Bali is a large island with lots of beaches, with the best ones generally in the south, including the long stretches at Kuta and Legian.
Q: I'm going to Bali later this month but haven't made hotel reservations. I'd actually prefer to stay in a cheap beach hut. Are they always available, and can you recommend a good place to find them? - Patsinee
Bali is a large island with lots of beaches, with the best ones generally in the south, including the long stretches at Kuta and Legian.
Kuta is good for surfing lessons, shops, restaurants and nightlife, but not for peace and quiet. There are plenty of hotels but not cheap huts.
Just to the east and more relaxed is medium-size Sanur Beach, which mixes village life and tourist accommodation.
On Bali's southern tip is the Bukit Peninsula, a limestone plateau with beaches like Nusa Dua, which is full of luxury hotels, and sandy Uliwatu and Dreamland, which are good for budget surfing.
Nearby Padang Padang Beach has decent sand during low tide and a coral reef that protects it from big waves.
There are numerous small, cheap bungalows close to the main surf points on the peninsula. People just turn up and take what's available. You'll be fine.
North Bali's beaches are mostly black volcanic sand and very quiet. Lovina Beach is utterly different from Kuta: The water is warmer and there is virtually no surf, making it ideal for snorkelling.
Tejakula Beach on the northeast coast is also quiet. It's close to the road and the water is clear.
The beaches on the east shore are smaller but have fine sand and good snorkelling and scuba diving. They're also close to cultural attractions like Pura Besakih, known as Bali's Mother Temple.
The tranquillity here has attracted several posh hotels, like the Amankila and the Chedi, but budget places can be found as well.
Now, if you really want to hit bottom for "cheap", head to Lombok, the most popular destination in the south-central Indonesian province of Nusa Tenaggara. It's east of Bali, accessible by plane or boat.
There's lots to see on land and underwater and loads of budget accommodation. You have unspoiled sandy beaches and hilly terrain, great for trekking, surfing and do-absolutely-nothing-style lounging.
We plan to visit Samui in January, then spend four nights in Krabi. For those four nights, Koh Lanta looks lovely - would it be better than Ao Nang? - Marian
Seventy kilometres from Krabi town, Koh Lanta is a lovely island with nine fantastic white sandy beaches facing the sunset. Thought less well known than other Krabi beaches destinations, it has hotels of all types, lovely spots to eat and a good selection of beach bars.
On the downside, the island is 30km long and there's no public transportation. Most people rent motorcycles if they want to explore beyond their hotel.
Koh Lanta is more beautiful and peaceful than rapidly developing Ao Nang, but you should also consider Railey Bay. It's only a short boat ride from Krabi town and has a stunning beach, as well as limestone cliffs you can scale.