Things to do in Bali

Bali is among the most sought after destinations for couples across the globe. The weather is pleasant all round the year, making it even more popular among honeymooners. When you are in Bali with your partner, you cannot miss a visit to:

• Uluwatu – temple beaches and cliffs
• Sanur – beautiful beaches and tranquil nature
• Ubud – green rice fields, art and passion
• Batur – for the adventure loving couples
• Gili Islands – the party island
• Tegenungan Waterfall – in the middle of jungle and in the lap of nature
• Canggu – great sunsets, emerald waters, expansive rice fields
• Jimbaran Beach – good food, beautiful beached, good people and a inviting local culture
• Pandawa Beach – for surf and that perfect moment with your partner

Traveling with your family, especially kids can be quite of a fun at Bali. There are several beaches that offer safe and yet private opportunities for a family to be together. Some of the best regions to travel with your family include Ubud, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Lovina, Sanur and Nusa Dua. You will want to visit temples, be a part of cultural excursions, trek to the mountains, enjoy water sports, visit the marine park/zoo and lastly enjoy the Balinese cuisine with your family.

The Island of Gods, Bali offers all that you can seek of a tourist destination. From outdoor fun to cozy massage therapies, there’s a wide range of offering. Consequently, Bali is considered as a tourist’s paradise – there is always something to enjoy for everyone.

• White Water Rafting at Ayung River
• Barbeque Seafood at Jimbaran Bay
• Waterbom Bali, Nusa Dua
• Bali Safari and Marine Park Tour
• Bali Zoo Tour
• Sunrise Trek to Mount Batur
• Devdan Show at Nusa Dua Theatre
• Ubud / Sightseeing Tour
• Shopping at Kuta Art Market
• Pirates Dinner Cruise
• Monkey Forest Tour
• Full Day Cycling at Carangsari Bay
• Three Island Cruise
• Trek to the Monkey Forest
• Trip to Blanco Resistance Museum

The Bali Eat-Pray-Love tour can be life changing. Do as Julia Roberts did in the movie! The moment you arrive at the Denpasar International Airport, the scene won’t be too different from what you saw in the movie. The steel grey waters, beaches of Kuta to the umpteen number of foreign tourists in places like Seminyak, it’s a real match. Head on to the Samkhya Villas near the rice paddy fields of Ubud is where you follow Julia Roberts to find a similar accommodation. Follow her footsteps to the Hindu temples, lush rice terraces and get up close with the monkeys in the Monkey Forests nearby. Ubud is where the movie was filmed and this is also the most amazing part of Bali to be in!

The popularity of movie has in fact made most travel agents in Bali come up with a complete Eat Pray Love package. It’s worth considering if you have been inspired enough.

There are lot of enthralling water sports to do in Bali:

• Scuba Diving at South Kuta
• Kite Surfing at Sanur, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua
• Sea Walking at Tenjung Benua
• River Rafting and Cycling along the Ayung River Canyon Tubing in the Siap River
• Parasailing in the Tenjung Beach
• Underwater Scooter at Nusa Dua
• Jet Ski at Tenjung Benua
• Flying Fish in South Kuta
• Donut Boat Ride at South Kuta
• Surfing at Bukit Peninsula
• Reef Surfing at Legian Beach

You don’t really need to be a swimmer to enjoy the water sports opportunities in Bali. In most of the activities, you will be accompanied by a trained instructor and will be given safety equipment and clothing to ensure that you don’t drown. Except some activities like Reef Surfing and Category 3 White Water Rafting, you should be able to participate in most of them. Bali water sports is fun!

Bali’s beaches are one of the cleanest across the globe. You will literally be tempted to get underneath and check out the marine life for yourself.

Some of Bali’s best snorkeling and scuba diving locations are at PadangBai, Nusa Dua, Mejangan Islands, Amed, Candi Dasa, Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Lembongan and Tulamben.

For the more experienced divers, the locations would be Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay, Manta Point and Toyapakeh.

A basic dive at places like Tulamben would cost you about Rp 1,306,800

Bali with kids is fun! Check out the following places for a great family time:

• Waterbom Bali
• Rip Curl School of Surf
• Bali Safari and Marine Park
• Ayung River Rafting
• Bali Wake Park
• Kemenuh Butterfly Park
• Banana Boat Rides
• Bounce Ball Trampoline Center
• Dream Museum Zone Trick-Eye Gallery
• Bali Treetop Adventure Park

Some of the interesting sightseeing options in Bali include:

• Tanah Lot Temple, Tabanan
• Uluwatu Temple, Uluwatu
• Besakih Temple, East Bali
• Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Ubud
• Ubud Monkey Forest, Ubud
• Ubud Art Market, Ubud
• Mount Batur and Kintamani, Central Bali
• Bali Safari and Marine Park, Gianyar
• Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, Tabanan
• Goa Gajah, Gianyar

A sea walking adventure is a perfect way to check out the marine life around Bali and is suitable even for participants with little or no knowledge of swimming. The best sea walk experience can be had at Sanur. You can also check out the sea diving facilities at Kota Denpasar and Nusa Dua. In most cases, a sea walking adventure can be arranged by the hotel you are staying at.

The basic cost of the activity will be around US$75 for adults and US$ 60 for kids between the ages of 10 and 12.

Kayaking is easy fun and completely safe for any kind of participant. Even kids can enjoy kayaking. Kayaking is organized at Nusa Ceningan, Legian, Nusa Lembongan, Singaraja, Tanjung Benoa, Kuta and Ubud. You also have the opportunity to enjoy the only sea kayak at Pandawa Beach.

The rate of a Sea Kayak is US$35 per person. That will also be the average cost on other locations around Bali.

Horse riding in Bali is an amazing way to check out the countryside and rice terraces around Bali. It is also a must recommended activity if you are traveling with your partner. Several operators will be able to arrange private horse riding tours. The best places to go horse riding in Bali include the east coast of Savannah Bay, Gianyar, Nusa Penida, Papuan Village, Badung, Tegallalang, Payangan, Menjangan, Canggu, Tabanan, and Mount Agung.

The Elephant Safari Park allows you to get up-close with the majestic Sumatran Elephants and will be an experience of a lifetime. Cared in a healthy and stimulating environment, the Elephant Safari will take you across the tranquil botanical gardens and a paradise of a jungle. The best thing is that you can enjoy the elephant back ride with your whole family.

An easy but highly rejuvenating nature walk, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is highly popular among all kinds of visitors to Central Bali. The activity offers a great retreat and escape from the contemporary boutique scene in Bali. Sometimes, you just need some time alone and in peace!

Some of the trekking options in Bali includes:

• Mount Batur, also famous for its active volcano and an amazing sunrise
• Trekking in Sambangan in Northern Bali
• North Bali Appreciation Tour to Kintamani
• Mount Agung Sunrise Trek, Kintamani

One of the most popular attractions in Ubud, it’s the focal landmark of Bali. The architecture goes back to the 1800s and is well kept through upkeep and regular cultural activities and festivals being organized in its premises. It is highly recommended that you become a part of the Royal Palace Cultural Night Performance to get a glimpse into the secret and enchanting Ubud. Apart from the very well preserved Balinese architecture, and he charming garden setting, the dance and the music can be an explosive experience.

River Rafting in Bali is one of the most recommended adventure activities. The best thing is that anyone above the age of 10 can be a part of it. Rafting instructors come highly trained and you will be well geared up to be safe for any kind of eventuality. It is necessary that you follow the rafting guidelines recommended by organizers.

Cycling is a much more laid back way to get across Bali and can be a great way to check out the country. There are several trails all across that let you experience the natural setting. Cycling is also one of the recommended ways to do a tour if you are traveling with your partner. The best cycling tours can be found in:

• Ubud
• Kintamani
• Bongkasa Village
• Sanur Village
• Batur Village
• Kerobokan
• Yeh Gangaa
• Putung to Virgin Beach
• Sangeh Village

The Trick Art Gallery or Museum is a unique experience for anyone in Bali and is especially loved by kids. It’s a museum show casing illusions and a variety of magical enfeeblements.

The entry fee to the Trick Art Gallery is IDR 100000.

Apart from some beautiful places to visit in Bali, there are n number of beaches which are an added cherry to the cake. These includes:

• Pedang Pedang Beach
• Suluban Beach
• Balangan Beach
• Pandawa Beach
• Dreamland Beach
• Bingin Beach
• Green Bowl Beach
• Nyang Nyang Beach
• Melasti Beach
• Tegal Wangi Beach
• Blue Point Beach
• Pandawa Beach

Mount Batur or Gunung Batur is located North West to Mount Agung in Bali on the southern side of the mountain is the Caldera Lake. Mount Batur hosts an active volcano and the eruption is visible across the year. In fact, it is one of the most forceful eruptions on this planet. Mount Batur is also believed to be one of the most sacred mountains by the locals and several adventure tourists take on the fairly physical Mount Batur trek. The peak is about 1000 meters above sea level and takes about two hours to reach on foot.

Canoeing in Bali is one of the most recommended adventure activities. The best thing is that anyone above the age of 10 can be a part of it. Canoeing instructors come highly trained and you will be well geared up to be safe for any kind of eventuality. It is necessary that you follow the rafting guidelines recommended by organizers. The best places for canoeing include:

• Amed
• Kuta
• Lombok
• Taman

A perfect fun day for family and couples, the Bali Safari and Marine Park holds wildlife adventures that include elephant trekking, cycling through forest roads. It is one of the most visited animal parks that was opened back in 2007 and since then it has been one of the most visited places in Bali. It is home to over 60 species of wildlife that roam freely around, thus offering you an experience that is livening.

A cruise ride across the Bali Ocean is a must. It has been one of the most popular activities among honeymooners. Consequently, you seek a range of cruise rides, ranging from whole day cruises to night cruises and even private cruises. Cruise rides are always accompanies by 4 course meals, cocktails and a lot of fun, music and dance.

The best place of watch dolphins is the Lovina Beach. A cruise ride will let you experience dozens of them in unison!

Helicopter rides will be a unique way to check out the Bali Islands. You can soak in the bird’s eye view of the smoking volcanoes, stepped rice fields, long stretch of pristine beaches, enchanting lighthouses, cliffs, old temples, surf breaks and highland lakes.

The price of joy tours that covers the Kuta and Legian beaches is about IDR 4,571,250 per person. This is the basic package but you can always choose to customize your tour. The duration of a basic helicopter tour is about 60 minutes.

There’s a range of restaurants that you can find across Bali. Ranging from luxury to budget, the food in most is awesome. It would be great to experiment with the local food around. Top restaurants to try out when on a honeymoon include:

• Mozaic in Ubud
• Mozaic Beach Club at Seminyak
• Metis Lounge at Seminyak
• Sarong at Seminyak
• Mama San at Seminyak
• La Lucciola at Seminyak
• Cuca Flavor at Jimbaran Bay
• II Ristorante at Uluwatu
• JuMaNa at Uluwatu
• Warung at Uluwatu

Bali offers a very happening nightlife. Soon as the sun sets in the horizon and over the Sea, several nightclub open their doors to extravaganza. The nightlife ranges from sports bar to dance floors and crazy clubbing!

The legal drinking age in Bali is 17 years. It is however not recommended to drink in public places. Alcohol is however always available across private beaches, resorts and restaurants. Similarly, smoking too isn’t recommended in public places. However, cigarettes are widely available in local shops.

Some of the best yoga retreats in Bali include:

• Fiveelements, Badung
• Soulshine Yoga Retreat, Ubud
• Desa Seni Yoga Retreat, Canggu
• Abing Terrace, Gianyar
• Floating Leaf Eco Gianyar
• Naya Ubud, Ubud

A spa in Bali in the backdrop of the blue ocean can be a rejuvenating experience. Check out the following places:

• Thermes Marins & Spa on the Rocks, Jimbaran – US$ 500
• Riverside Spa at Maya, Ubud – US$ 50-85
• Royal Kirana Spa, Ubud – US$ 375
• Fiveelements, Puri Ahimsa, Mambal – US$ 188
• Lembah Spa, Ubud – US$175
• Karma Spa, Ungasan – US$112
• Mango Tree Spa, Ubud – US$102
• Soori Spa, Tabanan – US$155
• The Spa at Bulgari Resort Bali – US$750
• Prana Spa, Seminyak – US$5

The best places for shopping and the things each is famous for include:

• Seminyak / Petitenget for designer threads
• Seminyak / Ubud / Kerobokan for Home wares
• Kuta / Legian / Seminyak and Ngurah Rai for surf gear
• Seminyak / Denpasar and Kerobokan for Furniture
• Ubud / Canggu / Gianyar and Denpasar for local markets and souvenirs

Renting a villa in Bali offers you privacy amidst all kinds of amenities. There are several properties available all across the country and you can choose depending on the location and budget. Look for Airbnb for the best offers. The average price you pay for renting a villa is about $1400 for a month. A 1 bedroom villa on the other hand will cost about $750 a month. You can find cheaper properties with a bit of a search. Advanced booking also allows you discounted rates. The best places for your villa search in Bali include:

• Kuta
• Seminyak
• Sanur
• Ubud
• Uluwatu
• Lovina

For anyone traveling to Bali, you might need to take medication before, during and after your trip. Recently, Zika Virus has been announced as a risk in parts of Indonesia. Pregnant women are recommended to take extra precautions. Apart from that, all travelers should take steps that prevent any mosquito bites and sexual exposure during and post trip.

• Routine vaccines for general travelers include MMR, DTP, Chickpox vaccine, polio and your annual flu shot
• Hepatitis A vaccine as there is a likely chance of exposure from contaminated water and food
• Typhoid vaccine since water sanitation is a problem in Indonesia
• You might also want to consult your doctor before your visit for other recommended vaccines that may include Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephelatis, Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever.

The key to health safety in Bali is:

• To get vaccinated
• Eat and drink at hygienic places
• Keep away from animal contact, especially the domestic ones
• Prevent any kind of bug bite
• Use insect repellents
• Avoid non-sterile cosmetic equipment
• Avoid sharing body fluids