Bali is an Indonesian Island located just east of Java. It was initially a surfer's paradise, and now it is a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia. This ancient island is now a mix of tourist areas and traditional culture. There are many different ways to experience Bali, and it all depends on what you are looking to get out of your trip.
Bali has something to offer for everyone. No matter what type of trip you are looking to take and who is going on the trip, Bali has what you want. Take the time to do a little bit of research and figure out what is going to work best for you. Taking this time will make your trip to Bali perfect and unforgettable.
The Different Areas Of Bali
The different areas of Bali will appeal to different people depending on the type of trip that they are planning. Southern, Central, Eastern, and Western Bali all have their own personalities and beauties for those who decide to visit there.
Southern Bali
The southern coast of Bali is the tourist mecca of the island. This is the area of the island where you will find the tourist hotels, lively nightlife, and the best bars. Various cities in southern Bali will lend themselves to having great offerings for those looking to have the tourist experience.
As one of the more laid-back towns of this region. Canggu has the type of "surfer" vibe you would find in places like Venice Beach, California, and Bondi Beach in Sydney. This is where digital nomads and entrepreneurs choose to live so that they can enjoy artisan beers and organic restaurants.
A town in southern Bali that is going to have the major resort hotels, high-end villas, and the hippest beach bars. If you are looking for a modern-day vacation in Southeast Asia, Seminyak is the area for you.
Jimbaran is dotted with white sand beaches and 5-star resorts. This is a great town for kids because many of the beaches in Bali have rough seas and black volcanic sand. This is a great place to go for a family vacation.
A surfer's paradise, in the center of Southern Bali. These beaches are situated on the Bukit Peninsula, and experienced surfers should only ride the waves here.
This area of Bali is located on the southernmost tip of the island, and the beaches here are considered to be the best in Bali. There are two distinct areas in this part of Bali; the resort area and the town of Tanjung Benoa with its local shops and restaurants.
Central Bali
The central region of Bali is far more than just the geographical center of the island. The central region is also the cultural, historical, and spiritual center of Bali. It is shown in the natural beauty of this region and the ancient traditions that are still carried out to this day.
For decades, this town was a sleepy artist village that was then transformed into its own little metropolis. The rice terraces and mountains of this town form the backdrop and base in which to explore the temples, museums, and heart of Bali.
Eastern Bali
This section of Bali has a down-to-earth atmosphere. It is far more toned down than, say, southern Bali.
Known for its scuba diving. There isn't much else to offer in this area. In the sea, just off the coast, is the wreckage of the USS Liberty. Tulamben is also the perfect jumping-off point for those who are headed to the Gili Islands.
This town is the perfect area for family trips. The beach of this mellow town is surrounded by a picturesque coral reef that keeps the waters calmer and shallower. This creates a perfect place for the kids to play. It is also home to the largest children’s playground and café, Peekaboo.
Western Bali
Western Bali is considered to be the most representative of what “real” Bali is. Most of it is mountains, volcanoes, rice paddies, and tourist-free.
Balian Beach is considered to be more of a "secret spot" in Eastern Bali because not many tourists venture there. This black sand beach offers great surfing and beautiful coves to explore with the kids.
The rural area of this section of Bali. If you are traveling to Nyanyi, you are going to want to see the UNESCO Heritage Site of Jati Luwih rice terraces, the Tanah Lot Temple, and Mount Batukaru. You will want to go to surround yourself with nature and the history of Bali here.
Accommodations
Bali is beautiful almost anywhere you go on the island, but nothing says "perfect vacation" than luxury accommodations. Many hotels and resorts have their own unique beauty that you can enjoy when not perusing the beaches and temples. These luxury resorts often mimic the look of Balinese villages with peak-roofed villas or beach houses and offer spas, fine dining, and infinity pools. Spectacular views of beaches and mountains are also common luxurious features that make your stay in Bali perfect.
Let me help you find the perfect spot for you to stay in Bali. Click on the link below when you are ready to start planning your vacation.
History
In the Beginning
Bali was inhabited around 2000 BC by Austronesian peoples who migrated originally from Taiwan through Maritime Southeast Asia. Culturally and linguistically, the Balinese are thus closely related to the peoples of the Indonesian archipelago, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Oceania. Balinese culture was strongly influenced by Indian, Chinese, and particularly Hindu culture, beginning around the 1st century AD. The name Bali Dwipa ("Bali island") has been discovered from various inscriptions, including the Blanjong pillar inscription written by Sri Kesari Warmadewa in 914 AD and mentioning "Walidwipa".
I Gusti Ketut Jelantik
Later in the nineteenth century, conflicts in Europe brought massive repercussions in Bali. In 1840, the Dutch envoy, with the very skillful and devious negotiator, Huskus Koopman, began a series of visits to persuade the Balinese to agree to Dutch sovereignty. He managed to make treaties with the regencies of Badung, Klungkung, Buleleng, Karangasem, and Tabanan agreeing to a Dutch trade monopoly, while the rajas failed to realize that they had also virtually agreed to give the Dutch sovereignty over their lands and reefs. Most regencies ratified the treaties, but Buleleng and Karangasem stood firm. The brother of the rajas of Buleleng and Karangasem, Gusti Ketut Jelantik, finally voiced the brave sentiments that, "Not by a mere scrap of the paper shall any man become the master of another's lands. Rather let the kris decide. The kris, a traditional curved knife, used in battle, did decide when on May 20, 1849, after years of domination and hardship, the Balinese of Karangasem all committed puputan or ritual suicide. So the stage was set for the Balinese who preferred to die than live cheated and subservient to Dutch power. He has later been designated as an Indonesian National Hero.
Independence
Throughout the 19th and 20th century relations with the Dutch were still turbulent resulting in the loss of many lives. In 1949, under continuing world pressure, the UN Security Council ordered the Dutch to withdraw their armed forces and negotiate, instead of dominating. In 1950, The Republic of Indonesia was formed, with Sukarno as president. While Bali is part of Indonesia, there are significant religious, historic and cultural differences with Java and the other main islands. Present day Bali remains independent with a strong Hindu / Buddhist in a country dominated by Islam, retaining a certain amount of autonomy from Jakarta.
About Bali
Bali is a province of Indonesia which is located between the islands of Java and Lombok island. Bali island is also commonly referred to as The Island Of Thousands Temples, The Island of Gods, and Bali Dwipa. Bali also has several small islands that are also included in the province of Bali, including the island of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan Island, Nusa Ceningan island, Serangan Island and Menjangan Island. The capital of Bali is Denpasar, located in the south of the island. The island of Bali is renowned as a world tourism destination with unique art and culture.
Bali has a tropical climate, hot all year round, with a rainy season from November to March, and a relatively dry season from April to October, when, however, some showers can still occur. In the rainy season, it usually rains a couple of hours in the morning and a couple of hours in the afternoon, while in the rest of the day the sun shines for a few hours. The best time to travel to Bali and enjoy its beaches is from June to September, the weather is usually sunny, the heat is not too intense, and in any case, it's tempered by the breeze.
Rice is a staple in Balinese cuisine, and the rice fields are some of the most beautiful spots to visit there. They are found all over the island and offer a gorgeous, lush green view that is excellent for photo opportunities. The perfect, terraced steps of the fields are not just beautiful with their intricate layers but are also a necessity for decreasing erosion and supporting irrigation, which is required to grow rice successfully.
In Bali, fruit is sold fresh the day it is picked, and is not sprayed with chemicals or genetically modified. A native paradise fruit is durian, a thorny fruit popular with locals. Jackfruit is a sweet fruit found everywhere on the island and is often used in local desserts. Guava is also widespread around the island and is used locally for herbal medicine. Despite the variety of paradise fruits, bananas are extremely popular and important in Bali. With at least 42 varieties, bananas are not just eaten peeled, but they can be fried and served with honey, and the stem is even used in dishes with spicy meat.
While in Bali, are you curious about the best ways to get around?
A lot of money has been invested in infrastructure in the last decade. The gateway to Bali is the Ngurah Rai International Airport just outside of Kuta, which is undergoing major renovation. Traffic clogged motorways link together the main areas on the island. It’s the ideal place to explore if you have your own private transport (renting a car or a scooter is the easiest way to get around). Public transport is more limited. There are private companies running bus services between the South of Bali and Ubud, but that’s about it. Modern apps like Gojek, Grab car and Uber are the most convenient way to get between the cities if you don’t have your own transport.
Driving
Bali traffic can be horrendous in the south, up to Ubud, and as far as Padangbai to the east and Gilimanuk to the west. Finding your way around the main tourist sites can be a challenge because roads are only sometimes signposted, maps are unreliable and lots of streets are one-way, particularly in Ubud. Off the main routes, roads can be rough but they are usually surfaced. Avoid driving at night or at dusk. Many bicycles, carts, and vehicles do not have proper lights, and street lighting is limited.
Let me take away the stress of you getting around Bali. Click the link below and I can help you plan everything for your vacation to Bali!
Culture
A magnificent Asian archipelago brimming with culture and history, Bali is steeped in rich tradition and spirituality that centers around art and religion. Many Balinese people are an artist of some kind and enjoy spending their time working on arts and crafts using techniques that have been passed down through families over many generations. Many public areas, homes, and rice paddy fields are decorated with detailed paintings, intricate carvings, fine weaving, extraordinary rice decorations and artworks that pay religious homage. Religion is an important practice of Balinese culture, with many rituals and traditions occurring from the moment of birth, through puberty, into marriage, childbirth and eventually death. The Balinese also believe in the afterlife and celebrate this through national festivals including Kuningan, Galungan and Nyepi, the national day of silence.
The unit of currency in Indonesia is the rupiah, from the Sanskrit word for wrought silver, rupya. Coins come in denominations of Rp25, 50, 100, and 500. Notes are Rp1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000; the largest denomination is worth about US$10 (£5.90).
Visitors from the USA
Though you can order rupiah before leaving home, it is not necessary. Denpasar airport on Bali and Selaparang airport on Lombok have plenty of money changers in the arrival terminal and ATMs once through Customs. Cash is king in Bali and Lombok. Wherever you go you will need it, whether to pay for parking, entrance to museums, tips, or taxi rides or to buy knick-knacks, you will need to have low denominations of cash. The maximum amount of currency that you can bring into Bali is US$10,000 in cash.
The official languages of the region are Indonesian and Balinese. Because of the tourism requirements, a lot of the people speak some level of English. The main restaurants, spas, hotels, and tourist attractions have staff and guides that speak English.
In Bali, the most authentic and friendly interactions with locals are away from the tourist destinations and deeper into the island. The local Balinese often enjoy sharing information about their culture, such as their art, crafting, and food. With a smile, they are always willing to lend a hand. The warm smiles of the locals are contagious, making the trip out of the popular areas worth the effort.
Though Bali is multi-religious, consisting of Christian, Muslim, and Buddhist minorities, the predominant religion is Hinduism. Balinese Hinduism, called Agama Hindu Dharma, originated from Java and is a blend of Shaivism and Buddhism. The theological foundation for the religion comes from Indian philosophy while indigenous beliefs form the backbone of the rituals. This blending is perfectly acceptable in Bali as the saying goes "The truth is one; the interpretation, multiple."
Bali is home to over 20,000 temples, and no trip to Bali is complete without visiting at least one. The holiest of all temples is Pura Besakih in east Bali. It dates back to the 10th century and is located near the top of Mount Agung. Another sacred spot is Pura Luhur Lempuyang, where the tall, massive temple gate overlooks a beautiful view of Mount Agung. The royal temple of Pura Taman Ayun is surrounded by a moat that gives the illusion that it is floating on water. For the ultimate experience, plan your trip to any temple during an odalan, or temple festival.
As Hindus, the Balinese people partake in a daily ritual called canang sari. They carefully construct an origami-like hand-sized box made with palm or banana leaves and fill it with colorful flowers. These offerings can be found anywhere from sidewalks to stairwells to temples all over the island and are a symbol of gratitude to the Hindu gods. The time and effort it takes to create these beautiful offerings, sometimes daily, may be what makes the Balinese people always smile and exude peace and joy.
Dancing is an important part of Balinese culture as it is used for both religious and artistic expression. Sacred dances are usually reserved for performances in Hindu temples, but Balinese dancers have created variants that can be performed for tourists. Some of the famous Balinese dances for entertainment include costumed and masked dancers depicting the stories of fabled heroes and myths. Children begin to learn to dance with their hands before they can walk, and official training as a Balinese dancer can start as early as age 7.
Bali is host to many festivals, both religious and secular. The Balinese new year, Nyepi, takes place on March 25th and is preceded by a celebration in the streets before a day of silence and fasting. The Bali Spirit Festival lasts for seven days and includes concerts, markets, and workshops for yoga and dancing. To enjoy the vast Balinese cuisine, attend the Ubud Food Festival, where local and international chefs share the culinary culture of Indonesia. Kite lovers will enjoy the Padang Galak Kite Festival, where Balinese kite-flyers show off their colorful designs.
Come experience the amazing culture Bali has to offer! Click on the link below when you are ready to start planning your vacation to Bali.
The Experience
Some of Bali’s best attractions are its beaches. Common beaches can be crowded, so if you are looking for something off the beaten path, there are many hidden beaches to discover. Balian Beach in the north boasts black, volcanic sand that contrasts with the bright blue sea. Green Bowl Beach gets its name from the moss-covered rocks that line the beach at low tide. It can be reached by descending hundreds of steep steps, and even has a cave with a large population of bats. The white sands of Nyang Nyang Beach are worth the adventure of getting there, as this beach also offers a secret wild garden of flowers.
Whether you are traveling with your family, friends, or just flying solo to Bali, make sure you visit these locations on your visit to Bali!
Bucket List
- Explore the cave under Uluwatu beach
- Stroll along the Campuhan ridge walk for sunrise
- Go White water rafting on the Ayung River
- Interact with the monkeys and take in the breathtaking views at the Monkey Temple
- Experience traditional Kecak fire dance at sunset in Pura Luhur Uluwatu
- Go beach hopping on the Bukit Peninsula
- Get a free tattoo with your tacos at Deus ex Machina every Tuesday
- Bathe in the holy water at Tirta Empul Water Temple
Bali offers terrific opportunities for animal lovers to get up close and personal with beautiful creatures. Monkey encounters are exciting and fun, and there are multiple places you can go to experience interacting with them. The Sangeh Monkey Forest is not only home to a sacred temple and covered in nutmeg trees, but it is home to hundreds of friendly Balinese monkeys. The Ubud Monkey Forest is similar but more extensive and has a focus on educating visitors about the importance of conservation of natural and cultural resources.
Though Bali offers endless beauty and fun, taking a quick flight to the main island of Java can enrich your experience in Indonesia. There are several temples you can visit, such as Borobudur and Prambanan, to enjoy a piece of Indonesian culture. For the perfect look into Indonesian history, visit the 300-year-old city of Yogyakarta, where the oldest palace, "The Kraton," exists. As the cultural center of the entire country, Jogyakarta offers the sights and sounds of Indonesian art, crafting, and dancing.
Bali is a volcanic island home to two major volcanoes: Mount Batur and Mount Agung. Volcanoes around the world can be distinguished as active, dormant, or extinct based on their activity, and those in Bali are considered active. Volcanoes can also have a significant impact on climate, and Bali experiences this with Mount Agung. This volcano takes water from the clouds as they pass, making one side lush and green while the other is dry. Volcanoes in Bali are considered stratovolcanoes, which are characterized by their conical shape and the type of lava and ash it is made up of.
Family Travel Highlights
- Be pirates for a day at Pirates Bay Bali
- Get wet at Waterbom Bali
- Ride an elephant at Elephant Safari Park
- Swim with the sharks
- Relax at Banjar Hot Springs
- Go snorkeling
- Learn to surf at Rip Curl School of Surf
- Enjoy a Bali Treetop Adventure Park
Bali is part of the "coral triangle," making it a perfect spot to enjoy marine life. For those who aren't comfortable with scuba diving, snorkeling is an excellent way for beginners to experience underwater wildlife. In addition to seeing beautiful reef fish, manta rays, and sea turtles, these ultimate snorkeling spots offer views of shipwrecks and even an underwater temple. These areas of pristine blue seas allow for the perfect view while swimming with the animals.
Photography Hot Spots
As a mountainous island surrounded by vast blue seas, Bali offers many spots to enjoy a beautiful view. Many cliffside viewpoints overlook the sea, such as at Uluwatu Temple or Balangan Hill. These provide a bird’s eye view of gorgeous sunsets and rolling waves. Mountaintop temples such as Lempuyant Temple in eastern Bali overlook many other temples that line the path to the top. For a greener view, the rice terraces of Jatiluwih and Tegallalang offer stunning photo opportunities.
Make sure you visit the following locations for some great photo opps!
- Seminyak Beach
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace
- Ubud
- Tegenungan Waterfall
- Uluwatu Temple
- Pantai Tegal Wangi
- Abandoned Plane at Bypass Ngurah Rai
- Tirta Empul Temple
- Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida
Here are some items that you might want to shop for in Bali, so you can bring home with you.
- “Pohon barang”, wooden crafts
- “Ata” crafts
- Beads crafts
- Batik and Ikat
- Jenggala Keramik
- Aroma oil
- Natural soap
- “Jamu”, traditional medicine
- “Dupa”, incense
Want to start planning your trip now to Bali? Click on the link below and I can help you plan your unique adventure!
Cuisine of Bali
Balinese cuisine commonly consists of rice, meat or fish, vegetables, and spices. Since the island is mostly Hindu, beef is never or rarely consumed. The people of Bali enjoy a cuisine that demonstrates indigenous traditions such as offering pork, duck, and turtle meat in specific religious rituals. Balinese restaurants, including small, family-owned establishments called warungs, specialize in particular foods like crispy duck or mixed rice. Many dishes include the Balinese 8-spice, consisting of white pepper, black pepper, cumin, nutmeg, and more.
Foods To Try
- Sate (Satay) Varieties
- Nasi Jinggo
- Pisang Rai
- Nasi Tepeng
- Laklak
- Rujak Bulung and Rujak Kuah Pindang
- Bakso
- Terang Bulan
- Babi Guling
Beverages
Drinks To Try
- Fresh young coconut
- Tropical fruit juice/shakes
- Teh Tarik
- Bintang
- Coffee