Bali is known for being such a hyped holiday destination for so many, that it can be challenging to find a spot to truly chill and relax. There's so much to talk about Bali that one article won't be enough, so in this one, I'm gonna focus to tell you which are the must see places when visiting Bali.
Visit temples
Bali has the particularity of being Hindu, unlike the other islands that make up Indonesia. There are thousands of temples there, some of which clearly stand out. Among these temples, some are by the sea, others by a lake, or in the forest.
- Tanah Lot: a temple by the sea. Depending on the tide, it is more or less bordered by water, and its geographical location (to the west of the island) makes it a privileged place to observe the sunsets.
- Ulun Danu: a temple by Lake Bratan, near the small town of Bedugul. It's very photogenic, and represents one of the symbols of Bali.
- Besakih: a set of temples on the edges of Mount Agung.
- Tirta Empul: a temple with a sacred hot spring. The Balinese come to purify themselves there.
There are many more : temples of Uluwatu, Pura Rambut Siwi, Gunung Kawi etc.. An important point to know when visiting these temples is that you should wear a "sarong". It is a piece of fabric to be worn around the waist. Sarongs are usually provided for hire at the entrance to the temples.
Ubud
The origins of the city of Ubud date back to the 8th century. It has gradually developed to become today the cultural center of Bali, especially since the late 1960s with the boom in tourism.There are a number of art museums in Ubud, such as the Blanco Renaissance Museum or the Neka Art Museum. Beyond the museums, there are a few art galleries, small shops, and a large market in the city center.Another Bali attraction is next to Ubud: the "Monkey Forest". It is a forest, made up of temples, trees, paths, rivers, waterfalls, in which monkeys roam free. If you are afraid of monkeys, go your way ... You can get more information on the official website.
Taste the flavors of the local gastronomy
It is well known that a beautiful journey will not only please the eyes, but also that of the taste buds. Luckily, Bali is a great food destination. Among the typical Balinese dishes, you will find the unmissable nasi goreng and mie goreng: rice or fried noodles, served with pieces of meat and vegetables, as well as a fried egg. Other specialties include bebek (duck cooked for a long time in a banana leaf), babi guling (stuffed pork roasted on a spit), or even nasi campur. Varied dish that allows you to taste a bit of everything. For dessert, do not miss the black rice pudding, cooked with coconut milk and palm sugar. Needless to say, local fruits are a delight, which can be enjoyed as it is or in a smoothie. Finally, on the drink side, I loved Indonesian beer, Bintang, especially in its lemon variant, Bintang Radler, a sort of cooler that goes very well as an aperitif!
Mount Batur
The little brother of Mount Agung rises to 1,717 meters above sea level and overlooks Lake Batur, in the Kintamani region. It is an explosive-type volcano whose last eruption dates back to 2000. Its ascent is popular and must be done with a guide. Approximately two hours of night walking will take you to the summit where you will enjoy a breathtaking view of Mount Agung and the lake below. The sunrise will accentuate the beauty of the panorama. Then take the time to wander around and observe the smoking crater before starting your descent. Note that the temperatures are very low on Mount Batur, a sweater is essential to comfortably enjoy the experience. After this sporting and morning activity, you can relax at the hot springs of Batur or enjoy the surroundings of the lake.
Swing over the Tegallalang rice terrace
Just next to Bali Pulina are the famous Tegallalang rice terraces, a much more touristic place but which remains unmissable. These are some of the most beautiful rice terraces you will see in Bali! You can walk freely in the rice fields (bring good shoes, it's really quite a headache though) but there are several paid activities such as zip lines and again giant swings.
Tirta Gangga Water Palace
It is a former royal palace, which is located in the east of Bali. Its construction dates from the beginning of the 20th century, and it bears the name of "aquatic palace" because its owner oriented it around the theme of water. The sources present in Tirta Gangga are indeed considered sacred.Almost the entire palace was destroyed during the eruption of Mount Agung in 1963, located nearby. But the gardens have been preserved, and today they can be visited.
Nusa Penida
This island is much smaller than Bali but also has some great assets, including:
- Kelingking beach, whose interest lies in the view over it from the heights. Getting to the beach is complicated, because you have to go down via a path that is not necessarily very practicable (a path that you also have to go up on the way back …)
- Broken Beach : its name comes from the fact that it was formed by the collapse of the cliff. The resulting landscape is therefore particular, with in particular the presence of a large natural arch above the sea.
- Angel's Billabong Natural Pool, by the sea.
Watch a traditional Balinese dance performance
There are several styles of Balinese dances. Among the most famous: legong, barong and kecak. What better way to grasp Balinese art than to witness a typical cultural performance that mixes dance, song and theater? You can watch one while a visit to Uluwatu temple. Very popular with tourists, this one has the advantage of being presented outdoors at sunset.
Lots of Love, Valerie & Alex
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