Natural hues of gold, red and deepest pink fade into the deep dark blue of the night sky.  Sunset in Bali, where those gentle colours are rapidly replaced with strong flashing neon and fluorescent signs, as the night owls get ready to party.
Bali's main tourist areas have something for everyone. Whatever your tastes, desires and dreams, it's out there somewhere. Bali fol­lows a European approach to the night, of the later the better for night clubs. So there's plenty of time to shower and relax after a hard day sight seeing or lying on the beach. Time also to enjoy sunset drinks followed by a leisurely dinner.
The Sunset hour
There are numerous "Happy Hours" to enjoy all over Bali. In Nusa Dua all the hotels have beach-side cocktail bars that offer sunset prices on their tall frosty drinks. In Jimbaran, the inter-Continental offers happy hour drinks with free snacks at their sophisticated beach bar. PJ's at the Four Seasons has an extensive drinks list to get you in the party mood. Also in Sanur and not to be missed, is Melodi Music Bar at the Radisson hotel. It hosts quizzes, games and drinking events along with showing great music videos and good service.
The best sunset views however, are on the Kuta side of the island. Simple beach bars , are built on the sand all the way form the airport to La Lucciola, a splendid two storey restaurant. Sunset on Legian beach is a great spot to, catch the Balinese and expatriates winding down after a hard day's work. The hotels along this strip are popular for cocktails and many offer excellent prices.
The Dinner hour
Bali cater for every taste and every palate, no matter what your diet you'll always find some­thing good to eat. In Nusa Dua all the hotels have their own specialty night and a variety of restaurants. Nusa Dua Galleria has a treat outdoor courtyard with a number of restaurants offering a lively atmosphere. In Jimbaran you can enjoy excellent fresh seafood at the fish night market just near the Inter-Continental. Something more Balinese can be found in Benoa at Bumbu Bali, and incredible new restaurant run by an expat chef and his Balinese wife. In Sanur the hotels and restaurants all serve a variety of food and the night market is worth a visit.
In Ubud, Ary's Warung and the Bebek Bengil are still old favourites. Not to be missed are Cafe Wayan and Casa Luna also in Ubud. Just some 20 minutes drive from Ubud on the way to Pujung, is a new place which is the talk of the town, so to speak, called Kumpung Cafe. It serves excellent Indonesian, Balinese, South-east Asian and European food.
In Kuta, Made's Warung is a great place for peo­ple watching and close by TJ's serve the best Mexican and Margaritas on the island. The Bounty, The Ship, Yannies's restaurant, the Hard Rock and the Macaroni Club are all good places to warm up for the night ahead.
Uptown in Seminyak, is another Mexican, Poco Loco. There is also the very stylish, place to be seen, Made's Warung Seminyak serving great food, as well as the other popular La Teras and Goa 2000. For that exclusive dinner, in a restaurant of impressively high quality and reasonable prices, try Kafe Warisan, a little further along the road set amongst the rice terraces. It is advisable to book as this is a very popular venue, other­wise you'll be disappointed to find it is full. La Lucciola is also popular in the evenings, with good food and drink, you need to book, as its beach side location is unique.