Bali. The mere mention of the name triggers your wild imagination about paradise. It's more than just a volcanic, tropical island off the main coastline of Indonesia; it's a spiritual symbol, an religiously and culturally enriched inspiration, a serene state of mind.
A celebrated cultural diversity plays out at all levels of life in Bali. You can easily lose yourself in the chaos of bustling Kuta or an extravagant retreat at Seminyak and Uluwatu, you can surf at some of the best-in-class, tranquil beaches around the world or get certified for some of the finest yet challenging diving courses you ever had. You can also spend days immersing yourself in the spiritual journey and the natural serenity that the island offers. However, Bali's foremost essence that attracts repeating visitors to the island over and over is its genuinely warm, friendly, and generous Balinese people, whom surely will make up the best part of your vacation and unforgettable tropical memories.
1. Sunset at Kuta Beach
Kuta Beach. Where should I even start? It probably hosts some of the wildest nightlife and parties on the island, endless culinary sensation stimulating your palates, or the incredible surfing experience far out above the Indian Ocean's crashing waves.
But. Your just can't compare all these to the surreal sunset on the Kuta Beach, one of best spots in the world for us to appreciate and savor such sacred solitude and natural beauty that repeats itself every day, yet we are always busy burying ourselves in the bustling hustles and stress of life on a daily basis. Now. Indulge yourself. Unplug it. Just get away from the inundation of your always-on, trivial world, and you will appreciate everything a lot more!
Also, it's probably one of the most Instagrammable places on earth ever :)
It's the beach that really put iconic Kuta on the map and glorifies the bustling nightlife after the sunset bringing it to the dusk. The strand of sandy beaches stretching for well over 12km from Tuban north to Kuta, Legian and beyond to Seminyak and Echo Beach. Your visit in Bali likely starts here and ends here.
Kuta also hosts probably Bali's most touristy, trendy and raucous clubs, and you can also find some of most affordable, backpack-friendly places to crash on the island, you can also check out interesting cafes, surf shops, and tons of vendors scattering across the district.
2. Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Uluwatu Temple)
Uluwatu. An iconic name is probably the most renowned for Bali visitors; not only associated with that sacred, ancient Hindu template sitting right above one of Bali's most scenic cliff-edges accompanying with tranquil oceanfront vistas, but also is known for its legendary Ulu Watu surf breaks that draw thousands of talented surfers around the world every year.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is perched precipitously on the southwestern tip of the peninsula, atop sheer cliffs that drop straight into the deep serene Indian Ocean. Pass through an unusual arched gateway flanked by welcoming statues of Ganesha, you will discover inside the walls of coral bricks covered with intricate carvings of Bali's mythological spirits.
With the oceanfront vistas are almost as spiritual as the temple itself where it witnesses the daily reincarnation of dawn and dusk. At sunset, you can walk around the clifftop to capture some of the best sunset sceneries on the island. You might also have an opportunity to catch a traditional Kecak Balinese dance show in the temple grounds.
3. Nusa Lembongan
If you look towards the southeast open seafront , you will find the amazing Nusa Lembongan island lurks in the shadow of Bali, yet it is full of energies and dramatic vistas that continue drawing visitors away from its vastly large neighbors. Here you will find some of the greatest surfing breaks, laid-back beaches, azure marine life, the warm village hospitality, as well as posh boutique hotels and eateries.
Aside from water activities and cruises, you can also circumnavigate the island on foot or by bike for a day-trip to explore what the island offers. It's going to be a fantastic journey into the island's surprisingly diverse sceneries. Otherwise, just take a languorous day off and get a sunbath beneath the blue sky crashing on the Mushroom Bay Beach while holding a Pina Colada in hand listening to the melody of glittering, tidal waves.
4. Ubud Palace & Puri Aren Agung
Balinese are proud of their traditional culture, artisan crafts, and culinary arts. Ubud, situates in the heart of Bali telling the very history of Bali itself. Countless temples and monasteries were established for over hundreds of years. The temple complex at Gunung Kawi, and the cave temples at Goa Gajah, are architectural remains from that ancient period. Many of the traditional Balinese/Javanese dances, drama and rituals are still practicing in Ubud today.
Ubud is also the home to some of the most visited restaurants, cafes, Balinese culinary arts and cooking schools, as well as handcrafted artisan shops in town. Spend a few days in Ubud to appreciate its history and cultures properly. It's one of those places in Bali where your days can become weeks and weeks become months, as the noticeable expat community has shown in this uniquely popular district.
Pura Taman Sarawati is one of the top sites you must visit in town. Waters from the temple at the rear flowing to the pond in the front, and overflows with lotus blossoms and washes over mossy rocks nearby. You can look for those carvings that honor the Dewi Saraswati, whom is the goddess of wisdom and arts in Hinduism, blessing Ubud and its lovely people. There are always traditional dance performances every night on site.
The Ubud Place and Puri Saren Agung share the same temple compound makes them must-visit historical sites in the heart of Ubud, where the local royal family still live here. Take your pace, wander around the the compound, explore ornate antique buildings, and immerse in the scared cultural vibe. Nearby, you will discover Pura Marajan Agung, where has one of the finest gates which is also the private temple for the royal family until this day.
5. Ubud Arts Street Market
Take a day just wander around Ubud, stroll the streets of Ubud by looping around the classic Monkey Forest Road down to the namesake park and coming back along the JI Hanoman, you will find countless fine artisan shops and vendors scattered at both sides of streets and alleys. You can spend hours browsing shops and galleries at Ubud Arts Street Market and getting all your souvenirs here at one go. You also have a wide selection of characterful cafes and restaurant; but hey, maybe you can even book some unique Balinese cooking classes to enrich your culinary skills and what a lifetime experience!
6. Tegallalang Rice Terrace
The area around Ubud is characterized by gently rolling rice paddies, and these create an impression of greenness which can be quite startlingly beautiful. From Northeast of Ubud town center, the land starts to become more undulating, and this is a great place for a quintessential experience of Bali's surreal rice terraces. Despite you may find the village of Tegallalang is very touristy in nature, but it is worth braving the hordes of trinket peddlers to view the stunning, lush terraces there.
7. Taman Ayun Temple
Another iconic temple complex on Bali that you don't want to miss. Pura Taman Ayun is a serene place of enveloping calm. The spacious royal water temple, surrounded by a wide, elegant moat, was the main temple of the Mengwi kingdom that survived until 1891, when it was conquered by its neighboring kingdoms. This temple is UNESCO recognized for its unique culture and enriched history, and it’s probability one of the best temples in Bali in my opinion, not only because of its photogenic and Instagrammable beauty, but also it is far away from many touristy areas so you can have an exclusive moment to appreciate the site and its surroundings. It's one of my most recommended Balinese landmarks that you should bookmark for your next stay. The local market area immediately east of the temple has many good warungs and eateries for a simple lunch.
8. Tanah Lot Temple
If you ever wonder what might be the signature of this tropical island. Well. This might be it. The sacred Tanah Lot Temple, which is the most visited and photographed temple in Bali, attracts over 3 millions of visitors each year. This is one of the most important spiritual and venerated sea temples for the Balinese. Like Pura Luhur Uluwatu and Pura Rambut Siwi, it's said that each of these sea temples was established and intended to be within sight of the next, so they can form a chain along Bali's southwestern coastline to protect the island.
The temple is extremely attractive and serene at sunset when crowds and traffic overwhelm the site. However, the secret is to get there before noon, and you will beat the crowds and vendors. You can also walk over to the temple itself during the low tides, but non-Balinese visitors are not allowed to enter the temple grounds.
9. Tirta Empul Temple
If you are interested in bathing in a spiritually enchanted magical spring pond, this is a great experience you will appreciate for a lifetime. The Pura Tirt Empul Temple is a Hindu Balinese temple with a holy spring and bathing area for ritual purification, and it plays a critical role for the Balinese and their religious rituals. It is believe that the water has magical powers and the springs bubble up into crystal-clear pool in the temple grounds and gush out to the bathing area for visitors' purification purposes.
This tradition still continues until today, aside from Balinese worshipers, many tourists from all over the world also visit this scared site to marvel at its beauty, and bathe in its refreshing blessed water. You can easily schedule an amazing day trip along with Tegallalang Rice Field and Pura Gunung Kawi if you are based in Ubud.
10. Kedonganan Beach
What is better than relaxing and enjoying tropical waves on a Balinese beach is to crash on more beaches! Kedonganan Beach, another iconic sandy paradise along the Kuta coastline at Jimbaran Bay, marks one of the best place to capture that amazing pacific sunset. Beside having a fancy afternoon coffee break with your loved ones in a laid-back beach shack or taking a sunbath to your fullest beneath the heat, there are lots of highly rated seafood restaurants along the beach. On the right side of the beach, within a walking distance, there is large fish market for you to explore. You can find some of the best eatery spots along the coast too for fresh prawns in town as well as mouthwatering grilled shellfishes and squid.
The beach is relatively quiet and picturesque, and it was lovely to walk along and chill here for the evening. There is no any Instagram post can beat the breeze blowing from the open seafront cooling off the heat, with a cold beer in hand, spending your best vacation moment with your family or that special someone.
There is so much to see and experience on this magnificent island paradise, but you just can't experience them all in a single trip! That gives many of us a perfect excuse to revisit this tropical paradise over and over. You will find your peace and serenity on this island like everyone else does, and it's always the lovely people whom leave us the first and the last impression of every single visit.
There is a saying in Bali: “We have no art. We do everything as beautifully as possible.” This should reflects all of our philosophy of practice. Try to remember daily what a true gift it is to have the privilege of living in this wondrous world. We all deserve something beautiful.
TipsyMonkey
Bali, Indonesia. 2017
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