Bali: The Ultimate Guide: to the World's Most Spectacular Tropical Island (Periplus Adventure Guides)

This book contains excellent background information and descriptions of obscure attractions written by a team of expert authors along with photos of stunnning quality. Practical information is found separately in the back of the book, and is somewhat dated. However, with Bali well set-up for tourism, you will easily find accomodation/transport of your choice anyway. Highly recommended, even as a 2nd guidebook if you already have another guide stronger on practical details like Lonely Planet or Rough Guide.

Map supposed to be included. no map - some pages glued together apart from that OK still I miss the map

worth a read - good

Good enough to get you around Bali

Very informative

This is a good cut above the standard set by the usual travel guides. I use a lot of them, including Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, and the DK Eyewitness guides. The Periplus surpasses them all, though I have to add that I have not yet read these others for Bali. I will read at least one of them soon and will not fail to complete this comparison. As for Periplus, though it was published in 2005, the value is in the commentaries on Balinese history and culture, which will not have changed much. Chapters devoted to each aspect of these topics comprise the first quarter of the book, then followed by chapters devoted to the different regions of the island. Chapters are short and easily digestible; writing is very good and clear. Discussion of points of interest are also very well done. All parts of the book contain beautiful photos which, as a photographer, I appreciate very much. The maps are also good and sufficiently detailed. Since my own lodging is already arranged I did not pay any attention to the recommendations on accommodation and restaurants in the back of the book, and a traveler would want to consult more up-to-date info on these topics. But as an introduction to Balinese history, culture, and points of interest, Periplus does a superb job.

Arrived on time. Book will be helpful for our upcoming trip to Bali

There is so much information in this book, it really breaks down the areas in Bali with all the things to see and do as well as places to stay and eat. The book will be a great prep for our trip!

Very good guide book and the maps detached so you can easily travel with them.

I read this guide along with The rough guide to Bali and Lombok, from Rough Guides and the Periplus guide is quite good. It has a lot of history of the places that will get you in a different mood when you visit them. The places to stay and eat are pretty much resolved with phone apps and a local mobile plan (in Bali is cheap and easy to get a prepaid SIM card) but the guide will save you time in your quest. After visiting Bali, this guide covers 90% of the stuff you can do. The other 10% will always remain to other travelers and locals knowledge. Good buy.