Among magical destinations, Bali, Indonesia, is undoubtedly up there. It offers thousands of awe-inspiring temples and almost-daily ceremonies that are multi-sensory, vivid, and loud in the exciting atmosphere of gamelan.
In addition, endless beaches decorated with aquamarine surf and curling waves on top of which dancing surfers give a spectacular performance. Far from the beach, lush rice paddies extend miles and miles. They have become well-known for terraced rice fields.
Far from iconic terraced rice fields, emerald jungles are home to monkeys and waterfalls. And highly instagrammable, cozy hotels and villas are available and affordable everywhere. Muslims are predominantly the majority of Indonesia. The Balinese worship Hinduism. “Bali travel guide for your visit” provides you with step-by-step preparation.
Time Zone
WITA (Indonesia Central Time Zone) GMT + 8:00
Best Time to Go
The busiest season in Bali is America’s festivals and summer holidays, while the rainy months between November and March are the low season. Ramadan doesn’t impact tourism because Bali is under the influence of Hinduism. The main holiday is Nyepi, which draws the participation of boys and men hauling ogoh-ogoh the day before a 24-hour silent day.
Even the airport falls silent; even airplanes don’t land or take off on a quiet day. There is no use of electricity and vehicles. For a tourist, you have to stay at your place of accommodation. Don’t think that it’s a dull day. In return, you have a chance to learn about Balinese culture and epic stargazing as well.
Things to Know
The Indonesian currency is Rupiah (IDR). One U.S dollar is equal to around 14,000 IDR. To get the exact amount of money, you can check out the current exchange rate. Some speak Bahasa Indonesia, while others express themselves in Balinese.
Some phrases help you get lots of credit from the Balinese if you attempt:
- Good morning: Selamat pagi
- Please: Silakan
- Thank you: Terima kasih
- Delicious: Enak
- You're welcome: Sama-sama
- Where is the toilet: Di mana toilet?
- Tourist or foreigner: Bule (pronounced bulay)
- The country code: +62
- The capital city: Denpasar
How to Get Around
Bali doesn’t provide a transit system: there are not many buses. According to the “Bali travel guide for your visit”, you shouldn’t trust any kind of this transportation. Instead, you will have the ubiquitous motorbikes, and every so often, sidewalks are the mode of transportation.
Also, you can find lots of taxis and private cars for rent, which ferry you wherever around the island you wish.
Best Hotels
“Bali travel guide for your visit” provides some accommodations as follow:
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
Address: Jl. Raya Sayan, Sayan, Ubud
Phone: +62 361 977 577
To arrive at standalone villas with a private pool, you will cross a dramatic bridge that leads to a large rice bowl of a spectacular lotus pond. Also, you will enjoy cycling, river rafting, and other cultural tours.
Capella Ubud
Address: Jl. Raya Dalem, Keliki, Tegallalang
Phone: +62 361 209 1888
Capella Ubud resort is out of the ordinary. In the center of ever-green forests, the fantastic camp stands in harmony with the natural environment. A group of European opportunity seekers settled in Capella Ubud from the 1800s. Bill Bebsley is an architect of Capell Ubud. The building of Capella Ubud represents a tribute to the spirit of adventure.
Katamama Suites at Desa Potato Head
Address: J. Petitenget No.51B, Seminyak
Phone: +62 361 302 9999
Sitting in Seminyak, Katamama Suites at Desa Potato Head offers a fitness center and outdoor pool. Free private parking and free WiFi through the property are available. Furthermore, you will have a seating area, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV.
Best Restaurants
Kaum
Address: Jl. Petitenget No.51B, Seminyak
Phone: +62 361 473 7979
The name means a tribe in Bahasa Indonesia. The concept of Kaum is a deep exploration into Indonesia’s diverse archipelago. You have a chance to walk through rich regional dishes of specialty ingredients sourced locally.
Zest
Address: Jl. Penestanan Kelod No.8, Ubud
Phone: +62 823 4006 5048
Zest is empowering Bali through gastronomy. You will savor delicious, simple combinations of the plant-based menu and locally grown food in this mecca for food. You need to explore the Balinese heritage of shoots, roots, and fruits.
Hujan
Address: Jl. Sri Wedari No.5, Ubud
Phone: +62 813 3972 0306
Tucked away among Ubud’s busy, noisy streets, this place is a basic cafe and dining restaurant blend. Sitting near an open window, you sip vibrant cocktails and have a view of a Balinese neighborhood. Also, you will take an impressive survey of specialties from dozens of islands.
Things to Do
Take a cooking class.
Address: Jala Cooking Academy at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
Phone: +62 361 701 010
A cooking class teaches about the signature flavors and the stories behind dishes rather than how to cook. Lessons aren’t challenging to understand. Jala Cooking Academy at the Four Seasons Resort Bali gives you exceptional experiences. You will explore Jimbaran’s fish market before learning Balinese specialties or menus of Sumatran and Javanese.
Ride a bike through rice fields
It’s an opportunity for you to ride a bike across photogenic terraced rice fields irrigated by the water management system, which UNESCO recognizes as a tourist destination. You’ll curve around hillsides among emerald paddies. Additionally, many hotels offer a tour guide.
Try surfing
Surfing in Bali is like no other. Bali is proud of the international acclaim on professional-level waves and beginner-grade breaks. Besides, you can find striking surf camps and trainers across the island interested in practicing surfing.
Visit Hindu temples
Like Kyoto, Bali inherits thousands of Hindu temples and shrines. There is a dose of stunning decorative architecture and holy ambiance. For instance, Pura Tirta Empul (Pura means “temple”) is where you will bathe and bless in sacred waters.
Crystalline waterfalls
The Indian Ocean surrounding Bale isn’t the only destination to swim in crystalline water. There’s an impressive number of waters tucked away off narrow streets. Deep into the jungle, you can trek to falls like Nungnung, Sekumpul, and Tegenungan to cool off.
Take a yoga class
Address: Jl. Hanoman, Pengosekan, Ubud
Phone: +62 361 971 236
There are over 100 classes for your choice, including meditation, ecstatic dance, and sound healing.
Book massages, body treatments, and healers
Bali is also famous for coconut oil massage at the price of eight bucks per hour. It’s a chance for you to meet an enigmatic healer such as Ibu Ketut Mursi, an intuitive blind healer.
Best Shopping
Gaya Ceramic
Address: Jl. Raya Sayan No.105, Sayan
Phone: +62 361 976 220
It’s a design studio founded by an Italian couple. They moved to Bali from Italy in 2001 to found Gaya Ceramic & Design and started the ceramic collections. They employed an ultra-skilled group of 100 Balinese craftsmen and women. You’ll find glamorous dishes which represent inspiration, intuition, craft, and love.
John Hardy Boutique & Gallery at Seminyak
Address: Jl. Raya Petitenget, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara
Phone: +62 361 9344 244
An engaging boutique pays homage to the Balinese heritage in community and artisanship. The traditional architecture showcases a hand-carved wall, describing mythology, rural life, and local artifacts. You can join workshops, events, and exhibitions, while you savor contemporary and traditional food and drink.
Furthermore, it’s a chance to discover iconic artisan jewelry at John Hardy Seminyak.
Canaan x Rou
Address: Jl. Drupadi 1 No.11B, Seminyak
The little shop showcases a selection of collaborative goods made by artisans. Lovely presents for your loved ones and buddies include brass cutlery, signature candles, artisanal fans, and a plant-dyed clothing collection.
Magali Pascal
Address: Pantai Batu Bolong No.84A, Canggu
Phone: +62 813 3763 2491
There are many Magali Pascal shops across the island. The Canggu Boutique sells exquisite, earthy, graceful womenswear. The eponymous label started its business in 2005 and married a French sensibility with a long-lasting cool-girl palette perfection for island holidays.
Weather
Located above the equator, Bali doesn’t have four seasons. Instead, it has two seasons: rainy and dry ones. The rainy season falls from November to March. April to October is more likely to be dehydrated and hot enough, but nights feel pretty cool.
Daytime temperatures remain in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit all year round. “Bali travel guide for your visit” recommends you ignore the weather app; it forecasts rain daily in Bali and is often wrong.
Apps to Download
WhatsApp Messenger: The primary mode of communication.
GoJek: Motorbike transportation plus delivery service.
Grab: motorbikes, taxi services, and food delivery.
Google Translate: English-to-Bahasa-Indonesia translation.
MSW Surf Forecast: Tides, surf, and swell predictions.
As awe-inspiring destinations go, Bali shines uniquely in terms of tourism. Although there are numerous tropical destinations, millions of tourists every year can’t resist the attraction of their favorite island. Apart from magical temples and stunning beaches, Bali offers virtually every kind of beautiful nature.
Those frequently traveling worldwide highly appreciate that Bali is the most beautiful and peaceful destination on the planet. During a trip, you will experience the warmth of the Balinese, idyllic beaches, lively religious scenes, culinary scenes, and artistic vibe.
“Bali travel guide for your visit” has already walked you through scenic lakes, lush greenery, gorgeous waterfalls, terraced rice fields, gift boutiques, traditional foods, and healthy activities. All make up your informative, constructive plan of a visit to Bali.
To best travel to the island, it’s an excellent way to inform yourself of some helpful pieces of helpful tourist information through the Bali travel guide before arriving in Bali.