Buzz
Embarking on a 5-day adventure with a dear friend, we uncovered Bali's pristine beauty and genuine charm in Indonesia.
Unmissable Attractions and Experiences in Bali
Must-See Spots in Bali:
Tanah Lot Temple: One of Bali's iconic landmarks, this ancient temple sits atop a massive rock formation amidst the crashing waves. During low tide, visitors can walk across the rocks to reach the temple, offering breathtaking photo opportunities. Although we visited Tanah Lot in the morning and couldn't enter the temple due to the tide, we still enjoyed capturing its beauty from the rocky shore.
Nusa Dua: A meticulously planned enclave featuring luxury resorts and upscale dining options, Nusa Dua boasts secluded beaches. We opted to explore Pirate's Bay, a charming cove with an open-air restaurant that offers a delightful dining experience amidst stunning views.
Elevated Dining Experience: Treehouse Delights and Sea Views
Uluwatu Temple: Uluwatu stands as one of Bali's oldest ancient temples, perched atop coastal cliffs. The refreshing ascent to Uluwatu offers some of the most breathtaking sunset vistas in Bali.
Within the temple grounds, playful monkeys roam freely. From the elevated vantage point, I could witness the foamy white waves crashing below. The sight alone is enchanting, coupled with the rhythmic sound of waves against the cliffs, it sets the heart racing.
Visitors are required to wear sarongs if wearing shorts when entering the temple. Sarongs are provided free of charge at the entrance. For those interested in witnessing the Kecak Dance Show (a traditional Balinese art form), tickets must be purchased in advance. The show starts at 6 p.m. From the viewing area of this dance show, you can admire the stunning sunset.
Jimbaran: We dined at Jimbaran Bay, indulging in seafood cuisine. Though it comes at a price, given the freshness of the seafood and the ambiance of the night, it's truly worth it. Enjoying delectable seafood while listening to the waves crashing at night, breathing in the sea breeze, and serenaded by romantic melodies—it's an experience to cherish.
Ulun Danu Beratan: This is a temple I absolutely had to visit. Also known as the Water Temple, it sits atop a lake that was once the crater of an inactive volcano. Perched high, the air here is incredibly cool and refreshing.
The Water Temple: A Tranquil Gem of Bali
Ubud Monkey Forest: This lush green sanctuary is home to many wild monkeys. You can easily make friends and capture photos with them, but be cautious not to tease them too much, or you might lose your hat. The forest is expansive, featuring both temples and sacred streams.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace: I fell in love with the terraced rice fields in Bali, where coconut trees intermingle with the landscape. Standing on the path, you can capture stunning photos of the terraces below. However, to venture further down, you'll need to pay the local villagers. There are also plenty of small cafes where you can sit, enjoy a drink, and admire the mesmerizing scenery overlooking the rice terraces.
Ubud Art Market: This market boasts numerous stalls selling souvenirs. Prices here are quite reasonable compared to those in Kuta. The market isn't too big, so it won't take up much of your time. We also tried the grilled chicken skewers here – authentic Indo Food at very affordable prices.
Legian: Legian is the busiest street in Kuta. Lined with countless shops, eateries, and bars, it's bustling with activity. I recommend a restaurant with great live music – ViP Restaurant. You can also dine or enjoy coffee at this establishment.
Kuta Beach: Kuta Beach is not suitable for swimming unless you're a confident swimmer, as the beach has steep slopes and strong waves. We almost got swept out to sea but managed to crawl back. The beach is mainly for surfers, but watching them ride the waves is quite an entertaining experience.
Strolling Along Kuta Beach Walk: This shopping area is situated right along the scenic coastline, beautifully designed with numerous clothing stores and eateries...
Mal Bali Galeria: This area is a haven for duty-free shopping enthusiasts, offering a plethora of products to admire. For local items, you can take them with you right away, while for cosmetics, you can browse and pay here, and they'll provide you with a receipt to collect your items at the airport.
In addition to the above spots, there are many other places worth visiting. Such as the sacred Tirta Empul spring, traditional villages in Ubud, Ubud Palace, Mount Batur volcano, Besakih Mother Temple, Taman Ayun Temple... Explore more hidden beaches in Nusa Dua and wander around art exhibitions in Ubud.
What to Do in Bali?
Bali offers a myriad of activities. Most notably, tours to explore waterfalls, snorkeling to see sunken ships, or hiking Mount Kintamani volcano. I also want to try a Balinese massage, as I noticed many massage oils being sold in the shopping area. Along Kuta streets, there are plenty of massage parlors. Surely, massages are an essential part of the Bali experience.
For those who have exhausted all activities in Bali, you can venture out to surrounding islands like Gili or Lombok.
What to Eat in Bali?
Bali cuisine resembles Indian food, spicy with curry and sauces, which isn't really my thing. We mostly opted for Western dishes or noodles and sandwiches. Note that seafood in Jimbaran is pricey but totally worth it. Also, if you return early from your day out, you can swing by Seminyak Beach (La Plancha) for a sunset drink.
Some Notes to Keep in Mind
The airport can get quite chilly, so it's advisable to carry a jacket or a thin blanket, especially for overnight flights or airport stays. Pay close attention to flight information boards in case there are gate changes or delays. Check in a bit early, don't rush, as it's exhausting to run around at the last minute.
The immigration process is relatively straightforward, both in Kuala Lumpur and Bali. You just need to scan your passport, provide fingerprints, and take a photo. Upon arrival in Bali, you only need to fill out a customs-related form before exiting. You also don't need to set aside 200,000 IDR (339,000 dong) for departure fees as the law has changed.
You don't need to pre-book airport pickup services, even if you arrive late. There will be a taxi registration desk as you exit. Provide your destination, and they'll quote a price. If you pre-book airport pickup, the price will be double that of a regular taxi.
Exchange your money right at the airport. We had dollars and exchanged them for Indo IDR upon arrival, albeit at a slightly different rate. If not, exchange a bit to pay for the taxi, and the next day, you can ask the driver to stop at a money changer.
Avoid buying a SIM card at the airport, as the prices are exorbitant. You'll find much cheaper options in the city center.
In Bali, supermarkets like K Circle are popping up everywhere. No need to worry about going hungry or missing items as these supermarkets are open 24/7.
Bring an adapter with you because their power sockets are of the European type, different from Vietnam.
If you're renting a car for sightseeing, you don't need to bring water as it's provided in the car. Just ask the driver for some.
As for souvenirs in Bali, I bought dream catchers, keychains. Those interested can also purchase sarongs. There are snacks, coffee, tea, and duty-free items available for women.
Traffic in Bali drives on the left side of the road. I won't recommend renting a scooter for self-exploration as I'm not accustomed to it. If you're an adventurous traveler, feel free. The roads are beautiful, small, smooth, never have speed bumps, just a bit hilly and curvy, not as daunting as the roads to Mù Cang Chải, Hà Giang, but still prone to traffic jams. If you still want a fresh experience, you can rent a cute scooter to travel within the city center, but outside, there are many cars.
For cheap eats, stick to local food stalls, as restaurants often charge a 10-20% fee. If you see a place with the word 'Wahrung', it's a dining spot. Another option is to buy noodles and pastries to take away.
The best time to visit Bali is from May to October. We went at the end of May, the beginning of the tourist season, so it wasn't too crowded. However, waiting until June or July when kids are on summer vacation with their parents, it gets very crowded. When we went, the weather was beautiful, with an average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius, no rain, and it was the rice season, so the scenery was lush green.
In touristy areas like Kuta and Seminyak, people in the tourism industry speak English, but in Ubud and other regions, it's quite rare. So, be prepared to use body language. Personally, I'm not too worried about this issue because people can still understand each other despite the language barrier.
According to Zing News
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Source: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourAugust 19, 2016
