Many of the beaches on the south coast range from good to outstanding for surfing. These include Kuta, Legian and Nusa Dusa.
The activity is both cheap and excellent in Bali. The local waters abound with reefs and tropical fish, are home to the wreck of the USS Liberty and some of the pinnacles are reputed to be the best places in the world to see hammerhead sharks.
The island has two volcanic mountains, both of which can be hiked. The most active, with hot rocks and fumaroles, is 5,633-foot Mount Batur; the tallest is mighty 10,308-foot Mount Agung.
Located just inland from the south coast is Ubud, Bali's cultural center. This is the place to go for shrines, temples, performing arts and handicrafts.
There is a hot mineral springs spa known as Air Panans Banjar on the north coast, near the budget resort town of Lovina. It is also next door to this Hindu island's only Buddhist monastery.
Lovina is set apart from other beach stops by its black volcanic sands. It is also the best place to see and possibly swim with dolphins, which regularly congregate off the shore.
