Do you have dreams of visiting a true tropical paradise? Not just a great Caribbean island but somewhere exotic and mysterious? Then I'll bet two of the first places to come to mind are Kauai and Bali. If you're free to make to make a choice, which do you think you'd choose?

Although miles, and countries, apart, most people's perception of both these islands are mountains covered with shag green carpets, palm trees swaying through diamonds of sunlight, and clear sapphire waters tempting you to float with the colorful fish.

We all know that the famous 1950's movie, South Pacific, was filmed in Kauai. Or a least you should know that by now. And yes, the two islands do share a striking visual similarity. I've been to both and admit that every day brought a ?wow? moment nearly every where my eyes landed.

But when it comes to choosing where you'll most enjoy your time, one needs to know these are really two very different places. Let's start with the great outdoors.

Kauai's surfing activities are well known. And Bali has surfing as well. Both islands are known for treacherous currents and sudden ?rogue? wave. Kauai's South end is recommended for its beaches as the waters are calmer here than around the rest of the island. Much of Kauai has rough rocks and steep ridges protruding into the ocean. Finding an actual swimming area not in Kauai's south end, as opposed to a quick dunk, can be challenging. On a hot summer day don't expect to easily run from your hotel room to the beach for a short swim.

But did you ever hear about visitors enjoying lovely swims in the blue Bali waters? Bali has a significant number of tourists drowning yearly. The ocean drops suddenly around Bali and has strong currents and riptides. Most of the Balinese people do not swim. They're too smart to take that chance. It's better left to the Australians who love the deadly challenge.

Water activity summary: Both are dangerous, but Kauai's beaches may be a bit safer. Bali has made good use of some of its wider beaches in that many places have restaurants on the sand. Outside the water, Kauai's beaches are empty at night. Bali's sparkle with the torches and fires of beachside dining.

Like to walk around and explore local scenery and culture? I'd personally pick Bali over Kauai. Kauai has few sidewalks, narrow roads and no real vibrant ?town center? except for a small area in the town of Ka paa. Then one has to get in a car and drive to the next small town, which will likely consists of 3 ? 6 stores a visitor might check out. Restaurants are sandwich basic and if you get caught out after 7 p.m. it'll be near impossible to find a nice place to eat at that's even open.

Bali is an island filled with small enterprise. The towns have long expanses of areas filled with shops and galleries catering to visitors. It took me more than three full days just to explore most of the streets of Ubud, the most centrally located town. As for food ? Kauai lags far behind Bali. Bali abounds with excellent small restaurants with a high standard of fresh food and decent cleanliness. The food is also extremely affordable so one can eat well on a budget.

Conclusion: Bali trumps Kauai for good restaurants and town or village walking excursions. As for shopping, the best art in Kauai was frequently done by artists in Bali. And, of course, far cheaper in Bali.

Now for scenery in general. If you've never seen Bali, Kauai is magnificent. It's that intoxicating mysterious landscape from many tropical movies, from Jurassic Park to the TV show ?Lost.? Up close it takes one's breath away. But you can't get too ?up close.? Most of the scenery is viewed from roadways, scenic viewing areas, a short inland boat trip and helicopter rides. The ridged mountains are left rough and natural. There are hiking trails, of course, for the more ambitious visitor. But me, I rather not risk a broken ankle after spending so much money to get there!

It's the natural Kauai that's beautiful. The needle-like ridges dropping off into the jungle are well worth seeing. The architecture is another story. Buildings there are almost ugly. Many buildings are basic wood squares with flat roofs and bad paint, mostly grey or green. Building materials are expensive, space is at a premium so there's no budget nor room the trimmings like fine food, marble or detailed crown molding. In fact, front and back yards are prime spots for extra refrigerators and car parts.

Bali will grab you the inside and outside. The tiered hillsides with rice paddies are fitted between enchanting mountains. Balinese culture makes art out of even the most ordinary everyday things, so stone walls are decoratively stepped, simple homes have exteriors with decorative stonework and carvings, and statues and fountains abound and add a bit of magic nearly everywhere one turns.

Scenery evaluation: Bali will fill your eyes with beauty and detail from both natural aspects and the artistic parts of their every day living. Kauai is memorable as long one mostly sticks to nature.

Finally, let's compare hotels from a romantic point of view. I'm leaving out saunas, health clubs or coke machines. Again, Bali outdoes Kauai with atmosphere and visual candy. Our Kauai hotel was very nice. It had basic tropical rattan furniture, AC, TV and a much appreciated kitchenette and balcony. No restaurants but there was the basic tiki bar. The buildings were basic grayish square condo looking, with some lawn and nice flowering trees. This would never do in Bali. The cheapest ?reasonable? hotels, meaning higher up than backpacking but not the 4 Seasons, offer huge carved beds, fountains, magical landscaping filled with numerous flowers and statues, private open-air bathrooms so you can see the stars from your shower ? and great breakfast buffets. In Ka But did you ever hear about visitors enjoying lovely swims in the blue Bali waters? There's little reason not to walk hurriedly to one's room in Kauai to get ready for the next part of the day. In Bali it takes a while. One would be foolish not to enjoy the stepped pathways, lily ponds, fountains numerous statues guarding your path. I should also add that for an additional cost, one can easily find air conditioning and television almost anywhere in Bali.

Romantic hotel room evaluation: Kauai hotels have the basics. Bali is a movie fantasy for real, even for those who need to watch their budgets.

What about the weather? Bali and Kauai share the tropics, but the weather does differ. Overall, Bali's climate is more of an adjustment. Kauai got pretty hot but there were reliable winds morning and evening. Bali can be hotter and more humid, but October and May are supposed to be pretty nice. I've been there in February, during the rainy season, and found it bearable although I'd advise not wearing leather shoes in the afternoon rains. The good part is that, as in Kauai, no one in Bali is expected to dress other than comfortable. Pareos are dirt cheap in Bali and even the men can wear them. If you can't handle pretty hot weather Bali is probably not for you except for two months out of the year. Kauai can get really hot, too, but its frequent breezes make it bearable.

Lastly, how do you feel about night life? When my husband and I travel our days are so filled we really don't party at night. However, we found Kauai to be a real drag after 5:00 p.m. Except for kitschy tourist souvenir places, major supermarkets and some of the better restaurants, Kauai promptly locks up at night. Bali always had something going on. There were many good restaurants to choose from and stores frequently stayed open until 9:00 p.m. or later.

I'd have to conclude that the part of Bali that didn't include nightclubs had more to offer in the evening that Kauai.

If you're thinking of taking a major leap and visiting one of these two islands, I hope my personal overview will be helpful. I live in Florida so both places required some major air travel time. Kauai is definitely a shorter trip, with less of an airfare and fewer flight transfers. And it's also easy to see the rest of Hawaii after just a few days in Kauai. Bali is more of a commitment in effort so most travelers would go there as a final, longer destination. Because of this I wouldn't rate one place over the other. They're each a different experience. Enjoy the beauty both have to offer. Bali had more activity and mystery. Kauai was fun trip that offered more travel versatility.

JKmcccrea@comcast.net