Bali Travel Guide

Bali is a place where you can escape to the paradise you didn’t know existed. Some are content with relaxing with a refreshing cocktail on a private beach, metres away from a bungalow. Others go off the beaten track, finding isolated surf spots and getting lost. You can swim in brilliant blue water by day or party on popular beaches as the sun sets. It is a heady mix of old and new, a place where you can leave your real world problems behind.

The best way to experience Bali is to try to soak up as much of the atmosphere as possible, approaching everything with an open mind. It is a place of extremes with bustling towns, isolated, rural villages and glitzy resorts.

Things to see and do
In central Bali, Ubud is a must see destination and a stark contrast to the party towns of the South. It is a cultural and artistic hotspot, home to numerous galleries and artists’ studios. Ubud is nestled amongst stunning green rice paddies. These breathtaking views are coupled with faint whiffs of burning incense emanating from the abundant luxury retreats and hot springs. Throughout the area are stunning temples such as the complex at Gunung Kawi, which is a relic from the eighth century. An elephant safari in Taro, just North of Ubud, is a truly memorable experience.  

If you are looking to immerse yourself in the party scene, Southern Bali is where you need to be. Carnival atmosphere combined with plentiful bars and a potent mix of sun, surf and sand. Kuta beach is the most popular of the South, and one of the most popular spots for tourists in Indonesia.

If possible, try to catch a performance of Gamelan music, which provides a fantastic insight into the links between religion, music and dance as well as being an exciting style of foreign music. The experience is melodious and vibrant, and if you are lucky, often at the end of performances, the musicians offer you the opportunity to play their instruments.

Sports
Bali has a range of activities suitable for the adrenalin junkies to the relaxation buffs. It offers some of the world’s best Scuba diving. Warm water, consistent waves, opportunity of cheap living and small crowds have meant that Bali is one of the best destinations in the world for a surf trip with friends and family.

Local Flavours
Bali’s spectrum of flavours and food is as deep as the cultural melting pot that it has become. From traditional street food to modern fine dining fusion, fast food global chains and everything else in between. National dishes like nasi goreng and mie goreng can be found at most eateries. Keep in mind, if chili is not your cup of tea, be wary, as Indonesian spices pack a serious punch.

A simple meal at a local restaurant is really cheap;  a touch more at a tourist oriented establishment. The Seminyak area is more upmarket, filled with trendy eateries and bars.

Getting In and Around
Bali is a very popular tourist destination, so it is important to consider that during holidays in July, August, Christmas and over to the New Year, it will be busy. National holidays will also increase congestion. Outside of the peak travel times, there are often deals on flights, less people at popular destinations and discounts on accommodation. 

Most International Flights to Bali land at Denpasar International Airport, located just near Kuta and Jimbaran. Many hotels provide shuttle services from the airport, however it is painless and inexpensive to catch a prepaid taxi. 

Bali is a bustling and crowded hub of activity. The rapid development and explosion of people have meant that infrastructure can be chaotic and sometimes unpredictable. Buses, taxis, motorbikes, cars, bicycle and boat are just some of the options for getting around. It is recommended that you approach these options without a strict deadline, as traffic jams are as constant as the humidity.

Weather
Bail has some of the most desirable weather in the world. The proximity to the equator results in pleasant temperatures all year round during the day, around 20-33° C (70 - 90° F ). Travelling in April to October avoids the rainy season. It is warm and humid from November to April, with the monsoonal showers providing a cool change in the afternoons. 

Good to Know
While the humid temperatures might make you want to shed away layers of clothing, it is wise to wear more modest attire like long pants and shirts. Being under-dressed outside of the main tourist areas might offend or embarrass locals. 

While most of Indonesia is Muslim, in Bali, the major religious and cultural practices are Hindu. 

Drugs are often readily available in Bali, however, the consequences of getting caught are colossal. The Indonesian authorities punish drug related issues severely, sometimes including by the death penalty.

Staying Here
Accommodation in Bali, like everything here, has a huge range of options and budgets from the very cheapest to ultimate luxury, and are priced accordingly. Not surprisingly, Seminyak not only has the upmarket bars and restaurants, but the higher end private villa accommodation as well. Ubud couples the luxury of having abundant natural intrinsic beauty with some of the most lavish and extravagant resorts, combining to create paradise like havens nestled amongst luscious Indonesian rain forest. 

Kuta, in the South, caters to the other end of the market with abundant budget backpacker accommodation. If you are looking for something in between these two extremes Sanur and Jimbaran can provide an affordable solution.