Travel Guide to Bali

The Indonesian island known as Bali offers the most majestic times for tourists. The place has been the most majestic architectural creative monuments and temples that have known to exist many years ago. Spend your time exploring this incredible spot that lets you witness incredible opportunities.

Language: Indonesian, Balinese and English.

Currency: Indonesian Rupiah. 

Plugs: The plugs in Bali are type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz.

Safety: Bali is one of the safest destinations for solo travellers especially female travellers willing to explore.

Best time to visit Bali: May to October, humidity levels are low and there is no rainfall.

Places to Visit in Bali

Pura Tanah Lot

One of the most iconic temples of Bali, Pura Tanah Lot lies just 20 kilometres northwest of Kuta. The temple has been built on top of an islet that with its crashing waves make for the aptest view. For the people of Bali or the Balinese people consider it as one of the most sacred island sea temples. Almost every evening a large crowd of visitors come here to witness the beautiful sun setting in the background of the temple. The Pura Tanah Lot temple was built at the beginning of the sixteenth century. Many followers of the temple believe that it has been inspired by a priest named Nirartha. He asked the local fishermen to build a temple here after he slept the night on the rock outcrop. Sadly foreigners are not allowed inside the temples. But, they can choose to walk across the main temple when the tide is low. Don’t forget to try the famous Kopi luwak coffee that is served in the nearby cafes and restaurants.

Ubud Monkey Forest

A little ahead of the Ubud in Bali lies the famous Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is also known as the Monkey Forest. One of the best places to explore the wildlife, the sanctuary has been the entertainment spot of Bali for a long time. The sanctuary inhabits seven hundred kinds of Balinese long-tailed monkeys that freely live in a vibrant jungle arena. The long pathways have been bordered by tall banyan trees, nutmeg trees and 184 other kinds of trees. The arena inside has statues that have been covered with green moss and three famous Hindu temples. You can choose to take long walks inside the sanctuary or feed the monkeys some bananas. While touring inside make sure to take care of your belongings. 

Mount Batur

With a great height of 5,600 feet, Mount Batur is visited by a huge number of trekkers. It is the perfect spot for nature lovers as it offers the views of the sun rising from the mountains and the majestic lake Batur nestled nearby. Mount Batur is also known as Gunung Batur in the local language. The mountain is also an active volcano whose last explosion occurred in the year 2000. In 2012 the collapsed top at the top of the mountain known as Mount Batur Caldera was announced by UNESCO as part of the Global Geoparks Network. It was an initiative of the authorities to preserve the planet’s geological heritage.  

Nusa Penida

Out of three Nusa Islands (Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan), the Nusa Penida is regarded for being the most exotic and serene out of them all. It is located on the offshore side of the Klungkung district. During the summer season of Bali, the shores are relatively drier. Hence if you wish to snorkel, scuba dive or surf on the sea waters then you should plan your holiday during these months. Despite offering great conditions for adventure water sports many people choose to opt-out of visiting the island. Due to which the island is largely unexplored by tourists. The island houses two of the most popular beaches of Bali, the Atuh and Nusa Penida beach. Nusa Penida also has a numerous number of stunning Hindu temples for you to explore. 

Nusa Lembongan

The Nusa Lembongan island out of the other three Nusa islands of Bali is one of the most popular tourist spots to visit. The island is located on the southwestern coast of the Dream beach that is accessible by a speed boat ride. The beach is pristinely known for its white sand and a coastline that stretches up to 115 metres. The area offers magnificent views of the low lying cliffs from the top that can be viewed from any relaxing spot. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby where you can have a drink or a meal with your friends. The island is largely known for its rocky cliffs, marine animals and beaches. Apart from Dream Beach, the other two popular attractions include the Mushroom Bay and the Devil’s Tears. The neighbouring island, Nusa Ceningan, lies above on a  bridge from Nusa Lembongan, with a beautiful blue lagoon.

Uluwatu Temple

The Uluwatu Temple or the Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple sits seventy meters on top of a cliff that gives a magnificent and calming view of the waters of the Indian Ocean crashing into the rocky terrain. The temple is regarded among the top six spiritual temples of Bali. The Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of the top temples of Bali where,  if one is not willing to go inside the parameters can still sit nearby and enjoy the wonderful views. There is an amphitheatre nearby that conducts Kecak dance performances daily. The temple has been embossed with Balinese architecture, traditionally designed gateway and ancient sculptures that mark the phenomenal beauty of the temple. The ‘Ulu’ here signifies the top of the temple and the ‘wati’ is stone or rock in Balinese. The Uluwatu temple was built around the tenth century. 

Tegallalang and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Well if you love grabbing snaps of the beauty of places around the world then Bali’s beautiful rice fields called the Tegallalang or Jatiluwih rice terraces are purely perfect. To travel up to here you will have to drive for thirty minutes north of Ubud. The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are one of the most photographic landscapes to witness. Many locals ask for some amount of donations along the trail of the rice fields. People also request for a small fee for entrance and parking. A perfect way for you to enjoy here is to sit at the nearby restaurants or cafes and enjoy a fulfilling meal with a view. 

The Jatiluwih rice terraces are a ninety-minute drive away from Ubud. The fields stretch up to  600 hectares of rice fields that are located alongside the hills of Batukaru mountain range. These padded fields are a little less crowded than the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. So if you are willing to enjoy your time around at a not so crowded area then you should drop by the Jatiluwih rice terraces. Both of these locations use the traditional water management cooperative called subak. It is a UNESCO-recognized irrigation system that dates to the 9th century.

Kuta Beach

The Kuta beach is adjudged as one of the most iconic tourist spots of Bali. The beach lies just a couple of minutes away from Bali airport. The beach has pristine golden sands and blue waters that offer the perfect waves for you to surf. It has the perfect days that offer scenic sunsets to gaze at. The Kuta beach also has the most vibrant nightlife that one can choose to enjoy when visiting the Kuta beach. You can also enrol yourself for some surf lessons or rent a boogie board, sun loungers, and umbrellas directly from the renter shops. The place caters to different kinds of travellers that are adding tons of popularity to the beach. 

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

The seventeenth-century Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is located on a small island on the western shore of Lake Bratan. Regarded as one of the most picturesque temple complexes of Bali, the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is set next to the waters of the Gunung Bratan. The reflection of the temples in the clear waters is magnificent to witness. Lake Bratan is one of the Indonesian islands main sources of irrigation and drinking water. The temple complex is dedicated to Dewi Danu who is preached as the goddess of the sea and lakes. The greatest feature about the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is the unique Budha statue that is located on the left side of the entrance to the first courtyard. It has figures of Lord Buddha in his meditation lotus position on square bases. The stupa also reflects the adoption of beliefs of Lord Buddha interpreted by Balinese Hindus. The perfect time to visit the temple is in the morning when everything is fresh and dewy. The Bali Botanic Garden and the Bali Treetop Adventure Park are also great tourist spots to enjoy nearby.

Ubud Art Market

One of the most popular markets of Bali, the Ubud art market is one of the most ideal places to buy some great stuff to take back home. Located right opposite the Puri Saren Royal Palace, Ubud Art Market sells authentic Bali stuffs like ikat woven skirts, woodcarvings, oil lamps, brass statuettes and much more. The quality and variety of products sold in the market are said to be extremely great. The market does not only cater to various foreigners but also locals of Bali who love visiting here to buy stuff for themselves. The Ubud Art Market is also known as the Pasar Seni Ubud. The market has a vibrant vibe throughout the year. It runs through the narrow lanes, various sellers selling colourful and bright merchandise. This market is famous because it spreads a vibe different from mall and shopping complexes around. The products that are sold in the Ubud market have been made by artisans residing in the villages of Tegallalang, Pengosekan, Peliatan and Payangan. 

Reasons to visit in Bali

1. Bali comprises one of the most stunning beaches in the Indonesian country. Each beach has been regarded for its unique charm that consists of white sand, limestone cliffs, blue waters that allow people to let their adventurer self out and go surf, paddle or swim.
2. Bali is not only famous for its beaches but also for its unique cultural traditions that people are known to practice even today. Every year numerous celebrations are held, many of which can be seen by many locals and foreigners. Some of the famous festivals include the Omed-Omedan kissing festival, monster parade, day of silence and many more. The tourists can enjoy the rich amalgamation of Bali by witnessing their dances, music and architecture.
3. Majority of the Balinese people are Hindus that preach their gods in the most holiest ways. Temples of Bali attract a large crowd because tourists wish to get great insights on culture traditions and architecture.
4. Bali is the perfect stop for you to let your adventurous side out. Go surfing out in the waters by renting a surfboard. You can choose to get some lessons for learning to ride the waves. Jump from the cliffs and slide down a natural waterslide at the Aling-Aling Waterfall, or enjoy some fun activities at the Waterbom.  
5. Bali has been mostly under the limelight for its beaches and temples. But what people forget to appreciate it includes the mountains, lush greenery, blue water lakes, streaming waterfalls, rice fields, flower gardens, rivers and canyons.
6. Bali has one of the prettiest accommodation facilities to stay during the holidays. You can choose from lavish resorts, cheap hostels and private Vilas who give you luxury swimming and infinity pools to dip into.
7. Traditional meals of Bali can be enjoyed either while enjoying some street food or fine dining. Many international chefs come to Bali to learn authentic Indonesian dishes which they further present in their restaurants. Bali also offers restaurants with international delicacies such as American, Mexican, Greek, Chinese, French, Indian. Many restaurants also serve organic, vegan and raw food.
8. The people of Bali are known to be one of the friendliest people. If you are lost somewhere or confused then a local with their friendliness will be quick to help you out.

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