Bali for first-time visitors

How long. Seven to ten nights suits most first trips from Australia. That is enough to combine a beach base with a few nights inland without spending your holiday in a car.

Where to base yourself. Seminyak for walkable dining and beach clubs; Nusa Dua or Sanur for calm, swimmable water and families; Kuta for budget and convenience; Canggu for surf and cafés; Uluwatu for cliffs, views and luxury; Ubud for culture, greenery and wellness.

A common structure. Four or five nights on the coast, then three or four nights in Ubud, with a transfer between the two. Adding a Nusa island stay works best if you have ten nights or more.

Getting around. Distances look short but traffic is slow. Booking a car and driver for a day is inexpensive and far more comfortable than stringing together separate trips. Scooters are common but carry real risk - check that your travel insurance actually covers you, including licence requirements.

Pace. Most first-timers over-schedule. Two or three big days out across a week is plenty.