Wining and Dining in Bali: When it comes to eating out, Bali has some fantastic restaurants and cafes catering for all tastes and the best part is - it's not expensive. You can get by on local food for a few dollars a day, or dine in stunning surroundings at a fraction of the price you'd find yourself paying for the equivalent standard of restaurant in Australia.

KUTA AREA

Warung Made's (Old): The original Warung Made's, is an institution in Bali, attracting the in-crowd who spend hours sipping on coffee as well as those wanting one of the best Nasi Campurs in Bali. It is located about 25m towards the beach from "Bemo Corner" and is good for lunch or dinner.

LEGIAN / SEMINYAK

The Living Room: This relatively new restaurant is located a bit further on from La Luciola and has quickly gained a reputation as one of THE spots for dinner. While the location is a bit bland, the actual restaurant and food is anything but, and for a more special evening out this is well worth a try.

Poco Loco Mexican Restaurant: Located on Gang Padma in Legian (near Melasti Beach Resort), this is an excellent restaurant with a lively and casual atmosphere and very good food. The bar is a great spot for an early drink before dinner, or try a shooter from Minibar (you can't miss him).

JIMBARAN BAY AREA

Fish Markets: Located right on the beach in Jimbaran Bay, originally a few little makeshift restaurants sprung up with very simple tables and benches placed on the sand near the water. Today there are dozens of these restaurants side-by-side and some have grown quite large. The one we suggest is Sharkies that is located at the airport end (turn off to the beach before Pansea Hotel and turn right at the beach). It is one of the larger ones and has undercover tables (in case of rain) as well as table and chairs on the beach. Fresh fish, prawns and crayfish are cooked on open fires and come with rice and simple salad or jacket potatoes, and though simple, it is delicious. This is one of the best places to try lobster or grilled prawns and you can choose your own. Prices have gone up a bit in recent times but are still quite reasonable, and the setting is great. You can even call Sharkies and they will pick you up and drop you off to your hotel for a small charge.

SANUR AREA

The Teraz - This new little complex is adjoining the Gazebo Cottages in central Sanur and is quite a delightful little setting with an open-air courtyard. For breakfast, lunch or dinner, there is a wide variety of local and western dishes, plus a variety of fresh pastries and cakes, or it is just a pleasant spot for a coffee.

NUSA DUA AREA

Most of the restaurants in this area are located in the five-star hotels, however there are some good local style and a few modern restaurants springing up in the back streets of Nusa Dua near the markets (around Jalan Mengiat). There are also a number of large restaurants in the Galleria Shopping Centre.

UBUD AREA

Café Batan Waru - located near the soccer field on a road running off Monkey Forest Road, this is one of "the" places to go for any time of day or night. The food is excellent with a unique range of dishes you'll find hard to choose between. Just ask any of the locals for directions and they will know where it is.

Terazo - This quite trendy art-deco styled restaurant is located up the road from the main temple in Ubud (opposite the markets) and has some of the best food you'll come across. The dishes are a mix of Italian / Mediterranean / Indonesian and the prices are very reasonable.

Optional Touring in Bali -

COACH TOURING

All optional tours are booked on a private basis and use the services of our fully trained tour guides. The itineraries listed below are flexible and stops can be added or deleted to suit your needs.

Kintamani Volcano - This tour gives you a fabulous look at the countryside of Bali and its unique culture. As well as visiting Bali's famous volcano, you'll also see a traditional Barong dance, a local wood carver, explore the Ubud monkey forest and the mysterious Elephant caves with lots of time to shop at the leather markets opposite. Along the way you will also see some of Bali's beautiful terraced rice fields.

Ubud's Arts and Crafts - Ubud is renowned as the cultural hub of Bali. Your tour will avoid the massive arts shops and visit the local artists at work, silversmiths, stone and wood carvers. You'll have lots of time to explore Ubud's local markets and the surrounding shops for those must have bargains. Try a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch visit the ARMA Gallery which houses some of Bali's best paintings. Before heading home your last stop is a pottery market. But beware Lombok pottery is hard to resist!

Bali Bird Park - An amazing array of birds from the world, colourful Toucans, Birds of Paradise, Black Cockatoo are just some of the birds found here. This is also a tour for avid gardeners as the grounds of the park are wonderfully landscaped. The Bird Park's restaurant is also regarded, as one of Bali's finest, so stop for lunch or enjoy a cold drink before heading back to you hotel.

Uluwatu Sunset and Jimbaran Markets Seafood Dinner - Uluwatu's famous Pura Luhur temple dates back to the 10th century. Perched high on the cliff top, Uluwatu is a wonderful spot to view sunset. Jimbaran bay is the home of Bali's Seafood markets. Fresh fish, prawns and crayfish are cooked on open fires and come with rice , simple salad or jacket potatoes.

Lombok Day Tour - Take the opportunity to explore Bali's nearest neighbour - Lombok. The morning begins with an early start as you board your Merpati Airlines flight for a short 30 flight to Lombok. On arrival you will be met by your local guide who will escort you on a tour of the island. Visit Surakarta, a local weaving village where cloth for sarongs is still made using traditional looms. Penujak village is the next stop home to the pottery Lombok is becoming famous for. Visit a Traditional Sasak Village where daily life continues unaffected by tourism and modern conveniences. You have time to relax on white sandy beaches or take a swim in the crystal clear waters of Lombok's Kuta Beach. Finally, stop for lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to Lombok Airport for your flight back to Bali.

ADVENTURE TOURS

From White water rafting along the Ayung River to mountain cycling, trekking through the interior of Bali or Kayaking on Lake Tamblingan.

White Water Rafting - Rafting on the Ayung River is definitely a highlight for any Bali holiday. The Ayung River offers spectacular views of untouched rain forests and deep river gorges. The excitement starts on arrival at Begawan Village where Sobek staff will supply you with helmets, life jackets and give you a safety talk. Then its off down the river in self baling rafts designed for the Ayung. After two hours of white water fun you'll enjoy a delicious buffet meal in Sobeks prize-winning riverside restaurant.

Lake Kayaking - From 5000 feet above sea level you'll see a Bali most people miss out on. Lake Tamblingan hosts an array of flora and fauna unseen elsewhere on the island. Kayak around the 110 hectare lake while you guide tells you the history and tales of the area. Visit the Tirta Ening temple before enjoying a first class picnic hamper with wine on the banks on the lake.

ISLAND CRUISES

Bali Hai Cruises offer a range of cruising options to suit everyone. Join the reef cruise for an actioned packed day or laze away in their very own beach club - the choice is yours.

Lembongan Island Reef Cruise - This full day cruise is packed with activities. Moor alongside Bali Hai's exclusive pontoon and enjoy all the fun of the water slide, unlimited banana boat rides or view coral from the semi submersible. For those wanting to get a little closer, snorkeling equipment is provided. Bali Hai also operate island excursions for those wanting to explore the island of Nusa Lembongan. A magnificent buffet lunch is served on board Bali Hai.

For those wanting a little adventure try parasailing or take an introductory diving lesson (not included in Reef cruise cost.)

Bali Hai Sunset Dinner Cruise - What better way to enjoy a tropical evening? Criusing Benoa harbour while being entertained by Bali Hai's Batakos singers. Enjoy a sumptuous smorgasbord dinner before the cabaret show starts.

WATERSPORTS

Waterbom Park - Waterbom Park located in Tuban is a wonderful place to spend the whole day. The park has over 600 metres of waterslides to suit all ages, from fast racing tracks to lazing winding rivers. Special children's slides and a child pool are located in shady grassed areas. The Waterbom Park also has a spa area where you can enjoy traditional massages or book into the private spa villas for a total pampering. The park also features a restaurant, snack bar and a gift shop.