Bali, Indonesia

Experience Indonesia’s most popular island with its volcanic peaks, swirling waves, jungle-fringed shores, and ornate temples.

Bali’s lush, laid-back beauty combines legendary white sands and big surf with volcanic peaks, green paddy fields, and temples. The island’s vibrant Hindu culture shines through in traditional music, dance, ceremonies, and gamelan concerts. Away from the coast, explore dense forests, colonial hill towns, and rice terraces for an authentic insight into Balinese life and its people.

Climb Mount Batur Volcano for Sunrise

Mount Batur, one of Bali’s most sacred mountains, is an active volcano with three smoldering peaks rising above a beautiful blue caldera lake. Climbing it is relatively easy, but the best time is before dawn to watch the sunrise over the surrounding mountains. After descending, you can bathe in hot or cold springs near the lake and enjoy lunch overlooking Lake Batur and the sacred mountain.

Explore Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, Pura Batukaru Temple, and Lake Bratan

Leaving the busy south coast behind, discover the charm and traditional lifestyle of Bali’s lush interior. In remote Jatiluwih, glistening rice terraces coil around the hillsides, overlooked by mountains. Nearby, on the forested slopes of Gunung Batukaru, you’ll find Pura Batukaru, a beautiful temple complex with small pagodas and tiered shrines.

Further into the hills, reach Lake Bratan and the 17th-century Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple. This temple, with its tiered spire of roofs, sits on a small island near the lake’s edge.

See a Kecak Dance

Experience Bali’s captivating Kecak dance, based on the Hindu epic Ramayana. Performed by a large troupe of men, the dance features synchronized chanting and clicking sounds.

Top Spots:

Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah: Followed by a traditional Balinese dinner overlooking rice paddies.
Uluwatu Cliff Temple: Begins after sunset with a stunning ocean backdrop.

Scuba Dive the Liberty Wreck or Menjangan Island

Bali offers amazing diving experiences for all levels.

Liberty Wreck (Tulamben):
Lies 80 feet from shore.
Popular during the day, night dives reveal humphead parrotfish, groupers, and moray eels.

Menjangan Island (Bali Barat National Park):
Features steep drop-offs, caves, slopes, and lagoons.
Home to turtles, groupers, barracudas, sharks, triggerfish, lionfish, and fusiliers.

Surf in Seminyak

Known for some of Southeast Asia’s best waves, Bali is perfect for both seasoned surfers and beginners.

Seminyak:

Gentle waves and sandy shores.
Warm water and a relaxed atmosphere.
Professional surf schools that promise to get novices standing within an hour.

Visit Munduk

Escape to the cool, lush mountain retreat of Munduk, surrounded by tropical rainforest, rice terraces, and farms.

Activities:

Trekking and cycling to waterfalls, traditional villages, coffee plantations, and sacred lakes.
Swimming in natural pools.
Learning about coffee production.
Canoeing to ancient lakeside temples.

Each of these experiences offers a unique glimpse into Bali’s rich culture and natural beauty.

Take a Sailing Trip to Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan, a small island with white sand beaches, offers a peaceful escape from Bali’s busy south coast. With its clear waters and coral gardens, it’s perfect for relaxing, snorkeling, and diving.

Trip Details:

Departure: Board a catamaran in Benoa for a 1.5-hour journey to the island.
Accommodation: Stay at Nusa Bay Lembongan or Batu Karang Nusa Lembongan Resort.
Activities: Enjoy the pool, kayak, snorkel, or tour a local seaweed farm.

Festivals, Events, and Seasonal Reasons to Visit

Bali Spirit Festival:

When: Late March or early April.
Highlights: World music, spirituality, wellbeing, yoga, meditation, healing workshops, concerts, and live entertainment.

Nyepi (Balinese New Year):
When: Lunar new year, usually in March.

Celebrations:
Evening parades with grotesque effigies to ward off evil spirits.
A day of silence and introspection island-wide, followed by temple ceremonies and celebrations.

Galungan:
Meaning: Celebrates the victory of Dharma over Adharma (good over evil).
When: Over ten days, dates dictated by the 210-day wuku lunar calendar.
Highlights:
Decorated penjor (bamboo poles) outside houses.
Elaborate decorations and traditional dress, with offerings carried to temples.

Kuningan:
Meaning: Last and most important day of Galungan, marking ancestors’ return to the heavens.
When: Dates dictated by the 210-day wuku lunar calendar.

Highlights:
Island-wide prayer.
Sacred dance performances and rituals at Sakenan Temple on Serangan Island.

These events and seasonal activities provide unique opportunities to experience Bali’s rich culture and traditions.