Bali
Bali means beautiful beaches surrounded by brilliant blue waters. In a nutshell it is a slice of paradise that has to be seen to be believed.
Bali Travel Guide
This spectacular island destination is lush and beautiful, with tropical jungles, undulating green rice rice terraces and golden beaches, stone temples and friendly people. Renowned for its superb diving opportunities, picturesque temples and tranquil holy sites, Bali is also a beach lover’s paradise, with a variety of beaches hugging its coastline offering numerous water sports activities including surfing sailing, snorkelling and windsurfing. Nusa Dua is a paradise for soaking up the sun, with lots of gorgeous luxury hotels lining the beachfront, while Uluwatu is heaven for surfers and Sanur Beach on the island’s east coast is known for its variety of excellent water sports. The most famous beach of all is Kuta Beach, with its lively nightlife and gorgeous boutiques. Jimbaran Bay is a romantic spot, known for its breathtaking sunsets, while in the north is Legian, also home to a vibrant nightlife, and Seminyak, which rolls at a much slower place.
Away from the beach you’ll find plenty to do, whether it’s embarking on a yoga stay in a retreat, shopping at busy craft markets in tiny untouched towns, or heading for popular Ubud, in the island’s interior. Ubud is Bali’s cultural center, with its rice paddies, temples, stunning craft markets and outdoor restaurants. The island’s interior offers much evidence of the island’s charming culture in its Hindu temples which you can explore, colorful flower offerings, statues and charming traditional dancing, which you can enjoy at a live performance. And let’s not forget the volcanoes, of which Mount Batur is most famous, as it’s still active).
Food is fabulous in Bali, no matter where you stay. The seafood is spectacular, and the traditional dishes offer a taste of this exotic Indonesian island. As Bali focuses so much on wellness, you’ll also find plenty of healthy, vegan dishes to enjoy, as well as numerous spas offering a taste of Balinese massage and wellness treatments. Come for the beaches, the romance, the scenery, and enjoy the people, the culture, the creativity here. Bali is a dream come true for every type of traveller. So visit and experience its charming hospitality.
Ubud Water Palace found in Bali is simply stunning.
Best time to visit Bali
June to October, in Bali’s dry season, when humidity is low. The rainy (wet and humid) season is from November to March, when you won’t be able to enjoy so many outdoor activities, which is what Bali is so famous for. The wettest months in Bali are January and February.
Best Area for Sightseeing: Tana Lot & Ubud
As Bali is a big island, most of the sights are spread out. Tana Lot is a must – it’s the most picturesque part of Bali, which is known as a spectacular destination wherever you go. Perched high on a rock you’ll find a temple, built to worship the island’s Sea God. It’s believed that sea snakes live at the base of the rock to protect the temple. Ubud is another great place to explore, in the middle of the island. This is Bali’s cultural heart, with lots of craft markets, museums and galleries to explore including the Agung Rai Museum of Art, Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets, Ubud Art Market and Museum Puri Lukisan. While you’re in Ubud, take time out to enjoy a traditional dance performance.
Shopping: Ubud & Kuta Beach
For fabulous souvenirs including batik cloth, wood carvings, sculptures, woven baskets and fabrics and bamboo items, you can’t beat Ubud’s Art Market. If you’re looking for stunning fashionable garments, Kuta Beach has a number of excellent boutiques to explore. Also look out for local markets wherever you are, and you’ll find some extraordinary items.
Food & Restaurants in Bali: Nusa Dua, Ubud & Kuta
Obviously the island’s luxurious hotels offer an exotic array of eateries, but if you want to enjoy traditional dishes, you will have to venture out of your comfortable hotel and sample some street food. In addition, Bali is so beautiful that many people visit and never go home, staying and opening superb restaurants offering their country’s cuisine. So dining experiences are varied and exciting, wherever you are on the island. Ubud offers lots of healthy fare, which you can enjoy at Casa Luna, while street food takes over the menu at Hujan Locale and traditional Indonesian fare is on offer at Restaurant Nusantara. In Nusa Dua, Kekeb Restaurant is great for families as well as couples, as you dine on the sand sitting on a colorful beanbag. You’ll find plenty of reasonably priced places to eat in this gorgeous beach resort, so take your pick – just avoid most of the more expensive places on the beach. In Kuta, you can take your pick of cuisines, including American fare at the Hard Rock Café, Balinese dishes at Kori Restaurant & Bar and Indonesian delights at Bebek Tepi Sowa.
Nightlife: Kuta & Seminyak
The southern part of the island is the place to party. Kuta is a paradise for the young and restless, while Seminyak is more sophisticated with numerous beach clubs and expensive bars. Ku De Ta is hip and trendy – if you’re visiting Seminyak in August, make sure to enjoy its iconic White Party.
Best things to do in Bali
* Climb the active volcano, Mount Batur.
* Go snorkelling with sea turtles.
* Enjoy a traditional Balinese dance performance.
* Pamper yourself with a Balinese massage at a spa.
* Go surfing in Uluwatu.
* Party through the night in Seminyak.
* Explore the surroundings on a scooter.
* Buy handcrafted items at Ubud Art Market.
* Soak up the sun on one of Bali’s beautiful beaches.
* Visit breathtaking Tana Lot Temple at sunset.
Best way to get around Bali: Car & driver or Scooter
If you can afford to hire a driver, this is by far the best way to explore Bali. Otherwise, hire a scooter! It’s cheap, it’s fun and you can explore at leisure. But make sure you rent from a reputable dealer, and wear a helmet.
Best Area for Families: See Best Hotels in Bali
A resort is the ideal place to take the kids, as everything is taken care of for you, including special kids’ facilities and often kids’ menus. Most Balinese resorts offer fabulous pools to swim in, some type of entertainment to keep kids busy when they’re not on the beach and babysitting so that parents can enjoy themselves after dark. Choose your favorite Bali destination, then book a family beach resort holiday. You won’t be disappointed.