Simply magical and rich culture, Bali is famous for never-ending beaches, stunning sunsets, terraced rice paddy fields and ancient temples. Steeped in spirituality with warm, welcoming people, Bali will leave you captivated by its beauty and charm
With many different cultures in Indonesia, it’s no wonder Balinese food is so diverse. Make sure you try some of these famous dishes. Lawar (minced meat salad), sate (Bali’s version of stay on a stick), Babi guling (sucking pig) and jajanan pasar (sweet cakes) just to name a few. Feast on fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant in Jimbaran Bay or find a little café with local delicacies. Why not take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Balinese dishes.
Discover a treasure trove of natural wonders under the sea at the Gill islands, Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Only a 45 minute boat ride from Sanur Beach, the calm waters around Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida are a delight for snorkelers and divers. The clear waters are teaming with tropical fish and coral gardens. With 25 dive sites in the Gill Islands, see diverse marine life including turtles, reef sharks and rays. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try freediving.
From modern malls to street markets and artisan villages specialising in traditional art forms. Bali is a shopper’s paradise. Bargain for a great price on clothing, bags, sandals and jewellery at the Ubund or Sukawati Art markets. Packed with showrooms and workshops specialising in woodcarvings, paintings and masks, Tegallalang Handicraft Village is a great spot to pick up a unique souvenir. The Kuta Beach walk is an open-air shopping venue just across from the beach, with a variety of well-known retail brands.
Bali is renowned for its beach clubs where you can swim, eat, sip on a creative cocktail and listen to cool tunes. One of the most prominent hotspots in Bali, Ku De Ta Bali offers am upscale beachfront space perfect for watching a famous Bali sunset. Spot celebrities and listen to DJ’s at the poolside stage at Potato Head Beach Club in Seminyak. Take in the ocean views from the family friendly pool or adult’s only area at Finn’s Beach Club and with direct access to the beach, ulu Cliff house features a 25 metre infinity pool and open air restaurant.
In the early 15th century, the cultural beliefs of the Balinese and Hindu came together through dance and music. Today, this tradition is still very important and each dance has its own significant meaning. The Barong Dance represents the fight between good and evil. The Kacak is a thrilling fire dance performed by chanting males, while the Frog Dance tells a romantic story inspired by the frog and princess fairy tale. You can see these dances performed in traditional villages, temples and even in some hotels.
Set on over 12 hectares of forest in the villages of Padangtegal, the Ubud Monkey Forest is an important spiritual, educational and conservation centre. There are around 900 Balinese long-tailed monkeys roaming freely through the trees and temples. Watch babies, juveniles and adults feed on bananas and interact with each other. The forest is home to 286 different species of trees, including the Banyan Tree and three temples. Pura Dalem Agung – The main Temple, Pura Beji – used for Spiritual Cleansing and Pura Prajapati – located near the cemetery.
No holiday to Bali would be complete without visiting some of its peaceful scenic temples (pura). Perched atop a rocky outcrop amidst the crashing waves of Indian Ocean, north of Seminyak, you’ll find the most respected and important sea temple, Pura Tanah Lot. Further afield discover the holiest of temples – Pura Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan on the shores of Lake Bratan and the dramatic Pura Uluwatu. Central Bali is home to the 11th century Goa Gajah and The Gunung Kai Temple.
Surfing is a major drawcard for this tourist’s mecca and Bali is home to some of the world’s most epic tubes. The beaches in Kuta and Legian have low, slow waves – perfect for beginners. If you want to escape the crowds, head to the quieter beaches of Jimbaran or Nusa Lembongan. Advanced surfers will love Padang Padang, which offers consistent waves and regularly hosts international surfing events including the Rip Curl Cup. Perhaps the most scenic of Bali’s surfing spots is Uluwatu, which is known for great quality waves. Bali is the perfect place to learn to surf or hone your skills.
Bali’s terraced rice fields are a calming and peaceful sight. A must-see while in Bali, these outstanding landscapes offer an interesting insight into the local way of life. Hire a bike and experience the spectacular Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud. Offering a dramatic vista encircled by beautiful mountains and tropical forests, they provide a wonderful photo opportunity. Cascading down the Batukaru mountain range in west Bali, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is the largest and most picturesque of all the rice terraces in Bali.
Bali is renowned for its wellness retreats. The ‘Island of the Gods’ will help you relax, heal and return home a healthier person in mind, body, and spirit. Learn the art of meditation, relax with a yoga class or take park in a traditional Balinese ceremony or healing ritual. Dedicated to health and wellbeing, The Royal Pita Maha Resort in Ubud has a yoga Bale and nurturing day spa. Start your day with a yoga class overlooking the ocean and end the day with a relaxing massage at Double-Six Luxury Hotel in Seminyak.
Nestles between Kuta and Seminyak, Legian is a relaxed yet entertaining area of Bali, with white sandy beached and great nightlife. Away from the beach streets, walk along the Jalan Legian strip to find rows of art shops, bars, restaurants and clubs with its beautiful stretch of sand, fantastic surf conditions and awe-inspiring sunsets, Legian Beach is the star attraction. Savour a cocktail and watch a fiery sunset at one of the many stunning stroll along the beach. Hip, yet affordable entertainment options make Legian a popular choice with visitors.
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Seminyak is Bali’s most stylish and upscale beach resort area. It’s brimming with fine dining restaurants and bars plus a wide range of shopping boutiques from international brands to local designers. Seminyak’s Petitenget Beach offers a secluded ambience by day, however after sunset, a lively nightlife scene takes over. Expect chilled lounge music and delicious cocktails, the perfect way to kick off your evening. The area also offers a number of day spas to revitalise your soul. Enjoy all types of treatments that can last from an hour to the whole day. Although known for its high-end beachfront resorts and villas, you can still find accommodation to suit all budgets and styles in Seminyak.
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The beauty of Canggu lies in its wide stretch on beach and blue waters set against a backdrop of lush, green rice paddies. Canggu is famous for its magnificent barrelling surf championships. While it has its share of hotels, surf schools, restaurants and cafes. Canggu largely remains a rural area with rice paddy fields an easy bike ride away. Sunsets here are quite spectacular and it is close to Seminyak.
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Famous for its cluster of beachfront seafood restaurants, Jimbaran Bay has a number of secluded bays and beaches to relax. Be dazzled by the piece of paradise that is Uluwatu and Ungasan. Uluwatu has some of its most famous surf breaks in Bali and is home to the iconic temple. Pura Uluwatu.
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Live and breathe the Balinese culture in this beautiful mountainous setting. This spiritual area is haven for yoga and wellness retreats and is also home to a great collection of art. With green terraced rice fields, ancient temples and the sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud’s mystical and spectacular setting will enchant you.
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