Exotic Bali: Island of a Thousand Temples
Bali is a province of Indonesia located between the islands of Java and Lombok island, Bali island is also commonly referred to as The Island Of a Thousand Temples, The Island of Gods, and Bali Dwipa, Bali has several smaller islands that make up the province of Bali. These include Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan Island, Nusa Ceningan Island, Serangan Island, and Menjangan Island. The capital of Bali is Denpasar, located in the south of the island,
Bali is steeped in rich tradition and spirituality that centers around art and religion. Many Balinese people are artists and enjoy spending their time working on arts and crafts using techniques that have been passed down through families over many generations. Many public areas, homes, and rice paddy fields are decorated with detailed paintings, intricate carvings, fine weaving, extraordinary rice decorations, and artworks that pay religious homage. Religion is an important part of Balinese culture, with many rituals and traditions occurring from the moment of birth, through puberty, into marriage, childbirth, and eventually death. The Balinese also believe in the afterlife and celebrate this through national festivals including Kuningan, Galungan and Nyepi, the national day of silence.
The Best Time to Visit
Bali has a tropical climate, which means it is hot all year round, with a rainy season from November to March, and a relatively dry season from April to October,. Even in the dry season, showers can still occur.
In the rainy season, it usually rains a couple of hours in the morning and a couple of hours in the afternoon, while the rest of the day the sun shines for a few hours. The best time to travel to Bali and enjoy its beaches is from June to September, the weather is usually sunny, the heat is not too intense, and it is tempered by the breeze.
Balinese Cuisine
Balinese cuisine commonly consists of rice, meat or fish, vegetables, and spices. Since the island is mostly Hindu, beef is never or rarely consumed. The people of Bali enjoy a cuisine that demonstrates indigenous traditions such as offering pork, duck, and turtle meat in specific religious rituals. Balinese restaurants, including small, family-owned establishments called warungs, specialize in particular foods like crispy duck or mixed rice. Many dishes include the Balinese 8-spice, consisting of white pepper, black pepper, cumin, nutmeg, and more.
Food to Try
Sate (Satay) Varieties
Nasi Jinggo
Pisang Rai
Nasi Tepeng
Laklak
Rujak Bulung and Rujak Kuah Pindang
Bakso
Terang Bulan
Babi Guling
Bali's Different Regions
The different areas of Bali will appeal to different people depending on the type of trip that they are planning. Southern, Central, Eastern, and Western Bali all have their own personalities and beauties
Southern Bali
The southern coast of Bali is the tourist mecca of the island. This is the area of the island where you will find the tourist hotels, lively nightlife, and the best bars. Various cities in southern Bali will lend themselves to having great offerings for those looking to have the tourist experience.
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Canggu- As one of the more laid-back towns of this region. It has the type of "surfer" vibe you would find in places like Venice Beach, California, and Bondi Beach in Sydney. This is where digital nomads and entrepreneurs choose to live so that they can enjoy artisan beers and organic restaurants.
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Seminyak-A town in southern Bali that is going to have the major resort hotels, high-end villas, and the hippest beach bars. If you are looking for a modern-day vacation in Southeast Asia, this is the area for you.
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Jimbaran- This town is dotted with white sand beaches and 5-star resorts. This is a great town for kids because many of the beaches in Bali have rough seas and black volcanic sand. This is a great place to go for a family vacation
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Uluwatu/Padang Padang- A surfer's paradise, in the center of Southern Bali. These beaches are situated on the Bukit Peninsula, and experienced surfers should only ride the waves here.
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Nusa Dua- This area of Bali is located on the southern-most tip of the island, and the beaches here are considered to be the best in Bali. There are two distinct areas in this part of Bali; the resort area and the town of Tanjung Benoa with its’ local shops and restaurants.
Central Bali
The central region of Bali is far more than just the geographical center of the island. The central region is also the cultural, historical, and spiritual center of Bali. It is shown in the natural beauty of this region and the ancient traditions that are still carried out to this day.
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Ubud- For decades, this town was a sleepy artist village that was then transformed into its own little metropolis. The rice terraces and mountains of this town form the backdrop and base in which to explore the temples, museums, and heart of Bali.
Eastern Bali
This part of Bali has a down-to-earth atmosphere. It is far more toned down than, say, southern Bali.
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Tulamben- The town is known for its scuba diving. There isn't much else to offer in this area. In the sea, just off the coast, is the wreckage of the USS Liberty. This town is also the perfect jumping-off point for those who are headed to the Gili Islands.
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Sanur- This town is the perfect area for family trips. The beach of this mellow town is surrounded by a picturesque coral reef that keeps the waters calmer and shallower. This creates a perfect place for the kids to play. It is also home to the largest children’s playground and café, Peekaboo.
Western Bali
Western Bali is considered to be the most representative of what “real” Bali is. Most of it is mountains, volcanoes, rice paddies, and tourist-free.
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Balian Beach- Balian Beach is considered to be more of a "secret spot" in Eastern Bali because not many tourists venture there. This black sand beach offers great surfing and beautiful coves to explore with the kids.
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Nyanyi- If you are traveling to this rural region, you are going to want to see the UNESCO Heritage Site of Jati Luwih rice terraces, the Tanah Lot Temple, and Mount Batukaru. Here you can surround yourself with nature and the history of Bali here.
Practical Guide
Language
The official languages of the region are Indonesian and Balinese. Because of the tourism requirements, a lot of the people speak some level of
English. The main restaurants, spas, hotels, and tourist attractions have staff and guides that speak English.
Electricity
In Indonesia, the power plugs and sockets are of type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Getting Around
Renting a car or a scooter or hiring a private driver is the easiest way to get around. Public transport is very limited. There are
private companies running bus services between the South of Bali and Ubud, but that’s about it. Modern apps like Gojek, Grab car and Uber are the most convenient way to get between the cities