Bali Tourism And Travel Guide

Bali, the much famed Island of the Gods. The name brings to mind an idyllic beach getaway with relaxing Balinese massages; exotic cocktails and the endless sea to go along. From pristine beaches to exciting water sports and world-class amenities, tourism in Bali has all this and more on offer. The small landmass located in the Indian Ocean has a diverse topography with picturesque beaches, lush hills and fiery active volcanoes and the rugged coastlines. It is no wonder then that Bali is reputed as one of the most diverse destinations attracting over a million visitors a year. Here is a travel guide to make your trip to Bali a smashing one.

Bali is well connected by flights to Australia, South East Asia and other parts of the world via both low cost as well as full-service carriers. Some of the major carriers operating to Bali include Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Air Asia, Cathay Pacific, Garuda Indonesia, Malaysian Airlines, etc. Majorly, all flights land at the Ngurah Rai International Airport.

While most nationalities do not require a visa to visit Bali, some may require one on-arrival that can be purchased at the International Airport for 35 USD with a validity of 30 days. However, all foreign nationals must have a minimum validity of 6 months on their passports to visit Indonesia.

One can also reach Bali borne by the waterways and ferries connecting Indonesia to Singapore and Malaysia. By land, there are single crossings connecting Indonesia to Malaysia and Papua New Guinea. However, flights are the most feasible and comfortable way to travel on a budget as well as enjoy some luxury.

Being just 8 degrees below the equator, Bali has a tropical climate all year round. With warm sunny days, it tends to rain once in a while when temperatures rise too high. Rains are frequent from October through to April with the peak season being from December to March.

July to August and December are the busiest months coinciding with good weather and the festive season. May, June, and September are the best months to visit Bali with the best of the weather conditions and some good deals on offer. This also happens to be the best time of the year for diving and pursuing other water sports.

Spa:

Bali offers some of the best Spa experiences in the world. With a wide range of massages to choose from, you might get a little confused. We suggest going ahead with the traditional Balinese Four Hands massage. Spas are located in all major tourist hubs like Ubud, Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

Art and Culture:

Ubud Village in Bali is home to its Art and Culture, both traditional as well as modern. While in Ubud, be sure to check out the exquisite batik handiwork practiced by the locals. You could also visit the local coffee plantation and try their famous Luwak Coffee. You should also visit the Uluwatu Temple here and see the enthralling Kecak Dance which narrates the story of the Ramayana in a dance drama format.

Water Sports:

Head to Nusa Dua in South Bali for a wide array of water sports which include Scuba Diving at a ship wreck and snorkeling among the corals and fishes of the Indian Ocean.

Seminyak is quite the hub of classy restaurants in North Bali. Head to Potato Heads in Seminyak for some amazing cocktails at the beach and get mesmerized by the sky during sunsets. Other places you should check out are La Gastronomia for Italian and Casa Taco for Mexican. You will find eateries all along the way in Seminyak square and are sure to be spoilt for choice.

While most would generally go to Bali to enjoy a relaxed beach staycation, if you do wish to purchase some souvenirs, not far from the Seminyak Square is a little market where you can get steal deals. Just take along all your bargaining skills. The market offers clothes, bags, footwear, articles made of coconut shells and Mother of Pearl and leather items to name a few. For branded shopping, we suggest trying some of the malls in Seminyak and Denpasar.