Bali ranks highly among locations that have mystical qualities. There are the astounding temples, which number in the tens of thousands, and the almost daily rites, which are loud, colorful, multi-sensory, and accompanied by chanting and clanging gamelan. Continous beaches trimmed in blue surf that pulse with persistently curving waves and dancing surfers are also shown.
There are miles and miles of lush rice paddies that have been so meticulously terraced that they have become famous. In addition, there are lush, emerald jungles home to waterfalls and monkeys. There are countless (and frequently very affordable) lovely, extremely Instagrammable private villas and hotels that meet your goals. On the so-called "Island of Gods," abundant flower-filled offerings known as canang sari are blessed and scattered everyday.
Bali exudes an aura that attracts woo-woo wellness enthusiasts, design aficionados, and partying Gen Zers in equal measure, as well as pumped surfers, spiritual pilgrims, yoga practitioners, beach lovers, and a ton of celebrities and influencers. The charm persists despite the nearly continual rush hour on streets choked with residents on motorbikes and air-conditioned cars packed with tourists.
The Balinese are fiercely committed to Hinduism, in contrast to the bulk of Indonesia, which is primarily Muslim. It is impossible for tourists to avoid feeling an intrinsic reverence for nature. You can anticipate spending more time outside and breathing in fresh air than you ever imagined. The atmosphere is dominated by blue skies, sea breezes, and coconut palms, with lots of color provided by bougainvillea and frangipani blooms.
Don't stress about choosing just one vibe or scene; it's preferable to combine a couple, two if you're short on time, for the most full and exciting Bali vacations. There is no need to rush through yoga classes, Balinese massages, temple tours, and tastings. Enjoy island time and the incredibly kind, charming, and sincere islanders. All things considered, it's practically difficult to leave Bali feeling significantly better than when you arrived—happier, healthier, and unquestionably more tanned.
Time Zone Bali
WITA (Indonesia Central Time Zone) GMT + 8:00
Best Time to visit Bali
Bali experiences its busiest times throughout the American summer vacation and holiday season, while its low season is between the wet months of November and March. Ramadan has little of an impact on tourism in Bali because it is primarily Hindu, unlike the rest of Indonesia. The biggest vacation of the year is Nyepi, which is marked by fantastical parades of men and boys pulling enormous handmade demon dolls, or ogoh-ogoh, the night before a 24-hour silent day during which it is forbidden to use electricity or drive a car.
Tourists are required to remain on the premises of their lodgings at that time, but it's a wonderful chance to learn about Balinese culture and enjoy some amazing stargazing. From May to October, Bali's west coast offers the best waves for surfers; after that, as the winds change, the eastern coast offers better conditions.
Public Transportation Bali
In the Western sense, Bali lacks a public transportation system (there are a few buses, but they are neither dependable or recommended). The predominant means of transportation is instead the ubiquitous motorbike, which can be seen on every street and occasionally on the sidewalk. There are several taxis available for hiring if the thought of riding one worries you (and it should a little, the experience is certainly not for the timid).
There are also many private cars available with friendly Balinese guys who will be happy to take you around the island. Many of these drivers also serve as impromptu tour guides. There are also rental cars available.
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Things to Do in Bali
Go for a Hiking Tour Bali
Tegallalang, the immaculate and incredibly attractive rice terraces winding around hillsides and watered by the subak system, has undisputed iconic status and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Even if that popular destination is great, wandering through the common emerald paddies, which many Ubud hotels and tour operators provide while escorted by local guides, is a more personal way to explore them.
Visit Waterfalls
There are a startling number of thundering waterfalls tucked away off winding roads and down apparently never-ending steps in addition to the jewel-toned Indian Ocean that encircles Bali. Adventurers can hike to falls with names like Sekumpul, Tegenungan, and Nungnung deep in the bush to cool off and snap the obligatory selfies (you won't be the only one there, I'm sure).
Visit a Spa
As well-known for its yoga and Hindu temples as it is, Bali is also well-known for its distinctive kind of powerful, slick, coconut oil-infused massage, which is almost everywhere and costs as little as $8 per hour. People travel from all over the world to visit the mystifying healers who contribute to the area's reputation as a wellness hotspot, such as the intuitive blind healer Ibu Ketut Mursi of Mandapa Resort. They also unwind with flower-filled baths and extravagant treatments at both locally owned spas and wellness-oriented luxury resorts like Amankila and Six Senses Uluwatu.
Take a Yoga Class
Yoga studios and movement centers abound in Ubud, which is known for its high vibe, healthy (read: plant-based), and spiritual vibes. At The Yoga Barn, a hub of yin, vinyasa, hatha, and kundalini as well as meditation, sound healing, and ecstatic dance, practitioners can find more than 100 courses each week. Another well-liked resource for DIY health retreaters is Radiantly Alive.
Ride the big Waves
Bali's reputation as a surf destination is well-deserved because of its wide variety of waves, including both intermediate and beginner-level breaks like Baby Padang at Padang Padang Beach or Batu Bolong in Canggu. Professional-grade waves can be seen rolling in like corduroy in Keramas or Uluwatu, where Kelly Slater surfs. All around the island, there are top-notch surf schools and instructors.
Book a Cooking Class
A cooking lesson is the best way to discover the distinctive flavors and tales behind Balinese cuisine, which is a lot more than the nasi goreng (fried rice) on every warung menu. The Jala Cooking Academy at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay delivers exceptional experiences led by the amiable chef Kristya Yudha. She guides students through Jimbaran's renowned fish market before teaching them to prepare menus of Javanese, Sumatran, or Sulawesian dishes or Balinese specialties.
Visit Temples in Bali - Must do at your Travel Guide Bali
Many of Bali's tens of thousands of Hindu temples are worth seeing for a dose of astonishingly beautiful architecture and mystic atmosphere since they are the source of the island's transcendent allure. Some of the most well-known on the island are Pura Tirta Empul (pura means "temple"), where you can immerse and bless yourself in holy spring waters gushing from carved stone; Pura Besakih, the largest and holiest among them all; and Pura Luhur Uluwatu, the clifftop sea temple where tourists are drawn for flashy but real kecak (fire) dances every sunset.
Neighborhoods to Know in Bali
Ubud
Ubud, which is pronounced "oo-bood," has essentially been the standard definition of Bali among visitors ever since Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat Pray Love" book brought it to public attention. Ironic considering that the island is well-known for its beaches and yet the closest one is 30 minutes away by motorbike from this bustling, sprawling town full of yoga studios, vegan cafés, stores, spas, and marketplaces. Although it's perhaps the most well-known destination in Bali, it serves as a fantastic starting place for trips to temples, treks (Mt. Batur is beautiful at sunrise), encounters with healers, coffee (kopi) tastings, and serious cultural immersion.
Seminyak
This is without a doubt the busiest and most well-known beach area in all of Bali. Along its bustling, packed streets, there are virtually many places to dine, buy, and drink, not to mention hundreds of opulent homes and numerous five-star hotels. Beach clubs like Potato Head and Ku De Ta are popular day and night, proving that partying isn't limited to late-night hours.
Uluwatu
If you surf, you've probably heard of Uluwatu; if not, the name probably won't come to mind right away. The southwesternmost tip of Bali is famous for Pura Uluwatu, a clifftop Hindu temple where monkeys stir trouble while tourists in sarongs soak in panoramic sunsets, in addition to its epic waves. In comparison to Canggu, Uluwatu and the nearby surf towns of Padang Padang and Bingin are more low-key, with more strikingly stunning beaches (most of which require a good number of steps to access), and a relaxed yet opulent restaurant and cafe scene.
Canggu
Consider Canggu as the more modern Seminyak; it is extremely trendy and has had a recent building boom that has brought this seaside beach resort a ton of fashionable tiny boutiques. Additionally, there are a ton of restaurants and pubs run by chefs from all over the world, who contribute not just diverse flavors but also aesthetics. Additionally, there is a sizable nighttime scene, with DJs spinning at least occasionally.
Nusa Lembongan
Although legally a part of Bali (together with the even smaller Nusa Ceningan and the larger but less developed Nusa Penida), this tiny island off the southeast coast is about 20 years behind in terms of development, which puts it a little closer to the fabled Bali of old. The fast boat from Sanur or Serangan takes about 30 minutes, and there are already plenty of Instagrammable hotels and restaurants here, so if you're keen for some scuba diving, snorkeling, or more surf, it makes for a fun few-day side trip.
Nusa Dua
This town is located on the eastern side of Bali's Bukit Peninsula, the southernmost point, and is home to a number of opulent hotels and resorts that have cropped up during the past several decades. There are numerous gorgeous beaches with vast stretches that don't necessitate descending cliff faces, as well as some excellent surfing.
Weather in Bali
Bali, which is located just above the equator, doesn't have four distinct seasons like we have. There are just two, dry and wet. There can be nice days during that humid time, from November to March, although it can rain a lot. Even while nights can feel very cool, April to October tends to be much drier and equally hot. All year long, daytime highs around 20 - 26 degrees celsius are typical. (Also, ignore the weather app on your Phone; it frequently predicts rain in Bali when it doesn't.)