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Visit Bali

A Tropical Paradise

Bali, a world-famous island, is the most popular destination in Indonesia. This is thanks to not only its amazing beaches which are huge tourist-magnets, but also its lush landscapes, rich culture and the spirituality that surrounds it.

Bali has a large Hindu population – it is the only part of Indonesia that is mostly Hindu – and you can see this fact wherever you look on the island. The official language is Indonesian and you’ll also hear a lot of Balinese, but you’ll be able to get away with English, so don’t worry.

Above all, Bali is a great choice if you want to experience Southeast Asia and all its interesting tastes. So, if this is your first time on this wonderful island, here’s a travel guide to get you prepared.

The Basics

Bali, Indonesia. Photo by Harry Kessell on Unsplash

Bali, Indonesia. Photo by Harry Kessell on Unsplash

Here are some tips to help you get started planning your dream vacation to Bali.

What is the Best Time to Visit Bali, Indonesia?

Located close to the equator, Bali has a pleasant tropical climate with the average temperature of 30 °C (86 °F) all year round. However, keep in mind that the monsoon season is in place from October to April, which means rainfalls can be unpredictable – during this time, Bali becomes less crowded with tourists. So, the best time to visit is certainly from May to July, when the humidity is relatively low, and the sun is shining.

Choosing the Location in Bali

Depending on what kind of holiday you’re looking for, you might choose your destination in a different part of the island.

Resort on Bali, Indonesia.

Resort on Bali, Indonesia.

You can expect the biggest crowds in the south, of course, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a quieter, more secluded vacation in Bali. The north and west coasts (with places such as the beautiful Lovina and Singaraja or the amazing island of Nusa Lembongan), as well as the central mountains, are more fit for such a holiday, so research your options based on your needs.

What Kind of Money is Used in Bali?

The official currency used on Bali is Indonesian rupiah. It’s best if you carry cash, which you can withdraw from ATMs. While it is true that prices keep rising as more and more people discover Bali, it still remains a fairly affordable destination compared to other places if you don’t want to break the bank. Just be careful not to get ripped off by street vendors.

Selecting Your Accommodations

Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash

Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash

Depending on your budget and needs, you can go for anything from budget accommodation all the way to luxurious villas that are abundant, especially on the south coast. If you’d like proper air conditioning and hot water in the shower, you might want to think at least in the mid-range of hotels. If you want to go all out, you can rent one of the Bali villas that include everything from a breathtaking view and private pools to a staff that will put breakfast on your table.

Things to See and Do on Bali

The list of things you must see in Bali is extensive, so make your vacation an active one and try to discover as many amazing places as you can!

Visit a Temple

Temple on Bali. Photo from Pixabay used with a CC0 license.

Temple on Bali.

Bali has about 20,000 temples scattered all over the island, some of the most spectacular ones being Tanah Lot, Uluwatu and Ulun Danu Temples. Tanah Lot Temple, in the middle of the crashing waves, is dedicated to the guardian spirit of the sea. Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliff, is believed to be one of Bali’s “spiritual pillars”, and Ulun Danu is dedicated to the goddess of the lake Baratan it is built upon. Each Bali temple has its own background and story, so make sure you learn about it while visiting. Also, don’t forget to pack a sarong and a sash which you will need to enter the temples.

Do Yoga

Bali is the dream destination of many yogis, which is why taking a yoga class here is an experience you shouldn’t miss out on. Its spirituality makes it the perfect place to reach a mindful, wholesome state, regardless of whether you are practicing on the beach, in the soothing greenery of a forest or in the Yoga Barn retreat. Check out available yoga classes and grab a mat yourself!

Take on the Beach

Relaxing at the beach in Bali. Image reused from Pixabay with a CC0 license.

Relaxing at the beach in Bali.

Take a day or two to relax on some of the best beaches of the island such as Candidasa or Uluwatu. Bali waves are also perfect for surfing, so you can also pick up a board and ride the waves on Legian or Canggu Beach, or engage in other water sports on Tanjung Benoa Beach. Finally, if you’d rather try some other kind of blood-pumping action in the water, take a trip to Waterbom waterpark located in Kuta, which is especially a must if you’re traveling with kids.

See the Rice Terraces

Bali, Indonesia, rice terraces. Reused from Pixabay with a CC0 license.

Bali, Indonesia, rice terraces.

In the center of the island, north of Ubud, Tegalalang is an often-visited location famous for its rice terraces that paint the landscape vivid green, showcasing this ancient irrigation system. If you want to go even deeper, you can also visit Jatiluwih, northwest from Ubud, which gives an equally, if not more serene and scenic view.

More Things to do on Bali!

Monkeys in Bali.

Monkeys in Bali.

There are so many more things you can do in Bali – go on a safari, see beautiful waterfalls in the middle of the jungle, get acquainted with the monkeys that inhabit the island; it’s up to you what you decide to do. Just be well-prepared and you will have a trip of a lifetime.

 

About the Author

This post was written by Nina Simons, an Australian based blogger, yoga aficionado and a travel enthusiast with a distinctive taste for home decor. She’s passionate about learning new things and sharing meaningful ideas. To see what she’s up to, find her at twitter on the Web.

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About the Photo

The photo in the header above was taken in Bali, Indonesia, at sunset.

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