3 Best Sights in Indonesia

This tucked-away surf spot lets you enjoy the beach the way it was intended, without the pretense found to the south. Echo Beach is a stretch of black sand accessed by steps, located below a series of rocky outcrops. The water is safe for experienced surfers only; otherwise stick to wading. When the weather is right, the area is shrouded in mist. A series of warung (food vendors) have sprung up on wooden decks above the beach, serving beverages and simple meals. The 10 km (6-mile) ride from Seminyak passes through many of the area's remaining rice fields. Hang out all day or just come for sunset. Amenities: Food and drink; toilets. Best for: Walking; sunset; surfing.

Local designers, international boutiques and restaurants from around the world line a half-mile stretch of Jalan Laksmana, Jalan Kayu Aya and Jalan Oberoi. (Note: many use the street names interchangeably.) On the fashion side, compare Bali's own Dinda Rella's evening wear to Australian creations featured at Bamboo Blonde and the mix at Simple Konsep. About 500 feet (150 meters) beyond the Seminyak Square shopping center, a fashion bazaar features clothes and accessories with bargaining as part of the experience. On the eats side, find a fast-changing cast representing a wide range of prices and cuisines, though rather light on Indonesian.

This seaside temple perched atop a tidal islet rates high among Bali's signature sights. Built during the 15th century, Tanah Lot remains a major pilgrimage destination. A spring here supplies holy water to temples across Bali, and priests offer blessings to all. Buses converge here for the magical sunset tableau; arrive early to avoid the traffic and experience the temple, not the crowd. At most times, the 15-km (10-mile) drive north from Seminyak requires less than half an hour. A gauntlet of vendors, many of them pushy, line the paths from parking areas to the temple grounds. Adjacent Surya Mandala Cultural Park stages a kecak dance—an a cappella performance accompanied by a chanting male chorus—at 6:30 nightly. Admission to the performance is Rp50,000.