This unique island is called the most suitable for relaxation and experience of nature. And in some miraculous way, it connects here with active and beach vacations, ethnographic excursions, nature watching, high-level hotels, and world cuisine. The only and unique Bali Island can truly be called many-sided, although it is not very large – 5780 sq. km. But all the signs of a perfect island paradise fit in here – kilometers of sandy beaches, an amazingly beautiful sea with a rich underwater world. And also, thick jungle, mountains, volcanoes, rice fields, and 10 thousand temples and palaces.
But there are many beautiful skeletons, and Bali is one of the kind. It is also very special because historically the island has developed its own closed culture. Its own religion, authentic architecture, traditions, and crafts. This originality causes an unrealistic range of emotions and impressions.
Miraculous and man-made treasures
The natural and man-made sights of the island seem inexhaustible. Majestic volcanoes, the famous monkey forest Alas Kedaton, the picturesque Batur and Bratan crater lakes compete with the incomparably beautiful nature reserves and parks, palaces, and temples.
Floating over the water the Royal Temple of Taman-Ayun, the temple of the sea of Tanah Lot on a black rock in the ocean, the temple of Ulun-Danu, built on Lake Bratan, the temple complex of Uluwatu, where shows are held with the Kecchak dance, Goa Gajah Elephant Caves – Buddhist temple XI century, cut down in a rock. These impressions can not be forgotten.
The cultural center and the center of crafts, the city of Ubud is at the same time considered one of the most popular resorts of the island, although it is not located on the coast. However, incredible views of the mountain rivers, jungle, rice fields, a rich hotel base with infinity pools attract tourists from all over the world to this region. And if you want to learn more about the history of the island, in the capital Denpasar you can look at the Bali Museum, devoted to the architecture of palaces and temples, the Museum of Archeology with exhibits from different historical eras of the island. And the stunning temple of the 14th century Pura Maospahit will complete the picture.
The beaches of two oceans
The island of Bali is washed by the waters of two oceans – Indian and Atlantic – and is bordered by kilometers of picturesque beaches for every taste. For those who prefer a calm sea and family holidays, the beaches of the resorts of Sanur, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, and Tanjun Benoit are suitable.
Fans of nightlife and surfing love to stay in Kut, Seminyak, and Legian. If tourists consider themselves to be professional surfers, then they will be attracted by high waves on the beaches of Canggu, Seseha, Batu Beling, and Dreamland. The secluded Pemuteran beach with its rich underwater world and amazing corals is a great place for diving and snorkeling, and the beautiful Ungasan beach is a wonderful corner for a secluded romantic getaway.
Entertainment and activities
Bali is considered the world capital of water sports. Diving, snorkeling, surfing, kitesurfing, fishing, sea cruises are just a small part of what the island offers. But on land, guests will find plenty of active entertainment – rafting on mountain rivers, cycling, hiking, golf, horse riding, and bungee jumping.
Bali will provide with unforgettable impressions of its colorful national dances to lovers of vivid spectacles. This is Kecak (dance of the monkeys), legong, a dance of fire and ritual dance of barong-kris.
And those who want nightly entertainment will like the bars, clubs and beach parties of the resorts of Kuta and Seminyak.
Local cuisine
They know how to have visitors and do the honors of the table in Bali. Here you can find dishes for every taste and budget, from sushi and pizza to gourmet French and even, new trends, molecular cuisine. But still, you definitely need to try traditional Balinese dishes.
This is a babi guling, which is a fried milk pig, Bebek betutu, which is a duck smoked in banana leaves, LaVar, which is a finely chopped meat with pieces of vegetables, coconut and all kinds of spices. And of course, Bali is a paradise garden of tropical fruits. And the local coffee is considered one of the best in Asia.
What souvenirs to bring from Bali
Bali is famous throughout Indonesia for its traditional crafts. Exquisite batik, wooden sculptures in pagan and Hindu traditions, wonderful jewelry made of pearls and silver, exotic masks and paintings by local artists – the choice of tourist souvenirs is not a match for Chinese mass cult.
In order to experience all this and to experience the beauty of the most amazing Indonesian island, go to Bali during the Christmas holidays.
You just need to visit Bali at least once in your life. And maybe after that, you will not begin to search for new countries around the world. Because you will find everything that you lacked in here.
