Once solely the preserve of coconut groves and fishermen, the scenic five-kilometre-long peninsula of Tanjung Benoa has over the years been transformed into a charming resort area. Converging in the small harbour at its tip, the peninsula is connected by a narrow, meandering road populated by luxury hotels, private villas, fine restaurants, open-air cafes, and a plethora of water-sport facilities.
The relaxed rhythm of the businesses that line the long snake-like road is more Costa Brava or Mallorca in character than the other southern Balinese resorts of Kuta, Legian and Seminyak. In fact, Tanjung Benoa exudes a worldly air with the hotels, upscale shops, innovative restaurants and dive centres of the peninsula affording guests no shortage of quality recreational, shopping and dining options.
On the peninsula's tip, the quiet port of Tanjung Benoa retains a remarkable village-like atmosphere. Distinctly multi-cultural, it is fascinating to explore the lively alleyways of a real Bugis village, peer into the smoky confines of a large, scarlet-red and gold Chinese Buddhist temple, or stroll along the beach southeast of Benoa past rows of brightly painted Balinese outriggers pulled up on shore.
In Benoa harbour, yachts, fishing boats and traditional jukung bob at anchor. Whilst offshore in the distance is Serangan, commonly known as Turtle Island - the site of a sacred Sakenan temple dating back to the 16th century. The reef, lying 200 metres off the peninsulaÕs northeast tip, is easy to reach and has a gentle current and is home to a surprising variety of colourful, tropical fish.
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