One of the most amazing places on the planet where the Indian and Pacific oceans meet, huge rice plantations are adjacent to active volcanoes, and there are so many different religious buildings that Bali was called the island of temples.
Bali at its finest
The area of Bali is 6 times the size of Thai Phuket. The population is 3.5 million people, so you can’t call it a quiet paradise place. The popular resorts of Kuta, Legian, Uluwatu are chosen by surfers.
Life here is in full swing around the clock. The ocean is noisy and gladly rides daredevils on its huge waves. The resorts of Nusa Dua, Sanur and Tanjung Benoa are quieter and more expensive, designed for a respectable vacation by the calm ocean.
Weather
Bali is below the equator. It has an equatorial monsoon climate. Summer reigns throughout the year, which is divided into dry and wet periods.
From April to October, Bali is warm and dry. The air warms up to +27 +30 °C. Humidity is 75%. Precipitation is extremely rare.
The wet season starts in November and ends at the end of March. The ocean is warm, but prolonged rains are very frequent. Humidity at this time is about 90-95%. And the wind that always blows in Bali only intensifies.
Beaches
There are dozens of beaches in Bali. Some of them are popular, others are considered “secret”, that is, little known among tourists. There are almost no “Paradise” beaches. Fans of lying in a sun lounger with a cocktail in their hands, occasionally going into the calm expanse of the ocean, will have a hard time.
One of the most popular is the beach of Kuta – a youth party resort in Bali. This is a real mecca for surfers. Constant waves, lack of corals at the bottom and developed infrastructure have turned Kuta Beach into the most densely populated holiday destination on the island.
After Kuta, Seminyak and Legian beaches begin. Everything here is almost the same as at the neighboring beach, but more “respectably”.
The waves are constant, but not so strong. You can rent a sun lounger, an umbrella and have a bite to eat in local cafes. Those who do not consider themselves surfers and come to Bali for relaxation should pay attention to the beach in Jimbaran.
The ocean is much calmer here. Ebb and flow are not noticeable. The beach is covered with pure white sand. Beginner surfers and just lovers of swimming live here. Another calm beach of the island is Sanur. White sand, crystal blue water, no waves throughout the year.
Attractions
Tanah Lot temple is often depicted on postcards from Bali. Its name translates as “Earth and Sea”, and it is located right on a sheer cliff.
It is believed that one priest built the temple in the 15th century, who lived here alone, and sensing that the place was sacred, ordered to build a temple here. The place is very exotic and atmospheric.
Besakih Temple
Is another favorite place for tourists. For the Balinese, this is the holy of holies. The temple is located on the most revered Mount Agung, the abode of all the gods.
They pray on the mountain and even lie down to sleep only with their heads to it. Besakih Temple is called the mother of all temples on the island.
It is also the largest religious complex in Bali. Here you can see how the sacred rituals and rituals of offering to the gods take place. When you get here, you understand how devout the Balinese are and how much their faith means to them.
Bali Botanical Garden
In the Bedugul area is the magnificent Bali Botanical Garden. A place that captivates with its beauty. There are often fogs here, and huge strawberry plantations surround the garden.
On the 57 and a half hectares of the slope of Mount Pokhon, there are about 650 species of trees, 400 species of orchids, 104 species of cacti, as well as bamboo, roses and much more.
There are about two thousand different plants in total. If you are going on a tour to Bali with children, add the botanical garden to your list of must-see places.
Toddlers can run barefoot here while parents relax on the grass watching the wedding ceremonies of Balinese couples.
The water palaces of Ujung and Tirta Ganga are some of the most beautiful structures on the island. They were built by the last Raja of Bali – Karangasem, using Dutch architects.
It turned out not only beautiful, but also useful. The palace complexes serve as an irrigation basin for the surrounding fields.
Arriving here, you will see magnificent ensembles of water labyrinths, fountains and palace structures of extraordinary architecture.
Butulan village
The village of Butulan is worth a trip to see how they create the same stone statues that are found everywhere in Bali. Images of gods and ordinary people guard houses and temples, greet you at the entrance to shops and beaches.
All of them come from Butulan, the center of stone carving. Artisans work tirelessly here, creating more and more new mythological characters. Any statue can be bought.
To see how rice grows in Bali, you need to go to the Ubud area. Here are the famous Tegallalang rice terraces. Rice will grow very quickly, in 3 months, so the view of the local scenery is constantly changing.
First, the undulating terraces on the slopes of the hills are filled with water, then green shoots break out of the water. Soon the plantations become all emerald, and when it’s time for harvest, the fields take on a golden hue.
Interestingly, even after harvesting rice, there is something to see on the terraces. The Balinese bring domestic ducks here to peck at the remains of the grains. The spectacle is very curious.
Kitchen
Bali has a peculiar cuisine, but almost all tourists like it. The dishes are not spicy, as in Thailand, while the Balinese also use a lot of seasonings.
The famous combination of 8 spices is in use: coriander, cumin, cloves, white and black pepper, nutmeg, candle fruit and sesame. All dishes are based on rice and, unlike other provinces of Indonesia where Islam is practiced, pork is eaten in Bali.
To get acquainted with the Balinese national cuisine, we advise you to try the famous dish “Babi Guling”. This is a suckling pig, which is marinated in herbs for a long time, and then roasted on a spit for several hours.
Meat is served with vegetables and sauce. Tip: if you decide to try “baby gooling”, go to a cafe before lunch. Pigs are cooked in the morning, and after they run out, cafes (varungs) are closed.
Another national dish of Bali is betutu. It takes at least 24 hours to prepare. Chicken or duck is marinated, then fried and stewed with spices. The most delicate betuta is served with rice and a special sauce made from coconut oil, onion and chili pepper.
For dessert, you can try martabak. Simply put, it is a thick pancake stuffed with chocolate, bananas and nuts. It is most pleasant to enjoy a dish, washing it down with traditional hot tea or coffee.