10 things a UNFCCC delegate should do while in Bali

The UNFCCC (UN Framework Conference for Climate Change) is set to begin December 4th. Over 10,000 delegates will attend and Nusa Dua will be swamped. The conference is very important in that it will set out a course for governments to follow.

After the business part is taken care of the delegates will no doubt rush back to where they they came. Assuming they have time here are 10 things a delegates should do while in Bali, that are close to Nusa Dua.

1. Pura Luhur Uluwatu. Pura Luhur Uluwatu for an evening temple dance performance. Uluwatu is on the extreme western side of the Bukit peninsula, accessed directly by road and is 15km from Nusa Dua. Tickets can be bought at the site or booked at any hotel tour desk in Nusa Dua.

2. Afternoon at Dreamland beach. Dreamland is the most popular and largest white sand beach on the western Bukit. Just 15km from Nusa Dua, Dreamland with its surfer crowd, local warungs and laid back atmosphere is the other side of the coin to Nusa Dua.

3. Neka Museum Ubud. The Neka Museum located on Jl. Raya Campuhan in Ubud is the best single collection of Balinese art through the various stages of its development. Also included in the Neka Museum’s collection are works by famous expat artists such as Rudolf Bonnet and Walter Spies. From Nusa Dua Ubud will take about an hour via Sanur and Sukawati. A delicious lunch could be enjoyed at one of the many fine restaurants in Ubud such as Ary’s Warung, Casa Luna, Lamak or Cafe des Artistes. Ubud is an hour from Nusa Dua.

4. Sukawati market. Sukawati market south of Ubud is a famous roadside stop off for many tourists. Whether you end up buying anything or not a short visit can be fun. Items to consider are silver jewelry and sarongs of all kinds. You’ve got to haggle though, so bring those diplomatic skills with you. Sukawati is 35 minutes from Nusa Dua.

5. Double Six nightclub. The biggest baddest party spot in Bali. International quality venue with world famous DJ’s. This place opens at 11pm and closes after the sun rises. Double Six is 35 minutes from Nusa Dua.

6. Pasar Badung Denpasar. Pasar Badung in Central Denpasar really sums up what a Balinese market is all about. Entry is free, the market runs daily 24 hours a day featuring a fruit and veg market, meats and fish, spices and Balinese ceremonial good including sarongs. Stinky as you’d expect and no tourists in sight. Pasar Badung is 35 minutes from Nusa Dua.

7. Seminyak. Seminyak is the beach area north of Kuta that is home to the largest expat community. After browsing the fashionable clothing shops, one might enjoy sunset drinks at Blue Ocean Beach or go another kilometer north to KuDeTa. The nightlife in Seminyak starts around 11pm with live bands, DJ’s and lounge bars such as Hu’u, , The Living Room and Bacio. The gay scene is also supported in this area with Q Bar and Kudos being 2 of the high profile ‘gay friendly‘ establishments. Seminyak is 35 minutes from Nusa Dua.

8. Kuta Beach on a Sunday afternoon. This beach is one of the most famous in the world. Sundays are when the local families, domestic tourists, foreigners and other converge to enjoy the shady trees and surf. With plenty of excellent restaurants close by such as The Wave, Kori Restaurant and Hard Rock Cafe, you might have a blast hanging in the middle of ‘beach central’. Kuta beach is 25 minutes from Nusa Dua.

9. Nusa Lembongan. Nusa Lembongan is a ideal place for an overnight getaway. With companies such as Bounty and Bali Hai offering trips on luxury boats, with snorkeling and beach club included, a stressed out delegate could forget all his troubles across the Badung Strait. Nusa Lembongan can be a day trip or an overnight trip, arranged from any hotel travel desk.

10. Jimbaran seafood warungs. Jimbaran Bay has a huge selection of seafood warungs set up on the beach. Evening dining under the stars really is a great experience. Jimbaran is a 15 minute drive from Nusa Dua.

That’s just a sampling of what is on offer in Bali. A person with more free time than a delegate will discover their own special places.