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Bali, a stunning island in Indonesia, attracts travelers worldwide with its exceptional beach tourism, resorts, and unique Hindu culture. If you're planning a trip to Bali, check out the insights shared by Vntrip.vn in this comprehensive article.
Best Time to Visit Bali
Bali's climate is divided into two distinct seasons: the rainy season from November to April and the dry season from May to October. The peak tourist season falls in July, August, and September, which results in increased costs for accommodations, dining, and transportation. For a quieter and more budget-friendly experience, Vntrip.vn recommends visiting Bali in May, June, and October. However, it's essential to note that September and October mark the beginning of the rainy season, so stay updated on Bali's weather for the best preparation.
Visa Requirements for Indonesia
Indonesia, being a country in Southeast Asia, does not require a visa for entry. You can stay for a maximum of 30 days, calculated from your arrival to departure date. Entering Indonesia is simple, easy, and even quicker compared to Singapore or Malaysia.
There is no customs declaration form upon entering Indonesia, so when you disembark, proceed directly to the immigration counter. Here, you'll fill out a mandatory information sheet before leaving the airport.
Transportation to Bali
Currently, there are no direct flights from Vietnam to Bali. You must take a connecting flight with budget airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar, Air Asia, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, among others. Most of these flights have layovers in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, or Jakarta before reaching Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport.
According to the solo travel experience to Bali, the cheapest flight options are often to Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. From there, you can choose a connecting flight to Bali. Numerous domestic airlines, including Lion Air, AirAsia, and Tiger Airways, offer this route. AirAsia is typically the most affordable with various promotions.
Getting Around in Bali
Bali doesn't have extensive modern public transportation; instead, you'll find personal modes like bicycles, scooters, and cars. To explore and visit Bali's tourist spots independently, consider renting these vehicles. Renting is easy, and you can arrange it through your hotel. Fuel prices are relatively cheap, around 7,000 IDR per liter, allowing you to freely discover this Bali travel paradise.
+ Taxi: One of the travel experiences in Bali, exploring the island, is to opt for Blue Bird taxis. They are recognizable by their blue color and the bird logo. If you're traveling a short distance, this option is fine, but note that taxis here don't use meters; you negotiate the fare upfront based on the distance. Check the map, negotiate the price carefully with the driver. Average taxi fare is around 8,000 IDR/km.
+ Car: If you're in a group of 3-5 people, this mode of transportation in Bali is very suitable. You can rent a self-driving car or hire a car with a driver. Drivers here are friendly and speak English, so you can feel at ease. It's recommended to rent a car for the entire day. There are 4-seater, 7-seater, and 12-seater options to fit your group size.
+ Scooter: In Bali, scooter rental is based on the hotel check-in and check-out time, not the entire day as in Vietnam. The average rental price is from 50,000 to 60,000 IDR per day. An interesting thing in Bali is that you don't need to leave any documents; just pay a deposit. Note that they drive on the left side of the road, so be cautious to ensure safety.
Most Beautiful Sightseeing Spots in Bali
Kuta Beach
Kuta Beach Bali with crystal-clear water and visible seabed (photo collection)
Kuta Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali with a long stretch of fine sand and crystal-clear water where you can see the seabed. It attracts thousands of visitors for its ideal setting to stroll, sunbathe, and participate in various entertaining water activities. When visiting Kuta Beach, you can engage in numerous exciting outdoor activities due to the characteristic strong and high waves, perfect for activities like surfing, parasailing, and more.
Exciting surfing experience in Bali
Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple situated on a rock by the sea (photo collection)
Tanah Lot Temple, locally known as the Holy Temple, is an iconic symbol of Bali tourism. The temple is located in Tabanan, 13km northwest of Kuta. Built 600 years ago, it stands on a rock near the coastline, connected to the mainland by a coral reef. Accessible only during low tide, it serves as a sacred place for prayers and blessings. Tanah Lot is also an ideal spot to witness the breathtaking Bali sunset.
Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple perched on a sheer cliff overlooking the sea (photo collection)
Uluwatu Temple, dating back to the 10th century, is one of Bali's oldest ancient temples. Carved from black coral stone, it sits on a 76-meter-high cliff, offering views of the Java Sea. Pura Uluwatu is one of Bali's six most sacred temples, dedicated to the deity Acintya. Visitors must dress modestly, and if not appropriately dressed, sarongs are available for rent at the entrance. It's also a stunning spot for tourists to enjoy a Bali sunset.
Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple with its unique architectural masterpiece (photo collection)
Leading the list of famous scenic spots in Bali is the Borobudur Buddhist temple, built in the 19th century. Considered a legendary historical heritage near Bali, the temple is located on the island of Java, right next to Bali. Tourists often combine visits to both places when traveling to Bali. The temple boasts a unique architectural style and holds sacred historical significance.
Besakih Temple
Besakih Temple, also known as Mother Temple, built a thousand years ago (photo collection)
Besakih is the oldest and most sacred temple in Bali, also known as the Mother Temple, constructed over 1000 years ago. Interestingly, most temples in Bali are oriented towards this Mother Temple, Besakih. Besakih comprises a total of 21 temples and numerous small shrines situated on the southern slope of Mount Agung, towering at an altitude of 1200m above sea level, providing a refreshing atmosphere.
Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
Ulun Danu Bratan Temple located on the former crater of the volcano (photo collection)
Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, also known as the Water Temple, sits on the largest lake in Bali, the former mouth of a volcano. To reach the temple, you must traverse the challenging winding mountain road of 65km from Ubud. The temple, situated at an altitude of 1600m, offers incredibly fresh and cool air. The iconic image of the water temple is a distinctive feature of Bali, leaving a lasting impression on all visitors. It serves as a symbol of Bali tourism in many aspects.
Pura Tirta Empul Temple
Pura Tirta Empul Temple is a renowned temple with 12 divine water spouts (photo collection)
Pura Tirta Empul, also known as the Holy Spring Water Temple, is a temple with 12 divine water spouts. Locals believe that bathing in these sacred waters cleanses them of earthly dust, washes away evil spirits, bad luck, and negativity, while seeking blessings, guidance, and protection from the divine. This ritual is said to bestow upon them a healthy body, a tranquil soul, and enlightened wisdom. Bali tourists are drawn to this temple to personally experience the refreshing, sacred flow of these divine waters.
Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang Temple
Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang Temple with its majestic gate to the sky (photo collection)
For a tranquil yet uniquely spectacular panoramic view of Bali from above, make sure to visit Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang during your Bali journey. Perched on the majestic Lempuyang Mountain, it stands as one of Bali's ancient and sacred temples.
To reach the temple gate, travelers must conquer a climb of 1,700 steps. The effort, however, pays off with an incredibly mesmerizing vista. True to its name, the gate reaching towards the sky serves as a symbol, marking the boundary between the outer world and the temple—an intersection of the divine and human realms. The heavenly, magnificent gate, shrouded in mystery, exudes an irresistible allure. Intricate, meticulous carvings around the gate carry profound Hindu meanings.
Pasih Uug and Angel’s Billabong
Pasih Uug – a renowned site featuring a distinctive stone gate (photo collection)
Angel’s Billabong, a soul-stirring water crevice in Bali (photo collection)
Pasih Uug and Angel’s Billabong are two sought-after names when exploring Bali tourism. Situated on the enchanting Nusa Penida island southeast of the main Bali island, Pasih Uug captivates visitors with its extraordinary “stone gate,” creating a water pool right in the heart of the ocean. Along the way to Pasih Uug, you'll also marvel and even immerse yourself in the cool blue waters of another wonder, Angel’s Billabong.
Zen Hideaway
Would you like to experience the thrill of swinging mid-air at Zen Hideaway? (photo collection)
Approximately a 15-minute drive from the center of Ubud, Zen Hideaway perches on a hill leaning against Mount Agung, making it the hottest Bali travel spot for the younger generation. Here, you can gaze at the Ayung River with a small waterfall, lush rice fields, pristine nature, and an exceptionally refreshing atmosphere.
Zen Hideaway also captivates tourists with the experience of Bali Swing soaring over the longest river in Bali. Here, you can float on a swing over 15 meters long suspended between two towering coconut trees, with beautiful rice fields and deep, breathtaking nature below. Have you ever seen graceful dresses twirl on a swing above a deep abyss with the stunning backdrop of rice fields and beautiful nature? Gliding through the air like that is truly an amazing experience.
What to Eat in Bali?
When traveling to Bali, you should definitely savor some of the famous local specialties. Balinese cuisine is deeply rooted in the local culture, generally resembling Indian dishes, spicy with curry and sauces. Some dishes you should try when traveling to Bali include:
Grilled Sate Lembat Skewers
Grilled Sate Lembat Skewers is a dish you can easily find throughout the island of Bali. The meat is finely minced or ground and mixed with grated coconut, a blend of aromatic spices, tamarind… Then the meat is wrapped around small bamboo skewers and grilled over charcoal. One special thing is that when you travel to different regions of Bali, you'll notice variations in the taste of this grilled meat.
Suckling Pig Roast Babi Guling
This is a traditional suckling pig roast. The pig used for preparation should be a suckling pig in the nursing stage, weighing around 70 kg. The skin of the pig is coated with a mixture of herbs such as lemongrass, lime leaves, salam leaves, black pepper, garlic, red shallots, ginger, and galangal. After seasoning, the pig is roasted over a charcoal fire, with the surface covered in a layer of coconut husk or wood to impart a special aroma.
Betutu
Betutu is a symbolic dish in Bali, consisting of a stuffed chicken or duck with traditional spices, wrapped in banana leaves, then tightly enveloped in banana trunks before being baked or buried in coals for about 6-7 hours. This is also a dish chosen by many tourists when traveling to Bali for their meals.
Nasi Kuning
Nasi Kuning is a dish made from a special type of golden rice, often used by the Balinese people during festivals and ceremonies. The rice is cooked with coconut milk and chicken broth, added with aromatic spices and a secret cooking technique to ensure that the grains of rice, when cooked, separate from each other. Nasi Kuning is usually served on a large plate and beautifully decorated, accompanied by eggs, meat, fish... very delicious. If you have the opportunity to travel to Bali, you should try this traditional dish.
Ikan bakar
Ikan bakar is a grilled fish dish, a delicious specialty in Bali. To prepare this dish, chefs carefully choose a good type of fish, marinate it with various spices such as chili sauce and some characteristic Balinese spices. After marinating, the fish is lined with banana leaves and grilled over charcoal. After grilling, with the perfect combination of traditional spices, it will have a rich, tongue-tingling taste that will satisfy even the most discerning diners.
What to buy in Bali as souvenirs?
Regarding shopping experiences in Bali, if you are wondering what to buy as souvenirs when traveling to Bali, you can consider: Interior decorations (antique vases, woven floor mats...), items made from nature (soft leather bags or intricately woven fabrics), and local specialties (coffee beans, various herbs, spices, essential oils, cocoa, hazelnut chocolate). Additionally, you can buy the rare Bali fruit called Mây; or wooden masks and soap sculptures as unique gifts.
Travel Tips for Bali
– Exchange your money at PT. Dirgahayu (green-painted kiosk) or PT Kuta Central (blue-painted). Avoid exchanging at convenience stores or markets, as it might lead to scams.
– Remember to get an immigration card before queuing for the flight. If not, you may have to go back to obtain it, leading to a long and tiring wait at customs.
– Head to the city center to purchase a Sim card for a better price; buying one at the airport can be expensive.
– When visiting temples, you must dress modestly, such as wearing long pants or wrapping a sarong. So, consider buying one for yourself. Otherwise, you may have to rent at the temple for an exorbitant price, enough to purchase several sarongs outside the market.
– Avoid lingering too long, as it might be considered impolite.
– If you have a connecting flight, make sure to allocate time for customs check-out and check-in for the next flight. Hanoi and Jakarta are in GMT+7, while Kuala Lumpur and Bali are in GMT+8.
Through this comprehensive compilation of travel experiences in Bali by Vntrip.vn, we hope you've gained useful insights for your plans. Wishing you a joyful and memorable journey.
