There are thousands of Islands throughout Indonesia and yet if Bali were a star, it would shine the brightest. There is beauty all over the Earth but nothing sparkles like this gem.
What will bring you to the shores of Bali are the beaches and the desired urge for fun and adventure. It's the dream of being on a volcanic Island and the feeling of paradise. The warmth of the people and their centuries old culture.
There are some of the world's most beautiful beaches on Bali and whilst there are white sandy beaches you can expect there is not only white sand. Bali, having a volcanic past the beach sand, can comprise of a dark grayness. But the same tropical surrealness can still be felt on the shores, nonetheless.
Here are the best beaches we've found for this guide:
Snorkeling and diving off Pemuteran beach you are sure to find underwater treasures. Crystal clear waters in the northwest of Bali reveal a manmade reef complete with marine life. Spot:
Carrying on with the underwater experience, there is Amed beach. Here you can snorkel and dive in among the many shipwrecks and coral. Stroll on the black sandy beach with the presence of the volcano bearing down on you, in the near distance. A magnificent sight.
For romantic couples we recommend Canggu beach for the BBQ dishes served, particularly going into the evening. There is a lively playground on the volcanic sands throughout the day and this fun continues well after sunset.
For the best experience of Indonesian cuisine then head to Jimbaran beach. Feast on fresh seafood as restaurants prepare an evening of dining for you ― just before the sun hovers low on the horizon.
For the energetic amongst you, head for Padang Padang beach where you are greeted with a barrage of beach activities, in particular surfing. The waters off Padang Padang offer some of the best surfing on Bali ― with the possible exception of Seminyak beach, maybe. Get there early, before sunrise for the spectacular views.
The Island has it all. Rugged wild terrain smothered by tropical rainforest jungles. There are trails for those who like a good jaunt as much as for backpacking enthusiasts. There are quite a few amazing waterfalls with cooling pools at the bottom of what can only be described as chasms, when you're looking up.
For those brave ― or foolish ― enough, located throughout the Island there are jungle swings. Sit on one and for one brief moment you are swinging into nothingness. Tilting your head back, the world turns upside down. Quite a sensation. For animal lovers there are numerous animal reservations and sanctuary parks:
Bali is most definitely family friendly. You and your family will not be bored or left with nothing to do, for sure.
Traditional Bali cuisine is a blend of fresh vegetable and fish, and meat and like Indonesian dishes there is Chinese and Indian influence. A basic ingredient of much of Bali food is their Basa Gede paste made from:
Every chef will also add in their own odd mix of seeds and roots. The quality of food in terms of fresh crispy vegetables and taste and flavor is second to none. From the finest restaurants to the vendors on the street there is a dish to suit every palate.
There's an international airport in south Bali, a short drive from Denpasar. Private transport is reliable and safe, you can get around on foot and bicycle or you can rent a motorbike or scooter. Public transport is affordable with a fairly regular timetable.
The trouble with Bali is that there is so darned much to see and do and not only on the Island of Bali itself but the Islands surrounding it. There are the beaches and water activities and then there's the natural world around you from the marine life to the jungle trails heading inland.
How you imagined spending your tropical holiday, quietly on a beach or partying the night away there is more than enough to have given you an experience you'll never forget.
Tampaksiring Palace is not open to the public, but it still can be enjoyed from a distance. Thankfully you can continue to bathe at the temple. The temple has several holy hot springs, said to have been created by the God Indra. The waters have been blessed and those who bathe in them are purified.
Local Balinese people consider it to be one of five of the most holy temples on the Island and certainly regard it to be the holiest water source.
One of the most popular waterfalls on the Island of Bali. It can be a little crowded with the locals perhaps but have patience and you too can share in the enjoyment and fun. By the way, this is a regular haunt for backpackers and when they're drawn to something it usually means it's worth a look.
The pool is quite large in size, making it favorable to swimming with pleasure. And we dare you to leap from the rockface ledge that's 15m up.
For those with rafting experience you may feel challenged by the wild white-water rafting on this river. It is an extreme activity lasting up to 3 hours from beginning to the finish line. One for the brave then. All safety equipment is provided for you.
More than a waterfall or let us clarify by saying it's more than one waterfall. It's a sight to behold even for the seasoned traveler. It's a magnificent, beautiful creation ― another wonder of the world.
The waterfall may be in east Java but you can get there without too much trouble by direct flight from Bali. We've included it in our guide as it is we feel (strongly) an utter shame not to have mentioned it. The thunder from this waterfall is truly deafening and looking around, what you imagine is right out of Jurassic Park.
We love Indonesia but we love Bali first and foremost. There really isn't all that much more we can say about this holiday destination. Just come and we promise, for many, many years you will be glad that you did.
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