Bali Indonesia Travel Guide: Paradise on Earth
Bali is a small Indonesian island located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is known for its mesmerizing natural beauty, stunning beaches, spiritual atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage and is a tropical paradise that offers a range of attractions for its millions of visitors every year.
In this Bali travel guide, we will explore the top things to do, fun facts about Bali, some historical facts, and travel tips to help you make the most of your Bali vacation.
The best time to visit Bali is from April to October, when the weather is dry and sunny. During this time, you can enjoy outdoor activities like surfing, snorkeling, and hiking without having to worry about rain. However, Bali is a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season.
Top Things to Do in Bali:
Here are some of the top attractions you should check out during your visit:
Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: This is a natural reserve and Hindu temple complex located in Ubud. It is home to over 600 Balinese long-tailed macaques, which are considered sacred by the locals. Visitors can interact with these friendly creatures while exploring the lush green forest.
Explore the Rice Terraces: Bali is famous for its rice terraces, which are stunningly beautiful and attract thousands of tourists every year. The Tegalalang Rice Terraces in Ubud are particularly popular and are a must-visit for anyone traveling to Bali.
Visit the Temples: Bali is known for its rich spiritual heritage, and there are countless temples and shrines scattered throughout the island. The most famous temples include Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, Besakih Temple, and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple.
Go Scuba Diving: Bali is home to some of the best scuba diving spots in the world. The waters around the island are teeming with marine life, including colorful coral reefs, manta rays, and sharks. Some popular scuba diving spots include Nusa Penida, Tulamben, and Menjangan Island.
Experience Balinese Culture: Bali has a rich cultural heritage that is evident in everything from the food to the traditional dances. Visitors can take part in cultural activities such as cooking classes, dance performances, and traditional ceremonies.
Looking for an immersed, authentic Bali experience?
If you are more interested in some unique, off-the-beaten path activities, here are some ideas on ways to immerse yourself into the local culture and see a side of Bali that few tourists explore:
Visit a traditional Balinese village and learn about the island's culture and way of life.
Take a cooking class and learn to make traditional Indonesian dishes like nasi goreng and sate.
Attend a traditional Balinese dance performance and learn about the island's rich history of dance and music.
Go on a trek to see the beautiful rice paddies and meet the farmers who work them.
Take a surf lesson and catch some waves on Bali's famous surf beaches.
Explore the underwater world on a snorkeling or diving trip and see colorful coral and exotic marine life.
Visit a traditional Balinese spa and indulge in a relaxing massage or beauty treatment.
Take a guided tour of the island's temples and learn about the history and spiritual significance of each site.
Explore Bali's vibrant art scene and visit local galleries and studios.
Visit one of Bali's many monkey forests and see the island's mischievous macaques up close.
Fun Facts About Bali
Bali is a culturally rich island with a fascinating history. The island has been inhabited for over 2,000 years, and the ancient Balinese civilization is thought to have been influenced by Indian and Chinese cultures. The island was also a major center of the Hindu-Buddhist empire of Majapahit, which ruled over much of Southeast Asia in the 14th century. Today, Bali is predominantly Hindu, and its religious and cultural traditions are an important part of daily life.
Here are a few facts about Bali that we thought were very interesting:
The Balinese calendar is based on a 210-day cycle, which is divided into 10 different weeks of varying lengths.
Bali is home to over 20,000 temples, which is why it is known as the "Island of the Gods."
The traditional Balinese greeting is a bow called the "sujud," which is performed with the hands clasped together in front of the chest.
The Balinese believe in a concept called "Tri Hita Karana," which translates to "three causes of well-being." These three causes are harmony with God, harmony with others, and harmony with nature.
Bali is home to the world's largest single-site producer of palm sugar, which is used in many traditional Balinese dishes.
Bali’s Rich Food Culture
When it comes to food, Bali has a rich and diverse cuisine that is influenced by Indonesian, Chinese, and Indian flavors.
Balinese cuisine is known for its use of fresh ingredients like spices, herbs, and vegetables, which are often sourced from local markets and gardens.
Here are some popular dishes that you should try during your visit to Bali:
Nasi Goreng: This is a classic Indonesian dish that consists of fried rice mixed with vegetables, meat, and eggs. It's usually served with a side of crackers and a fried egg on top.
Mie Goreng: Similar to nasi goreng, mie goreng is a fried noodle dish that's often served with meat, vegetables, and spices.
Sate: This is a popular Indonesian dish that consists of skewered meat that's grilled over an open flame and served with a spicy peanut sauce.
Gado Gado: This is a vegetarian salad that consists of mixed vegetables, tofu, and hard-boiled eggs, all topped with a peanut sauce.
Lawar: This is a traditional Balinese dish that consists of mixed vegetables, minced meat, and spices, often served with rice.
Babi Guling: This is a Balinese dish that consists of roasted suckling pig, which is often served with rice, vegetables, and spicy sambal sauce.
Bebek Betutu: This is a Balinese specialty that consists of roasted duck, which is marinated in spices and wrapped in banana leaves before being cooked in a wood-fired oven.
Sambal Matah: This is a spicy condiment made from shallots, garlic, chili peppers, and lemongrass. It's often served with grilled meat or fish.
Kopi Luwak: This is a type of coffee that's made from beans that have been eaten and excreted by civet cats. While it may sound unappetizing, kopi luwak is considered a delicacy in Bali and can be quite expensive.
Bintang Beer: This is the most popular beer in Bali and is brewed locally. It's a light lager that's perfect for sipping on a hot day.
5 Reasons We Love Bali
Bali has a unique form of bartering called "haggling" where visitors can negotiate prices at markets and shops for a more personalized shopping experience.
The island has a strong tradition of offering offerings to the gods and spirits, and you'll see small offerings made of rice, flowers, and other items everywhere you go in Bali.
Bali is known for its traditional gamelan music, which is played on instruments made of bronze and is used to accompany dances and other performances.
The island is home to several ancient Hindu temples, including the Pura Besakih, which is considered the mother temple of Bali and is built on the slopes of Mount Agung.
Bali is a leader in sustainable tourism, and you'll find many eco-friendly accommodations and activities on the island, such as yoga retreats, conservation projects, and sustainable surf camps.
Tourists’ and Digital Nomads’ Effect on Bali
Tourism and the continued increase of digital nomads flocking to this beautiful island have had both positive and negative effects on Bali's culture. On one hand, tourism has helped to preserve and promote Balinese culture by providing a platform for traditional arts, crafts, and music to be showcased and appreciated by a global audience. Tourists are also interested in experiencing Bali's cultural practices, such as temple visits and traditional dance performances, which helps to keep these traditions alive.
On the other hand, tourism has also led to some negative effects on Balinese culture. The influx of foreign influences has sometimes resulted in a dilution of traditional practices, with some locals adapting their culture to better suit the preferences of tourists. Additionally, the commercialization of Balinese culture has led to the production of inauthentic souvenirs and cultural artifacts, which can undermine the significance of traditional Balinese art and crafts.
Furthermore, the rapid development of tourism infrastructure, such as hotels and resorts, has sometimes led to the displacement of local communities and damage to the natural environment. In some cases, tourism development has also resulted in an increase in crime and other social problems.
Overall, while tourism has had some negative impacts on Bali's culture, it has also provided an important source of income for the island's residents and helped to preserve and promote traditional Balinese practices. It's important for both tourists and locals to work together to ensure that tourism development is sustainable and respectful of Balinese culture and the environment.
Have you been to Bali?
We would love to hear what your experience has been like? Also don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments if you have any additional advice for traveling to or in Bali, any specific resorts/hotels, areas, activities, or restaurants we should try on our next trip?