I am thinking of exploring Eastern, Northern & Western Bali. How reasonable is it to explore all these regions with Ubud as my hub? I plan to do a lot of activities in the Ubud area (central Bali) so it makes sense for me to stay there for at least 5 nights. I plan to spend a total of 10-11 nights on the island of Bali.

The north like up in Lovina area is about 3 or so hours from Ubud as is Amed to the east so you would want to stay over at least the night in either place. Candidasa is about 1 1/2 hr. from Ubud, depends where exactly you want to go.

If you are planning on 10-11 nights in Bali, you can choose two or three places to stay so you'll spend less time driving as you explore the island.

I think we might stay in Candidasa for two nights when we arrive back from Gili T. on the Gili Cat. If you were to choose between North and West Bali, which would you choose? We are not looking for a party atmosphere nor do we need to hit the beach as we will do this on Gili T. We will be looking for more cultural things to do, as well as enjoying the beautiful landscape.

Loved gili t, very beautiful and relaxing but also a party is easily found if you want one.gilicat can get a bit bumpy, but is a fun ride. Candidasa is nice, have not been out west so can't help there.Most people who are traveling here tend to stay in a few different areas as Kathie said, for a few days each.

I think you'll want to plan some overnights as the travel time can be tiring. I like the area just north of Ubud, but south of the coast around Munduk, especially for natural beauty and performing arts, like gamelan.

The eastcoast is obviously geared toward marine activites but there's a vibrant culture and some of the best resources for textiles. I haven't been to Candi Dasa for some time. I understand it has undergone a bit of a renaissance, but last time I was there it was pretty grim -- over villa'ed with eroded beaches. I'd go further up the coast to Amed.

The true west -- Jembrana -- is the least developed part of Bali. I think it would be fun to explore, but don't expect much in the way of tourism. I've always wanted to attend a gamelan jegog performance (giant bamboo) but haven't a clue how to go about it.

I'm not much of a fan of the north coast, except for the reefs at Menjangnan. Not much in the way of arts and culture, though I understand there is some good trekking in the national park in the northwest corner. The landscape here is quite arid and the culture more Islamic.

If your time is limited I'd choose central and east.

It's a gorgeous ride from Ubud to Amed (last weeks). Amed is a very long string of establishments. It's very quite - nothing to do but sit out on the veranda at night or eat. Munduk was very pretty. I'd like to stay near Sideman next time - lot's of villages here and there. I'd stay at the Eka-Purnama in the southern Amed area - only 4 bungalows, and you don't need hot water.

Marmot, The villagers in Bentuyung (Ubud) learned to play the Jegog from somewhere in West Bali and perform in Ubud a few times a week. I have seen it performed both in Negara and in Bentuyung and I have to say the one in Bentuyung is more spectacular for tourists.

Noelm98, I would plan to spend at least 2 nights in north Bali, preferably Pemuteran if you like quiet relaxation with access to Menjangan and the West Bali National Park for trekking. On the way north you can visit the Munduk, Bedugul, and Tabanan areas.

Perhaps you can spend a bit more time in Ubud!

If you really want to check out Bali, then my advice would be to book accommodation beforehand at all the places where you intend to visit. This would save the hassle of traveling back to Ubud.

i just returned from bali... at the end of my ubud stay i rented a car and drove for 11 days into east and then north bali.... honestly i did not find any of it all that interesting... some was beautiful, but a lot of it was not..

amed is an interesting stretch along the sea for amny miles... lots of small hotels---one step above back packer...a vedge place really... very little transportation...

we stayed at the water palace in east bali which was nice---see my trip report...

unless you want to snorkle or dive north bali is not that great either...

i have never heard of anyone visiting north west bali