In Reply to: First Time to go to Bali posted by vinci on Wednesday, 20. October 2010 at 00:53 Bali Time:
and the Legian area would be for you.
Of course it depends on your age, but particularly if it's nightlife you're after then that's the best option.
Best beach for "water activities" is Tanjung Benoa - on the Bukit Peninsula, but you can take taxis there for daily excursions. You'll find heaps of operators with jet skis,parasailing,snorkeling,water Ski,fly fishing,banana boating,Turtle Island Tour,dolphin watching tours etc.
There are serious reef surf breaks off Nusa Dua (the lovely,finer white sand and flash area south of Tanjung Benoa), but only if you are a better than novice surfer.
Back to the area you probably should focus on for staying though -you'll find surfing and instruction for beginners++ and surfboard/boogey board hire along the Kuta/Legian strip.
As far as accommodation goes you'll need to give the forum some idea of your budget as there are literally hundreds of options.