Active Pursuits

Unlike Kuta, the surf here is a considerable distance offshore, making swimming in the clear blue-green water most pleasant at high tide (at low tide, it's only ankle-high). It's a popular surf, windsurf, and jet-ski spot. Dive excursions, all arranged by the hotels, will probably take you to areas closer to Sanur or to Amed and Tambulen in the northeast.

The Bali Golf and Country Club (tel. 361/771791; www.baligolfandcountryclub.com) sits at the southern tip of the island and has sweeping views of the beaches and clear waters off Nusa Dua. It has a fine course, worth the whopping US$142 (£78) outlay to the serious enthusiast.