The Central, Eastern and Northern areas of Bali constitute a welcome break for many travelers seeking respite from the whirlwind of south Bali resorts. It is up in the hills where you will find the tranquil stretches of paddy terraces, temples adorned with Balinese offerings and a way of life often described as the “real Bali” in comparison to southern resorts.

The centre of the art scene in Bali is Ubud, famous for a range of museums, where local artists and handicrafts thrive. In recent years Ubud has developed as a spiritual and health food centre in Southeast Asia, with a range of yoga studios, health spas and spiritual retreats catering to an international clientele. Highlights of the year include the Readers and Writers Festival, Ubud Jazz Festival and the Bali Spirit Festival.

Increasingly popular are villas out of the main towns, especially to the Both and East of Ubud, and Sidemen has grown rapidly as a popular and spectacularly beautiful rural destination.