Adjust to islandtime | Noosa Travel | Holidays and Tourism in Noosa

AS the sun begins to set on another perfect day in Bali, travellers and locals soak up the last of the day's rays in one of the most beautiful spots on the Indonesian island.

Fresh seafood restaurants line a strip of white sandy beach at Jimbaran Bay, a place known around the world for its spectacular sunsets and wonderfully simple, yet amazing, seafood.

As the food is served, a man selling corn on the cob sets up shop on the beach just a few metres away. The light from his cart illuminates his face as he sits on the sand, watching the sunset fade to a starry sky.

A whole lobster, crab and squid cooked on an open flame and seasoned with Balinese spices will set you back less than AU$80.

It doesn't matter which of the many restaurants you choose to dine at along Jimbaran Bay, all offer the same fresh produce and the option to dine inside or on the beach. It's not really necessary to book ahead, but the best reason to do so is most of the restaurants offer free return hotel transfers from wherever you are staying.

Staying at Alum Kul Kul Boutique Resort at Legian Beach, just up the road from the main tourist area of Kuta, you'll find your room nestled amongst lagoon pools and garden paths.

It's a four-star resort without the impersonal feeling of a large hotel chain and the big price tag.

The great thing about Alum Kul Kul, aside from the wonderful service, is the location. Minus the hustle and bustle of busy Kuta, you can stroll across the road to the beach without being hassled too greatly by locals offering transport or massages.

But if it's either you seek, always take a Blue Bird cab and make sure the driver sets the meter before you set off, otherwise you could find yourself enormously overcharged.

One of the best ways to see more of Bali is to hire your own private driver. For about $50 you can travel from your hotel doorstep in Kuta/Legian to Lovina Beach at the island's north and back again.

You can take one of the suggested routes; the cultural path to the north-east, the natural course to the north-west, or make up your own itinerary.

Some great sites not to miss include the magical GitGit Waterfalls, The Temple in the Lake, Batur Volcano, Jatiluwih rice paddies and Monkey Forest, where you can get up close and hand-feed wild monkeys.

At Lovina Beach in Bali's north, you can swim with dolphins at a small wildlife resort called Hotel Melka Excelsior for about $60.

If you get time, afternoon rafting down the Ayung River is an exciting ride, more so after the wet season.

And a tour of Elephant Safari Park at Taro Forest, near Ubud, is a wonderful experience where you can hand-feed elephants.

If you're a guest at the resort, even catch a lift to dinner atop the majestic mammals.

A great way to do both of these activities is to book a package through the park, which includes afternoon rafting and an evening tour of the park with a twilight elephant trek.

When you've done all the sightseeing on your checklist, do yourself a favour and retreat to the hills of Bali. The best place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of Kuta is the artist's village of Ubud.

Staying at Furama Villas and Spa, you can spend the last few days relaxing, enjoying great food and not doing much at all except being pampered.

For less than $200 a night, you can stay in your very own private Balinese-style Villa.

Again, the service here is amazing. You can choose from dining in the restaurant or having a personal chef prepare your food as you relax poolside in your private villa.

For those wanting even more opulence, the adjacent Furama Xclusive Villas and Spa steps up again in terms of luxury and price, but if it's within your budget, don't think twice. There are 18 stylish villas set onto a magnificent lagoon pool.

Whether you choose the Lagoon Pool Villa with your private outdoor dip pool or one of four Spa Pool Villas with a personal outdoor whirlpool bathtub, be ready for an experience like no other.

To find out more visit: www.balitourismboard.org