Best Area of Bali

Q: We have booked a hotel in the Tuban area of Bali after checking a few alternatives. However, a friend who has visited the island a few times tells us that it would have been better to stay in Seminyak if we wanted to be on the beach or Ubud inland. Should we change our booking at some expense? Please advise as we want this to be a special trip. - Shelley Green.

A: Choosing one area over another is a very personal decision. One person's dream spot can be another's nightmare. I don't think you will be disappointed with Tuban, as it offers all the basics of a great Bali holiday. It is located between the airport and the most densely populated resort area, Kuta, and has a good selection of hotels, restaurants and shops. At times you can hear aircraft landing and departing, but this should be not be too much of a deterrent. An advantage is that you can check into your hotel and be on the beach an hour or two after landing, which isn't the case with other resorts on the island. The beach is good and the area has a relaxed, family holiday atmosphere. You can easily visit the shopping malls and nightclubs in Kuta, if that's what you want. The areas mentioned by your friend are often the choice of people who have been to Bali a number of times, as they are less tourist-orientated. Seminyak is the trendiest area on the island, with upmarket villa resorts, designer boutiques and gay nightspots, while Ubud is favoured by the artistic community and has a "village" appeal. You'll be quite alright in Tuban if you're there to relax on the beach in the day and enjoy a wide choice of restaurants and bars at night. (9 Aug 2009)