A few degrees south of equator, in the South-East Asian archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, lies the beautiful island of Bali. Populated mostly by the Hindu minority amidst the Muslim majority Indonesia, the island is dotted with over 20,000 intricately carved temples and artistically decorated palaces.
Stretching over 153 km from east to west and 112 km from north to south, any spot on the island is only a few hours away by road. The island is a haven for any kind of traveler, for those seeking tranquility, culture, art, beautiful landscapes or adventure. You name it; Bali has it all.
Being in Bali is like being on a treasure hunt, everyday you will discover something new.
The international airport at Denpasar is located near the south of Bali, so it is advisable to arrange for accommodation, atleast temporary, around that area if you are reaching at night.
Starting with a warm Balinese style welcome, you can begin to unwind with a traditional Balinese massage. Choosing from an array of luxurious spas, offering hot herbal tea, deep invigorating oil massages and fresh flower baths, you will get rejuvenated and spruced up, ready for exploring the night life in Bali.
Nightlife in Bali is mostly in the region of Kuta, where pub hopping is a popular sport, so keep your shoes handy. Parties last till the crack of dawn, so planning your activities for the next day is essential. You will find Hard Rock Café-Bali right at the beginning of Kuta beach road. But for a more local and authentic experience, check out the exciting hangouts all around. With live music from local bands and exotic Balinese drinks, it will be an experience like no other.
The coming morning, along with a sumptuous breakfast, feast your eyes on traditional Balinese dances, based on the Hindu mythology of “Ramayana” or “Mahabharata”.
As you set out to discover the beauty of Bali, you will be mesmerized by the lush green rice fields, sandy beaches, active volcanoes surrounded by pristine blue crater lakes, flourishing flora and fauna, and exotic wildlife in tropical forests. The natural beauty of Bali gives a sense of peace and tranquility and at the same time creates a feeling of wonder and awe in the most seasoned of travelers. Places to explore are Kuta and Lovina beach, Kintami volcanoes, and Nusa Dua.
Another focal point of the trip is the rich cultural heritage of this region, which shows in the beautiful items crafted by the Balinese people. Every item has a story to tell, be it the painstakingly carved stone idols, exquisite wood work, intricate silver and gold articles or the traditional and modern styled Balinese paintings.
Every hundred meters, you will find a unique piece of art in the form of temples, workshops, house entrances or decorations. It is evident that art is in the blood of the Balinese people. Ubud is predominantly the cultural capital of Bali, with beautiful palaces, museums and art factories. Don’t be afraid to flaunt your bargaining skills, you can get hold of intricate and inexpensive art work to embellish your own palace back home.
For the sporty traveler, surfing, diving and snorkeling sites are aplenty, pick one or try them all. Water sports including banana rides, para sailing, jet skiing are also available at several beaches. You can also visit the turtle island, or rent a private boat and pick a spot to park and relax.
No matter where you are in Bali, you will feel right at home. The Balinese people are warm and friendly, and their genuine smiles, honesty and hospitality just makes you want to come back for more. The people are more than willing to tell you about their rich culture, stories from “Ramayana” and “Mahabharata”, the different types of temples built, Balinese caste systems and names they use to address one another. The more questions you ask, the more enriching your experience will be.
The bombings in Kuta have affected the locals emotionally as well as financially, and they are trying to recover from Bali’s affected tourism industry, taking it all in a stride. You can pay homage to the victims of the Bali bombings at the Kuta shrine.
The Balinese cuisine includes dishes tossed in a blend of spices, rice being the primary constituent of any meal. Balinese dessert includes fried banana fritters and traditional tape ketan or tape ubi(fermented sticky rice). You can refresh your taste buds with recently plucked tropical fruits, which are fresh and juicy, a rarity in this packaged world. The variety of tropical fruits and their freshness will leave you wanting for more!
Bali is in true sense an island of gods, and if you want to know how it feels to be one, pack your bags, get some Indonesian rupiah and head to Bali, the one and only. Its simply divine!
