Bali Travel Guide: Things to do in Bali
The Indonesian island of Bali is the trending travel destination that offers amazing attractions, delicious cuisine, and great experiences. Bali’s unparalleled natural beauty means there’s a lot to see and do around the island. A trip to Bali is a dream-come-true.
1| Pura Tilta Empul
Tirta Empul temple is located near Tampaksiring town in Bali. It is a Hindu Balinese water temple.
2| Hindu Temple at Uluwatu
The ancient Hindu Temple at Uluwatu in the south of Bali is picturesque and features nightly kecak dance performances.
3| Mount Batur
In the morning, enjoy a sparkling sunrise from the top of Mount Batur after hiking up an easy trail.
4| Snorkeling and Diving in Coral Reefs
Some of the best things to see in Bali are underwater. Snorkeling and diving around the unspoiled coral reefs can be the experience of a lifetime.
5| Canyoning and Water Rafting
Canyoning and white-water rafting are two activities that get the adrenaline pumping.
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6| Visit a Rice Field
Rice fields are everywhere in Bali and the views are spectacular. You will enjoy a day in the fields, watching farmers and immersing yourself in the culture of Bali.
7| Visit Natural Hot Springs
Visit one of Bali’s natural hot springs if you want the ultimate relaxation.
8| Surfing and Relaxing at the Beach
Another popular activity in Bali is surfing, and there are beaches suitable for every skill level. Kuta and Legian are excellent beaches for beginners. Padang is another spectacular beach.
Surfing at remote beaches is not recommended as they can have hidden sharp coral reefs offshore.
Accommodation in Bali
There is ample accommodation in Bali, from a traditional home-stay to more upscale resorts and hotels such as the Grand Hyatt Bali.
There are also numerous restful and beautiful villas to stay in around Bali suitable for a romantic getaway, such as villas in Canggu.
Home-stays can be a great way to get immersed in the authentic daily life of Bali, but it can also be nice to unwind in luxury.
Transportation around Bali
Methods for touring different places in Bali include a jeep, motorbike, and scooter. You can also take cycling tours.
Shopping in Bali
In terms of shopping, visitors to Bali are in for a treat. Pura Vida in Seminyak has a lot of colorful dresses and outfits with reasonable prices and styles that appeal to many women.
For some exotic local looks mixed with high fashion, stop by Tina Shop in Legian. Locally-manufactured clothes and jewelry will impress you with their unique, colorful designs.
Also, stop by Drifter’s Surf Shop and Café in Seminyak. Here you’ll find the best brands and surfing gear as well as nice outfits and accessories. The adjoined Café is also a top spot to hang out.
Traditional Food & Restaurants
Traditional Food to Eat in Bali
Authentic Balinese dishes include:
1| Nasi goring (fried rice with kecap manis soy sauce seasoning, vegetables and meat).
2| Babi guling (traditionally-spit roasted pork).
3| Ayam betutu (steamed or roasted chicken or duck in a spicy betutu sauce).
Restaurants Serving Traditional Food
Some great choices for finding the best traditional food on Bali are:
1| Gabah Restaurant and Bar in Kuta
Gabah’s Royal Kingdom menu includes the best of traditional dishes from all the regions of Bali and the traditional dining experience includes music and dance. Prices range from $7 to $15 USD.
2| Warung Classic Restaurant in the village of Munduk
Warung has excellent spring rolls and nasi campur (white rice along with meat, vegetables, peanuts, eggs and fried shrimp). The restaurant also has stunning views of the mountains and the sea. Prices vary between $3 to $8 USD.
Warung also offers cooking classes so you can learn to make traditional dishes yourself.
3| Kampoeng Bali in Jimbaran
Kampoeng Bali at Jimbaran is a culinary journey through a Balinese village, market and multi-station buffet where chefs cook up traditional meals like barbecued prawns and suckling pigs (babi guling).
An adult buffet and entertainment pass is 44 (22 for children) USD. Kampoeng is also part of the Rimba Resort by Ayana – a great option for accommodations.
Temperature / Weather in Bali
Bali has a warm, tropical climate and its weather can basically be divided into the dry season from May to September and rainy season between October and April. The busiest tourist season in Bali is July and August, as well as during Christmas and New Year.
The best time to visit is April to June or September, as this bypasses the busiest season but still includes nice dry weather. There are also often lower prices for accommodation and extra promotions and sales in shops during these off-peak times.
Other Useful Information
Currency / Money
Bali uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR, often abbreviated as RP). One US dollar is worth about 13,300 IDR (March 2017).
Religion
Hinduism is the main religion in Bali, but Kawi and Sanskrit are also commonly used by Hindu priests.
Language
The main language spoken in Bali is Indonesian, but many people also speak Balinese. English is the third most spoken language on the island, and is particularly common in tourist areas.
About the author: Made Sugita is the proud owner of Taman Baru Bali, which consists of Villa Umah Wa Ke and Villa Nangka. Two luxury villas located in the Greater Canggu region of Bali Indonesia.
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