Everything you need to know about Tanjung Benoa

Like many other beachside destinations in Bali, Tanjung Benoa also used to be a fishing village and an old dock, and today most of the shore-side properties have become upper class hotels and resorts. The remaining mangrove marsh still lies at the western side entrance. Tanjung Benoa is located 15 kilometres from the international airport but if you are already staying within the Nusa Dua cluster, it is just few steps away from the west gate. Tanjung Benoa Attractions The cape was developed as an alternative tourist destination in Bali, and has subsequently become very popular with water sport activities. Unlike almost every other destination in Bali. Tanjung Benoa doesn’t have much of a cultural or historical legacy, apart from an old harbor owns one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali with grey-white sand (instead of the golden beaches found elsewhere) and abundant coconut groves that make the beach fairly different from its neighbours, a Buddhist temple located on the northern edge of the peninsual, and the rustic fishing village itself. Tanjung Benoa Activities This extended promontory of Nusa Dua is replete with water sports amenities and often 6-foot waves. An additional activity that is only available in this water park is the Flying Fish, a parasailing-like amusement using an extra-large inflatable kite. Other things you can try are banana boat, snorkeling, scuba diving, wind surfing, cruise or underwater cruise, kayaking, Jet Ski and boating. Make sure you book this beforehand, since this venue is heaving with locals during the school holidays from June to August. Most of the activities start early in the morning to avoid unfavourable tide patterns. Tanjung Benoa Restaurants Since becoming the hit venue of day activities, Tanjung Benoa has also been trying to establish itself as a major tourism destination in Bali, and culinary treats are listed as its first priority. Tao Restaurant One of the few authentic Thai cuisine restaurants in Bali, Tao by default is the only qualified representative in the southwest area. The combination of the stylish venue, beautiful setting and flavoursome dishes is incomparable. Tao caters not only Thai food but also dishes out some of the best from Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and China. Tao is best visited by dusk when the beautiful golden sun is reflected in its pool before floated candles are lit to illuminate the night. Open daily from 10.00 to 23.00 Price range: affordable Location: Jl. Pratama 96 Tanjung Benoa Bumbu Bali This restaurant is a first grade Balinese dining venue. It is the subtle blend of richly flavoured Balinese authentic dishes and an idyllic interior concept. Beautifully decorated surrounds with a traditional Balinese open kitchen complete with clay stove make for an unmatchable culinary experience. As the name suggests, Bumbu Bali only serves traditional Balinese cookery, namely roast duck wrapped in banana leaf, spicy minced chicken, sate lilit, Balinese nasi campur, roasted suckling pig, and many seafood platters. Another interesting feature in this restaurant is the Balinese cooking class, which is taught step-by-step by the book-author chef, Heinz von Holzen. Furthermore, on Wednesday and Friday the restaurant stages traditional Balinese dancing and other cultural performances. Open daily from 11.00 to 23.00 Price range: affordable Location: Jl. Pratama Tanjung Benoa Spice Restaurant at The Conrad Hotel Spice is the ultimate diner’s experience in the Tanjung Benoa locality. Specialising in Asian gourmet cuisine, The Conrad’s very own restaurant without a doubt caters the best dishes in the business. You can order by menu or accept the offer of a seven-course menu, which caters 14 types of entrée. Additional international standards and a little touch of northern African cuisine are also listed in their specials. With its discreet and elegant service, combined with a warm, relaxed atmosphere providing a unique setting, Spice will be a venue for your memorable dinner. Open daily from 18.00 to 23.00 Price range: pricey Location: Conrad Hotel, Jl. Pratama Tanjung Benoa Suku Restaurant at Conrad Hotel Another example of Bali’s finest restaurants from one of the world’s finest hotels, Suku is the highlight of fine dining at it best. The restaurant caters international dishes with a slight twist: salmon burger instead of beef, bacon soup served with potato chips, and mushroom lasagna. Every dish has its own touch of The Conrad’s signature flavour, which combines excellent food and the breathtaking Tanjung Benoa beach. Open daily from 7.00 to 23.00 Price range: pricey Location: Conrad Hotel, Jl. Pratama Tanjung Benoa La Scala La Scala is an International restaurant. This two-storey open-air venue is preferred by couples due to its romantic setting and neatly decorated dining area with glowing candles at every corner. Serving western basics with the addition of seafood cookery in every which way one could ask for (grilled, roasted, deep fried, baked, and skewered), La Scala is a popular choice in the Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa dining scene. Open daily from 11.00 to 22.00 Price range: affordable Location: Jl. Pratama opposite to Grand Mirage Hotel Tanjung Benoa Nightlife At Tanjung Benoa leisure facilities stop at nightfall. Kuta is the nearest option for nightlife. It’s only a 20-minute drive to get to all the excitement of Bali at night. Tanjung Benoa Shopping Shopping in Tanjung Benoa is limited to convenience store and hotel boutique level but just down the road in Nusa Dua you will find handicrafts and arts shops, jewelry outlets, a Paul Smith shop and even children's accessories outlets. Again, the area is largely overrun by swanky hotels so don't expect comparable shopping to larger towns. This is resort land.