Bali
Bali needs almost no introduction and is famous for being one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
One of the best things about Bali is that there is so much variety in a relatively small space, and you will find a huge number of different activities in the island that will cater to everyone’s preferences.
If you are looking for a beach holiday then you will of course be spoiled for choice in Bali. Those who love water sports can indulge this passion with surfing, paragliding, and kite surfing activities. You can also just relax on the sand with a good book. That said, tourists come to Bali not just for its beaches. If you prefer to spend time amongst the emerald green rice paddies that dot the island, you can make your way to other areas like Ubud – the cultural heartland of Bali. For nightlife, shopping, and restaurants, consider residing in central Kuta or vibrant Seminyak.
Attractions
When people think of Bali they often think of temples, the most famous and the most beautiful of which is Tanah Lot. The temple sits on a stone carved away from the mainland and is stunning at high tide. To get away from it all, Tirta Empul, the sacred bathing pools near Ubud are well worth a look, or you can explore less visited parts of Bali such as Amed or Candidasa. When it comes to Bali’s beaches, then Canggu, Seminyak, and of course Kuta beach are perfect for those who like sun and surf.
Getting There
Most people access Bali by flying in via the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. From here it is easy to take an airport taxi into town. The central area of Kuta is around 15 minutes away from the airport and areas like Ubud take a little over an hour.
Depending on where you are coming from, you can also take a ferry to Bali from neighboring Java or Lombok islands. There are a number of different ferry services that operate to and from Bali.
Money Matters
International access ATMs and money changers can be found all over Bali. Some of the money changers however will not give you a good exchange rate and it is better to buy local currency in an international bank. Always use ATMS in banks if possible as ATMs in other places such as mini-markets are sometimes rigged to steal your card details and information.
Weather
The climate in Bali is tropical, with two seasons: the wet and dry season, although Bali is generally hot most of the time. The peak season corresponds to major Western holidays, so July and August are busy. Bali also gets a spike in tourism over Christmas and New Year in December and January. The rainy season usually kicks in around October to April and you can expect some rain if you visit at this time. The summer season in Bali is in May, June, or September, and this is a pleasant time to visit with good weather, little chance of rain, and fewer tourists.
Getting Around
Getting around Bali is not as easy as you might think considering the fact that it is such a tourist hub. Public transport is almost non-existent and can also be confusing and uncomfortable. As a result most tourists travel around the island either by taxi or private car that you can hire with a driver. Another cheaper way to get around is to hire a motorbike.
Food
Bali is a haven for food lovers due to the huge amount of choices offered. As Bali is predominately Hindu, this is one area in Indonesia where you will find a number of pork dishes including the local delicacy of roasted pig or Babi Guling. Alcohol is widely available although it can be expensive due to Indonesia’s high alcohol tax. You will also find a wide range of local Indonesian food, which is cheap and delicious, as well as Western options including fast food and upscale restaurants.
Bali is a great option as it has so many different areas that offer completely different experiences. For those looking for a party atmosphere, you will definitely like Kuta and Seminyak, but people looking for some peace and quiet can just as easily base themselves in tranquil Ubud. To really try and get away from it all, you can venture to the other side of the island and enjoy the lesser visited areas away from the frenzied crowds.