Buzz
Bali entices travelers from all corners with the mesmerizing beauty of its deep blue beaches and the grandeur of its volcanoes.
This Indonesian island is also seen as a tourist paradise for Vietnamese travelers, thanks to its high-end restaurant and hotel services and the most highly-rated and accessible experiences globally, without being overly difficult or costly to reach.
1. Explore Hidden Gem Beaches with Stunning Surroundings
Everyone visiting Bali must not miss the joy of immersing themselves in the crystal-clear waters of its enchanting beaches. Rarely will you find so many untouched beach areas elsewhere in the world. These serene beaches are perfect for travelers seeking peace and tranquility.
Balangan is a prime example. Surrounded by long stretches of white sandy beaches and towering cliffs, Balangan truly is a paradise on earth. Apart from sunbathing and swimming, water sports such as surfing are also very popular. Besides Balangan, some other famous gem beaches in Bali include Bias Tugal, Geger… Each place has its own distinctive charm, but they all captivate the hearts of every traveler who has had the chance to visit.
Known as the precious gem of Indonesia, Bali has its fair share of beautiful neighbors. Take for instance Lombok and Nusa Lembongan. Lombok is approximately a 2-hour boat ride or 30-minute flight from Bali, while Nusa Lembongan is about 23km southeast of Bali's coastline. During your Bali escapade, if you have the desire and means, you can easily venture to these island paradises.
1. Mesmerizing Beachfront Bars Around the Globe
Bali's services are consistently praised by international travelers. Besides its array of upscale restaurants and hotels, this island also stands out for its collection of beachfront bars, some of which are among the most stunning globally.
Bali boasts quite a few bars that have been honored in CNN's top 50 list, including The Rock Bar at Ayana Resort (ranked 6th), Sundara (ranked 25th), Nammos Beach Club (ranked 42nd), and La Plancha (ranked 50th).
2. Elizabeth Gilbert's Literary Haven – Inspired by Bali
The captivating allure of Bali deeply enchanted Elizabeth Gilbert. She not only reserved a special place in her heart for this romantic island but also decided to reside here for four months to fully immerse herself in and experience the local way of life.
In her book Eat, Pray, Love, the American author vividly and authentically portrays this land. In fact, she wrote, 'Everyone who comes to Bali finds a love story.' While this statement may sound subjective, it is entirely accurate, especially for those who have had the chance to set foot on this piece of land.
4. Culinary Delights of Indonesia in Bali
Indonesia boasts a diverse culinary scene with incredibly unique and delicious dishes, especially those originating from Bali. One prime example is Sate Lilit. Considered a signature dish of the islanders, Sate Lilit is prepared from shrimp, fish, seafood, and typically grilled over coconut husk fire, giving it a unique and delectable flavor compared to conventional charcoal grilling.
Moreover, Bali also offers other specialties such as Babi Guling and Nasi Kuning. These are dishes commonly used for ceremonial occasions during important festivals.
5. Experiencing Balinese New Year
The Balinese Hindu New Year celebration, known as Nyepi, usually takes place in the first week after the full moon of March. Three days prior, Hindus perform purification rituals called Melasti at beaches, lakes, or springs, followed by exorcism rituals. The procession is accompanied by the sounds of gongs, bells, and giant puppets known as 'Ogoh-ogoh'.
On Nyepi day, the atmosphere immediately turns tranquil. People adhere to the Hindu doctrine's '4 no's': No eating or drinking for 24 hours, no working, no going out, and no entertainment. Additionally, no flights land in Bali on Nyepi day, all shops are closed, locals and tourists are not allowed on beaches or streets, at night the lights are turned off, hotels draw their curtains, and all noises are minimized.
***
Source: Mytour Travel Handbook
MytourNovember 1, 2015
