For many visitors, Bali is the ultimate tropical destination with idyllic beaches, lush green forests, and fragrant rice fields that seem to cascade down the hills. Yet there is more to Bali than its natural attractions. The warm hospitality of the people and the rich cultural diversity of this beautiful island of Indonesia greatly add to its exotic appeal. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean in the south and the Bali Sea in the north, Bali is blessed with exquisite beaches, which are perfect to soak up the sun and indulge in water sports during the day or take in the beauty of the setting sun in the evening.

Bali is also a haven for adventure enthusiasts. Take up the challenge of misty treks amidst active volcanoes or snorkel and dive the crystal clear waters of the northern coast from Amed to Pemuteran. Walk through the tranquil valley of Gunung Kawi to see some of Bali’s most ancient monuments or simply laze away the days doing nothing in Lovina without noticing the time slipping away. Often referred to as the ‘Island with the thousand gods’, Bali charms visitors with its mystical temple ceremonies marked with traditional dance and drama that throw light on the Balinese culture and beliefs. Centuries old shrines set amidst the deep dark forests invite you to seek nature’s serenity and experience its healing touch. Rituals and prayers are an integral part of Balinese life and you can witness these during the mesmerizing temple ceremonies that take place throughout the year.

These are some of the most obvious qualities of Bali. A visit to this most friendly island in Indonesia means that you can treat the body and senses to hedonistic massages, indulge your taste buds to a sumptuous cuisine and dance away the hours on starlit beaches. Visit Bali and discover why this small island—you can drive around the entire coast in one day— has such a towering reputation for being one of the world’s most amazing tourist destinations.

Natural Attractions
Bali holds true to its reputation for being the ‘last paradise on earth.’ Resplendent with spectacular natural attractions, wildlife parks, scintillating waterfalls, and beautiful temples, Bali promises adventure both on water and land, immense shopping opportunities, and an exciting nightlife. The warm all-encompassing culture and the gracious people make the stay all the more pleasant.

Gitgit Waterfall: This spectacular waterfall, near Singaraja town, is a major picnic spot in Bali. See the water gush down the 40 meters high Gitgit Waterfall and take a dip in its crystal clear pool.

Banjar Hot Springs: These hot water springs in Banjar are believed to have healing powers. The curative powers may be subject to debate but one thing is for sure – these springs in their beautiful surroundings are sure to rejuvenate and refresh the mind.

Gunung Agung: The trek up the mountain is a must for the adventurous. The climb is challenging but the spectacular views are worth each step you take. You can also opt for a leisurely walk along the woods through the shortest route from Selat or Muncan up to Gunung Agung Mountain. April through October is the best time to take up this challenge.

Wildlife Parks: The Bali Bird Park houses not only birds from Bali and Indonesia but also from far off places such as Latin and South America. Besides, if you are lucky you could spot the Bali Starling, the world’s rarest bird. Then there is the Butterfly Park where you can admire a vast variety of brilliantly colored butterflies fluttering around intricately landscaped gardens. The Rimba Reptile Park is also is well worth a visit.

Temples
The Bali word for temple is pura. Though most temples in Bali are dedicated to Hindu gods, there are many in deference to the spirits that are an integral part of Bali’s religious beliefs. Some of the temples and buildings in Bali date back to the 11th century. The intricate wooden carvings and sculptures are a treat to the senses. Temple celebrations are an integral feature of the Balinese life and are marked with much gaiety, dance and dramas with religion and Bali mythology as the central themes.

Besakih Temple: Also known as the “Mother Temple of Bali”, the Besakih temple is considered to be the holiest of all Hindu temples in Bali. Perched on the lofty slopes of Mount Agung, at a height of 1,000 meters (3,000 feet) the temple has eighteen separate sanctuaries around the three main temples, which are dedicated to the Hindu Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The history of the temple dates back to megalithic times. To admire the scenic surroundings in silence, it is best to visit the temple before 9 am in the morning for after that the tourist buses begin to arrive.

Pura Luhur (Uluwatu) Temple: Located on the south westernmost precinct of Bali, the Pura Luhur Uluwatu is dedicated to the spirits of the sea. This architectural wonder is crafted in black coral rock and stands high on a cliff top at the edge of a plateau, 250 feet above the Indian Ocean. There is a traditional Balinese dance, the Kecak dance which is held every evening.

Tanah Lot Temple: Built in the 16th century, the royal Taman Ayun temple is situated on top of a huge rock and is surrounded by the sea. It is considered to be one of Bali’s most important sea temples. Poisonous sea snakes in the caves at the rocky base are believed to guard the temple against evil spirits.

Accommodation
Bali offers a vast assortment of accommodations. You can choose from family hotels with recreational facilities for children and secluded villas with private pools to low-end guest houses. One common characteristic that binds all lodging facilities is that they all are beautifully landscaped to enable you to experience the best of Bali’s natural attractions. Renting vacation villas is becoming increasingly popular because they allow you to soak up the local flavors in privacy and comfort, away from the usual tourist crowds. Some vacation villas worth checking out include Begawan Giri Estate at Payagan, fronting the Ayung River, Wantilan Golf Villas at Nusa Dua, The Pavilions at Sanur and The Villas at Seminyak.

South Bali is the hotbed of tourism as many popular beach resorts are located here. Areas include Jimbaran, Tuban, Kuta, Legain, Seminyak, Canggu, Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, Sanur, Nusa Dua and Candidasa. Nusa Dua, better known as Bali’s high-end resort, comprises of high end luxury resorts which are blissfully cut away from the realities of everyday life. Another high end option is The Oberoi hotel and resort. In fact the resort is so popular that the entire stretch between the hotel and Seminyak is now known as Oberoi. The biggest tourist attraction in Bali is Kuta, which draws exceptionally large crowds mainly because it promises the most happening nightlife on the island. Here you can find accommodations ranging from top end and midrange to budget.

Dining Options
No other place on earth is as well represented by its cuisine as is Bali. By eating in Bali, you actually imbibe the very essence of the island. The presence of rice in all dishes reflect the island’s fertile landscape and the exotic spices that go in creating these dishes, represent the warmth of the people. Never miss an opportunity to dine at the home of a local. Outside the homes, you can relish traditional Balinese food in the warungs or the open air stalls serving fresh seafood that you can see being prepared in front of you. Popular Bali dishes include lawar (chopped coconut, garlic, chilli along with pork and chicken meat), bebek betutu (duck stuffed with spices, wrapped in banana leaves and coconut husks and cooked in a pit of burnt embers) and babi guling (spit-roast pig) stuffed with chilli, turmeric, garlic and ginger.

Kuta: Whether you are looking for traditional Balinese food or some old favorite, you are sure to find something to suit your taste and budget. The budget travelers can find innumerable options in the local food stalls along Legian Beach and opposite Hard Rock Café in Kuta. Some good budget restaurants in this region include Poppies, one of the oldest restaurants in the area, TJ’s for Mexican food, and Nusa Indah Bar & Restaurant. For a unique dining experience you can visit Joni Sunken Bar and Restaurant where you can enjoy your meal semi-immersed in a swimming pool.

Candidasa: You can find numerous restaurants dotting the main road offering fresh seafood. For dining in quieter surroundings, you can try out the waterfront restaurants. For the budgeted traveler there are plenty of food stalls lining the road leading to the sea. Lotus Seaview, located on the shore of Candidasa, is a great place to savour Asian and international dishes and seafood fresh from the local market. Visit Dewata Agung to feast on typical traditional Indonesian and Balinese cuisine and enjoy the stunning views of the Candidasa lagoon.

Jimbaran: If you are in Jimbaran don’t miss the opportunity to taste the sumptuous sea food on sale in the warungs along the sandy beach near the Bali Inter-Continental Resort. If you are looking for fine dining options, you can try KO Japanese Restaurant or Singaraja restaurant, well-known for good food and excellent service. The Ritz-Carlton’s Padi garden restaurant is best known for its authentic Thai cuisine.

Sanur: You will find distinct German and Scandinavian flavors in the menus in Sanur reflecting the influences of the visitors. You can dine in any of the breezy cafes along the waterfront or eat out at the upper end restaurants and hotels. Café Batu Jimbar, a casual sidewalk café, is a popular destination for meeting people for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Kafe Wayang is an air-conditioned café good for relaxing in an indoor tropical garden setting and enjoying exotic Asian and Mediterranean cuisine. Gateway of India is a must visit for those who love Indian food.

Shopping
Bali is a treasure trove of fine art and handicrafts, paintings, wood and stone carvings and jewelry; it is little wonder then it is considered to be a shopper’s paradise. Shopping in Bali is also about testing your bargaining skills, the more you can bargain, the more you can shop!

Kuta: The main road is lined with a stream of shops where you can find a wide variety of products ranging from clothes and handicrafts to electronics, furniture and leather goods. If haggling is not your style, you can check out the upscale shopping centers such as Kuta Square and Kuta Centre. There are a number of chic boutiques in the north of Legion Street where you can shop for local designer clothes, antiques, furniture and lifestyle goods.

Ubud: The place is a haven for the art aficionados. You can browse through innumerable art galleries within Ubud and its neighboring villages such as Peliatan, Penestanan and Pengosekan, where you will find an ethnic collection of paintings, handicrafts, jewelry and antiques.

Kamasan and Tenganan: Kamasan near Klungkung is famous for traditional Balinese paintings. Tenganan specializes in producing a special cloth called ‘Geringsing’ which is really unique and is a must buy for those who appreciate finer things in life.

Things To Do

Helicopter rides: Enjoy a helicopter ride and gain a bird’s eye view of the mountains, islands, turquoise seas and ancient volcanoes. You can also take in the spectacular sights of Mount Agung, Lake Batur, Lake Bratan, Mount Lempuyang and the famed terraced rice fields.

Trekking: Trekking is an ideal way to gain a first hand experience of the local life of the people for Bali’s roads serve as playgrounds, meeting places, and even work areas for the locals. Besides, there are trekking tours that take you across fragrant rice fields, beaches, mountains, and volcanoes. You are advised to carry a compass, map and a rain gear even if the weatherman predicts sunshine.

Volcano climbing: Volcanic climbing is an exhilarating activity in Bali. All mountains provide for easy accessibility given the large number of tourists that have visited them over the years. Some of the craters are also accessible by motorbikes. Popular destinations include Mt. Batur, Mt. Agung and Mt. Batukau. Avoid climbing during the rainy season and do take a guide along.

Paragliding: You can also paraglide and enjoy the spectacular views of Bali’s coastline. Ride in tandem with an expert instructor and if you want to go out all alone, training is also available.

Golfing: There are three international standard golf courses in Bali for the golf enthusiasts each with its own unique and challenging attributes: Bali Golf & Country Club, Nirwana Bali Golf Club, and Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club.

Beaches in Bali
The beaches in Bali attract sun worshipers and surfers from around the world. From the exquisite palm fringed white sand beaches on the east coast to the wilder black sand beaches on the west coast, the beaches are great for taking in the beautiful surroundings, indulging in water sports by the day and taking in long peaceful walks at night. The popular beach resorts in Bali include Kuta, Legian, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Lovina, and Candidasa.

Sanur Beach: One of Bali’s most scenic beaches, the Sanur beach is within 10 minutes drive from Denpasar, the capital of Bali. From the beach, you can take a canoe and sail along the coast to explore the outlying islands. The Sanur beach is surrounded by coral and is a major attraction for the snorkelers. Facilities for parasailing, surfing, snorkeling, touring on glass-bottom boats, canoeing, jet-skiing, windsurfing, swimming, and sailing are also available.

Kuta Beach: Kuta beach is the most happening beach in Bali and is the venue for an exciting nightlife. Once the sun sets, the youngsters naturally gravitate to the shores to dance away the hours under the starlit sky. During the day you can meet the locals, eat, drink or play a game of volleyball and in the evening watch the stunning sun leave its imprints in the water.

Legian Beach: The Legian beach is for those looking for some peace and quiet. You can rent surfboards, play volleyball, or just relax and take in the scene. Facilities include parasailing, surfing, snorkeling, touring on glass-bottom boats, canoeing, jet-skiing, windsurfing, and sailing. However the undercurrents here are very strong so swimming is not recommended.

Jimbaran Beach: This beach is also relatively secluded and is ideal for whiling away the hours and watching the awe-inspiring sunset in the evening. The dining spots here offer some of the best seafood in the area.

Lovina Beach: The Lovina beach resort is actually a group of scenic coastal villages—Tukad, Mungga, Anturan, Kalibukbuk, Kaliasem and Temukus—to the west of Singaraja. The sand around Lovina is black and volcanic and the reef around assures that the waters are calm and there is no surf. In the evening lights, you can see the fishing boats appear as bright dots against the horizon. The sunset here is spectacular. Dolphin trips in Lovina are an added attraction.

Nusa Dua Beach: Nusa Dua, Bali’s top end beach resort has many five star hotels lining the beachfront. The white sand and shallow waters are ideal for children. The best surfing spots are to the north and south while most diving spots are in the nearby Tanjung Benoa.

Candidasa Beach: Candidasa is a good base for exploring the eastern part of Bali. For the divers, the main attraction is Gili Tepekong, a series of coral heads at the top of a sheer drop off. The Besakih Temple, one of Bali’s greatest cultural attractions is nearby.

Canggu Beach: Canggu, located at about 8 km northwest of Kuta, is a popular surf spot with right and left hand breaks. This relatively quiet beach is perfect for admiring the beautiful beach front and the fragrant rice terrains.

Water Sports
The volcanic, coral reef-fringed coastline of Bali makes it an ideal destination for various water sports activities.

Snorkeling: Snorkelers can take pleasure in the abundant marine-life on the reefs off Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Benoa. Other popular snorkeling destinations in Bali include Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, Padangbai, Candidasa, Tulamben, Amed, and Lovina. The best place for snorkeling is Menjangan Island. Many professional companies offer snorkeling tours. A full day snorkeling tour usually includes equipment, lunch and refreshments, guide, and transfer.

Surfing: Surfing is extremely popular in South Bali. The experienced surfers will find some great coves beneath the cliffs of Ulu Watu. For the beginners the beaches around Kuta-Legian are perfect.

Diving: The best surfing sites can be found in the south western part of Bali while the north eastern side has calm waters filled with fantastic coral reef that is ideal for diving.

Submarine Safaris: Enjoy an underwater adventure aboard the Odyssey Submarine. One of its kind in Southeast Asia, it allows you to observe tropical marine fauna and flora, brightly colored fish, delicate corals and other unusual plant life.

Cruises: You can take a cruising trip to the neighborhood islands, Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Nusa Lembongan is well known for the offshore coral reefs that make it an excellent spot to dive, snorkel and surf. You can also see some of the lesser visited coves and lagoons.

Nightlife and Entertainment
No visit to Bali can be complete without witnessing its mesmerizing dances and feeling its haunting music. Dance and drama are synonymous with Bali culture and no temple ceremony is complete without them. One of the most popular dances of Bali is the kecak, which involves around 100 performers who bring to life the mythological epic Ramayana. Apart from hotels and restaurants such as Canangsari Restaurant in Sanur, Angsa Putih Restaurant in Nusa Dua and Bumbu Bali in Tanjung you can enjoy the dance in the Besakih Temple and other cultural centers in Bali.

Kuta: Nightlife in Bali starts late, usually at around midnight. Discos can be found in most five star hotels and in regions such as Kuta, which is the hub of Bali’s nightlife and is home to many open-air pubs and discos. Check out Tubes Café where you can join the surfers for beer, playing pool and watching videos. Sway to the music and dance away the night in Bounty Restaurant I, considered to be one of the most happening places in Kuta. If you are a music addict, check out the Maccaroni Club. The music here is irresistible and the place jazzes it up every Sunday from 10.30 pm.

Sanur and Nusa Dua: Both these regions offer a myriad of choices for entertainment. Many modern entertainment venues complement traditional village activities and provide the tourists the perfect settings to relax and wind off their day. The Jazz Grille attracts tourists and locals with live bands. There is the Kafe Wayang in the same building that offers live music with a good local band and jam sessions. Janger is the only disco in Sanur. For flashy light shows, check out No 1 Club. The Trophy Club has a pool side table and live music on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings. The sports enthusiasts can visit Bali International Sports Club. The club has sports telecasts from all over the world and is lively and crowded during major sports events. Rumours Nightclub attracts the biggest dance crowd in Sanur.

Candidasa: Candidasa has some lively entertainment and nightlife options to round off a perfect day in Bali. Some restaurants offer free Legong dances most nights. You can watch movies and play darts in the Candi Bagus pub.

Weather
Bali enjoys tropical climate due to its proximity with the equator. The sun rises at 6 AM and sets at 6 PM. The temperature variation is very small. Bali does not have four seasons, there is one wet season from September to February, and a dry season for the rest of the year.

Getting There

By Air: Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) is just south of Kuta. The domestic terminal and international terminal are a few hundred meters apart. International airlines flying to and from Bali include Air Asia, Cathay Pacific Airways, Continental Airlines, Eva Air, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas Airways, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways International. Facilities include a hotel-booking counter, a left-luggage room, several moneychangers, an expensive duty-free shop and many souvenir shops, ATMs and fast-food places.

By sea: You can catch frequent ferries from the neighboring islands of Java and Lombok. Ferries shuttle regularly between the western Balinese port of Gilimanuk and Ketapang in eastern Java. You can also purchase boat/bus combination tickets between Denpasar and Javanese cities. Ferries between the eastern Balinese port of Padangbai and Lembar on the west coast of Lombok depart throughout the day.

Getting Around

By car: You can rent a car from any of the rental agencies on the island. Make sure that the car is insured and also double check its condition. You require an international driving license to drive in Bali.

By motorbike: This is another feasible option to travel around Bali. The prices vary from US$ 7 to US$ 10 per day. Helmet is a must when riding a motorbike in Indonesia.

By bus: Bemo, the public transportation company in Bali runs buses around the city. Buses are cheap but not exactly comfortable.

By Traveler's Digest
January 21, 2010
www.travelersdigest.com

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