From its idyllic island beaches to lush tropical rainforests in the hills, Bali is a tropical paradise that has something for everyone. But by far the biggest draw card to this Indonesian destination is the beautiful Balinese people.
First travelling to Bali in 2011, I immediately understood what keeps drawing the same visitors back year after year. It had all of the things I loved most about South East Asian travel such as the humidity, cheap, authentic Asian food and markets on every corner. Bali, however, had one thing that no other place in Asia had ever had – The friendliest people in the world.
With their cheeky grins they would shout out phrases in the accent of whatever country you were from, trying to get you to buy their wares, eat at their stall or hire them for a day of driving. But what was different was the seemingly genuine nature of these hard working people. Unlike other countries I had been to, they didn’t seem intent on scamming you by taking you to their cousins opal shop or giving you change in a different currency.
So if you’re after a honeymoon to South East Asia where the smiles are abundant, make sure to add Bali to the top of your list.
WHY GO TO BALI?
Friendly people, beautiful islands, cheap food and drink, snorkelling and diving, temples, cheap shopping.
WHAT TO DO IN BALI?
Tanah Lot Temple – Arrive in the afternoon to capture this amazing Hindu temple silhouetted against the sunset. One of Bali’s most important landmarks, Pura Tanah Lot is perched on a rock, surrounded by water at high tide. At low tide, you can walk across to the temple itself and experience it up close.
*Insider tip – For uninterrupted views of the temple without the crowds, head up the hill to one of the many restaurants and grab a cliff side seat to watch the sun set whilst you sip on a cocktail or two.
Uluwatu Temple – Perched on a cliff about 70 metres above sea level, Pura Uluwatu is among Bali’s most important sea temples and provides another stunning spot to capture a Bali sunset. A Kecak dance is performed between 6-7pm everyday at the nearby clifftop stage. Visitors can watch for a small fee as the sunsets in the background.
Besakih Temple – known as “Mother Temple”, this is the largest of Bali’s temples. It features three temples dedicated to the Hindu trinity. Visit in the early morning as it becomes very busy in the day time. Official guides are available for a fee but are not mandatory to enter the temple.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces – These rice terraces, north of Ubud, are popular with artists and tourists alike for their scenic expanses. A great place to stop for a village lunch while you take in the breathtaking views of the rice fields.
Sacred Monkey Forest – situated in Ubud, the Sacred Monkey Forest is home to 300 long-tailed macaques. These cheeky inhabitants can be seen swinging through the canopies as you walk along the paved pathways of the forest and temples within. Beware any lose jewellery or apparel or you may find monkeys grabbing at you as they look for a banana or two.
Kintamani Volcano – At Mount Batur you will come across the imposing Kintamani Volcano. Hiking up Mount Batur takes approximately 3 hours or more and is best to do with an organised guide. Penelokan is a great place to stop and take it all in, offering sweeping views over the volcano at the southernmost point of the crater rim.
Goa Gajah – ‘Elephant Cave’ sees you walking through the mouth of a demon to explore this Hindu site. As you descend the stairs from the carpark you will come across a peaceful courtyard, rock-wall carvings, as well as bathing pools and fountains.
Nusa Lembongan – If you enjoy water sports and islands, take a day cruise or spend a few nights on Nusa Lembongan island. Daily cruises depart from Benoa Harbour and moor for the day alongside their own pontoons, offering banana boat rides, snorkelling, scuba diving and water slides. Many also offer the opportunity for a cultural walking tour of Nusa Lembongan itself. Enjoy a coconut from the locals as you take in some of the bluest waters you will ever see.
Kuta – No trip to Bali is complete without checking out the hustle and bustle of Kuta and the famed Poppies Lane and Legian Road. From bartering for a cheap
shopping deal to grabbing a bite to eat in one of the many pubs and clubs, these streets of Kuta are a fun experience not to be missed. Don’t forget to take a stroll on the beach, maybe hire a cheap surf board or just enjoy a cool drink under the palm trees
Lovina – Up in the north you will find Lovina with its black volcanic sand beaches, calm diving waters and abundance of dolphins. Watch the prahu (traditional outrigger canoes) go out for fishing in the evenings, enjoy trekking to waterfalls and catch your own dinner on a reef or deep sea fishing trip.
STAYING FOR LONGER – CHECK OUT….
We’ve already mentioned Nusa Lembongan, but if you have a couple of days to spare and want to really get away from it all, check out the divine Gili Islands. Fringed by palms, turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, these islands are a remote paradise, easily reached via speedboat.
Gili Meno and Gili Air – With pure white sands, aquamarine water and a turtle sanctuary, Gili Meno is a good pick for natures lovers. It is the most isolated of the islands, so is perfect for those wanting to remove themselves from the world. Gili Air is another great honeymoon hideaway, with an abundance or beautiful marine life and coral. Both islands prohibit the use of motorised vehicles, so take a romantic bike ride or even better a horse drawn carriage to get around.
Gili Gede – still somewhat undiscovered, Gili Gede is a snorkelers paradise with 12 other islands to explore in this mini-archipelago. And because it’s not yet well known on the tourist scene, the reefs are still in pristine condition.
Gili Trawangan – known as a backpacker haven, this island has a mischievous feel with its lack of police and full moon parties. Unlike Hindu Bali, Gili T is governed by Muslim religion and you will hear the mystical call to prayer five times daily. During the day, spend time cycling the whole island, which can be done in less than an hour and submerge yourself in some of the clearest waters you will ever see.
SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR HONEYMOON NIGHT 1
Head to Jimbaran Bay for a romantic sunset dinner on the beach. Once a quiet seaside fishing town, Jimbaran is now known for its dozens of seafood restaurants that line the shore. Feel the sand beneath your feet, watch the sun set and enjoy traditional dancing as you chow down on all the seafood you can imagine. Seafood is paid for by the kilo, so pick out which particular crab, fish or prawns you want from the tanks and they will be weighed and added to your bill.
GETTING THERE
Bali is an island of Indonesia in South East Asia and is situated in the Java Sea, 8 degrees from the equator. Approximately 153km wide and 112km high, it has a total land area of approximately 5,780 square km (2,231 square miles). It’s largest and capital city is Denpasar, located in the south.
Direct flight times from:
| New York: 20 hours | New Delhi: 9 hours |
| L.A.: 17 hours | Beijing: 8 hours |
| London: 15 hours | Dubai: 9 hours |
| Sydney: 7 hours |
FESTIVALS IN BALI
Nyepi – Around March
A day of silence marks the third day of Bali New Year celebrations. On this day there is no activity anywhere, no cars on the road, no celebrations, no flights in or out of Bali and no lights. Nyepi Eve is the total opposite with locals lighting fire torches and parading giant effigies called ogoh-ogoh up to 25 feet tall through the streets. Nyepi falls on the day after the new moon on the ninth month.
Rice Harvest Festival – May to June
To mark the end of Bali’s harvest season, visitors and locals celebrate with traditional cuisine cooked in honour of Dewi Sri, the Rice God. Part of the celebrations include the Negara Bull Races, a Balinese tradition held in Perancak at the end of the festival. Water buffaloes are decorated with ornate and colourful headdresses to compete in races. The Rice Harvest Festival is held in May in various locations around Bali.
Galungan – July
Galungan is a religious feast and festival to celebrate the legendary battle of virtue (Dharma) versus evil (Adharma). Watch as Barong dancers move from temple to temple during this ten-day celebration. The Balinese dress in their finest clothes and jewels and believe during this time all Balinese gods will descend to earth. Locals place tall bamboo poles called ‘penjor’ to the right side of their front door and decorate it with cakes, fruits, flowers and leaves. The festival concludes with the Kuningan, where locals make offerings and prayers at temples and family shrines.
GETTING AROUND BALI
Metred taxis and private drivers are the two most popular ways to get around Bali. Both can be obtained from your accommodation or along the streets. In fact, you will hardly leave your room before you hear the locals calling out “transport” to you. If catching cabs, ensure they turn the metre on before starting, have small change ready to pay and use reputable companies like Bluebird to avoid getting scammed. With a private driver, agree on the price for the trip beforehand. These are great for longer trips such as whole day excursions.
If only going a short way, consider walking or grab a bicycle to get around. Another option is to hire a bike or scooter, but be aware that you need to have the right insurance, and should always wear a helmet and protective clothing. Motorbike accidents are one of the leading causes of injury to tourists.
ACCOMMODATION IN BALI
Budget: Under $50pn
Mid: $50-$200pn
Luxury: $200+pn
From 5 Star luxury hotels to back packer’s accommodation, Bali caters for all types and budgets. You can find plenty of options in all price ranges and will be pleasantly surprised by what you get compared to western resorts for the same price. We stayed in a hotel with breakfast included, swim-up bar, on-site restaurant and bar for under $100pn.
Kuta, Legian and Seminyak – If you like the hustle and bustle, shopping, restaurants and night life then Kuta is the place for you. For something a bit quieter and more upmarket in the same area, move slightly further north to Legian or Seminyak where you will find beach front hotels and private villas, as well as some of the best restaurants in Bali.
Nusa Dua – Known for its five star resorts, Nusa Dua is a little further from most attractions but features hotels with their own beaches and is perfect for those looking for the all-inclusive experience.
Ubud – Up in the lush tropical highlands, you will find accommodation set amongst the picturesque rice terraces and cultural art villages.
Sanur – For those who enjoy a more laid-back vibe, check out Sanur on the eastern side of Bali. A variety of choices with direct beach front access make Sanur a great alternative for those looking for a quieter option and more traditional cultural vibe.
ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGES BALI
Bali has a number of all-inclusive resorts including those below:
- Samabe Bali
- Melia Bali Indonesia
- Grand Aston Bali Beach Resort
- Club Med Bali
- Grand Mirage Resort
- Bali Tropic Resort and Spa
ADULT ONLY RESORTS BALI
- Kayumanis Nusa Dua Private Villa & Spa – guests over 16 years of age.
- Kayumanis Ubud – guests over 16 years of age.
- Sun Island Boutique Villas & Spa – guests over 12 years of age.
- Royal Purnama – guests over 12 years of age.
- The Bale – guests over 16 years of age.
- One Eleven Bali – adults only
- Jamahal Resort and Spa – guests over 16 years of age.
- Villa Semana – guests over 12 years of age.
LOCAL CUISINE IN BALI
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- Mie Goreng – Traditional fried noodles, usually accompanied by chicken, pork or shrimp and served with fried egg on top.
- Nasi Goreng – Another popular Indonesian staple, the Balinese eat this fried rice for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mixed with meats and vegetables, as
well as scrambled eggs and sauces, ranging from sweet soy to kecap manis and chilli.
- Sate – The Balinese version of satays, usually chicken but sometimes fish or other grilled meats. After blending with an array of spices, the meat is wrapped around bamboo, sugar cane or lemongrass skewers before grilling. Can be served with or without peanut sauce.
- Babi Guling – Also known as suckling Pig, Bali’s most famed dish is rubbed with turmeric, then stuffed with a “base gede,” or spice paste of coriander, lime, lemongrass, chilli, pepper, shallots, ginger, garlic and salam leaves. The pig is roasted over wood or coconut husks before being served from head to toe. Traditionally a communal meal used in festivals and ceremonies, babi guling can now be found across the island in restaurants and roadside stalls.
- Nasi Campur – Nasi ayam or campur is the local version of mixed rice. There is no set combination of flavours so it’s rare to get the same dish twice. The dish is mainly white rice served with meats, along with mixed vegetables and a dash of spicy sambal. For those who don’t like spice, simply ask for it without the sambal.
- Bebek betutu (slow cooked duck) – Another traditional ceremonial dish, bebek betutu consists of a whole duck stuffed with traditional spices, then wrapped in banana leaves or betel nut husks, before it’s baked in a coal fire for hours until the meat falls off the bone.
- Jimbaran Seafood – Take your pick at the dozens of beachfront restaurants lining Jimbaran Bay to enjoy a feast of fresh caught seafood. Each restaurant has its own recipe of sauces and condiments, resulting in a different experience at each. Pick your seafood from the tanks and baskets and watch as they weigh and cook it in front of you.
LANGUAGE IN BALI
Most Balinese are bilingual if not trilingual, speaking Indonesian, Balinese and English. English is the most popular foreign language due to high levels of Australian tourism. You will have no problems with English in hotels and most restaurants, and most menus are at least bilingual. If you are Japanese, Korean, Chinese or Russian you can ask for a menu in your language and might get lucky at restaurants in Kuta, Legian, Nusa Dua and Seminyak.
Useful Bali phrases
- Good morning = Selamat pagi (s’lah-mawt pag-jee): all morning until around noon.
- Good Day = Selamat siang (suh-lah-mat see-ahng): early day until around 4 p.m.
- Good afternoon = Selamat sore (s’lah-mawt sore-eh): from 4 p.m. until around 6 or 7 p.m. (depending on daylight)
- Good night = Selamat sore (s’lah-mawt maw-lahm): after sunset.
- Goodbye (to a person leaving) = Selamat Jalan (s’lah-mawt jah-lahn)
- Goodbye (if you are the person leaving) = Selamat tinggal (s’lah-mawt ting-gahl)
- How are you? = Apa Kabar (up-ah kah-barr)
- I’m great = baik baik (bike-bike)
- How many? = Berapa? (burr-ah-pah)
- How much is this? = Berapa ini? (burr-ah-pah in-ee)
- How long? (time) = Berapa lama? (burr-ah-pah lah-mah)
- How far? = Berapa jauh? (burr-ah-pah jow-ooh)
- Please (can I have?) = Minta (min-tah)
- Thank you = Terima Kasih (teh-ree-mah kah-see)
- You’re Welcome = Sama Sama (saw-ma saw-ma)
- I’m Sorry = Saya minta ma’af (sigh-ah min-tah mah-uff)
- Yes = Ya (yaw)
- No = Tidak (tee-duck)
- Taxi = taksi
- Toilet = Way Say
WEATHER IN BALI
Bali’s proximity to the equator means it retains a warm, tropical climate year round. Average year-round temperature stands at around 26-27°C with a humidity level of about 85-90%. Water temperatures are always pleasant.
High season: July, August, Easter Holidays, Christmas/New Year
Dry Season: April to September
Rainy Season: October to March
| Months | min. Temp. | max. Temp. | Average Sea temp. | Rain days | Rainfall | Season | |||
| January | 23°C | 73°F | 29°C | 84°F | 29°C | 84°F | 15 | 90mm | Rainy |
| February | 22°C | 72°F | 30°C | 86°F | 29°C | 84°F | 15 | 90mm | Rainy |
| March | 23°C | 73°F | 30°C | 86°F | 28°C | 82°F | 14 | 90mm | Changing |
| April | 22°C | 72°F | 32°C | 90°F | 28°C | 82°F | 12 | 70mm | Dry |
| May | 23°C | 73°F | 33°C | 91°F | 28°C | 82°F | 9 | 70mm | Dry |
| June | 22°C | 72°F | 31°C | 88°F | 28°C | 82°F | 5 | 50mm | Dry |
| July | 22°C | 72°F | 31°C | 88°F | 27°C | 81°F | 4 | 40mm | Dry |
| August | 22°C | 72°F | 31°C | 88°F | 27°C | 81°F | 3 | 40mm | Dry |
| September | 22°C | 72°F | 31°C | 88°F | 27°C | 81°F | 4 | 50mm | Dry |
| October | 23°C | 73°F | 31°C | 88°F | 27°C | 81°F | 8 | 60mm | Changing |
| November | 23°C | 73°F | 31°C | 88°F | 27°C | 81°F | 13 | 70mm | Rainy |
| December | 23°C | 73°F | 30°C | 86°F | 27°C | 81°F | 13 | 90mm | Rainy |
COST OF THINGS IN BALI
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
| McDonalds Combo Meal | $4.50 USD |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) | $1.78 USD |
| Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | $3.37 USD |
| Cappuccino (regular) | $1.73 USD |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle) | $1.01 USD |
| Water (0.33 litre bottle) | $0.51 USD |
BALI TIPS AND TRICKS
Offerings – You will see the beautifully crafted Balinese offerings lining the footpaths outside their homes, family shrines and shops. These small, square, woven baskets can be as little as a few grains of rice stuck to a banana leave or as lavish as cake, fruit, flowers, gifts and money, with a single stick of incense burning to carry the offers to heaven. The items inside all have special meaning, representing various Hindu gods, as well as sincerity and love. Be careful not to walk over or kick the offerings while they are still burning.
Dress – When entering temples, it is important to be wearing the appropriate attire such as sleeved shirt, sarong etc. You can bring your own with you or usually borrow these for free/small fee outside each temple you visit. Sarongs are also readily available for purchase at the stalls outside most temples.
Carry toilet paper – If your used to the luxury of using toilet paper when you use the bathroom, ensure to carry some sheets or a small pack of tissues around with you, as it will rarely be available in public toilets.
IS BALI SAFE?
Bali is generally considered safe however Indonesia has had isolated instances of terrorist activity which may continue over the coming years. For the latest travel assessments and warnings, take a look at the Indonesia page for the US passport and International travel website for the latest travel warnings and information for the Maldives.