offers an authentic Asian menu in a beautiful, almost baroque style setting of deep cushioned sofas, chandeliers and one of the best wine lists of the island.

Biku, housed in a traditional Joglo nearby, does a cafe style menu and is famous for it's afternoon high teas and Sunday afternoons with real 1940's Javanese music. Hotel Tugu has a splendidly grand dining room where you can order the favourites of the archipelago, look out for the Tugu evening musical events that have ranged from classical to contemporary and are always a huge success.

Cafe style options include Green Ginger in Canggu for a taste of sweet and aromatic Thai food and the always popular Echo Beach Cafe with its grilled and barbequed fresh fish and seafood menu.

What to see:

All across Canggu new art and display galleries are opening , and while you won't find the density of shopping as in Seminyak it is worth keeping your eyes open as you travel to take a moment to stop in at any of the new places you see..from the radical looking skate shop at the corner of the Canggu turnoff, the rattan workshops along Banjar Semer and the newly opened Dues ex Machina a complex on Jalan Batu Mejan that has exhibitions, film nights and live bands as the inspiration and enthusiasm takes them.

Enjoy the independent feel of a vacation in West Bali, be prepared to explore, discover and be delighted with all it has to offer.

Contacts:

Villa Barbar

http://balivillababar.com/

Villa Serenity

http://www.balivillaserenity.com/

Desa Seni

http://www.desaseni.com/

Exotiq Villa Rentals

www.exotiqvillaholidays.com

To Do

Surf Schools

www.quiksilversurfschoolbali.com

Riding School

www.balionhorse.com

Tugu Events

www.tuguhotels.com

Dues ex Machina

www.deusbaliblog.co.id