“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes”, said the French novelist Marcel Proust.
Bali is undoubtedly one of the most known and visited islands in the Indonesian archipelago. But this tiny island is more than landscapes and scenic beauty. Every path on this enchanting island wafts with the fragrance of incense that is heady while you can get the tantalizing smell of clove oil lingering in the air. It isnt surprising to find sidewalks covered with flower petals while music buzzes as if natural to the surrounding. In Bali, Indonesia you need not do anything at all to enjoy though there is so much to do. A simple, leisurely evening walk can be as memorable as a trekking expedition on one of the volcanic trails of the island. There is so many things to do in Bali yet you can enjoy a vacation without doing anything!
While noise and chaos is part of the fabric of this scintillating island, it isn’t jarring or unpleasant. Bali is steeped deep in culture, tradition and religion which entices tourists all around the year. There are many sacred Hindu temples all around, some situated in breathtakingly beautiful mountain tops surrounded by white beaches. The art scene in the island is equally tantalizing. The people love their arts and you can find everything from cheap artifacts that are perfect as souvenirs to expensive curios worth owning and using as home decors.
For a traveler who is naturally attracted to scenic spots, Bali surprises at every nook and corner. Surfing opportunities are endless here, hiking a must do activity for adventure lovers while cycling around the lush landscapes a must for the enthusiasts. There are many misty waterfalls to enjoy while a few hidden black beaches (thanks to volcanic activities) that are equally mesmerizing.
Food is a rich part of Bali’s local culture. From street food to fine dining, you can explore many options. South-Asian cuisine is variant to say the least and it can truly be a gastronomical adventure for a foodie to explore the various delights. But one thing you MUST try when in Bali is Kopi Luwak – the famous coffee variety made from civet droppings! It’s expensive but worth every penny.
What we mentioned above is only a small, probably inadequate summary of all the exciting thrills of Bali. There are so many places to visit, so many things to do and so much to do. Let’s take a quick look at some of the most popular attractions of Bali.
Places to Visit in Bali
There are quite a few places of attractions in Bali even though it is a small island. It approximately measures 5,780 square km in area. But its rich heritage and scenic beauty has made it one of most visited destinations of 2019. According to 2019’s Global Destination Cities Index, Bali ranked 19th worldwide and was the 9th most visited destination in Asia Pacific.
Ubud is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bali. Among the top things to do in Ubud is visit the monkey forest which is a forest, a temple as well as home to hundreds of monkeys. It’s quite a spectacular sight of playful monkeys roaming freely all around and definitely worth a visit. While travelling to Ubud, make sure to stop at the Tegallalang rice terrace which is not only beautiful but also one of the most well-known terraced cultivations in Southeast Asia. You can also visit the Ubud Royal Palace or what is officially called the Puri Saren Agung. It is an example of excellent Balinese architecture. One of the major attractions here is the traditional dance performances that takes place every evening. If inspired by the art and culture that you witness in Ubud, you should walk to the Ubud Art market where silk shirts and scarves, statues, kites, baskets and many handloom and handicraft items are available for sale.
Another major attraction is Seminyak which is a shopping and resort hub of Bali. If chilling in the beaches in your top priority then you should book one of the hotels in Bali here. There are several beaches here like the Double Six Beach, Seminyak Beach and Echo Beach. From leisurely sun-bathing in the beaches to surfing, you can do a lot or absolutely nothing here! Shopping is an equally memorable experience at Seminyak where you will find traditional shops as well as high-end boutiques. There are a lot of things to do in Seminyak. You can spend your day shopping in the busy lanes and live through the night hopping from one vibrant restaurant to another rocking bar. You can also visit the Petitenget Temple which is the central cultural landmark of Seminyak.
But if it’s the beaches of Bali that is calling you, then you must plan to visit and stay at Canggu. It is one of the top Bali attractions. There are many things to do in Canggu. Once it was a sleepy town with no more than a few shackled huts as inns and unending beaches that saw very few people, today Canggu is a hotspot in Bali. One of the top places to visit in Canggu is the Tanah Lot Temple. It is an iconic sea temple that is precariously perched on top of a rock close to the ocean. Not only does the temple evoke spiritual thoughts but the surrounding scenery is equally mesmerizing.
Travel and Hospitality in Bali
Bali attracts millions of international tourists every year. Naturally its hospitality industry is booming. However unlike several other popular tourist destinations, Bali has soul. Even when you enter a small hotel, you will be welcomed with open arms, much as you would expect in a 5-star accommodation. There are varying ranges of hotels in Bali from hotels to high-end resorts. Most of the hotels also offer assistance in planning your Bali activities ensuring that you get to experience the most in the island even in the shortest amount of time. The Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport is the major international airport in Bali and the second busiest international airport in Indonesia. Transfers to all the major attractions is easily available from the airport.
Once you visit Bali, the thing you will remember most is the warmth and attitude of the people. The Balinese culture is warm and friendly and every Balinese treats tourists like their own people. It is no wonder really that Bali attracts so much international crowd every year.
