Wherever we wish to go on our next trip, let it be a trip to our native Russian outback or diving headlong into a tour offering distant and enticing Thailand from Novosibirsk, in any case, we try to find out the features and customs of the area we have chosen. And, if we are familiar with more or less known destinations that open tours to Turkey from Novosibirsk or Egypt, then countries and resorts that Russian tourists have not known so well remain a mystery to us.
So, when purchasing tours to Bali from Novosibirsk, it would be nice to get to know and learn for yourself the basic rules, taboos and features of this resort. Without them, it will be difficult for you to feel free and comfortable in this country, and you certainly will not cause an unpleasant misunderstanding of your own behavior among the local population.
1. At the resort, women are not allowed to sunbathe topless, and it is also impossible for a woman or man to appear in a public (except for the beach area) place in a bathing suit and without outerwear.
2. Photography of aboriginal people swimming in the sea is not allowed.
3. You should point to an object of interest, a person, the direction should not be with your index, but with your thumb and only your right hand. In addition, the elbow should not be set aside, but it is recommended to press it to you. Pointing at something with your foot will be perceived by the locals as an insult. The same strict standards of behavior on the island are "" cozy and when accepting or serving something to another person. This should only be done with the right hand.
4. Clothing for visiting temples should be special: no skirts, pants or T-shirts. You should get a personal or rented sarong.
5. Most of the temples on the island are open to the public, but they welcome voluntary donations in the amount of 1000 rupees or more. The central temples of the tourist routes have their own tax - one visit costs 1,500 rupees. For video and photography in them, tourists will be asked to pay an additional 500 or 1000 rupees, respectively.
6. With regard to the temples of Bali, there are also a lot of prohibitions: people with bleeding should not enter here; you can not be next to a person sitting in the temple, so as not to accidentally hurt his head; you cannot stand in front of a praying person.
7. Despite all the romance of the island, kissing and all similar displays of personal affection in public places are prohibited in Bali.
We started a story about what to do in Bali. In the second part, you will learn about the attractiveness of Ubud, what dances you can watch in Bali, learn how to climb Bali's volcanoes, and what Gili is.
Ubud
If you are staying in the southern part of the island, on Bukit, in Canggu or Kut, and have not left anywhere from here, you have not known Bali. Bali is much more than just beaches, surfers and the endless bars of Kuta.
Ubud is a city in the center of the island, far removed from the beaches and bustle of Kuta, it is considered the cultural capital of Bali. The city is located among the greenery of rice terraces and palm trees, at an altitude of 200 meters above sea level.
What to do in Bali in Ubud? Ubud is attractive for its attractions such as Monkey Forest, a sacred monkey forest that is home to many long-tailed macaques. The forest is very beautiful: tall trees with their foliage shelter from the sun's rays, long vines hang from the branches, and monkeys jump between the trees. In the very heart of the forest, there is a temple dedicated to monkeys, with very beautiful stone sculptures.
Ubud has many museums of various artists, locals and visitors. Also, the city is filled with numerous shops and workshops of artisans of all kinds - someone carves wood, someone makes sculptures, and someone blows glass products.
Not far from the city 
there are several temples: Gunug Kawi, Pura Kehen, and Goa Gaja - the temple of elephants. Built around the 9th century, it is famous for its cave, the entrance to which is the mouth of a demon whose face is carved in stone on the rock. Inside you will find several statues, including a statue of Ganesha. Large stone guards stand around the pools in the temple grounds, and a narrow path leads from here to a waterfall, rice terraces and fragments of a Buddhist stupa.
By the way, it is most interesting to ride a bike in the vicinity - since it is not difficult to rent it here. By bike, you can see the landscapes surrounding the city, ride along the narrow paths among the rice terraces, and feel the atmosphere of leisurely activity.
Every evening in the village of Petulu (it is located 10 minutes north of Ubud) from 15 to 20 thousand individuals of the egret nest. The sight of such a huge number of large, white and orange birds looking for a refuge for the night cannot but impress. At dawn, herons fly away in a flock in search of food. According to local legend, these birds began to fly after the tragic events of 1965, when the communists killed about 500 thousand people throughout Indonesia. Locals believe that the souls of the dead have settled in these birds. The action starts at 17.30 every day. You can watch this while having dinner at one of the varungs.
What to do in Bali. Dancing
The only thing that is impossible to do in Bali is to be bored. Balinese dance and music is unique and well worth attending at least one performance during your visit to Bali. The dances are very beautiful, we will tell you about the most popular of them.
Barong, or lion dance (Barong)
The Barong is a lion-like creature in the mythology of Bali, Java, Borneo and Sumatra. He is the king of spirits and the representative of good. The enemy of the Barong is the demon queen Rangda. This ritual dance tells the story of their struggle as a confrontation between good and evil.
Shows are held in Ubud and Batubulan village.
Calon Arang
Another delightful dance that tells the story of the confrontation between Chalon Arang and King Airlangga. The story has many variations, so it's hard to see two views that are the same. You can watch the show in Ubud and Gainyar
Kecak
Its other name is the dance of monkeys. Kecak was invented in the 1930s by a German artist specifically for the film. But, nevertheless, the dance took root on the island. Kecak is very spectacular - about 250 dancers surround the protagonist, shouting "kecak-kecak", while he performs a "spiritual dance" in the center. A particularly popular place for the Kecak dance is the Uluwatu Temple, where performances are held every day closer to sunset.
Legong Keraton
Perhaps the most popular of all Balinese dances. It is a dance of two divine nymphs that has its roots in 12th century Javanese dances.
Legong Kraton is performed all over the place, but more often only a fragment of the whole story can be seen. Try to find a complete picture and you won't regret it.
Volcanoes
What to do in Bali? Climb on!
Climbing to the top is a unique way to enjoy views of the island from a height of two or more kilometers, and also a good way to test your physical fitness - some routes are quite exhausting, and the ascent along them can take up to 10 hours. The most popular volcanoes for trekking are Bali's two peaks - Batur volcano and Agung volcano.
Volcano Batur (Gunung Batur)
The height of this active 
volcano about 1700 meters. There are two main routes along which you can climb to the top. Both routes are approximately the same in length (the ascent takes about 2 hours), but most of the first one runs in the shade of trees, and the second runs through frozen lava fields.
There is also a much longer route, which lasts about 10 hours, and suggests that the trekker will be better prepared.
Today, it will not be possible to climb Batur without a guide: now, as soon as you approach the starting point of the route, you will be surrounded by many guides who will try to impose their services, and in case of refusal, they may begin to behave very aggressively. So get ready to pay Rs 300-400 thousand per person.
Volcano Agung
The highest peak in Bali - 
the height of this volcano is 3142 meters. This mountain is considered sacred and at its foot stands the most important temple in Bali - Pura Besakih.
Before climbing, inquire about the dates of the Balinese ceremonies, since during the ceremonies no one can be above the temple, and therefore you may not be allowed on the trail.
There are several routes for climbing Agung, but the following two are the most popular:
- The first, the longest and most difficult, starts from Pura Besakih, its duration is about 6-8 hours. First, the ascent will go through the forest, then you will go out into open spaces, from which beautiful views of the entire island open. The average lift is 50-60 degrees. This route will take you to the absolute top.
- A simpler climb lasts about 3-4 hours. The route starts from Pura Pasar Agung. This trail does not reach the summit literally 100 meters, but the views from here are incredible. Here you can also look into the volcano's crater, the diameter of which reaches 700 meters.
Before going to volcanoes, I advise you to stock up on warm clothes (it is very cold on the peaks, especially if you go at night), as well as very comfortable shoes - sneakers can have real problems with the descent. Do not forget to take a lantern for each member of the group (we are talking about powerful lanterns, forget about the lanterns in your phones) and plenty of water, as well as something to eat.
It is better to set the exit time for the night, because if you want to enjoy the view of the entire island, then it is better to go to the top by sunrise - later in the morning clouds appear and volcanoes envelop.
What to do in Bali and its surroundings. Gili islands
If you do not know what to do in Bali and have already tried everything, then next to the coast 
Lombok, literally 10 minutes away by boat, are tiny islands discovered by backpackers in the 80-90s of the last century. "Gili" in translation from the language of the Lombok aborigines means a small island.
The islands have a very relaxed atmosphere, and the white beaches beckon to lie on them all day. So if you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Bali - the way is for you.
There are no cars or bikes on the islands. There are only bicycles and horses here. Plenty of restaurants and bars right on the oceanfront are open to guests, and a fairly wide range of accommodations, from resorts to budget guesthouses, will suit any traveler's budget. The islands are surrounded by coral reefs, so snorkelling and diving can be plenty to offer.
You can get to the islands by speedboat in just a couple of hours from the port of Padangbai in Bali. This ride is well worth it - be sure to take a rooftop ride, but be careful - if the ocean is rough it can be a dangerous idea.
There are three islands in total: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air.
Gili Trawangan Is the largest and noisiest island. Parties and parties are constantly held here. It is somewhat reminiscent of a miniature copy of Kuta 🙂 In the center of the island there is a small hill overlooking all of Gili and Lombok.
Gili Meno- the second largest. In the center there is a lake in which the water level fluctuates constantly. By the way, the water in it is salty. The calmest Gili of them all.
Gili air- the smallest of all, it can be walked around the beach in just an hour. Most of the locals live here of all three islands, and even though the overwhelming majority of them are Muslims, this fact does not bother at all - the locals are very friendly.
This is not yet a complete list of things to do in Bali. In the next part I will tell you about what Uluwatu is famous for, what Bedugul is, I will tell you about various Bali parks, as well as about rafting.
As you probably already know, in Bali every March there is a Day of Silence (Nyepi Day), which is associated with the beginning of the new year according to the Balinese calendar (). On this day, neither Balinese, nor even tourists, should go outside the gates of their villa. In general, Balinese are supposed to observe silence all day, and tourists - silence. Therefore, on this day, you either lock yourself at home for a day, like the rest of the island, or leave Bali for the neighboring islands.
Every year I am asked many questions about what can and cannot be done on Nyepi day, so I decided to collect these questions, and the answers to them, in one place.
Should non-Balians observe the Day of Silence?
Yes, everyone present in Bali is obliged to abide by the rules of the Day of Silence. And although you and I do not have to be silent and meditate all day as it should be for the Balinese, but it will be impossible to leave the hotel / villa / house. Listening to music loudly, making noise, talking loudly in the yard is not allowed. It is also impossible to turn on the light in the house (or only so that it cannot be seen from the street).
Does the whole island observe the Day of Silence?
Yes, all. This is not a joke or a legend for tourists. They observe absolutely everything, they take the day of Nyepi in Bali very seriously. On this day, not only are all streets and roads empty, but the airport does not even work, planes do not land or take off. The whole airport is closed all day long. The entire island is in darkness on Nyepi Day.
Can I go outside?
It is forbidden. All gates and doors must be closed, and you must be inside. The streets are completely empty and only a special patrol "pecalang" (these are people allocated by the village to maintain order during the Day of Silence, such vigilantes) checks that there are no violators on the streets.
There is no one on the beaches either, and even surfers sit at home and drool over the desert waves and lineups.
If you are caught on the street, then you can at least face a fine, and at the maximum, you can be detained until the next morning.
The main street of Kuta - Legian - completely empty on the Day of Silence
Can I turn on the light / light the fire?
The light can be turned on only so that it is not visible from the street - that is, a very subdued light inside the house. Otherwise, a patrol will come and make you turn off the light (and if you resist, you can be fined).
In addition to light, you cannot also kindle a fire. Moreover, the Balinese cannot even cook on this day, they cook all the food the day before Nyepi. The ban on cooking food does not apply to tourists, the main thing is not to make a fire :)
Can I have a party?
If she will be without music, without light, loud conversations and noise that is heard on the street, then you can. Just keep in mind that then you will have to gather with the guests the evening before and the guests will have to stay with you until the next morning - that is, for two nights.
What should tourists do at the hotel?
As you already understood, it will not be possible to leave the hotel gates. At the same time, all other entertainments - the pool, TV in the room, food in the hotel restaurant - are not canceled. If the hotel is small - with several rooms - then it will not be possible to make noise, plus if the hotel is viewed from the street, then the whole light will be slightly darkened. In large hotels with a huge territory, there are no particular restrictions on noise if everything happens inside buildings. Many hotels on the Day of Silence arrange a special entertainment program for guests so that they do not get bored: animators work, spas offer various procedures, restaurants and bars are also open.
In addition, some hotels even sell a special offer for Nyepi - for those who do not want to be at home, but want to spend time at the hotel. A great reason to arrange a romantic getaway for two :)
What should those who live in the villa do?
As with the hotel, you cannot go outside the villa. Therefore, you should take care of what you will eat all day and what you will do in advance. Stock up on books, movies, or board games. The main thing is to choose quiet activities. Last Nyepi we got together in a big company and played poker all day - the day passed unnoticed :)
In addition, you should foresee the issue with the lighting of the villa or house. With the onset of dusk, there should be no light in the garden, pool lighting and light on the terraces and in open living rooms. A dim light can be turned on inside the house. Stock up on candles or dim lamps. If the windows are large and allow light to enter the house, it is better to curtain or curtain them. Again, last Nyepi we wanted the lights to be turned on at home in the evening, so we covered the windows without curtains with cardboard.
What if you break the Day of Silence?
What happens if you go outside / turn on a bright light in the yard / make a lot of noise? In Bali, to maintain order on the Day of Silence, there is a special service in each village - called pecalang - that patrols the streets and punishes offenders.
The deserted Kuta beach on the Day of Silence (Nyepi); there are only special Pecalang vigilantes on the streets.
Exceptions on the Day of Silence?
The only ones who are allowed into the streets without any problems are ambulances. In case of emergency, feel free to call the hospital and they will come for you.
If you still do not know where to spend, for example, New Year's holidays, we suggest going to the island of Bali. How to actively and interestingly spend a long vacation in one of the most beautiful places in the world - read this article.
Taste local coffee
Indonesia is one of the largest coffee producing countries. Most of the territory is occupied by coffee plantations, where robusta and arabica are grown. Here, literally everyone is obsessed with organic and properly brewed coffee. Wherever you go, your coffee will always be delicious. In addition, in Bali, you can try all sorts of variations of this drink: affogato, piccolo affogato, macchiato, mocha, flat white, marocino, long black and even espresso with martini or espresso avocado with chocolate syrup and vanilla cream. We advise you to go to Revolver Espresso. This place is popular on the island and is highly rated on TripAdvisor. Don't forget to check out Sisterfields, Monsier Spoon, Watercress, and Mild and Madu.
See the most beautiful sunsets
Bali sunsets are what most travelers and tourists from all over the world come for. From five in the evening, all rooftop bars and cafes along the ocean are completely packed. Book your place and time in advance so you don't miss anything.
If you come to the island with a companion or companion, be sure to visit the MoonLite Kitchen and Bar. This restaurant is ranked in the top 10 romantic rooftop restaurants according to the opinion. Two more must-to-go places are Potato Head Beach Club with an outdoor pool, pool bar, loud music and beach parties, and Nalu-Bowls organic cafe on Bukit with stunning ocean views.
If you suddenly find yourself in Jimbaran, be sure to go to the beach. There are many restaurants along the ocean with a wide selection of fresh seafood, exotic juices and unusual cocktails.
See how rice is grown and harvested
The bulk of the Indonesian population is engaged in rice production. To see what it looks like, head to Ubud, the rice fields. The desired path runs along the Champuan River. If you decide to go all the way, be prepared for a two hour walk. You will see how the local people farm and harvest rice: it is grown, irrigated and dried.
Watch the Balinese painting
Almost every Indonesian can draw. And there is an explanation for this: in the 16th century, due to the collapse of the Majapahit Empire, there was a large influx of artists and artisans to the island. This is how Bali became the creative capital of Indonesia. On the island you can find a large number of shops, shops and galleries, where the locals sell their paintings. But if you are not in the mood to buy and take them with you, at least go and see how they are created. Usually Balinese begin to paint in the early morning next to their shops or houses. So go for a walk in streets like Seminyak. You will have a great opportunity to chat with artists and watch them create their masterpieces.
Take a photo in front of the Uluwatu spot
The main feature of the Uluwatu area is the panorama at an altitude of over 90 meters overlooking the ocean. We advise you to visit a place called This is not only a cafe-bar with an unforgettable view, but also a shop for surf lovers. This is where you need to take photos. Then order cocktails, take the best seats and enjoy the sunset.
Go to a cafe with organic and healthy food
The most frequent visitors to the island are Australians. Thanks to them, healthy food has become popular on the island. Over the past three years, many cafes, restaurants and shops with organic and healthy products have sprung up in Bali. Here are just a small list of such places: The Shady Shack, Betelnut, Shelter Café, The Spicy Coconut and Down to Earth chain of cafes and shops. Bali is a real paradise for sugar free, gluten free, dairy free lovers. All kinds of desserts, a large selection of smoothies and cocktails, superfood bowls - you can find all this in any of these cafes.
See the construction of the tallest statue in the world
Scattered throughout the Garuda Wishnu Kencana Park are parts of the future tallest statue in the world. According to the plan, this will be an image of the god Vishnu sitting on the Garuda bird. The height of the statue will reach 150 meters, and the wingspan is 64 meters. Take a walk in the park, carefully examine all the parts of the statue and assess the scale of your plans.
Go to yoga and surf
Bali without surfing is not Bali. Feel free to go to the nearest surf school, take an instructor - and go ahead, catch the waves.
Yoga is another popular activity on the island. There is a large selection of studios with different directions and even with Russian-speaking instructors. One of the most popular yoga schools is The Practice Yoga. The building is made of bamboo, there is a panorama with excellent views of the fields. Group classes are held on the second floor, and after they are completed, you can stay for tea and make new acquaintances. Full relax.
Bali Island is the pearl of Indonesia and the most famous resort in Southeast Asia. Well-groomed white beaches, dense mangrove exotic forests, cultural attractions annually welcome millions of travelers from all over the world. The volcanic island attracts foreign visitors with its well-developed tourist infrastructure, a wide range of entertainment and water sports.
About the climate in the resort
Recently, the island has been extremely popular among tourists from the post-Soviet countries, so many travelers ask themselves the question “When to go to Bali? ". Indonesia is famous for its year-round summer. The beach season never ends. However, due to the monsoon equatorial climate from November to March in the archipelago, constant showers replace winter. Most of the rains are short-lived, but European visitors are uncomfortable. It is most comfortable to relax in Bali in summer and early autumn, when it is warm and dry.
Bali differs from other Indonesian islands in that endangered plants and animals, which are unique species, live throughout its territory. The southern region is considered the main resort region, which is washed by the Indian Ocean. Wealthy tourists love to relax in the respectable area of Nusa Dua with luxurious villas, hotels and restaurants. It is noteworthy that this luxury resort has no buildings taller than coconut trees.
For the budget traveler, Bali will delight in affordable, ubiquitous accommodation. Basically, tourists settle in hostels or Balinese huts, where they immerse themselves in the national culture. The central part of the island is famous for the town of Ubud, where it will not be at all difficult to find a colorful place to stay. Lovina resort is located in the north of Bali. Black corals, volcanic beaches and exotic lodges attract travelers eager to get into the spirit of the island, who love diving and surfing.
Entertainment and attractions
Almost all Balinese hotels are equipped with luxurious SPA-salons. The main feature of such centers is considered to be the use of only natural natural elements, for example, vegetable oils, milk, algae or flower petals. In the SPA centers, clients will enjoy the local classic massage, which combines Japanese, Chinese and Thai ancient techniques, reflexology, aromatic baths and a variety of water treatments. The hallmark of healing Bali is the wrapping of the stronger sex with cloves and black rice powder. The above activities have a beneficial effect on blood circulation, get rid of cellulite, relieve stress and moisturize the skin.
The Kutu area is extremely popular with surfers. There are surf schools and board rental shops. This resort also attracts young people and connoisseurs of vibrant nightlife. Local restaurants will delight you with the cuisines of many countries of the world, and European and American musicians often give concerts in Kuta.
Fans of diving in Bali must visit Amed. The coastal waters are interesting for beautiful corals, amazing underwater inhabitants and the Blue Lagoon, perfect for novice divers. There are manta rays, mola-mola fish, reef sharks, moray eels and lionfish, as well as multi-colored
Shopping lovers in Bali will not be bored. Souvenir shops, shops and shopping centers will delight shopaholics with natural spices, luwak coffee, which is considered the most expensive on the planet, goji berries and black rice, tropical fruits and jewelry. The village of Cheluk is famous for its craftsmen who make magnificent precious jewelry from stones and pearls. It is worth buying quality fabrics in Tohbati settlement. The main advantage of the local sellers is that they like to bargain, and this is extremely important for guests from the CIS.
In addition to beaches, mountains and volcanoes, the island is famous for its ancient palaces and religious shrines. You should not visit local temple complexes alone. Almost all local guides in Russian will tell the secrets and stories of every building in Bali for an affordable fee.
The east of the island is interesting for the “mother of temples”. This is the largest complex of shrines, consisting of 20 magnificent buildings. Ulun Danu is considered the main sea temple of the island, and Tanah Lot, surrounded by water, is the hallmark of Bali. Nature lovers will love the rice terraces, the Serangan turtle island and the amazing Git Git waterfall.
The Bali Botanical Garden, in addition to unique plants, is famous for its Bali-Tritop Park. Here tourists will ride on and walk along the suspension bridges. The Gunung Batur volcano serves as an observation deck from where you can enjoy the sunrises and sunsets, and its surroundings are interesting with a thermal pool. The Tampaksiring settlement throughout Indonesia is known for its ancient monastery and holy spring, in which tourists and local residents bathe in sacred water.
Bali is part of Muslim Indonesia, so here you need to adhere to quite a few rules and recommendations:
- The wearing of short shorts and mini-skirts is prohibited.
- You cannot come close to a person who is praying.
- Avoid talking loudly during religious events.
- Swimming and sunbathing naked is possible only on special private beaches.
- You should visit temples without bleeding wounds and with a mandatory donation.
- It is necessary to enter government facilities and mosques with covered knees.
- Pointing at someone is not encouraged here.
- When talking to locals, you should not shout, swear, or touch on politics.
As a security measure, large sums of money, documents and jewelry must be kept in a hotel safe. It is important to take out health insurance and get vaccinated against tropical diseases before traveling.
The island of Bali is considered the most popular in Southeast Asia, so you have to prepare for huge queues at the airport, near local attractions. However, all these inconveniences are fully compensated for by a wonderful vacation on luxurious beaches, in ancient temples and amazing forests.
