The Balinese cape of Tanjung Benoa is often mistaken for Nusa Dua with its five-star resorts and fancy accommodation, but it retains more charm.
Tanjung translates to cape and it is a long pointy piece of land that stretches north from Nusa Dua. The street where the plush hotels are situated is long and unlike Nusa Dua, the buildings are not all congregated into a complex. There are water sports in Tanjung Benoa and there is the opportunity to mingle with local Balinese.
Its location on the coast is good as it is close to Kuta and there are many beach restaurants to eat in, most of which specialise in fresh local seafood dishes. Some of the water sport activities include water skiing, wake boarding, fishing and boating as well as snorkeling and diving just off the coast.
At the tip of Tanjung Benoa, visitors are welcome to see the local fishing community with its narrow streets and local children running around. Back in the town there are a few clinics, shops and even a car hire business to make use of and it is easy to get sucked in to the luxurious feel of the area.
When to Go
- Chinese Temple: Klenteng Darma Yasa is situated on the eastern point of Tanjung Benoa and makes for a nice photo opportunity.
Side trips from Tanjung Benoa
- Nusa Dua: a nearby beach resort complex that is full of top class hotels.
Getting There
Jakarta’s international airport is the main entrance into Indonesia. The airport on Bali is also an international airport and is based in Denpasar. From the capital, a 1 hour and 20 minute flight will take you to Denpasar, Bali, and from here it is a 20-minute drive to Tanjung Benoa - whether by local bemo, taxi or hire car.
Need to Know
- Worth it? It is less organized and structured than Nusa Dua so if you want to still get a slice of local life but in fancy surroundings then it is worth visiting.
- What to do: swimming, relaxing and water sports.
- Best time to go: March to November.
- How long? A few days.