How to spend a holiday in Bali

Indonesia Bali is one of the islands in the western part of the Lesser Sunda archipelago in Indonesia. The island is relatively small and geographically diverse. In the south there are cliffs and white beaches, in the north there are dark beaches, inland rice plantations, rainforest and majestic volcanoes.

Bali: climate and weather

Bali is located just a few hundred kilometers from the equator. The capital and largest city of Bali, Denpasar, with a population of half a million, is located in the south of the island, just a few hundred kilometers from the equator. Denpasar International Airport is 13 km south of the capital.

The island has only a rainy season and a dry season. There are high temperatures all year round, but if you go up into the mountains it can get very cold. The local tropical climate offers pleasant holiday temperatures throughout the year (the average annual temperature reaches about 28 °C). However, here, as in most tropical destinations, periods of drought (from April to September) alternate with periods of rain (from November to March). The island is also especially popular during the New Year, Christmas and Easter holidays.

Since Bali is very close to the equator, rainy and dry seasons dictate tourism. It is usually always hot here, but during the rainy season some hotels and restaurants are closed, buses run less frequently and tours are not offered.

Determining the best time to vacation is not easy. Climatic conditions for a trip to Bali are accompanied by a large number of visitors and, of course, the price level increases. But even in the off-season there can be sunny and hot days just before the rainy season. Even despite one or two short rains during the transition period, the holiday does not stop, you can walk around the island or relax on the beach. Before or after the rainy season, almost everything works as usual.

Tourist resorts and beaches of the island

Holidays in Bali offer very good beaches and tourist resorts. Bali has accommodation to suit every budget, from cheap homestays to luxury hotels. Beautiful villas are an alternative to hotels.

Additional Information! The island is experiencing a boom, which has disadvantages for tourists – the price level is rising, especially in tourist centers.

 

Photo Dreamland Beach, Bali
Dreamland Beach, Bali

Bali is full of countless beaches. The entire coast of the island is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean. The variety ranges from narrow beaches with black volcanic sand to wide, kilometer-long beaches with golden sand and beautiful scenery. The beaches in the south of the island have white-golden sand, while elsewhere they are mostly gray-black due to volcanic activity. Some places are very good for surfing, others for relaxing and sunbathing.

Note! Not all of Bali’s beaches are tropical island paradise because kilometer-long, palm-lined, white sandy beaches with turquoise blue water are not ubiquitous. In the north, the beaches are covered with dark volcanic sand and have their own charm.

Amed, in the northeast, is a small fishing village with a long stretch of winding coastline. The northeast coast is rocky and mostly covered with dark rocks and sand. However, the region is very attractive for a few relaxing days, especially if you go snorkeling. There is little traffic, many good rooms, restaurants and the best views of the wide sea.

The southern, rocky and hot Bukit Peninsula with Jimbaran, Bingin and Uluwatu is especially popular among those seeking tranquility. Along the coast there are several beach gems and some of the world’s best surf spots.

A few kilometers south of Denpasar Airport is the former fishing village of Jimbaran, with a 4 km long sandy beach. The most well-groomed sections of the beach belong to the corresponding beach hotels.

Jimbaran Beach

Uluwatu is famous for its Pura Luhur Ulu Watu Temple. The temple is located on the rocks and is one of the 9 most important temples in Bali.

The Gili Islands are one of the attractions in Bali. The islands have white sandy beaches, excellent diving and snorkeling spots, a relaxed island atmosphere and nice people. The Gili Islands consist of three completely different islets.

Gili Trawangan is the largest of the Gili Islands and is a great place for a family holiday. Gili Meno is the smallest and least developed of the three islands. Near the small village there is a bird park and a turtle station. Diving and snorkeling are recommended on Gili Meno.

Gili Islands Bali
Gili Trawangan Island, Indonesia

Gili Air is quite quiet, with beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. Gili Meno is becoming increasingly popular among those seeking tranquility. Candidasa refers to the coastal strip in eastern Bali. Canggu is not the only place on the island, but the collective name for a coastal strip with several small villages located on the west coast, north of Seminyak.

Canggu is especially famous for its great surfing beaches. Not far from this place is one of the most famous temples – Tanah Lot.
Kuta is the largest tourist destination, which is located north of Denpasar Airport, and many holidaymakers head straight to Kuta upon arrival due to this proximity. Kuta Beach is the busiest beach in Bali.

Legian extends north from Kuta to Seminyak. Most expensive hotels are located on or near the beach. Budget accommodation can be found away from Legian Beach.

 Like Amed in the northeast, Lovina does not refer to a single village, but to a coastal strip several kilometers long in the north of the island. The beaches along the coastal strip around Lovina are narrow and covered with volcanic sand. Reefs make the water calm and pleasant for swimming. Excursions to the southern mountains and temples in the interior can also be organized from Lovina.

Nusa Dua is located south of Denpasar. These are mainly luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. The price level here is higher than in all other parts of Bali.

Nusa Dua Beach is a beautiful beach with several expensive 5-star hotels. The water is clean and there are enough sun loungers with umbrellas, showers and restaurants to quench your hunger and thirst. The beach offers all types of water sports in the immediate vicinity.

Ubud is often called the cultural center of Bali, located 30 kilometers north of Denpasar. Ubud is always a journey, and the surrounding area has something to see. One of the main attractions is the magical monkey forest in the city center, where several hundred monkeys live.

Pemuteran is one of the quiet places on the northern coast where tourism has not yet developed. The beaches here are also made of dark volcanic sand and have their own charm.

Lombok is the new Bali. Lonely beautiful beaches and the giant volcano Rinjani, 3726 meters high (second highest in Indonesia), underwater world,

Seminyak has become a fashionable destination, one of the most popular tourist destinations.

Sights of Bali

Even though the Indonesian island is quite small, it offers an incredible abundance of attractions in a small space.

Besakih Temple is the largest temple of Balinese Hindu culture in the east, located on the slopes of Gungun Agung at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level and is a large complex of small temples, the most important of which is Pura Penataran Agung.

Besakih Temple Bali
Besakih Temple, Bali

The sea temple in Uluwatu, Pura Luhur Uluwatu, built in the 11th century, is also quite impressive and is therefore a popular tourist destination in the south of the country.
On the east coast, near Padang Bai and Candidas, there is the Tirta Gangga Water Palace with fountains, ponds, bridges and picturesque alleys with statues.

Klungkung was once the capital and has beautiful pools and gardens in its complex. A highlight are the old courtrooms with 18th century painted ceilings that very clearly depict punishments for various crimes.

The Monkey Forest in Ubud is one of the most famous attractions. Little monkeys pose for the best holiday photos, feeding, running and teasing tourists.

Ubud Bali Monkey Forest
Bali Monkey Temple

 Food in Bali

Bali is a tourist destination that boasts international restaurants. The food is very cheap, but by no means low quality.
The offer is so varied that you can find a restaurant to suit your taste, no matter what part of the island you are in. Indonesian cuisine consists mainly of rice and noodle dishes, spicy sauces (sambal) and a large number of chicken dishes.

In Bali you will be surrounded by beautiful nature everywhere. Indonesia’s tourist destination Bali is a relatively safe and stable area.

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