Culture & Traditions
Indonesia’s captivating culture is alive and well. Ubud is widely known as the arts and culture hub of Bali and is the best place to see traditional dances put on for the public. Traditional Balinese dances are unique, stunning, and are closely akin religious rituals and are often accompanied by traditional Gamelan music, and even puppetry. In Ubud, there is also numerous museums and galleries of local and heritage art of both modern and traditional character. Be sure to check the local calendar when you make your plans. Certain festivals and annual events are definitely worth seeing.
Ancient Temples
Would you believe Bali is home to more than 20,000 pura, or temples? While traveling the highlands and coasts of Bali, you encounter numerous ancient temples. These sacred temples have become iconic points of interest in Bali. Balinese worshipers visit the Pura Tirta Empul, a spring that is revered as sacred by Indra for its curative properties, to bathe in the waters. First, you must make an offering at the temple before you take a dip, then you allow the holy water to grant you good fortune and health.
Volcanoes
This small nation in Southeast Asia contains literally thousands of volcanic islands. Mount Batur, the most active volcano on the island, has had a few small eruptions over the past centuries. Trekking around the volcanoes is a great activity for tourists looking to snap some incredible photos and take in the spectacular views. Tour guides can take you across the mountains just in time to catch the sun come up, but the sights are worth the early morning.
Beaches
After taking in the beauty of the local volcanoes, the next logical decisions is to take a cool dip in one of many choice beaches in the area. Great waves for surfing are made even more enchanting by breathtaking views of gorgeous landscapes. Bali is home to dozens of beaches with vibrant marine life and crystal blue waters.
Nusa Dua is known for the piercing blue water and white sandy beaches that are open to the public. Jimbaran has killer waves without sacrificing tranquility. Kuta Beach is perfect to watch the sun go down, as on the calmer nights it’s nearly impossible to tell where the horizon meets the ocean but is known for being one of the busier beaches in the area and is pretty much best if you’re going to surf.
Super Affordable Luxury Resorts
Bali is often considered, the most luxurious (and for that matter expensive) of Indonesian destinations. With that being said, The Bulgari Resort Bali or the Amankila are just a few local 5-star resorts. The Four Seasons at Jimbaran Bay, and the Viceroy in Ubud, are popular choices for the luxury resort as well.
Incredible Cuisine
The local seafood is the best you’ll ever have, with plenty of acclaimed restaurants from which to choose. If you like spicy food, you’re in for a treat. If spicy food isn’t your thing, no sweat! There are plenty of choices for a variety of palates on the average Balinese menu including seafood, suckling pig & roasted pork, stir-fried rice and more.
The World’s Rarest Coffee
You can get a cup of the world’s most rare coffee in Sanur’s Garden Cafe. Just order a “Kopi Luwak,” but don’t ask how it’s made until after you’ve enjoyed. The Asian Palm Civet, a tree-climbing-cat native to the area seeks out only the best beans from local plantations, and once the beans make their way through the civet’s digestive tract, without getting digested, before workers collect the droppings. After that, the beans are packaged, roasted, sold, consumed & enjoyed.
World-Renowned Spas
The spas in Bali are world-renowned. The health spas are unmatched in their craft, masters in the art of pampering, relaxation, implementation of healing herbs and mud in unison with massages and tropical oils.