More than a hundred articles have been written about Bali in our blog - for us it is one of the most beloved places on Earth, and this is partly why most of these articles reveal the island from a positive side.
Meanwhile, we periodically receive comments and messages in a personal that Bali is not nearly as perfect as we portray it.
It so happened that we concentrate more on positive things (often even unconsciously), so many disadvantages fall out of sight. It's much easier to live like this, but for bloggers it's not a very good quality, so from time to time we still try to be more objective and look closely at the minuses too (there are plenty of them here too).
Bali is an island with character, it is quite contrasting, there are many different conjectures and stereotypes about it, and unlike the almost ideal Thailand, which almost everyone loves, after Bali, some tourists spit and swear that they will not be here anymore. The other part, despite not all the disadvantages, considers it ideal and falls in love with the island irrevocably!
With this article, we decided to put everything in its place and talk about the pros and cons of Bali.
Cons of Bali
Traffic and driving style. For us, this is perhaps the most significant minus - on the roads, especially in the southern part of the island, chaos is happening here.
A cocktail of an incredible amount of motorbikes, narrow roads and a crazy driving style result in traffic jams and turn the movement from point A to point B into a real torture. ⠀
At the same time, sometimes it is worth turning aside onto a secondary street and immediately the traffic disappears instantly.
Mediocre beaches. We have said this many times and will say it again, Bali is not for a beach holiday. There are no "bounty" beaches and most of them are either shallow, or big waves, or there is no infrastructure, or very crowded. There are exceptions, but there are not many of them, and it is not a fact that it will be possible to settle right next to them. ⠀
High humidity. The humidity level here rarely drops below 80%, so the heat on the island is rather difficult to endure. In addition to this - long-drying things, mold on your favorite clothes and lenses. ⠀
Dangerous sun. Sun exposure during the day is tantamount to suicide. Skin, especially unaccustomed to the sun, burns instantly and can burn several times during the vacation. ⠀
Rain season. Unlike most resorts around the world, winter is not the season here. Hot, humid and a lot of rain. Moreover, the rains are quite long, so if you go to Bali to celebrate the New Year, be prepared for the fact that you may have to ride a bike ankle-deep in the water.
And also, the rainy season is very dirty beaches and a lot of garbage on the ocean shore. ⠀
Expensive seafood. Surprisingly, despite the fact that Bali is surrounded on all sides by water, seafood is quite expensive here. ⠀
At the same time, it is worth driving away from the coast and they disappear, almost completely.
Lack of public transport. If you are used to using buses, trains, tuk-tuk, jeepney, songteo and other public vehicles, then here you will be disappointed, there is nothing like it, and it will be very difficult here without your own transport (or using a taxi). ⠀
Taxi mafia. Taxis here, at the same time, are quite expensive by Asian standards, and besides, local taxi drivers are actively fighting with cheap Uber and Grab, up to the use of physical force, which significantly reduces their number and makes life difficult for visitors.
Growing crime situation. Recently, attacks on tourists have become more frequent - they rip off handbags and chains, snatch phones, push them off bikes, and climb into houses and villas. It is worth noting that this mainly occurs at night and in the south of Bali. ⠀
Tasty local cuisine. Dishes prepared in warungs (local cafes) are often heavily fried, fatty and spicy. In tourist places, this is easier, but it is worth driving a little to the side, and only two dishes will be waiting for you on the menu - mi goreng and nasi goreng (fried noodles and fried rice).
There are literally a couple of dishes that we like, but in general, the cuisine here is not very expressive and few people like it, except for the Balinese themselves. ⠀
High prices in restaurants. If you focus on the average level, then the cost of cafes and restaurants here will be higher than in the same Thailand.
If you are used to good restaurants, then you will hardly notice the difference,
and if you want to eat cheap, then see the previous point. ⠀
Bank card fraud. In Bali, cases of skimming are very common, when, some time after you have withdrawn money from an ATM, additional debits are made from the card. You need to choose an ATM very carefully so as not to become a victim of scammers. ⠀
Calculation. In small shops, they may incorrectly give change or break through excess goods. In the exchanger, you can easily see professional tricks with money, which look impressive, but are not cheap.
We have heard about this many times, but have never come across it, perhaps because most often we shop in large supermarkets, do not change currency and rarely visit the criminal south of the island. ⠀
High level of corruption. The police often deliberately arrange round-ups in order to shake the treasured dollars from tourists.
However, if everything is in order with your documents, you are not violating anything, then most likely there will be no problems.
Slow internet. In general, the situation is noticeably improving, many places where fiber is laid and the speed becomes stable (we have 10 Mbit / s at home), but often it is still quite unhurried on the island.
Dirt and debris. Despite the fact that the Balinese themselves are very clean, neat and tidy,
the roads and beaches, especially during the rainy season, can be quite muddy.
Either the point is in the visiting Indonesians from other islands, or in their culture, which, accustomed to organic waste, did not have time to convert to a huge amount of plastic and other inorganic waste.
Active and varied fauna. This is not exactly a minus, but rather a common enough point for Asia.
There is a huge number of all those who fly, crawl and jump - insects, frogs, lizards, geckos, snakes, scorpions, etc. in the overwhelming majority they are not dangerous, but from habit they can, at least, annoy. There are also quite a few stray dogs here, which, again, are usually not aggressive, but like to bark and jump out onto the road in front of the bike.
Cataclysms. Bali is located in an earthquake-prone region, therefore it periodically shakes it. Earthquakes are usually not strong and do not happen very often, but anything can happen. There are also several volcanoes here, in particular the active Batur. It does not represent a serious danger, but for example, in the early 2000s, there was a small outflow of ash, which reached 300 meters in height.
Lack of sidewalks. In some places they are found, but in general, it is better not to rely on them. Even where they are, they can be stuffed with bikes, half-broken, etc. As a result, it is quite difficult to defile here in a long dress with heels, as well as to walk with a stroller if you are traveling with a small child. Locals here, in general, rarely travel on foot - they get on a bike whenever possible, even if you need to travel 100 meters.
A large number of tourists. Especially Chinese, and every year there are more and more of them. Popular attractions (such as the Tanah Lot or Uluwatu temples) are simply overcrowded during the day. Life hack for the non-lazy - come early in the morning, to the opening, then there is a chance to walk almost alone.
Restaurant taxes. Most cafes and restaurants here do not include taxes and service charges, as a rule, it is 15-21%. Judging by the fact that in some establishments the amount is already included, there is no single rule or law on this matter, so this can be considered a trick of the owners in order to make the price visually lower. Tax information is usually listed at the bottom of the menu, but it also happens (infrequently) that it is reported after the fact.
Paid parking. Quite often, near beaches or attractions, locals charge money for parking. Most often they give out a ticket, but it happens that they just collect it. The cost is small, usually $ 0.15-0.4 for a bike and about $ 1 for a car, but many people really don't like it, so let's write it down =)
There is no direct flight. Well, one more disadvantage is that it is quite long and difficult to get to Bali. There are no direct flights, from Moscow, as a rule, they fly with two connections, and if you do not live in the capital, then add one more. Sometimes you can pick up a flight with one stop, but it will be significantly more expensive.
Pros of Bali
Large selection of vegetables and tropical fruits especially in August / September and also in winter.
Dragonfruits, grapes, mangosteen, vanis, marquises, durians, vanis, rambutans, longans - all this can be found in Bali during certain seasons,
and pineapples, papayas, bananas, watermelons, herring, tangerines, strawberries, young coconuts grow here all year round.
Stunning nature. There is an ocean and volcanoes here
rocks and mountain lakes, jungles, rice terraces and waterfalls -
such diversity on one island is difficult to find anywhere else.
The nature here is not only diverse, but also very photogenic,
a real paradise for photographers
and lovers of beautiful views.
Picturesque ocean. Despite the fact that we included beach vacations in the minus section, the ocean itself is very impressive, especially if you look at it from the side.
A large number of tourist attractions. There is diving, snorkeling, rafting,
safari park, elephant park, avkapark, bird park, cultural park, etc.
Surfing. It should be highlighted as a separate item, as it is really cool here. There are waves all the year round, there are a lot of spots, both for beginners and professionals - it's not for nothing that a huge number of Australians who know a lot about surfing come here for surfing. And besides, all this is very cheap here.
And there are also many surf schools with Russian and Russian speaking instructors, so the language barrier will not become an obstacle between you and the ocean.
A huge number of attractions. In Bali, there is no question of what to do with your time,
rather, on the contrary - "how to cram all this into your short vacation."
Compactness. All the joys of life from the previous two points are located on a relatively small area, the distance from the southernmost point to the northernmost point is ~ 120 km.
Unique culture and religion. Daily religious rituals and offerings in themselves already delight many, and there are also many bright holidays (Nyepi, Galungan, Kuningan), impressive cremations,
and a thousand more different ceremonies,
when local people in their outfits bring offerings to gods and demons -
it all looks mesmerizing.
The friendly local population. Balinese are very friendly, responsive and, in our opinion, smile much more than the same Thais from the "land of smiles". Sure, in tourist epicenters, you are likely to be seen as a source of income, but a little aside, they are really cool and sincere.
Wonderful architecture. Carved windows, doors, facades near houses, beautiful temples in picturesque places, stylish cafes and restaurants -
Balinese hands grow from where they need to be, they are quite hardworking and this immediately catches the eye, literally as soon as you descend from the plane.
Wide range of accommodations. Here you can easily rent a simple room in a guesthouse for $ 15, and rent a luxurious villa for several hundred dollars a day.
There are no problems with both daily and long term rentals.
A civilized contingent of Russian tourists. Due to the significant distance and a small number of "all inclusive", the audience here, for the most part, is quite decent. Although anything can happen, of course =)
Good selection of cafes and restaurants. Despite the fact that we recorded the local food as a minus, it is difficult to die of hunger in Bali - here you can find almost any cuisine,
all kinds of directions and specializations,
including organic, vegetarian, etc.
Many restaurants are very stylish
atmospheric,
or just with a cool look.
Good selection of yoga schools. Many people go to Bali (and especially to Ubud) in order to join yoga and everything is really good here - there are many schools, studios and private teachers,
both with classical directions, and with more sophisticated ones - for example, roll and release, yoga on a rope x, acro yoga, etc.
Cheap transport rental and inexpensive gasoline... Renting cars and motorbikes here costs almost half as much (especially if you rent for a long time) than in Thailand, and besides, it does not cause any hassle. Here, no one requires a passport as a deposit and does not extort money for invented scratches. In addition, gasoline here costs about $ 0.6, and you can rent a car with a driver here for $ 40-50 per day (including gas).
Proximity to other islands. If, nevertheless, Bali is fed up, there are other islands nearby - Lombok, Gili, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Java, which can be reached in a couple of hours. Not to mention the other 17800 Indonesian islands, which, however, are more difficult to get to =)
Convenient visa policy. For Russians, you can enter the country either free of charge with a stamp at the airport (for a month), or for money, but with the ability to extend the period of stay for another month. And for those who want to spend more time here - with the help of certain manipulations (legal) without departure, you can stay in Indonesia for up to 6 months. ⠀
Balinese people love children. Every time the locals see a small child, they break into a touching smile. They will never look askance at a screaming child, they will always offer an extra pillow to put the baby somewhere in a restaurant, and, in general, show pronounced positive emotions towards children. True, sometimes such love goes to an extreme, when they start grabbing children by the cheeks, asking them to hold them in their arms, etc., not everyone likes it.
Large selection of spas and massage parlors. Here you can find massage at a local eatery for $ 5, and a European-level spa with good cosmetics, professional specialists and the highest level of service.
A special atmosphere. This point is difficult enough to describe in words, but many people feel that something special is in the air here. Some associate this with the enormous energy that thousands of Balinese generate every day with their religious rituals. Others explain the special location of the island.
Even we, ardent materialists, here begin to doubt that everything in our world can be explained exclusively from a scientific point of view, but those who believe in higher and / or / supernatural forces feel them with special acuteness in Bali. Many even come here specially to visit the "places of power", of which there are a great many.
If you, after reading this post, decide that you should not go to Bali, then you really should not! If you are not afraid of all the cons, then welcome to the fan club of bali lovers 😉
In any case, we hope that a description of the pros and cons of Bali will allow you to put together a balanced picture in your head and decide for yourself whether you should go here! ⠀
Have you already been to Bali? Do you agree with our observations? Maybe you noted for yourself some other pros and cons?
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Bali is the most popular and, accordingly, the most developed Indonesian resort in terms of tourism. It attracts tourists with its pristine landscapes, tropical forests, impressive volcanoes of Kintamini, Gunung Batur and Gunung Agung, ancient temples and, of course, endless beaches. Relatively recently, tourists from Russia also realized this, and therefore the number of Russian citizens per square kilometer of Balinese territory has increased significantly.
Bali Island is a treasure trove of foreign culture. And sometimes it seems that for the Indonesians themselves, the cultural tricks of the local population are also a wonder. If your choice fell on this island, in any case do not limit yourself to a beach holiday in the style of "Bounty". No, it seems that Bali was not created for this at all. And the stubborn ebb and flow along the beaches most popular with tourists are like an unspoken confirmation of this. What is Bali for me?
How to get to Bali
Find flights to Bali
Bali districts
Bali's main hangout center, a place where life is in full swing, regardless of whether the sun is blazing or the moon is shining, is the "sweet couple" of Kuta and Seminyak. The format of recreation here is very similar: here and there round-the-clock parties, megawatts of light and sound, lively streets with bars and restaurants. However, Kuta is especially attractive to young people with its democracy, simplicity and cheap alcohol. In addition to fans of parties and fun at night parties, numerous fans of the wave come to Kuta: the surfing conditions here are just perfect. Accordingly, the surrounding area is full of rental shops, schools and private surf instructors.
Bali guides
Entertainment and attractions
Ubud is considered the cultural capital of the island. Mostly artists, artisans and dancers live in the city. Every evening in all the temples performances are held - you can see the dances "kechak", "barong", "legong" and the puppet theater "Wayang Kulit".
A corner of virgin nature and unearthly beauty is hidden by the Bali Barat National Park at the western end of the island. It is home to representatives of the equatorial savannah, mangrove and deciduous forests, and its coastal waters have 110 species of coral. On the territory of the Botanical Garden, in addition to the pleasure of contemplating luxurious plants, you can get a dose of adrenaline. There is an adventure park "Bali-Tritop" with a network of cable cars, bungees and suspension bridges.
Bali for children
The children's entertainment program on the island is no less rich than the adult one. Safari parks provide a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the animal world and get to know its inhabitants better. Any child will love the prospect of spending the whole day with elephants - feeding them, bathing and even painting. Bali Waterbom is considered one of the largest water parks in Asia. It is located in the center of Kuta and is surrounded by 4 hectares of tropical gardens. Spend a day in the ocean - this opportunity is provided at floating beach clubs-pontoons near the islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. They are equipped with a system of water slides and pools, there is an opportunity for snorkeling and diving, children's animation and restaurants - everything for a family holiday.
In the Monkey Forest in Ubud, kids can watch monkeys (but be careful, the tailed ones can play and attack a person), admire the flying beauties in the butterfly park, and swim with sea turtles on Gili Island. And by the way, surf centers in Kuta begin to put beginners on the board from the age of 5.
A real pirate ship is moored to the beach in the Nusa Dua resort. The ship's crew constantly requires cabin crews at the age of 4 years. While lessons are underway at the school of sea wolves, parents of young pirates can find something to do in a restaurant. The Pony Club riding center invites young riders from 3 years old not only to ride small horses, but also to take care of them. The Bali Treetop Adventure Park will especially appeal to teenagers - there are all conditions for conquering the jungle on bungee, ziplines and other units.
November
December
Eternal summer reigns in Bali. You can swim, sunbathe and water sports all year round. Thanks to the equatorial-monsoon climate, instead of winter, the island begins the monsoon season - from November to March, it rains at night and in the morning. Most often they are fleeting and by lunchtime there is no trace of precipitation. If the rainy weather lasts longer, then in just a few hours you can reach the neighboring islands, which are usually sunny. The most comfortable time in Bali from May to October is when it is warm, dry and clear, and the southeast wind brings pleasant freshness. The peak of the dry season is in the calendar summer, and it gets a little cooler in the evenings.
How to get there?
Bali resorts
On southwest of the island Kuta
Legian
Changu
Jimbaran
Uluwatu
Southeast coast Nusa Dua... This resort is suitable for those who are not used to counting money and prefer to relax in style. Nusa Dua is an elite resort town where everything is organized so that vacationers leave as much of their money as possible. There is a beautiful white and clean beach and a calm ocean with clear water. A distinctive feature of the resort area, as well as an important factor influencing the formation of prices, is the absence of houses of local residents, i.e. there are only hotels, inns, villas, mansions, etc. for vacationers and tourists. In addition to a variety of small shops, the resort has an excellent shopping center - Gallery Center, where a variety of boutiques, the best restaurants and numerous retail outlets with elite goods are concentrated. The place is ideal for families to relax: tranquility, silence, various entertainments at hotels, cuisine of different nations in restaurants, as well as a yacht pier.
How to get to Bali?
Bali can only be reached by air travel. The only question is which path each tourist will choose for himself: direct flight or with a transfer. Many people (especially surfers) do not want to arrange a trip through a travel agency, but plan to get there on their own. This can be done from Moscow in the following ways:
- direct flight from the capital of Russia to the capital of Bali - Denpasar. This method is the most simple and convenient. The flight will take about 12.5 hours, after which you will lie on the beach and enjoy the beauty of the coast. Through a travel company, such a ticket will cost about $ 1,500, and an independent purchase will cost $ 500 less, but there is a significant disadvantage: the ticket may appear on sale shortly before departure, which is completely unacceptable for many tourists. Another unpleasant moment is that such flights run only during the high season, so if you have chosen the rainy time, fly with transfers;
- the undoubted advantage of a flight with one or two transfers is the opportunity to save money, since the ticket will cost from $ 600. You can choose flights both by the time that you will spend on the way, and by the place of stop and their number. The minimum travel time is about 16 hours, the maximum is more than 2 days. It is this factor that is fundamental in the formation of value;
- a mixed flight assumes to fly from Moscow to one of the neighboring countries (Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore), and then arrange a cheap Asian flight to Bali. Since the communication between Asian countries is frequent and well-established, there will be no problems. You will be able to plan your flight so that it is comfortable and not very long for you, and the time while waiting for a connecting flight will not be a burden for you. The cost of such a round trip flight starts at $ 500.
There is only one airport on the island - Ngurah Rai - and it accepts international flights, so there is no need to do additional land or water crossings.
Bali resorts
On southwest of the island resorts are concentrated with the best and most expensive hotels, luxurious service and a host of entertainment venues. Here, for the most part, wealthy people or those who decided to spend their vacation spending a good amount of money rest. On this coast, the most famous resort, especially among young people and party-goers, is the Kuta resort in Bali. Here life boils and rages day and night. If you decide to place and relax here, then you will not have any problems with housing: here you can choose from fairly cheap and budget hotels to luxurious 5-star complexes. The main segment of hotels is still presented at the level of 3 - 4 stars. As for the pricing policy, the cost of goods and services here will not hit the pocket. Surfers often choose Kuta as a vacation spot, regardless of skill level. Beginners can take classes at one of the local surf schools, and more experienced ones can master the board on their own. The main distinguishing features of the resort are white sandy beaches, small but very good for a surfer, waves, no rocks and reefs. There is an interesting hotel in Kuta - "Hard Rock Hotel", which is located in the central part of the city. This hotel is distinguished not only by its stylish design, but also is the place where a large number of concerts of famous world bands are held.
resort Kuta
Not far from the never silent Kuta (distance of about 2 kilometers) is another resort town - Legian in Bali. It is not much different from its neighbor, but the water is clearer here, the shore is calm, and the music is not played at full volume. There are also fewer surfers here. The cost of housing is affordable for every tourist, and the option of accommodation in the far part of the town will be ideal for those who like active and nightlife, but prefer to sleep in silence. 
About 13 kilometers along the road (or 5 kilometers along the beach) from Kuta there is a very small and not yet very developed resort area - Changu... This resort is not a large city, but a small village with all the flavor that comes from here. Around it are rice green fields on terraces, beautiful gardens, rocky beaches and other beauties. It is always calm, fresh and there are practically no annoying tourists here. Not far from the noisy Kuta, this place can become a real paradise. Despite the poor development of tourism in this place, there are still some good restaurants and hotels where you can stay at a very reasonable price.
Jimbaran- this is an elite resort not for the middle class, since most of the hotels here are from the "5 stars" category, and food and drinks in restaurants, bars and cafes are an order of magnitude higher than those offered for similar goods and services in the same Kuta or another resort.
Uluwatu Is the best place for surfers who want to meet fewer annoying tourists on the beach. The waves here are amazing and sometimes you can "catch" even 8-meter waves. If you are not a surfer, then you won't have much to do here, since the infrastructure is still underdeveloped, the number and quality of hotels is not impressive, but this is compensated by the beautiful nature of the Bukit Peninsula and a large number of temples.
Uluwatu temple on the slope
Southeast coast Bali, you can begin to describe everything from the same Bukit peninsula, the resort Nusa Dua.
This resort is suitable for those who are not used to counting money and prefer to relax in style. Nusa Dua is an elite resort town where everything is organized so that vacationers leave as much of their money as possible. There is a beautiful white and clean beach and a calm ocean with clear water. A distinctive feature of the resort area, as well as an important factor influencing the formation of prices, is the absence of houses of local residents, i.e. there are only hotels, inns, villas, mansions, etc. for vacationers and tourists. In addition to a variety of small shops, the resort has an excellent shopping center - Gallery Center, where a variety of boutiques, the best restaurants and numerous retail outlets with elite goods are concentrated. The place is ideal for families to relax: tranquility, silence, various entertainments at hotels, cuisine of different nations in restaurants, as well as a yacht pier.
Nusa Dua Resort
Sanur Is the resort from which Bali began its ascent to the top of the tourism business. Today this place bears the proud status of the quietest resort town. The beach here stretches for about 7 kilometers and is considered one of the cleanest on the island.
Sanur is suitable for a relaxing holiday with young children or for those who have already stepped over the retirement age. The resort is recognized as the center of water activities, in particular - diving.
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Tanjung Benoa is the closest neighbor of the Nusa Dua resort and can be said to continue (10 minutes by free bus). True, this resort offers slightly lower prices and the level of accommodation (3 and 4 stars hotels), but in no case is this reflected in the level of service and recreation. A distinctive feature of this resort is the strong influence of the ebb and flow, which occur here in greater numbers than on the rest of the coast of the island. Perhaps this influenced the formation of prices. This resort is considered one of the quietest and measured ones, so couples, newlyweds and those who love tranquility and nature are frequent guests here.
In the central part of Bali, there is one very entertaining resort with a lot of attractions - the city of Ubud. As it has already become clear, there can be no talk of any coast and sea here, since this is not a coastal resort. It is mainly visited by lovers of wild places, sightseeing and recreation in the jungle.
Ubud, Pura Saraswati
Elephant cave or Goa Gajah.Ubud
Puri Lukisan Ubud Museum
Such natural beauty, as in the vicinity of Ubud, you will not find anywhere else. Even if you have chosen the coast, take some time to get to know the culture of Bali, the customs of the local population and see the real jungle with its inhabitants.
One of the most unusual hotels in the world is located in Ubud - the Hanging Gardens Ubud hotel, lost somewhere in the tropical jungle. The hotel offers its guests infinity-style infinity pools that seem to be an extension of the landscape.
Their highlight is that they are located on several levels on the side of the mountain, due to which a stunning view from their edge is achieved. You can stay here in one of 38 comfortable luxury villas, but it's not cheap at all. There are large plantations of rice terraces in the vicinity of the hotel.
The northern coast is undoubtedly not the most popular option for recreation, therefore there are not many resorts here. There is, perhaps, only one that can be distinguished - Lovina... A distinctive feature of this place is the black coastline due to the black volcanic sand. There are no such unique places in Bali anymore.
Also on the coast, you can often see groups of dolphins that swim quite close to the coast. Swimming with these sea creatures is considered one of Lovina's favorite pastimes.
The east coast of Bali is still far from the southern territories, but in recent years the resorts of this region have become more visited.
(or Padang Bay) I am pleased to offer you a quiet and relaxing holiday, as well as the ability to quickly reach the island of Lombok and Nusa Penida.
Beaches
Uluwatu Beach is located in the resort village of the same name. This is a rather small area of the coast, located between the rocks. At high tide, its territory is almost completely hidden under water. Due to the fact that this beach often has very high waves, and in general the sea is not very calm, there are a lot of surfers here. The beach infrastructure is well developed: many shops, cafes, and surfing equipment rental centers.
Kuta Beach is the most popular among Russian-speaking tourists. There is absolutely everything here: bars, restaurants, cafes, surfing, numerous nightclubs and chic diving opportunities. Near the coast, you can get a board over the head from novice surfers, but if you came here to stand on the board yourself, then the place is perfect.
Attractions and excursions
Of course, many of the sights and beauties of the island can be explored on your own, but there are also those that are better to visit with a Russian-speaking guide, since no one else can tell you the history, legends, beliefs and traditions of certain places.
In Ubud, it will not be superfluous to visit the Royal Palace, which is located not far from the main road of the town.
Here you can see traditional island dances. Also pay attention to the Monkey Forest. It can be reached on foot from the city center. This is a real kingdom of monkeys, where they behave as they please.
Don't take shiny things with you and hide your camera, as monkeys always take what they like. In the center of the forest there is a real cemetery for primates with tombstones, where the names and dates of death of animals are engraved.
This list is not exhaustive. There are a lot of temple complexes, beaches, parks (parrots, reptiles), settlements offering various types of craftsmanship and skills in Bali, as well as other attractions and excursion programs. The prices for everything are quite affordable, so you simply must see at least those beauties that are located not far from your resort.
Bali is the epitome of tropical excellence, tranquility and fabulous relaxation. An island of mountains and volcanoes, jungles and temples, palm trees and endless sandy beaches, waves and coral reefs. Millions of tourists from all over the world annually make forays here, eagerly breathing in the air of wanderings and adventures, conquering the waves and the depths of the sea.
This island is far from the largest in Indonesia (it is usually referred to as small islands), but it is definitely one of the most famous in the whole world.
Bali on the map
- Geographic coordinates - -8.361280, 115.163996
- Bali's dimensions are as follows: from west to east about 150 kilometers, and from north to south about 80. Its area is 5780 km 2
- The island belongs to the Lesser Sunda Islands of the Malay Archipelago. Bali is located between the majestic island of Java (to the left of Bali) and the island of Lombok to the right. By the way, Lombok is practically equal in area to the island of Bali.
The insanely beautiful and colorfully crazy island of Bali is filled with a huge number of attractions. And these are not only original and ancient temples, of which according to some sources there are up to 20 thousand. It is not for nothing that it is also called "the island of a thousand temples", although, probably, it should have been called "the island of a THOUSAND of temples." Officially, there are 6,000 temples on the island, but together with home or family temples it is already under 20,000. It is also amazing nature, dense, in some places impenetrable tropical jungle and diverse fauna.
Bali nature
There are 4 types of forests perfectly coexisting on the island. The western part is dominated by classic evergreen (no, not coniferous) tropical forests. In the hard-to-reach places of the northwestern part, there are deciduous forests. As you can imagine, the leaves from the trees in these forests periodically fall off. There are also savanna forests, and, finally, mountain forests grow in the highlands (as a rule, their height does not exceed 1500 meters above sea level).
Bali's vegetation is extremely rich. Banana palms, considered sacred here, have grown throughout the island and provide food for numerous monkeys, bats and even squirrels. Giant bamboo trees (although according to the biological classification it is a grass) up to 35 meters high and up to 40 cm thick trunk. Figs (accent on the first syllable) and banana groves are widespread on the island. A large number of representatives of the ficus family. And there are countless palm trees of different types, including coconut palms, traditional for the tropics.
In Bali, you can find an interesting plant called Sapodilla. Natural latex is produced from its bark, which is used in the manufacture of chewing gum.
The most beautiful orchids and yellow magnolias adorn the greenery of the island with their flowers.
The fauna matches the flora. There are several hundred species of birds alone. There are also many monkeys, bats and bats in Bali. Incredibly beautiful butterflies amaze with their colors. The coastal waters are abundantly populated with tropical fish, shellfish and coral species.
It should be noted that the island is also rich in inanimate nature. There are as many as 2 volcanoes here, and they are generally considered active. These are Gunung Agung at 3142 meters high and Gunung Batur 1717 meters above sea level. They are located in the northeast of the island. Incidentally, these volcanoes erupted quite recently, in 1963, which caused numerous casualties. After that, some local residents were forced to leave the island.
Bali climate
There is no traditional division of the year into seasons. No winter, no summer. It is customary to allocate only two seasons. The dry season is from June to October and the wet (or rainy season) is from November to March. Typically, rainfall increases during wet seasons and the weather can be very changeable. Although in some areas of the island, this division is almost invisible. We can safely say that Bali is the island of eternal summer. Even during the rainy season, almost every day you can see the sun, warming this amazing corner of the planet with its rays.
The proximity of the island to the equator determines its almost constant warm climate. The average annual temperature is about 26 o C. However, it can be cooler in the mountains. The water temperature in the ocean is 26-28 o C, which is very, very comfortable. But the humidity is always high here, which is typical for tropical islands.
Inhabitants of the island
The local population is the real attraction of Bali. The bulk of modern Balinese are descendants of Indians. India was once a thriving kingdom, and owned both the island of Java and the island of Bali.
The island is now inhabited by approximately 4.3 million people. The language on the island is Balinese, but it is rather a dialect of the official language of Indonesia, Bahasa Indonesia (or simply Indonesian, since “bahasa” is translated as “language”).
An interesting fact is that Bali is a Hindu society located on the territory of a Muslim state. The religious movement here is called Agama Hindu Dharma, it is a Balinese variety of Hinduism. The Indian god Shiva is highly revered.
Local residents are very honored and proud of their customs and traditions. Bali has an interesting symbiosis of ancient traditions and achievements of the 21st century. Fine modern hotels coexist with centuries-old temples. Often the architecture of the hotels is closely intertwined with the local quirky style. Therefore, on the island you can find hotels that resemble Balinese palaces and temples, or, for example, similar to local picturesque villages with houses under thatched roofs.
For believers, the hotels provide chapels. As a rule, many hotels encourage Balinese holidays on their territories. For this, local musicians and dancers are invited. This is not only entertainment for tourists, but also the popularization of traditional Balinese culture.
Despite numerous tourists and various modern innovations, the local culture of the Balinese is still flourishing. This is largely due to the fact that part of the income from tourism is invested in the arrangement of temples. Moreover, every year on the island, different festivals and ceremonies are held more and more colorful and varied, which, in turn, further awakens interest in Bali.
Do not assume that the Balinese are illiterate aborigines who can do nothing but entertain tourists. They are a very developed and hardworking people. Do you know that there is no concept of “artist” in the local language? Art is a common Balinese phenomenon here. Music, dancing, creating sculptures and paintings are a natural and, one might say, everyday part of local culture and life.
Artisans and farmers use both ancient knowledge and modern technologies in their activities. Moreover, both of them (and indeed all Balinese) are simply obliged to be able to sing and dance. Locals know a lot about beauty and its creation. Now in Bali there are many souvenir shops and shops where you can buy handicrafts of Balinese craftsmen and quite modern things.
Bali landmarks
That's what, and there are a lot of attractions on the island. Numerous Hindu temples, built in the middle of the last millennium, and many of which are still in operation. They hold religious services and ceremonies. High and active volcanoes. Anyway, the island of Bali is one continuous attraction.
In particular, it is worth visiting (or as it is also called the Temple of the Earth). Just remember - the road to the temple is accessible only during low tide. Tanah Lot is one of seven water temples around the island. It is believed that the combination of these temples protects the island from evil forces.
If you like funny and carefree monkeys, then you should definitely look into the Monkey Forest. Do not be alarmed, this is not a dense unexplored jungle, but a kind of park, which is located in the city of Ubud. Here monkeys live in their natural environment. They are fed by park rangers and tourists. But be careful, animals can rip your jewelry off or steal your phone. Well, if they really don't like you at all, provoke or tease, then the monkeys can easily bite you. Be careful.
Well, the Monkey Forest is behind, now we are heading to. This temple is located near a cave inhabited by a myriad of bats (they are very revered on the island). In the evenings, this gigantic horde flies out of the cave and grabs gape of tourists go on a night hunt. Often tourists come here just to look at it.
These are just some of the attractions of Bali.
Tourist activities
The island of Bali quite recently, literally at the beginning of the 20th century, was a virgin tropical paradise, practically inaccessible to tourists. But gradually he entered the world tourist podium.
In the 20-30s of the twentieth century, the island began to be explored, and already in the 60-70s, rows of "flower children" of hippies were drawn to the southern part. For these cheeky citizens, the island of Bali has become a kind of Mecca. Then the hippie movement came to naught, and the island's fame, on the contrary, "went uphill." And now it is one of the most famous, rated and attractive resorts in the world.
Now the island has a large number of various hotels (more than 5500) that can satisfy both capricious tourists and unassuming travelers. They are usually located on the coast and have a different star rating.
In any case, there are many different hotels on the island for every taste and budget. There are plenty to choose from.
Entertainment in Bali
In addition to the usual entertainment for tourists, diving and surfing are very developed in Bali.
The island is surrounded by a large number of coral reefs. This is naturally just ideal conditions for diving and for simple diving with a mask and fins (usually called snorkeling).
The purity of the ocean combined with the graceful beauty of corals create an amazing and unique underwater world. Multicolored small fish quickly maneuver among the reefs. A school of silverfin tuna swirls into a huge, sparkling tornado. 
Life is also raging on the surface. The four-meter waves magnetically attract surfers. Riding the waves of Bali is one of the cherished goals of any surfer.
Surfing on the island is possible all year round, but the optimal time for professionals is from March to October. It is at this time that the waves in the ocean rise above 4 meters, and crowds of experienced surfers rush to conquer them.
But there is a place on the planet where incredibly desperate surfers try to conquer the biggest waves. These are the famous waves in Portugal. They rise to a height of 30 meters and are able to surprise the most sophisticated traveler.
In the rainy season, when the waves are less, beginner surfers are already storming them.
Surfing is one of the main specialties of the Balinese. A large number of special shops for surfers and various schools for teaching this elegant, but extreme art, publicly and secretly, are pushing tourists to "master the board."
Thousands of people with surfboards under their arms is normal in Bali. The best surfing beaches are mainly found in the southern part of the island. Although you can catch a wave along its entire coast.
It is no secret that it is in Bali that competitions in this exotic sport have been held for more than a dozen years.
But that's not all. Tourists can watch incredible buffalo races. In Bali, bloody cockfights are also held. Although they are considered illegal, they are often included in some ceremonies and holidays.
And again, we must not forget that the island of Bali is, first of all, a unique geographical, ethnographic and simply cultural object of our planet. Luxury hotels and local villages in the surrounding area, modern resorts and ancient temples, towering volcanoes and stunning beaches. All this is Bali.
But Bali also has a significant drawback.
Bali's biggest drawback
And now we want to tell you about one huge minus of the island. This is an annoying and sad thing, but you should know about it. It is very difficult, but you have to accept it. So - the biggest drawback of Bali is that ... you will never be able to explore, absorb all of its uniqueness, be surprised at all the diversity of the island, enjoy all its enchanting beauties and visit all the beaches and see all the sights within one (and perhaps even and not one) round.
Of course, a few lines above is just a lyrical digression, but unfortunately, all these events will take much more time. Well, this is a very good reason to come back to Bali again.
- walking in a swimsuit is recommended only on the beach and hotel grounds
- it is highly undesirable to sunbathe topless or even nude
- for the distribution or use of drugs the death penalty is imposed, but at the same time, you can safely buy hallucinogenic mushrooms
- Balinese people eat using only their right hand. The left is considered unclean or defiled. Locals never use it to transfer and receive things and objects. It is not customary to wave this hand
- it is not accepted here to kiss in public places
- in Bali to this day there is a division of people into castes. There are 4. Shudras - the poorest and largest caste, Brahmanas - servants of temples, Kshatriya - military and civil servants, Vaisya - merchants. The last 3 castes are considered privileged, all the nobility belongs to them
- polygamy is allowed on the island. You can have up to 4 wives, and consent for the second and subsequent wives must be obtained from the first wife
- in Bali, multi-colored umbrellas are very common. They are believed to be protection from evil forces. Usually the colors of the umbrellas correspond to certain castes.
- there are officially 230 holidays here, so festivals and ceremonial processions along the city streets are a common occurrence
- marriage is a very important step for the Balinese. The wife must go to live in her husband's house. A family must have children. Only in this case will the Balinese be able to take part in religious ceremonies and rituals. If a divorce suddenly happens, the woman returns to her parents' house and has the right to pick up only her personal belongings. Children usually stay with their father. In Bali, they are believed to belong to a man.
- the burial ceremony on the island is rather incomprehensible to Europeans. The fact is that in Bali people are cremated (simply put, they are burned). But this procedure is very expensive, so they try to cremate people in groups, thereby dividing the costs among several families. And until the required number of the deceased is reached, they are temporarily buried in the ground. Then it is dug up and cremated. Moreover, this ceremony takes place with noise and fun.
- Ordinary water is especially revered on the island of Bali. In ancient times, the religion of the island was called Agama Tirta, which means “the religion of sacred water”. It is believed that water has a creative and cleansing power.
There are several dozen beaches in Bali. Some of them are popular, others are considered "secret", that is, little-known among tourists. There are almost no "paradise" beaches. Those who like to lie in a sun lounger with a cocktail in their hands, occasionally entering the calm expanse of the ocean, will have a hard time.
One of the most popular is the beach - a youth party resort in Bali. This is a real mecca for surfers. Constant waves, lack of coral at the bottom and developed infrastructure have made Kuta beach the most populous holiday destination on the island. After Kuta, Seminyak Beach begins and. Everything here is almost the same as at the neighboring beach, but more "respectable". The waves are constant, but not as strong. You can rent a sun lounger, umbrella and have a snack at local cafes. Those who do not consider themselves to be surfers and come to Bali for relaxation should pay attention to the beach at. The ocean is much quieter here. The ebb and flow are not noticeable. The beach is covered with pure white sand. It is home to beginner surfers and swimmers. Another calm beach of the island is Sanur. White sand, crystal blue water, no waves all year round ... What else do you need for a lazy rest and good diving?
Hotels
There are a great many hotels in Bali. These are well-known world chains and democratic guesthouses with shared facilities. And given the fact that many people come to live in Bali, it is common to rent villas and bungalows on the island. It is by settling for a month or more in a real Balinese house that one can feel the life of the island, plunge into the colorful and unique life of the local population. The cost of bungalows and villas on the island is small, especially such housing is beneficial for companies of 4 or more people.
Most of all in Bali hotels with 4 and 5 stars. As a rule, these are low (building buildings higher than palm trees is prohibited by law), neat residential buildings with a garden and a swimming pool. The service here is good, the staff are polite and helpful. Tipping is not accepted. At the same time, Bali has one of the highest hotel fees in the world - 21%. It is either already included in the room rate, or paid by tourists separately. It is better to clarify this question immediately when booking a hotel.
sights
The Tanah Lot Temple is often depicted on postcards from Bali. Its name translates as "Land and Sea", and it is located right on a sheer cliff. It is believed that the temple was built by one priest in the 15th century, who lived here alone, and feeling that the place was sacred, ordered to build a temple here. The place is very exotic and atmospheric.
The Besakih temple is another favorite place for tourists. For the Balinese, it 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 go to sleep only with their head to it. The Besakih temple is called the mother of all the temples on the island. It is also the largest religious complex in Bali. Here you can see how sacred rituals and rituals of offering to the gods are held. When you get here, you understand how devout the Balinese are and how much their faith means to them.
In the Bedugul area there is a magnificent Bali Botanical Garden. A place that bewitches with its beauty. It is often foggy, and the garden is surrounded by huge strawberry plantations. On the 57 and a half hectares of the slope of Mount Pohon, there are about 650 species of trees, 400 species of orchids, 104 species of cactus, as well as bamboo, roses and much more. There are about two thousand different plants in total. Going on a tour to Bali with children, put the botanical garden in the list of must-see places. Toddlers can run barefoot here while parents relax on the grass watching Balinese couples' wedding ceremonies.
The water palaces Ujung and Tirta Ganga are some of the most beautiful structures on the island. They were built by the last Bali Raja - Karangasem, employing Dutch architects. It turned out not only beautifully, 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 buildings of extraordinary architecture.
It is worth a trip to the village of Butulan to see how the very stone statues that are found everywhere in Bali are being created. Images of gods and common 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 mythological characters. Any statue can be bought.
To see how rice grows in Bali, you need to go to the Ubud area. The famous Tegallalang rice terraces are located here. Rice will grow very quickly, in 3 months, so the appearance of the local landscapes is constantly changing. First, the undulating terraces on the hillsides are filled with water, then green shoots break out of the water. Soon the plantations are completely emerald, and when harvest time comes, the fields take on a golden hue. Interestingly, even after the rice has been harvested, there is something to see on the terraces. The Balinese bring domestic ducks here so that they gnaw at the remnants of the grains. The sight is very curious.
Kitchen
Bali has a peculiar cuisine, but almost all tourists like it. The dishes are not spicy like in Thailand, but the Balinese also use a lot of seasonings. The famous combination of 8 spices is used: coriander, cumin, cloves, white and black pepper, nutmeg, candle fruit and sesame seeds. All dishes are based on rice and, unlike other Islamic provinces in Indonesia, 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 fried on a spit for several hours. Served meat with vegetables and sauce. Advice: if you decide to try babi guling, go to a cafe before lunch. The piglets are cooked in the morning, and after they run out, the cafes (varungs) are closed.
Another Bali national dish is betutu. It takes at least 24 hours to prepare it. Chicken or duck is marinated, then fried and stewed with spices. The most tender betuta is served with rice and a special sauce of coconut oil, onion and chili.
For dessert, you can try martabak. Quite simply, it's a thick pancake stuffed with chocolate, bananas and nuts. The most pleasant thing is to feast on the dish, washed down with traditional hot tea or coffee.
Souvenirs
There are a lot of masters in Bali. They pass on their crafts from generation to generation, doing a certain job in whole villages and even cities. Going to the villages of Mas and Kemenukh, you will find a huge number of woodcarving workshops. Balinese make figurines and furniture from wood. And so skillfully that having bought a wooden souvenir as a souvenir, you will admire the talent of the master for a long time.
The small village of Cheluk in Bali is famous for the production of jewelry. It is called the silver heart of the island. Silver items are created here in a unique national style. Those who wish are also shown the process of making rings and earrings. Jewelry in Bali is of very good quality and is inexpensive.
An excellent souvenir will be batik, which is skillfully created in the city of Gianyar. There are as many as 40 fabric factories here. Craftswomen apply drawings with special paint on cotton fabric. The patterns of Balinese batik are recognizable: usually they are colored national ornaments, as well as mythological characters and gods.
It is also customary to bring healthy food from Bali. Spirulina algae, goji berries, chia seeds and black rice are abundant on the island. Superfood is inexpensive, so you can buy it for yourself or as a gift. Finish your shopping in Bali with organic cosmetics by purchasing natural oils, soaps, Ayurvedic creams and shampoos, toothpastes and much more. It is based on natural ingredients that have been used in Bali for hundreds of years: honey, cinnamon, ginger, sandalwood, jasmine and aloe. Sly merchants assure that all miracle jars are charged for longevity and prosperity.
