Introduction
For many visitors, Bali is the ultimate tropical destination
with idyllic beaches, lush green forests, and fragrant rice
fields that seem to cascade down the hills. Yet there is
more to Bali than its natural attractions. The warm
hospitality of the people and the rich cultural diversity of
this beautiful island of Indonesia greatly add to its exotic
appeal.
Surrounded by the Indian Ocean in the south and the Bali
Sea in the north, Bali is blessed with exquisite beaches,
which are perfect to soak up the sun and indulge in water
sports during the day or take in the beauty of the setting
sun in the evening.
Bali is also a haven for adventure enthusiasts. Take up
the challenge of misty treks amidst active volcanoes or
snorkel and dive the crystal clear waters of the northern
coast from Amed to Pemuteran. Walk through the tranquil
valley of Gunung Kawi to see some of Bali's most ancient
monuments or simply laze away the days doing nothing in
Lovina without noticing the time slipping away.
Often referred to as the 'Island with the thousand gods',
Bali charms visitors with its mystical temple ceremonies
marked with traditional dance and drama that throw light on
the Balinese culture and beliefs. Centuries old shrines set
amidst the deep dark forests invite you to seek nature's
serenity and experience its healing touch. Rituals and
prayers are an integral part of Balinese life and you can
witness these during the mesmerizing temple ceremonies that
take place through out the year.
These are some of the most obvious qualities of Bali. A
visit to this most friendly island in Indonesia means that
you can treat the body and senses to hedonistic massages,
indulge your taste buds to a sumptuous cuisine and dance
away the hours on starlit beaches. Visit Bali and discover
why this small island---you can drive around the entire
coast in one day--- has such a towering reputation for being
one of the world's most important tourist destinations.
Natural
Attractions
Bali holds true to its reputation for being the 'last
paradise on earth.' Resplendent with spectacular natural
attractions, wildlife parks, scintillating waterfalls, and
beautiful temples, Bali promises adventure both on water and
land, immense shopping opportunities, and an exciting
nightlife. The warm all-encompassing culture and the
gracious people make the stay all the more pleasant.
Gitgit Waterfalls: This spectacular waterfall,
near Singaraja town, is a major picnic spot in Bali. See the
water gush down the 40 meters high Gitgit Waterfall and take
a dip in its crystal clear pool.
Banjar Hot Springs: These hot water springs in
Banjar are believed to have curative properties. The
curative powers may be subject to debate but one thing is
for sure—these springs in their beautiful surroundings are
sure to rejuvenate and refresh the mind.
Gunung Agung: The trek up the mountain is a must
for the adventurous. The climb is challenging but the
spectacular views are worth each step you take. You can also
opt for a leisurely walk along the woods through the
shortest route from Selat or Muncan up to Gunung Agung
Mountain. April through October is the best time to take up
this challenge.
Wildlife Parks: The Bali Bird Park houses not only
birds from Bali and Indonesia but also from far off places
such as Latin and South America. Besides, if you are lucky
you could spot the Bali Starling, the world's rarest bird.
Then there is the Butterfly Park where you can admire a vast
variety of brilliantly colored butterflies fluttering around
intricately landscaped gardens. The Rimba Reptile Park is
also is well worth a visit.
Temples
The Bali word for temple is pura. Though most temples in
Bali are dedicated to Hindu gods, there are many in
deference to the spirits that are an integral part of Bali's
religious beliefs. Some of the temples and buildings in Bali
date back to the 11th century. The intricate wooden carvings
and sculptures are a treat to the senses. Temple
celebrations are an integral feature of the Balinese life
and are marked with much gaiety, dance and dramas with
religion and Bali mythology as the central themes.
Besakih Temple: Also known as the "Mother Temple
of Bali", the Besakih temple is considered to be the holiest
of all Hindu temples in Bali. Perched on the lofty slopes of
Mount Agung, at a height of 1,000 meters (3,000 feet) the
temple has eighteen separate sanctuaries around the three
main temples, which are dedicated to the Hindu
Trinity—Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The history of the temple
dates back to megalithic times. To admire the scenic
surroundings in silence, it is best to visit the temple
before 9 am in the morning for after that the tourist buses
begin to arrive.
Pura Luhur (Uluwatu) Temple: Located on the south
westernmost precinct of Bali, the Pura Luhur Uluwatu is
dedicated to the spirits of the sea. This architectural
wonder is crafted in black coral rock and stands high on a
cliff top at the edge of a plateau, 250 feet above the
Indian Ocean. There is a traditional Balinese dance, the
Kecak dance which is held every evening.
Tanah Lot Temple: Built in the 16th century, the
royal Taman Ayun temple is situated on top of a huge rock
and is surrounded by the sea. It is considered to be one of
Bali's most important sea temples. Poisonous sea snakes in
the caves at the rocky base are believed to guard the temple
against evil spirits.
Accommodation
Bali offers a vast assortment of accommodations. You can
choose from family hotels with recreational facilities for
children and secluded villas with private pools to low-end
guest houses. One common characteristic that binds all
lodging facilities is that they all are beautifully
landscaped to enable you to experience the best of Bali's
natural attractions.
Renting vacation villas is becoming increasingly popular
because they allow you to soak up the local flavors in
privacy and comfort, away from the usual tourist crowds.
Some vacation villas worth checking out include Begawan Giri
Estate at Payagan, fronting the Ayung River, Wantilan Golf
Villas at Nusa Dua, The Pavilions at Sanur and The Villas at
Seminyak.
South Bali is the hotbed of tourism as many popular beach
resorts are located here. Areas include Jimbaran, Tuban,
Kuta, Legain, Seminyak, Canggu, Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, Sanur,
Nusa Dua and Candidasa. Nusa Dua, better known as Bali's
high-end resort, comprises of high end luxury resorts which
are blissfully cut away from the realities of everyday life.
Another high end option is The Oberoi hotel and resort. In
fact the resort is so popular that the entire stretch
between the hotel and Seminyak is now known as Oberoi.
The biggest tourist attraction in Bali is Kuta, which
draws exceptionally large crowds mainly because it promises
the most happening nightlife on the island. Here you can
find accommodations ranging from top end and midrange to
budget.
Find the best deals in Bali at TDLodging.com!
Dining options
No other place on earth is as well represented by its cuisine as is
Bali. By eating in Bali, you actually imbibe the very essence of the
island. The presence of rice in all dishes reflect the island's fertile
landscape and the exotic spices that go in creating these dishes,
represent the warmth of the people.
Never miss an opportunity to dine at the home of a local. Outside the
homes, you can relish traditional Balinese food in the warungs or the
open air stalls serving fresh seafood that you can see being prepared in
front of you. Popular Bali dishes include lawar (chopped coconut,
garlic, chilli along with pork and chicken meat), bebek betutu (duck
stuffed with spices, wrapped in banana leaves and coconut husks and
cooked in a pit of burnt embers) and babi guling (spit-roast pig)
stuffed with chilli, turmeric, garlic and ginger.
Kuta: Whether you are looking for traditional Balinese food or
some old favorite, you are sure to find something to suit your taste and
budget. The budget travelers can find innumerable options in the local
food stalls along Legian Beach and opposite Hard Rock Café in Kuta. Some
good budget restaurants in this region include Poppies, one of the
oldest restaurants in the area, TJ's for Mexican food, and Nusa Indah
Bar & Restaurant. For a unique dining experience you can visit Joni
Sunken Bar and Restaurant where you can enjoy your meal semi-immersed in
a swimming pool.
Candidasa: You can find numerous restaurants dotting the main
road offering fresh seafood. For dining in quieter surroundings, you can
try out the waterfront restaurants. For the budgeted traveler there are
plenty of food stalls lining the road leading to the sea. Lotus Seaview,
located on the shore of Candidasa, is a great place to savour Asian and
international dishes and seafood fresh from the local market. Visit
Dewata Agung to feast on typical traditional Indonesian and Balinese
cuisine and enjoy the stunning views of the Candidasa lagoon.
Jimbaran: If you are in Jimbaran don't miss the opportunity to
taste the sumptuous sea food on sale in the warungs along the sandy
beach near the Bali Inter-Continental Resort. If you are looking for
fine dining options, you can try KO Japanese Restaurant or Singaraja
restaurant, well-known for good food and excellent service. The
Ritz-Carlton's Padi garden restaurant is best known for its authentic
Thai cuisine.
Sanur: You will find distinct German and Scandinavian flavors
in the menus in Sanur reflecting the influences of the visitors. You can
dine in any of the breezy cafes along the waterfront or eat out at the
upper end restaurants and hotels. Café Batu Jimbar, a casual sidewalk
café, is a popular destination for meeting people for breakfast, lunch
or dinner. Kafe Wayang is an air-conditioned café good for relaxing in
an indoor tropical garden setting and enjoying exotic Asian and
Mediterranean cuisine. Gateway of India is a must visit for those who
love Indian food.
Shopping
Bali is a treasure trove of fine art and handicrafts,
paintings, wood and stone carvings and jewelry; it is little
wonder then it is considered to be a shopper’s paradise.
Shopping in Bali is also about testing your bargaining
skills, the more you can bargain, the more you can shop!
Kuta: The main road is lined with a stream of
shops where you can find a wide variety of products ranging
from clothes and handicrafts to electronics, furniture and
leather goods. If haggling is not your style, you can check
out the upscale shopping centers such as Kuta Square and
Kuta Centre. There are a number of chic boutiques in the
north of Legion Street where you can shop for local designer
clothes, antiques, furniture and lifestyle goods.
Ubud: The place is a haven for the art
aficionados. You can browse through innumerable art
galleries within Ubud and its neighboring villages such as
Peliatan, Penestanan and Pengosekan, where you will find an
ethnic collection of paintings, handicrafts, jewelry and
antiques.
Kamasan and Tenganan: Kamasan near Klungkung is
famous for traditional Balinese paintings. Tenganan
specializes in producing a special cloth called ‘Geringsing'
which is really unique and is a must buy for those who
appreciate finer things in life.
Things to do
Helicopter rides: Enjoy a helicopter ride and gain a
bird's eye view of the mountains, islands, turquoise seas
and ancient volcanoes. You can also take in the spectacular
sights of Mount Agung, Lake Batur, Lake Bratan, Mount
Lempuyang and the famed terraced rice fields.
Trekking: Trekking is an ideal way to gain a first
hand experience of the local life of the people for Bali's
roads serve as playgrounds, meeting places, and even work
areas for the locals. Besides, there are trekking tours that
take you across fragrant rice fields, beaches, mountains,
and volcanoes. You are advised to carry a compass, map and a
rain gear even if the weatherman predicts sunshine.
Volcano climbing: Volcanic climbing is an
exhilarating activity in Bali. All mountains provide for
easy accessibility given the large number of tourists that
have visited them over the years. Some of the craters are
also accessible by motorbikes. Popular destinations include
Mt. Batur, Mt. Agung and Mt. Batukau. Avoid climbing during
the rainy season and do take a guide along.
Paragliding: You can also paraglide and enjoy the
spectacular views of Bali's coastline. Ride in tandem with
an expert instructor and if you want to go out all alone,
training is also available.
Golfing: There are three international standard
golf courses in Bali for the golf enthusiasts each with its
own unique and challenging attributes: Bali Golf & Country
Club, Nirwana Bali Golf Club, and Bali Handara Kosaido
Country Club.
Beaches in
Bali
The beaches in Bali attract sun worshipers and surfers from
around the world. From the exquisite palm fringed white sand
beaches on the east coast to the wilder black sand beaches
on the west coast, the beaches are great for taking in the
beautiful surroundings, indulging in water sports by the day
and taking in long peaceful walks at night. The popular
beach resorts in Bali include Kuta, Legian, Sanur, Nusa Dua,
Lovina, and Candidasa.
Sanur beach: One of Bali's most scenic beaches,
the Sanur beach is within 10 minutes drive from Denpasar,
the capital of Bali. From the beach, you can take a canoe
and sail along the coast to explore the outlying islands.
The Sanur beach is surrounded by coral and is a major
attraction for the snorkelers. Facilities for parasailing,
surfing, snorkeling, touring on glass-bottom boats,
canoeing, jet-skiing, windsurfing, swimming, and sailing are
also available.
Kuta beach: Kuta beach is the most happening beach
in Bali and is the venue for an exciting nightlife. Once the
sun sets, the youngsters naturally gravitate to the shores
to dance away the hours under the starlit sky. During the
day you can meet the locals, eat, drink or play a game of
volleyball and in the evening watch the stunning sun leave
its imprints in the water.
Legian beach: The Legian beach is for those
looking for some peace and quiet. You can rent surfboards,
play volleyball, or just relax and take in the scene.
Facilities include parasailing, surfing, snorkeling, touring
on glass-bottom boats, canoeing, jet-skiing, windsurfing,
and sailing. However the undercurrents here are very strong
so swimming is not recommended.
Jimbaran Beach: This beach is also relatively
secluded and is ideal for whiling away the hours and
watching the awe-inspiring sunset in the evening. The dining
spots here offer some of the best seafood in the area.
Lovina beach: The Lovina beach resort is actually
a group of scenic coastal villages---Tukad, Mungga, Anturan,
Kalibukbuk, Kaliasem and Temukus---to the west of Singaraja.
The sand around Lovina is black and volcanic and the reef
around assures that the waters are calm and there is no
surf. In the evening lights, you can see the fishing boats
appear as bright dots against the horizon. The sunset here
is spectacular.
Dolphin trips in Lovina are an added attraction.
Nusa Dua beach: Nusa Dua, Bali's top end beach
resort has many five star hotels lining the beachfront. The
white sand and shallow waters are ideal for children. The
best surfing spots are to the north and south while most
diving spots are in the nearby Tanjung Benoa.
Candidasa beach: Candidasa is a good base for
exploring the eastern part of Bali. For the divers, the main
attraction is Gili Tepekong, a series of coral heads at the
top of a sheer drop off. The Besakih Temple, one of Bali's
greatest cultural attractions is nearby.
Canggu beach: Canggu, located at about 8 km
northwest of Kuta, is a popular surf spot with right and
left hand breaks. This relatively quiet beach is perfect for
admiring the beautiful beach front and the fragrant rice
terrains.
Watersports in
Bali
The volcanic, coral reef-fringed coastline of Bali makes it
an ideal destination for various water sports activities.
Snorkeling: Snorkelers can take pleasure in the
abundant marine-life on the reefs off Sanur, Nusa Dua, and
Benoa. Other popular snorkeling destinations in Bali include
Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, Padangbai, Candidasa,
Tulamben, Amed, and Lovina. The best place for snorkeling is
Menjangan Island. Many professional companies offer
snorkeling tours. A full day snorkeling tour usually
includes equipment, lunch and refreshments, guide, and
transfer.
Surfing: Surfing is extremely popular in South
Bali. The experienced surfers will find some great coves
beneath the cliffs of Ulu Watu. For the beginners the
beaches around Kuta-Legian are perfect.
Diving: The best surfing sites can be found in the
south western part of Bali while the north eastern side has
calm waters filled with fantastic corals that are ideal for
diving.
Submarine safari: Enjoy and underwater adventure
aboard the Odyssey Submarine. One of its kind in South Asia,
it allows you to observe tropical marine fauna and flora,
brightly colored fish, delicate corals and other unusual
plant life.
Cruises: You can take a cruising trip to the
neighborhood islands, Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Nusa
Lembongan is well known for the offshore coral reefs that
make it an excellent spot to dive, snorkel and surf. You can
also see some of the lesser visited coves and lagoons.
Nightlife and
entertainment
No visit to Bali can be complete without witnessing its
mesmerizing dances and feeling its haunting music. Dance and
drama are synonymous with Bali culture and no temple
ceremony is complete without them. One of the most popular
dances of Bali is the kecak, which involves around 100
performers who bring to life the mythological epic Ramayana.
Apart from hotels and restaurants such as Canangsari
Restaurant in Sanur, Angsa Putih Restaurant in Nusa Dua and
Bumbu Bali in Tanjung you can enjoy the dance in the Besakih
Temple and other cultural centers in Bali.
Kuta: Nightlife in Bali starts late, usually at
around midnight. Discos can be found in most five star
hotels and in regions such as Kuta, which is the hub of
Bali's nightlife and is home to many open-air pubs and
discos. Check out Tubes Café where you can join the surfers
for beer, playing pool and watching videos. Sway to the
music and dance away the night in Bounty Restaurant I,
considered to be one of the most happening places in Kuta.
If you are a music addict, check out the Maccaroni Club. The
music here is irresistible and the place jazzes it up every
Sunday from 10.30 pm.
Sanur and Nusa Dua: Both these regions offer a
myriad of choices for entertainment. Many modern
entertainment venues compliment traditional village
activities and provide the tourists the perfect settings to
relax and wind off their day. The Jazz Grille attracts
tourists and locals with live bands. There is the Kafe
Wayang in the same building that offers live music with a
good local band and jam sessions. Janger is the only disco
in Sanur. For flashy light shows, check out No 1 Club. The
Trophy Club has a pool side table and live music on Tuesday,
Friday and Saturday evenings. The sports enthusiasts can
visit Bali International Sports Club. The club has sports
telecasts from all over the world and is lively and crowded
during major sports events. Rumours Nightclub attracts the
biggest dance crowd in Sanur.
Candidasa: Candidasa has some lively entertainment
and nightlife options to round off a perfect day in Bali.
Some restaurants offer free Legong dances most nights. You
can watch movies and play darts in the Candi Bagus pub.
Weather
Bali enjoys tropical climate due to its proximity with the
equator. The sun rises at 6 AM and sets at 6 PM. The temperature
variation is very small. Bali does not have four seasons, there is
one wet season from September to February, and a dry season for
the rest of the year.
Getting there
By Air: Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) is just south of
Kuta. The domestic terminal and international terminal are a few
hundred meters apart.
International airlines flying to and from Bali include Air
Asia, Cathay Pacific Airways, Continental Airlines, Eva Air, Japan
Airlines, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas Airways, Singapore
Airlines and Thai Airways International.
Facilities include a hotel-booking counter, a left-luggage
room, several moneychangers, an expensive duty-free shop and many
souvenir shops, ATMs and fast-food places.
By sea: You can catch frequent ferries from the
neighboring islands of Java and Lombok. Ferries shuttle regularly
between the western Balinese port of Gilimanuk and Ketapang in
eastern Java. You can also purchase boat/bus combination tickets
between Denpasar and Javanese cities. Ferries between the eastern
Balinese port of Padangbai and Lembar on the west coast of Lombok
depart throughout the day.
Getting around
By car: You can rent a car from any of the rental agencies on the
island. Make sure that the car is insured and also double check its
condition. You require an international driving license to drive in
Bali.
By motorbike: This is another feasible option to travel around
Bali. The prices vary from US$ 7 to US$ 10 per day. Helmet is a must
when riding a motorbike in Indonesia.
By bus: Bemo, the public transportation company in Bali runs
buses around the city. Buses are cheap but not exactly comfortable.
For more travel
information visit our Bali page.
