Bali is known as the “Island of Gods” and maybe it is, thanks to its famous sunrises and sunsets, its beautiful nature, as well as the exotic temples and culture. Bali belongs to the Lesser Sunda Islands and is located east of Java and west of Lombok, another magnificent island that I really love. It is the most popular holiday destination in Indonesia. While the majority of Indonesia’s population is Muslim, Bali’s population adheres mainly to Balinese Hinduism. Along with the volcano and the jungles, the beaches are one of the places a visitor can go to and find tranquility. It is also world-renowned for its coral reefs, waterfalls, marine biodiversity, and terraced rice fields. If you are looking for fun and adventure, spiritual tourism, or outdoor activities in nature (surfing, diving, gliding, hiking, biking, yoga, trekking, rafting, etc.), Bali is the place where you can combine everything!
The best season to visit Bali
Bali has a tropical, humid and warm climate all year round. The dry season is between April or May and October. During this time Bali is less humid as the rainfall is very scattered and rare which makes this period ideal for vacations. The rainy season is between November and March. The sea is rougher and the south coastline gets dirty due to winds and debris. The monsoon in Bali is not as rough as in other Asian countries, as the rainfall might be plenty but weak and the sun always comes up after. It is the best season to visit the green rice fields. The high seasons, when the island brims with tourists, are July and August, Easter holidays and Christmas – Western and Eastern New Year’s holidays. This is when Bali is busiest even in traffic and less easy to explore. If you want to visit it during the high season, book your hotel and activities in advance, especially during New Year’s celebrations, which is said to hold the most colorful and must-see festivals for tourists, although I have never visited the island during this period. The best time to save money is from February until early June and from September until early December when there are fewer tourists in Bali. During these months you can also find really good discounts on hotels, restaurants, and excursions.
How to go to Bali
Bali is the most popular destination for Indonesians and Australians. It has a famous port, a major arrival hub for many cruise lines that travel through Southeast Asia and other countries. Lastly, the best way of traveling is by plane. Ngurah Rai International Airport is 13 km from Denpasar, the capital of Bali. There are frequent domestic flights to Indonesian cities for a full travel experience. While on the island, you can use bicycles, taxis, rented cars, motorcycles, scooters, and buses. The Grab app functions perfectly in Bali. Be careful of the offers and the “black market”, as well as of the dense traffic during the high seasons. For maximum security and comfort book your airport tranfer in advance.
Where to stay in Bali
Bali has a vast diversity of experiences and activities for different kinds of tourists. Check the area that suits you based on your plans and the people you are traveling with:
For couples
The ideal area for a romantic couple on their honeymoon is Jimbaran, a village and tourist resort very close to the airport. Most of the sandy bay is empty and perfect for a couple who wants to stroll, sunbathe, and have candlelight dinners by the sea at sunset. Jimbaran produces fresh seafood that, along with the fireworks and traditional dances under the melodies of wandering musicians, would satisfy even the most romantic souls out there.
For families
A very good choice for families and couples in Bali is Nusa Dua. Nusa Dua provides water slides, massive gardens, kids’ activities all day long, and children’s menus in restaurants. Nusa Dua is clean, quiet, safe, and not so crowded. It also offers water sports for teenagers. You can swim there too!
For nightlife
Three areas are the best-known hotspots for tourists seeking intense nightlife: Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak. Kuta hosts some famous DJs in its nightclubs and sports bars, while serving cocktails and BBQ and offering the widest choices at the lowest prices. It is the party area of Bali, but not the best part of Bali! Seminyak is the place where jazz, soul, and R&B meet; cafés and bistros offer dishes from every part of Indonesia and the world, and visitors can enjoy their cocktails while looking at the sunset. Seminyak is generally promoted as an upscale version of Legian and Kuta. Personally, I find Seminyak appealing. However, these are by no means the only places for nightlife in Bali. For example, a lot of people prefer to go to Canggu to party.
For outdoor activities
A visitor who wants to feel Bali’s spiritual energy, go sightseeing, and engage in outdoor activities should stay in Ubud. The cultural capital of Bali, made famous by the book and movie “Eat Pray Love,” is the place to eat and enjoy live music, visit the Monkey Forest, the palace, and the rice terraces of Jatiluwih, and take cooking classes. It is the yoga and meditation centre of Bali. However, I recommend that you be very careful when you choose to participate in a yoga class. Choose your teacher wisely, as you should do everywhere. You can also charter a car and explore many extraordinary sights nearby, or go rafting, hiking, or mountain biking.
For those who want to experience the local culture
In case you want to have a piece of everything, the island’s capital, Denpasar, is the city where you will enjoy your stay. Denpasar is the seat of government, so many cultural events happen there. It is busy, multicultural, with history and attractions, shopping malls, and great restaurants.
What to eat in Bali
As far as food is concerned, Bali offers everything: seafood, vegetables and organic food, coffee, sweets, and foreign food like Mexican and even Greek! During my trips to Bali, I have come across at least two Greek restaurants, so maybe there are more. Remember when you are served bread before meals in Italian restaurants? In Bali, you are served crackers of many flavours—prawn, soy, potato, and rice—along with tomatoes, onions, and lemongrass sambal. The most famous Balinese dish is Babi Guling, the suckling pig. It is pork stuffed with herbs and spices, then roasted as a whole. It is served with vegetables, pork sausage, and fried pork skin. If you go for noodles, try Mie Goreng, with vegetables and chicken, shrimp, or pork. You may find it with a fried egg on top and served on a banana leaf. If you prefer rice, you will find it everywhere under the name Nasi Goreng. Indonesians, as well as other Asians, can eat rice three times per day: for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you are walking and want a bite of fresh chicken or fish, you can try Sate, which is skewered meat seasoned with spices and coconut milk and barbecued on a lemongrass stick. The same goes for spring rolls, which are stuffed with vegetables or chicken. Bakso is another local dish, consisting of meatball soup made from meat paste. A surprise dish is Nasi Campur, a dish with mixed rice, vegetables, meat, or fish, with combinations you cannot guess, even if you order it twice from the same restaurant. A similar role is played by Mini Rijsttafel, a mix of rice and meats, like smoked duck, chicken, pork, vegetables, and potato croquettes. Smoked or deep-fried duck, or Bebek Betutu, as it is called in Balinese cuisine, is another famous dish, served stuffed with spices on a palm leaf with rice and requiring many hours of cooking. If you are looking for a signature salad, Gado-Gado (“mix-mix”) is the one to try: vegetables like boiled long beans, spinach, potato, corn, and cucumber with peanut sauce, tofu, and egg. A very tasty red dish is Sambal Matah. Imagine raw shallots, lemongrass, chili, lime, shrimp paste, drizzled with hot oil, salt, and sugar, and served with fish or chicken. Don’t leave without trying the local dessert, Pisang Goreng. It is fried bananas, served with honey or sweet syrup, coconut, or vanilla ice cream.
Also, don’t forget the Balinese tropical fruits, that maybe you should search on the internet in order to recognize the white-yellow durian which supposedly smells bad but I love it, the mangosteen, an apple-sized purple fruit known as the “blood fruit”, the reddish-dark-brown snakeskin fruit, the red and hairy rambutan, the wild berry boni, the sour soursop, the Java plum which looks like olives, the orange and yellow coconuts, the sour and green ambarella and the pomelo, which looks like citrus.
As far as alcohol is concerned, the most famous Balinese drink is arak, which is an alcoholic drink made from toddy palm trees. But be cautious and drink it only in reputable bars while watching the bartender prepare it, because there have been incidents of methanol poisoning. To be honest, I haven’t tried it, since I am not interested in drinking.
Where to party in Bali
As stated above, there are only two cities where the party never stops: Kuta and Seminyak. In Seminyak, you will find that Jalan Petitenget is full of bars and restaurants, along with famous resorts that hold parties all night long. Kuta is the heart of Bali’s party scene. The world-famous club “Sky Garden” is located there. You can also party in Legian. Downtown Legian, particularly Jalan Raya Legian, is loaded with various nightlife spots. Lately, a part of Bali’s nightlife has moved to Canggu, which is promoted as an alternative nightlife area.
What to visit in Bali
Whether you are dreaming of quiet vacations by the pool under the sun or are more inclined toward adventures in the jungles and caves, like I am, Bali has plenty to offer. Read below about the best sights you should definitely consider visiting, as well as the fun activities that will give you the experience of a lifetime.
#1. Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot is a small rock formation just off the Balinese shore. Its name means “Land in the Ocean.” It is fagemous for the Tanah Lot Temple, which has been associated with local mythological stories since the 16th century. Its rare beauty lies in the dense green trees, which seem unlikely to grow on such rocky terrain. The temple is dedicated to the Sea God, who is said to have ordered sea snakes to guard the site. Nearby, you will find restaurants, cafés, and art shops.
#2. Uluwatu Temple and beach
The magnificent location of Uluwatu Temple, perched 70 meters above the waves, is truly breathtaking. The temple dates back to the 10th century. Around it, you will find walls and a forest with monkeys that are believed to guard the temple. As a visitor, you must wear a sarong or sash, which is provided at the temple. Visit it a bit before sunset to take amazing photos and stay a little longer afterward to watch the local Kecak dance in the amphitheater. Uluwatu Beach is ideal for surfing with fast and powerful waves, but also for relaxation and sightseeing. Explore the beautiful caves at the beach while you are there.
#3.Ubud Monkey Forest
A lot of macaque monkeys and various tree species can be found in this 12,500 m² forest, which is open to visitors daily. The forest is a research site for the monkeys’ health, diet, and breeding habits. It is considered sacred and includes small temples and statues scattered throughout the area. Be careful, though—the monkeys might spot your belongings and steal them from you.
#4.Ubud town
Ubud is promoted as the “cultural capital” of Bali. Relaxation, rejuvenation, yoga, meditation, cooking, healthy food, boutique shopping, and Hindu architecture are some of its defining attributes. Don’t forget to pass by the Ubud Art Market, where you can buy souvenirs, handmade goods and inexpensive gifts. Nevertheless, Ubud is not as alternative as it would like to appear. It is full of mainstream restaurants, cafés, and shops of various kinds.
#5. Bali Safari & Marine Park
One of the largest wildlife parks in Bali is Bali Safari & Marine Park, which covers over 400,000 m² of land. More than 80 species and 400 animals roam free in the park. You may come across rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, spotted deer, giraffes, zebras, baboons, elephants, Indian white tigers, lions, and piranhas. You can feed the elephants or embark on a safari journey.When I was there, an animal show and a bird show were offered.
#6. Kecak Dance
Kecak dance is a form of Balinese Hindu dance and music drama, traditionally performed in temples and villages in Bali. The dance is performed in a circle by 50–150 men wearing checked cloths around their waists. They reenact the story of the lovers Rama and Sita. Spectators can often hear the rhythmic chant of “cak” during the performance. It is performed in various places, and Uluwatu Temple is one of the most popular.
#7. Rafting on Ayung River
This is considered the best whitewater rafting experience in Bali. It is suitable for beginners and families. The Ayung River extends for approximately 68.5 km and passes through the Bali rainforest and rice fields. You might even discover a waterfall!
#8. Nusa Dua area
Nusa Dua is famous for the resorts it hosts. Tourists can swim at Geger Beach, where farmers grow seaweed, or at the popular and crowded Pandawa Beach. It is family-friendly, and visitors can find water sports, a shopping center, small markets, and restaurants. I enjoyed playing in the waves there.
#9.Tamblingan Lake
Lake Tamblingan lies at the foot of Mount Lesung. It is a rather cold area, but it is definitely worth visiting. It is a peaceful paradise located near the temple Pura Ulun Danu Tamblingan, yet it is less touristy.
#10. Bird Park
Bali Bird Park & Reptile Park is a great educational attraction for everyone. While walking around among 2,000 tropical plants, visitors can see around 1,000 birds from over 250 species native to the Indonesian archipelago, many of which are roaming freely. It is one of the rare places where you can come close to exotic birds and magnificent species such as parrots, owls, eagles, and macaws. The park’s mission is to breed endangered species in captivity in order to help preserve them. You can take photos with the birds resting on your arms!
#11.Lovina Beach
In Northern Bali, there is a stretch of coastline spanning several villages known as Lovina Beach. Calm waves, black sand shores, cafés, and seafood restaurants create the perfect setting for a relaxing vacation. You can hire a small boat to venture offshore, enjoy the sunrise, watch dark-skinned dolphins, or go snorkeling. I really enjoyed this outstanding excursion, where apart from the dolphins, we managed to see corals and feed fish that ate directly from our hands! The beach itself is not a great place for swimming, but it’s really good for walking and relaxing.
#12 Tegenungan Waterfall
Tegenungan Waterfall, located close to Ubud, is one of the most popular waterfalls in Indonesia, which means that you will not be alone there. Fortunately, most people do not get in the water, so if you want to try swimming, you can certainly find serenity there while admiring the lush green surroundings. Take my advice and get in. Don’t miss the fun!
#13.Singaraja Town and Palace
Singaraja was the former Dutch colonial capital of Bali, situated in the north of the island. In Indonesian, its name means “Lion King.” Today, the relatively untouristed city of Singaraja is the second-largest in Bali and still maintains a colonial vibe. It has two universities and a royal palace, where descendants of the raja’s family still live. The town is modern, with supermarkets, shopping malls, clothing stores, and shops selling hardware and stationery, among others. It also has a library filled with old manuscripts of sacred texts written on palm leaves. It serves as a port too.
#14. Pura Ulun Danu Beratan
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, or Pura Beratan as it is called for short, is a major Hindu water temple in Bali, built in 1633, and dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of water, lakes, and rivers. The temple sits on the shore of Lake Beratan and appears to be floating. It is located at an altitude of about 1,200 meters, so it has a cool tropical climate. The temple complex consists of four smaller temples. When I visited the place, it was foggy! You can explore it on foot or by paddling around in small boats. Don’t forget: Lake Beratan is considered one of the 20 most beautiful lakes in the world!
#15. Beaches of Bali
Firstly, I would like to make it perfectly clear from the beginning that Bali’s beaches are not ideal for swimming. Some of them offer wonderful views, while others are a surfer’s paradise. However, people who enjoy swimming, as I do, will likely be disappointed. There are no beaches in Bali that offer the pleasure of swimming in crystal-clear, safe waters, as, for example, many beaches in the Mediterranean Sea or Thailand do. Having said that, I must add that I have visited several beaches in Bali, and my favourites are the following:
a) Nusa Dua Beach, with 14 km of palm trees and orchids, blue waters, white sand, and water sports.
b) Padang Padang Beach in Uluwatu, for its amazing scenery and surfing.
What to visit if you have some extra time
#1 Goa Lawah /Bat Cave Temple
Goa Lawah, also known as the Bat Cave, is very important to the Balinese Hindu community and is one of Bali’s most significant temples, as it is one of the island’s nine directional temples, like Tanah Lot. It is a nice place to visit, especially if you are interested in temples and religious sites, but you might be slightly disappointed by the cave, which is full of smelly bats, not very impressive, and definitely not accessible.
#2.Waterbom Bali Park
Water slides, water games, tropical gardens and pools spread across an area of 38,000 m² in Kuta! A great way to spend a day with family or friends. You can splash down from a height of 25.9 meters, race your friends, shower under waterfalls, or take a relaxing ride. The park includes various canteens, open-air restaurants, and spas. I don’t consider it a cheap activity, but you may want to try it. I did, and I didn’t regret it!
What should not be your priority to visit in Bali
Sanur town and beach.
Although you can find some interesting spots in Sanur, the beach is not suitable for swimming as far as I am concerned and the town does not offer much to the visitor apart from restaurants and prostitution. Yes, that’s right, Sanur is the capital of prostitution in Bali and very popular to the local men for this reason as the prices here are much lower than Kuta.
Some safety tips before you travel to Bali
It is true that we sometimes avoid or forget the safety measures we should take before traveling abroad, especially if the destination is on another continent. If it is your first time in Bali or Asia, read some of the cautionary tips below to be prepared for anything that might come up while you are there.
- Be careful when entering monkey territory. Some monkeys may be friendly, but others can be quite aggressive. Keep your personal belongings in a bag and hold it in front of you, and avoid looking monkeys directly in the eyes. Also, if a monkey bites you, go straight to the hospital.
- Do not go near cliffs during high waves. In places like “Devil’s Tears,” large waves crash violently against the rocks and can knock over people standing too close to the edge. There are no safety railings, so you should keep a safe distance, as waves can reach impressive heights and cause serious injuries.
- Do not rely too heavily on Google Maps. Check the suggested route carefully to make sure it is not mountainous, steep, or narrow. When in doubt, ask local drivers or hire a driver to reach your destination safely.
- Furthermore, read reviews of your accommodation carefully regarding fraud, security, and theft. Many villas do not include security, and your belongings may be at risk. Avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, or make sure you keep them with you during your trips.
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