The Gili Islands are becoming a more mainstream tourist destination than merely the backpacker mecca of yesteryear. Although officially the most popular tourist destination in Lombok, the islands are in fact less than two yours by ferry from Bali, and a popular attraction for tourists to Indonesia’s holiday hotspot.

The islands are characterised by an extremely relaxed vibe where laid-back beachfront shacks serve banana pancakes against the background of mellow reggae tunes. But the upmarket side to the archipelago’s tourism industry is developing fast, with elaborate seafood restaurants adding a luxurious edge to proceedings.

The beaches here are the main draw, and certainly superior to any to be found on Lombok or Bali. Plus without any motorised transport to disturb the peace and quiet, just a few horse-drawn carts bring tourists up and down the main drags. Other than just lazing on the sand, snorkelling and diving are the major draws here, although there are a few waves to catch for surfing fans.

Gili Trawangan (or Gili T) is the main backpacker destination with plenty of inexpensive beach huts and just one luxury resort. Although there are no dogs living on the island, there are around 800 cats. Gili Meno is the quietest and smallest and of the three islands with very simple accommodation options, while Gili Air is the nearest to the Indonesian mainland and the most densely populated.

As there are no airports on the Gili islands, visitors must take a ferry (around two hours) from Bali or alternatively fly to Mataram on the Lombok mainland and take the cheap 20-minute hop-over boat. And although people here are used to the medley of hedonistic backpackers partying on their beach, the local religion is Islam and so care should be taken not to cause offence with inappropriate dress or behaviour outside the beach areas.

The luxury resort town of Nusa Dua is one of Bali’s most exclusive holiday spots, but it isn’t the only one. The rich and famous from all over the world come to Bali for their holidays in search of sun and seclusion.

Oscar nominated British Actor Ralph Fiennes is a Bali fan. So is Nathaniel Parker. Both come for different reasons, praising various resorts in Nusa Dua or the tree top retreats of Ubud, where discretion is the order of the day. You can rub shoulders with people like this – and even Kate Moss has paid a visit or two to Bali – without breaking the bank. Like most places, if you really want to spend the farm, you can do so here as some of the best suites in the finest high end luxury resorts will cost several thousands of dollars each night. That’s up to you.

Other travellers take advantage of excellent online discounts and package offers to live it up like a star in Bali without ending up bankrupt. Some of Nusa Dua’s luxury five star resorts have suites that go for double figure room rates – that makes them cheaper than many airport motels in the UK! This kind of value is really unbeatable especially considering you can wake up and cross the teak terrace of your suite to go left to the white sands of the beach or right to the resort swimming pool where wait staff bring cocktails while you relax on a banana chair under a fine mist of lightly scented cooling water.

Beautiful restaurants are dotted around Bali and plenty of celebrities eat at these places. Again, the price range is astounding but you can easily grab a table and eat like a star without emptying your inheritance.

Kuta is the first stop for most beach lovers who arrive in Bali looking for sun and sand. Kuta Beach in Bali is on the southwestern side of the island and it is a tourist mecca, bustling 365 days a year with people of all ages, from all over the world. Hotels and guesthouses abound as do restaurants and hotels as well as all kinds of tourist infrastructure like dive tour booking shops and souvenir stalls and markets. Surf breaks are very good and lots of outfits run surfing lessons right here on the beach, which is bordered south by the international airport – check out some amazing landings.

Just slightly north of Kuta are Seminyak and Legian beaches which are quieter alternatives to the main drag, without being too far out of the way.

On the opposite side of the island is Sanur beach which is known for its white sands and sunrises. Nusa Dua is Bali’s luxury beach, ringed by 5-star resorts, but the beautiful clear water beach is accessible to the public. Surfing and diving opportunities are plentiful at Nusa Dua.

South of the airport is Jimbaran which is a narrow neck of land that has two beaches, one on either side. Take your pick, and also choose the variety of accommodation options at Jimbaran.

About the only part of Bali that doesn’t boast a famous beach with a flavour all its own is Ubud, which is nestled in the highlands and well away from the coast.

Beautiful Bali

One of Asia’s most popular destinations continues to draw the crowd, with its fantastic beaches, excellent hospitality, lovely landscapes, intriguing temples, tropical gardens and exotic Balinese culture. Whether you’re coming for a party or some peace and quiet, the island offers all that and more, both in the mountains and beside the sea.

This Bali guide and blog is the pre-cursor to a full travel guide to the island, featuring dozens of pages and images to help you plan your trip and get the most from your visit. From spas to surfing, food to festivals we have it covered here with our expert travel writers. It’s part of a larger series on Southeast Asia travel destinations.

Bali has recovered from it’s terrible bombing and offers a safe and relaxed destination that epitomises the best of tropical Pacific islands. Come on in to this site to see it for yourself before you’ve left home. Before planning your trip consider saving money on flights, travel deals and hotels with discount vouchers offered by some sites.