5 Reasons Why Bali Should Be On Your Bucket List

Bali, Indonesia

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Bali is the most popular island holiday destination in Indonesia. Exotic temples and palaces set against stunning natural backdrops are some of its top attractions. After sunset, famous nightspots come to life offering exciting clubbing and packed dance floors. The most famous beer you must try when you are in Bali is BINTANG.

Choosing the right hotel in the right location in Bali is crucial. This can be one of the most important decisions you make for your upcoming holiday. Kuta, Legian and Seminyak have the largest choice of hotels for those who want to be near the action. Nusa Dua is home to many luxury resorts which is more peaceful yet exotic views to look at, while Sanur hotels are more classic in style. Ubud is famous for its scenic highland retreats right in the heart of the island.

Find all the fun and action you can enjoy in Bali right here. There are a lot of options for water sports in there from surfing to suba diving, kite surfing etc. In regards to the weather in Bali, the common ‘peak’ season is around Christmas and New Year, from late December to early January, and the corresponding peak during the dry season is between July 1 to october 1.

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BEACHES

TEMPLES

UBUD

FOOD/DRINKS

SHOPPING

1) BEACHES

Bali consists of beautiful beaches, Each of them offers its own set of features. The most famous beach resorts popular amongst visitors and my favourites are Kuta, Seminyak and Nusa Dua. If you are in Bali, you shouldn't miss visiting any of these 3 beaches.

Kuta- This beach in Bali is located in southwestern coast and has the most popular resort area in Bali, kuta is most famous for surfing and is best for people who likes crowd. Throughout my Stay in Bali, I stayed in kuta, just opposite to kuta beach entrance hotel called KUTABEX hotel. Kuta is filled with shopping areas, massage salon and bars & cafes. During and after sunset, it’s a great mix: friendly beach volleyball matches that you can join, there are also ‘beach bars’ selling cold Bintang (bali beer) and local bites, getting hair braids is a big trend there. You can find many women on the beach who would do different types of hair braiding and few women give cheap massages as well.

Seminyak- One evening I decided to visit Seminyak, as most of the people around suggested me to go there, though this place was also mainly for surfing but the ambience, energy and vibe of this place is beyond words.
Here you’ll find a fashionable almost chic scene, with rows of designer boutiques along its main roads and side streets; you will also find a lot of bars and nightlife places with entertainment spots like live music, live dance, drama with international girls. Unlike other beaches Seminyak is also famous for Other activities to be enjoyed along the coast like horseback riding, which is extremely fun.

Nusa Dua- Nusa Dua is extremely peaceful, calm and a place to relax. It has resorts with utmost luxury and beauty. Unlike any other beach in bali, this one is slightly more secluded and mostly to chill out, you can definitely go and swim there, do kite surfing which very famous in Bali and basically drink beer and get a sun tan. Near to Nusa Dua beach, may be just 2-3 kms you will also find a place which is just for water sports and all kinds, you can do parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat, fly board, scuba diving, sea walking, snorkelling etc. So if you are visiting this place, then you may start with water sports and then come to nusa dua beach to chill and relax your body.

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2) EXOTIC TEMPLES

One of the most important attraction of Bali are its temples, there is probably more Bali temples than homes on the island. It was however difficult to visit all during my stay in Bali but I was happy to visit the one's which are famous and sacred. Most of the temples in Bali cannot be experienced from inside but you can surely cherish the moments by looking at it from the outside.

Tanah lot- Tanah lot temple is Bali's one of the most important landmark, extremely famous for its off shore setting and sunset backdrop. Although you can not enter the main temple, but you can definitely enjoy the view and scenic beauty from outside. The temple is surrounded by many small small shops where you can shop. There is also an entry ticket for this temple.

Taman Ayun Temple- Is one of my favourite looking temples, it has a beautiful single entry courtyard and walkway over the pond which follows to the main temple and is surrounded by beautiful garden. The architecture of this temple was the highlight for me. There is also an entry ticket for this temple.

Uluwatu Temple- This temple is yet again located and surrounded by the sea, its a must watch during sunset. It was an amazing experience the Balinese architecture, traditionally-designed gateways, and ancient sculptures. This temple also has daily Kecak dance performances (balinese traditional dance form), on your way to this temple you will find a lot of monkeys which are referred to as the protectors of this temple. This temple also has a ticket entry and for this dance performance you have to pay extra.

3) UBUD

Many people who visit Bali or plan to just think about chilling by the sea or experiencing its nightlife. But Bali has a very beautiful place which in many ways is Bali's cultural heart which is UBUD. Ubud is well known for this art and flourishing craft centre. There are hundred of shops that sell antiques, crafts, textiles, painting, jewellery etc.

Ubud monkey forest- Ubud Monkey Forest, also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest, is one of Ubud’s most popular attractions; a natural forest sanctuary that is home to many monkeys. When you are in the forest, you can see many monkey playing around and swinging through the canopies, lazing along pathways or eating bananas, there is a beautiful walk along pathways through the forest.

Rice terrace- Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud is famous for its beautiful scenes of rice paddies. The location has cool breeze and it is a well-known spot for tourists to stop and take photos. Painters and nature lovers also enjoy visiting this spot to come and build there art.

Bali swing & bird nest- You cannot leave Ubud without experiencing the famous Bali swing and bird nest. you will find many places in Ubud where you can experience this. Along with that you must also try the coffee and tea tasting which is included with the same trip.

Ubud Art market- When I passed by most of the shops in Ubud, I was literally tempted to buy them all. This place is heaven for people who love art, textiles, painting, antique pieces these are specially balinese handicrafts. Most of the goods found at the Ubud Market are made in the neighbouring villages. In most of the shops you can go and bargain, and you will definitely buy amazing stuff for cheap prices.

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4) FOOD & DRINKS

Dinner at Jimbaram- Jimbaran is a must visit when you are in Bali, there are many seafood cafes on the beach. Not only is Jimbaran Bay one of Bali’s best places for memorable sunsets, but it is also the most popular coast to enjoy grilled seafood. There are Seventeen seafood cafes so you definitely have a lot to choose from. These cafes mostly open in the afternoon until late, but the best time to be there is before sunset so you can enjoy your food and drinks with that beautiful light. Each of these cafe's are decorated with candles and umbrellas and their own traditional balinese dance form performance.

Nasi Goreng and Mee Goreng- I loved this dish so much that untill I stayed in bali, all 5 days I ate this. Nasi Goreng is Indonesia's fried rice, one of the nation's most notable dishes. Nasi Goreng is pre-steamed rice stir-fried with a combination of meats and vegetables, diced beef, strips of chicken, anchovies, lamb, green peas, onions, and a blend of sweet soy sauce and hot chili sauce. and Mee goreng is the same version but instead of rice its noodles.

Bintang beer- people who don't drink alcohol can drink the famous coconut water but for the ones like me please do try the famous Indonesian beer.

Sate (satay)- Sate (or “satay”) is marinated, skewered and grilled meats, served with spicy sauce, and may consist of diced or sliced chicken, goat, mutton, beef, pork, fish, tofu, eggs or minced blends. Bali’s gives its own touch which is mixed with coconut, coconut milk, and a rich blend of vegetables and spices. It is amazing to taste and balinese traditional food which is a must try.

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5) SHOPPING

Street shopping- There will be no one who doesn't like street shopping and specially when you can bargain at your best, Bali is filled with a lot of street shop but finding the best once takes a lot of time and exploring. If you like street shopping for souvenirs, arts, textiles, accessories, clothes, painting etc then here are my top favourites that you must visit Jalan Pantai Kuta, Jalan Raya Ubud, Poppies Lane and Garlic Lane Legian

Designer boutiques- You can find the best designer boutiques in Seminyak.

Night market- If you are a night person like me and like to go around shopping at night markets, then here are 3 best night market Sanur night market, Kuta art market, Galic lane in kuta

Malls- You can find amazing malls for designer/ brands shop in various malls in Bali. Some of the nicest and famous ones are Kuta beachwalk, Seminyak village, Level 21 mall, Discover shopping mall

Hope this will inspire you to travel more.