The island of Bali is unique: almost the entire population professes Hinduism, despite the fact that Indonesia is a Muslim country; here lies the border of two huge natural areas- to the north is the tropical Asian zone, and to the south begins the world of Australia and New Guinea; here volcanoes give way to beaches, rice terraces to mountain lakes, and cold to heat. And all this in a relatively small area, because you can get from north to south in just three hours. This island is also considered to be the record holder for the number of temples. According to estimates, there are about 11,000 of them here. It is called the “island of temples.” Natural and man-made attractions are literally scattered at every step. So, we simply had to get here
Day 01-05: Kuta and the main attractions of southern Bali
The runway of Denpasar Airport extends several hundred meters into the open ocean. The water was rapidly approaching. With every second it seemed more and more like we were falling into the sea. But, here we are, and after spending a certain amount of time on obtaining a visa, we left the airport terminal building.
We chipped in with two Brazilians and rented an official taxi. A car to Kuta costs 6 dollars. We were dropped off on the main tourist street of this resort. And we went to look for a place to stay for the next few days. quite a lot, so you can quickly find something for yourself. However, it turned out that you won’t be able to have a very budget holiday in Bali.
On the first day we went to the beach and tried to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the famous city. Kuta is known for seemingly completely opposite things - on the one hand, there is one of best places on the planet for this extreme sports on the other hand, the nightlife here is very intense and people party until the early morning (don’t be surprised if some club suddenly organizes a spontaneous drunken dance party). Which, however, is good, because quite a lot of establishments remain open for quite a long time. In most other points of the island there is practically no life after eight hours. In general, Kuta and the capital of Bali, Denpasar, have long become almost a single city.
Surfing in Kuta
Actually, we tried to try both sides on ourselves. We spent two days in Kuta. We fell, chafed our knees, tried, got up on the wave and ran back again. There were a bunch of instructors on the beach, but we somehow got along with a guy named Bigo. His friend kept a tent there and studied Russian, so he constantly puzzled us with all sorts of wisdom on the great and mighty. In general, Russian is a fairly popular language to learn here. And if in some India a merchant will lure you exclusively with individual words or phrases, then in Bali they will tempt you with whole sentences.
Magic mushrooms
After surfing, we went in search of . As you know, in Bali this type of hallucinogenic substances is allowed for free consumption. And although they are banned all over the world, in Kuta you have a whole bunch of “mushroom bars” to choose from. In passing on the street they offer more grass, wheels, something stronger and other chemical nasty things. What's a party without substances? It was for nothing that Kuta was opened to the world by the hippies of the 1960s
Nusa Dua on the Bukit Peninsula
From Kuta we made several active trips to the south of Bali, to the Bukit Peninsula. It is notable for its beaches, and in particular for one of the most famous Balinese resorts, Nusa Dua. Transport access to this luxurious place is limited and from time to time large political get-togethers are held here, such as discussions of global warming problems (or whatever else they steal and spend their budgets on). In general, you can feel like a plebeian while driving through all sorts of cordons
In general, there are quite a lot of different beaches and hills for relaxation in Bali. Therefore, many experienced travelers who have been here more than once know in advance where to go and where they like best. Someone immediately goes to the darkness of the island, someone climbs into the mountains, and someone lives in Kuta and kills shoals. But we were here for the first time, and therefore we tried to see and touch as much as possible (not schools, but natural places)
Uluwatu Temple
On the third day after surfing, we went to a magnificent temple. It is located on a 70-meter cliff, against which huge masses of blue waves crash. Moreover, the closer it gets to the evening, the more beautiful the color of the water. I don’t know what is causing this - either the bottom topography, or great height. But it looks awesome! Actually, it was no less awesome to watch the sunset here - there is an endless expanse ahead Indian Ocean, far below is the sound of the surf and the majestic sun disappears behind the horizon. The main thing is to have time to take a better place, and make sure that the macaques do not steal your equipment. Or they didn't piss on the shoes. Sometimes it happens
Tanah Lot Temple
The fourth day was already without surfing. We needed to drive a little north. Because we wanted to look at another legendary temple of Bali - (one of the oldest in Bali). It is located on an island (more precisely, it is part of it), which at low tide becomes a peninsula. In addition to its fabulous views, this place is known for its waves (powerful streams crash onto the shore and three-meter-high spray falls on the crowd) and its sunsets against the backdrop of fabulous architecture (many of the most successful sunset photos are taken here). True, it can be a little difficult to take a photo alone. Get ready to fight for a good shot
Day 06-09. Ubud Center of Balinese style in Muslim Indonesia
Ubud
After spending five days in Kuta, we decided to move on. Our path lay in the center of the island of Bali. To the city of Ubud. Despite the distance from the sea, this is a very popular place. A lot of people go to Bali here and don’t even think about the sea. And you can understand why. Quiet and cozy Ubud is surrounded by rice terraces and almost all buildings are built in authentic Balinese style. Here you can just stick in and do nothing, slowly relax. And without any mushrooms!
We circled around the area a little. There are a lot of cheap hotels here. But, having traveled almost the entire city, we still found a hotel in Ubud at an affordable price. Our room had its own terrace and bordered a rice field. We were separated from him only by a pond with lilies and a bunch of different fish, which the owner caught for breakfast.
Tegelllang Rice Terraces
From Ubud we made a couple of trips. At first we just decided to see what was further north. Don't just sit in the city! And I really wanted to take a closer look at the volcanoes. But we came across something that looked like pyramids. Awesome view! They took money from us twice - for travel to the terraces and for the fact that we climbed this pyramid. Some old man set up a left checkpoint and collected tribute from passers-by.
Bird photography
The next day we stopped in the village of Petula. A few kilometers north of Ubud there is a roosting site for herons. This is a specific general dormitory. Early in the morning they fly all over Bali in search of “something to eat”, and every evening before sunset they return back. Tens of thousands of herons! It is unclear how the relatively small number of trees can accommodate such a horde. True, they do not fly at the same time, so you will not see “how darkness covers the sky.” It’s just that sometimes large schools of birds will fly. The main problem here is not to get into the firing zone. For obvious reasons, the roads here are not very clean.
. This is a protected and sacred area. In the very center of the reserve there is a small temple. Along the way you will pass a whole bunch of families of our smaller brothers. They behave funny and even make fun of people. They are also very inquisitive. And every now and then they try to get into your camera to see what is clicking in the camera.
Day 10-12. Bedugul
Bedugul town
Then we headed north, to the volcanoes. Our path lay in the town of Bedugul. It was already much cooler there. Chilled, we nevertheless moved our necks every now and then to enjoy the surrounding landscapes. Mountains, serpentines and volcanic lakes. There are three of them in this area! I just didn’t really want to swim because it was really cold (I didn’t have any jackets with me). We warmed up at the hotel. The hotel owner had his own mini-zoo consisting of a fawn, a macaque and two flying foxes. It was fun to feed them bananas. The deer galloped so hard that it almost broke through the floor. The monkey carefully and intelligently took a piece. And the foxes tried to stuff as much as possible into themselves, so much so that a banana was already coming out of their noses. Very cute, especially since they hang upside down.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
Bedugul is notable for the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, located on Lake Bratan. Newlyweds often come here to show off their most beautiful wedding. Our people also organize processions there. The fact that we are ours can be seen from afar thanks to their demeanor and the abundance of miniskirts. To get especially cool shots, we paddled to the flooded pier at the risk of our equipment and took the best pictures from there.
Botanical Garden
There is also a Botanical Garden here. It is unique in that it is located right on the caldera of the volcano. There are several roads there, so to see everything we had to go in circles. But they don’t let you bring a bike, although the locals ride freely. Discrimination! “Sadiq” was founded by the almost mythical first president of Indonesia, Sukarno. And from there there is a panoramic view of the volcanic Lake Buyan. You can have a small picnic.
. It is relatively unfrequented by tourists, which is why it is notable. The road there is also quite interesting, and the waterfall itself is very good. We especially liked how the dense foliage on the rocks created a tile effect.
Jatiluviy Rice Terraces
But there is another world-wide in Bedugul famous place. Jatiluviy rice terraces. The question is, what's special about them? Yes all! They are so gorgeous and unique that they have been listed World Heritage UNESCO! Ever seen cool photos of terraces? Now, almost certainly, you have already seen Jatiluviy. The main thing is to find the right road there, because there are two of them - one is just serpentines, and the second is for those who like to tickle their nerves. Unknowingly, we first ended up on the second...
Day 13-14. Lovina
Next we went to a place in the north of Bali. There are real volcanic black sand beaches here. Looks super exotic. And walking along them is very hot. People go to Lovina for two things (except for the beaches, of course): diving and dolphins. Early in the morning, a whole flotilla of boats sets off in pursuit. The excitement covers everyone. Tourists look out for dolphins every now and then. Every now and then a cry is heard: “There they are!” and the armada turns around, staging a new race. Poor mammals probably have long had nerves of iron and sincere indifference towards bipeds. Personally, we didn’t see dolphins then, but at least enjoy the magnificent sunrise. The entire northwestern part of the island is visible from the sea. Volcano ridge in the first rays of sunlight. So the fruitless pursuit was worth it!
Day 15-16. Batur
Lovina greeted us with hot sun, which we had already gotten used to. Therefore, without much hesitation, we went back to the mountains. Having driven along the coast to the east, we again turned inland. New serpentine and new roads. It was getting cold again. A terrible fog began. It was drizzling. We were chilled to the bone. Not a damn thing was visible. Finally, we found the right turn and the road dropped sharply down. A few minutes later we descended below the cloud level and a lake appeared. We found . Its slopes are covered with lava and stones from the depths of the earth. That same day we plunged into the most gorgeous hot springs, heated by magma in the depths. If it weren't for them, we wouldn't have warmed up
Day 17-18. Candidasa
It was time to travel further. The bike gradually pulled us back onto the ridge into the fog and cold. We took the road to the southeast. After a long descent, the temperature began to gradually rise. Here we came across a plantation. The national pride of Bali - how can you not try the world famous and most expensive type of coffee? Having overcome ourselves, we tasted the “special” coffee and headed west.
A couple of hours and here it is, another famous resort of Bali - Candidasa. The beaches here are pebbly and cooler than in Kuta due to the proximity of the mountains. The neighboring island of Nusa Penida is visible nearby. We didn’t get to see it this time, but it looks quite attractive. There are no special attractions in Candidasa. People come here exclusively for a calm and leisurely holiday. The prices, however, are steep.
Day 19-23. Amed - the best views and photos of Bali
Candidasa didn’t appeal to us much (and the prices for holidays here are quite high even for Bali), so we headed north. The road passed between two volcanoes, so the main thing was not to fall off the next serpentine road while you turn your head in admiration. About two and a half hours later we landed at an excellent hotel right on the ocean. And we went swimming. The view was simply amazing. But the sunset views in Amed are even more amazing. The sun disappears right behind the volcano and the sun's rays break into many colors, painting the sky in a bunch of different shades.
We also went snorkeling in Amed. Mask with fins for two - $5. There are a lot of different fish, all sorts of corals, and, the coolest thing, some kind of sunken mini-temple. Overall it was very interesting
Day 24-26. Kuta again
The road across the entire island. We went on the other side. Not between volcanoes, but along the east coast. The roads there... What took us 30 minutes on the way to Amed took an hour and a half there. Broken and steep serpentines. True, the views are gorgeous. It was scary, but interesting. At the end there was a very long and smooth descent down several kilometers. The main thing was to press the brakes so as not to fly into space
And then the road along the highway all the way to Denpasar. We arrived in three hours. We have already checked into another hotel. The next day we once again remembered what it was like to stand on the board, were coming off a month-long race, getting used to the crazy traffic in Kuta again and enjoying European pastries in the supermarket.
The holiday has come to an end. He was a little eccentric, with plans unfolding before his eyes, and without plans, because “he wanted to go there and that’s it.” We went with tourist card measuring 15 by 15 cm, without any navigators. We wandered, found our way, came across new places. And now we are leaving this island. But what remained in my head were volcanoes, waves, sunsets and the bright and exotic island of Bali.
This fabulous island attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. Surfers come here for high waves, designers and creative people for inspiration, office workers to relax on the beaches and in spa centers. Is it possible to fly to Bali on your own? Of course yes. It is not at all necessary to use the services of a travel agency.
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Traveling on your own will cost 40 percent less. A number of questions just arise: how to get there, what documents need to be drawn up, whether a visa is needed, where to stay, what excursions to go on, which beach to choose. This guide will help answer all these and other questions.
To travel to Bali you need a visa. You can apply for it directly after arrival at the airport for $25. The waiting time will be 30 minutes. Or get to the Indonesian Embassy in the Russian Federation in advance and resolve the visa issue there. In addition to a visa, a tourist will need a passport.
Which resort to choose
The question is very relevant for everyone who has decided to fly to Bali. Which resort should you choose? Tour operators help you quickly select a tour package based on the client’s requirements and wishes, because they are specialists in the field of tourism. If you are going to the island on your own, then there is often no one to tell you which part of the island to go to and which hotel to choose. You will have to read numerous reviews from “experienced” travelers.
From them you can make some general idea about resorts and hotels, get the information you need. It will be necessary to “rummage” through a bunch of sites. You can spend a lot of free time searching. If it is available, great. If not, then you should use the information below. They contain helpful information about places where you can relax in Bali.
Kuta
A resort center where young people hang out and tourists actively relax. This is the most famous large resort on the island. You can get there by taxi from Ngurah Rai Airport. Travel time is no more than 15 minutes. More cheap option- get there by bus. The beaches of Kuta cannot be considered clean, at least in comparison with Nusa Dua.
Fans of fun night life will love it here. There are plenty of bars and clubs in Kuta. You can leave one and go to another. At night the street lights are lit. There are bars where you can watch a movie. A good entertainment option would be a trip to the Waterboom Park water park. You can also go shopping. Some markets are open at the resort even at night.
Swimming pool, breakfast " Buffet»
Fabulous
Booked 20 times today
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Citadines Kuta Beach Bali
Outdoor pool and fitness center
Fabulous
3734 reviews
Booked 21 times today
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The Stones - Legian Bali, Marriott's Autograph Collection Hotel
Outdoor pool with gazebos
Fabulous
1054 reviews
Booked 13 times today
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Nusa Dua
Most luxury resort islands. The beaches are just right, and the luxury hotels are some of the best. This is a great place to relax with children. The hotels have everything you need: swimming pools, restaurants, beaches and parks. Moreover, they are not fenced off by fences. You can easily go to one or the other.
INAYA Putri Bali
Located along the beach
Fabulous
2097 reviews
Booked 36 times today
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Novotel Bali Nusa Dua
Spa center, 4 restaurants
Fabulous
590 reviews
Booked 13 times today
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Grand Aston Bali Beach Resort
Lagoon pool, fitness center
Fabulous
575 reviews
Booked 8 times today
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Tanjung Benoa Resort
Located next to the expensive Nusa Dua, in comparison with which it is much cheaper. Previously it was a fishing village, now it is a small, calm resort. In the evenings, vacationers are divided into two categories. One goes to the beach to admire the sunset, the other goes to Kuta to have fun in the clubs.
Benoa Rose Residence One
Tanjung Benoa
Apartment with terrace
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Jimbaran
A resort for wealthy citizens. The restaurants serve wonderfully tasty fish; most of the people come out to admire the sunsets in the evenings. You can have dinner right on the beach: tables and chairs are located almost on the coastline. If you can’t afford to stay at this resort, then you should at least come here for a romantic candlelit dinner. A meal by the sea will be remembered for a long time as the most unusual way to eat deliciously and enjoy the local beauty.
Temple Hill Residence Villa
Jimbaran
7 minutes walk from the bay
Fabulous
90 reviews
Booked 4 times today
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Keraton Jimbaran Beach Resort
Jimbaran
Surrounded by tropical gardens
Fabulous
1649 reviews
Booked 32 times today
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Gending Kedis Luxury Villas & Spa Estate
Jimbaran
Spacious villas with private pools
Fabulous
226 reviews
Booked 6 times today
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Sanur
Sanur is considered an ideal place to relax with children. The waves at this resort are low, so there is no need to worry about children and teenagers. Sanur is quiet, unlike other holiday destinations. It's a long way to get to Kuta from here. This resort is not known for entertaining until dawn. After ten in the evening you hardly see anyone on the street. The atmosphere here is just right for you to spend your holiday in a relaxed atmosphere.
Ubud
Followers of organic nutrition and those passionate about yoga gather in Ubud. Those who want to eat healthy sandwiches and talk about meditation and clearing karma stop here. By the way, the movie “Eat” was filmed in this secluded place in the jungle. Pray. Love”, which quickly gained popularity after its release.
Goya Boutique Resort
Luxury Boutique Resort
Fabulous
469 reviews
Booked 10 times today
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2 outdoor pools
Fabulous
907 reviews
Booked 18 times today
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SenS Hotel and Spa Conference Ubud Town Center
Outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi
Fabulous
507 reviews
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In Ubud you can watch a national dance that will put you in a trance. The cost of a ticket to such a spectacle is about 6 dollars. At this resort you can stay in a homestay guesthouse for just $10/night. This is the minimum price. To relieve boredom, you should go to the local spa for a massage, go to the village of Kintamani to look at the coffee plantations and admire the Batur volcano. The Antonio Blanco Museum cannot be ignored. It was founded by a Spanish artist who settled in Bali.
These are the main resorts in Bali. Which one to choose is up to you. You can generally live in different areas of the island. This is the best of all options. You can adhere to the following program upon arriving on the paradise island.
Day 1
Seminyak
For those who are used to spending fun nights away from home, it is better to start with Seminyak. You can hang out there one hundred percent. After memorable fun, you should think about something more interesting that will bring new knowledge and add impressions. We need to go on our first excursion.
Java Island
An excellent solution is to fly to the island of Java. It is located outside the resort itself. The tour will cost a lot (about $300). This must be taken into account first of all. But if funds allow, then you should visit Java. There are many temples on this wonderful island: Borobudur, Mendut, Pavon. They are distinguished by their unique architectural style and special flavor. After studying all the most remarkable information and details about the structures, your legs will obviously get tired. You will need to take a break so that later you can go back to the bright emotions with renewed vigor.
You can grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant, which serves hearty dishes. Lunch is included in the price of the excursion. Just remember that most of the food on the island is very spicy. If anyone likes to taste food with a sparkle, then in Java you can do it. For those who do not particularly prefer spicy food, it is better to eat more rice and drink more water. After having lunch and gaining strength, we need to go again. Where? To the Prambanan Hindu Temple. This structure is stunning just when you look at it from the outside. What can we say about the interior decoration! The beauty in Prambanan is indescribable.
It’s difficult to write about this, it needs to be seen. It seems that the temple is a creation not made by hands. It's hard to believe that such a wonderful architectural building could be designed by man. It’s one thing to come up with and think through all the details of the design, and quite another to implement it all. After admiring Prambanan, a return to Bali is expected. The day will come to an end, you will need to go to bed without staying up late. Otherwise, it will be difficult to get ready for a new excursion the next day.
Day 2
Taman Ayun
You can start your excursion day from Taman Ayun. This is one of the most beautiful temples in Bali. It is located in a park where centuries-old trees grow and amaze with their splendor clean ponds. Before entering the temple you need to cross the bridge. The path leads to a fountain built according to the symbolism. The number of jets (there are 9) is equal to the number of Balinese gods. The jets are directed in different directions according to the principle of the cardinal directions. Next, the path will lead to a more luxurious temple courtyard.
Lake Bro
After Taman Ayun, you can go to the very heart of the island, to Lake Bratan. It is considered sacred. The lake is located on a once extinct volcano.
Local residents use water from it for cooking and other purposes. Without him it would be hard for them. The nature around the lake is unusually pure. Many tourists believe that this is the most best lake on Bali. It's quiet and cool here. You can watch the clouds of incense spread by the Balinese during religious ceremonies.
Ulun Danu Temple
Here stands the Ulun Danu Temple, which fascinates with the unusual structures of which it consists. You can go to the Botanical Garden. Just don’t think that it’s full of tropical evergreens. The garden rather resembles an ordinary park in central Russia. Therefore, if you don’t have extra time and money, then it’s better to go somewhere else. At this point, perhaps, day hikes should be interrupted for a while.
Hike to Mount Agung
If you want something unusual and mega-memorable, then you should definitely take a hike to Mount Agung at night. You need to mentally prepare yourself for it in advance. The road ahead will not be easy. In the evening, you need to have a proper dinner and lie down for a couple of hours, or even better, take a nap. As soon as night approaches, you will have to get ready for the journey.
The opportunity to do something unreal arises in the mind of every active tourist. So why not? Climbing on mountain peak, which is the most high point Bali, not everyone can do it.
Only desperate daredevils can do this. Upon returning home, you will be able to brag about conquering the mountain and your courage. This test is for strong-willed tourists, but it’s worth it! Emotions overwhelm those who reach the top. It should be taken into account that it is always cool in the mountains. The further from the ground, the colder and colder it gets. Therefore, it will not be a bad idea to grab a warm jacket.
The closer to the coveted peak, the more difficult it is to climb. The strength becomes less with every step. But at the end of the path, such a bewitching landscape opens up, which is impossible to describe in words. Freedom is felt and a feeling of boundless happiness appears. It’s probably worth ending the second day of your stay in Bali with this climb. After such a busy program, it’s definitely worth returning to the hotel, where you can treat yourself to a good night’s sleep.
Day 3
Rafting on the Telaga River
Do you like rafting? Then in the morning you can get ready to go down the Telaga Waja River. The cost of the alloy is about $70. Telaga is a mountain river with a “severe character”. You will have to learn to avoid rapids and waterfalls. In short, only real extreme sports enthusiasts can embark on such an adventurous voyage. The river will provide explosive emotions, violent memories with the smallest details from such a descent will not be forgotten for at least a week. Most rafting enthusiasts are delighted with rafting on Telaga.
Before the descent, instructions are given and the necessary equipment is provided: helmets and vests. Tourists are offered a choice of two rafting routes: along the above-mentioned river and the Ayung River, which is very “calm”. It’s difficult to even call it mountainous. It's not even rafting, but just a walk along the river with the opportunity to look at the local landscapes and take wonderful photographs.
It is unlikely that you will be able to take a photo yourself. Here you need to watch out for river “surprises”. On these kinds of excursions, tourists are photographed by a professional photographer who sails along with everyone. You'll have to pay him for the disk with the photos. But there will be something to show your family! And it’s better to buy such photographs for yourself as a souvenir.
Day 4
In the morning you should go to the beach to soak up the sun and swim in the warm sea. During the day, if you wish, you can go on another excursion again. Don't waste your time lying on a sun lounger! We need to try something new, see something incredible. Then the trip will seem not just a trip to Bali, but an unusual adventure.
You can spend a day exploring the water palaces. You rarely see such buildings anywhere. They are located not far from each other, in the Principality of Karangasem. Here everyone will feast their eyes on stunning landscapes and learn what the life of the Balinese rajahs was like.
Taman Ujung
The elegant Taman Ujung Palace used to be the residence of one of the Rajas. The complex includes three swimming pools with palaces designed for complete relaxation. The buildings are a combination of local and European architecture. They are cool even on the hottest days due to their location on the surface of the water.
In the 20th century, the temple was partially destroyed as a result of a volcanic eruption and an earthquake. In 2004, Ujung was restored. Tourists have the opportunity to walk around the residence and see the Raja’s bedroom.
From the hill you can admire the splendor of what you see here: the rice terraces, Mount Agung and the fishing villages will amaze you with their irresistibility. Everything in Tirtaganga Palace resembles Ujung. These include ponds, fountains, and numerous sculptures.
It is noteworthy that in this place there is a spring that symbolizes the origin of life on earth. At least it is symbolic for local residents. Water is taken from it for rituals and ceremonies. One such excursion per day should be enough. “What to do with yourself?” the reader will ask.
Shopping
The fourth day of your stay in Bali is suitable for shopping. In a few days, no matter how you look at it, you will find out where, what and how much. So let's go shopping! In Bali, you shouldn’t buy things for a year in advance. It is better to avoid clothing from famous brands here. It is preferable to make your choice in favor of carved wooden products. If you didn’t take enough dresses or sundresses with you (most people’s suitcases are bursting at the seams before the trip, but they still can’t fit in everything they want), then you can buy good models in Kuta or Legian.
It will take several hours to walk around the benches and shops. To find something you really like, you will have to run around and waste precious time. The good thing is that it is available and will not be wasted. How many pleasant little things await their only buyer in Bali! For those who are still chasing popular clothing brands, two large shopping centers in Kuta await you. This is Discovery and Matahari. They are located close to each other. But if you want to find something unique, then you should stroll along the many streets in search of your dream product. And the purchase will be successful, and your mood will rise.
It is unknown whether you will be able to be on this wonderful island at least once again in your life, take a leisurely walk around its surroundings, and admire the unique delights that the tropical island is so rich in. You can end the day with a delicious dinner in a restaurant or cafe. It is difficult to recommend a specific place. It all depends on where you live, income level and food preferences. In general, finding a place where they cook well, even if you don’t have a lot of money, is not a problem.
Day 5
Car rental
It would be good to spend this day with maximum benefit for the body and soul. You can start it with an excursion, and then treat yourself to something pleasant. The choice of excursions is huge, how to prioritize? To see as many interesting and unusual things as possible, you can take a car with a driver. Russian speakers – best option. He will become both a driver and a guide in one person.
If you come across an English-speaking driver, of which there is an overwhelming majority in Bali, you will have to somehow find a common language with him. The price of the trips is negotiable. Approximately for half a day you can pay about 50 dollars. As an example, a trip to the south of Bali.
Bali Cultural Park
The first significant attraction is Bali Cultural Park. The park has recently appeared, construction and design work is still underway. Despite the unfinished work, there is no shortage of things to see. Once back in the car, you can chat with the driver. If, of course, there is mutual understanding.
Local residents eagerly talk about local customs and traditions. For example, you can find out that children in Bali are called by names in order of priority. The first baby born in the family is called Wayan, the second is given the name Made, the third is Nyoman, and so on. Moreover, the fifth is again given the name Vayan. Accordingly, many children with the same names are growing up. It sometimes takes a lot of time to distinguish one from the other.
Dreamland beach
Having chatted from the heart and replenished your knowledge base, you will probably drive up to Dreamland beach. This is one of the most beautiful places on the island. The water on the beach is such an azure color that it is difficult to describe. One drawback is that everything on the beach costs a fee. This applies to an umbrella, toilet, shower. It's not worth sitting here for long.
Uluwatu Temple
The beach is beautiful, but there are other attractions that deserve more attention. In particular, the Uluwatu Temple. It is better to look at it during the daytime, as there are crowds of people in the morning and evening. Many people come to this place for the sunset, which is extremely beautiful. You can enter the territory where the temple is located for 20 rupees.
Tourists in open clothing are not allowed here. You will have to either buy a sarong to rent, or be left behind the fence without any impressions. The most interesting thing is that not only women, but also men need to cover their bare parts of the body. Tourists are not allowed inside the temple. But that’s not a problem. In Bali, you can generally visit a small number of temples, being foreign tourist. You have to get used to this.
People come to Uluwatu for the stunning views of nature. The temple is located, one might say, at the edge of the world. This is where his wild popularity lies. Having admired it enough, you can return home to rest.
Day 6
SPA programs
In the morning you can go to the beach. During the day it is better to go for a spa treatment or massage. Indonesia takes pride of place in the spa rankings. It's better here than in Thailand or India. You should definitely experience how your body slowly relaxes. Fatigue and stress will instantly leave the patient.
Employees of spa centers will help you navigate among the many services provided. In the evening, you should take a walk on the beach along the shore, dream and take photographs as a souvenir. Dinner in a relaxed atmosphere will complement this day in the best possible way.
Day 7
The last day in Bali should be spent in such a way that it will be remembered as one of the best. It is worth trying to do everything that was planned. At the end of your vacation there should be exclusively positive emotions and moments. On this day, it is better not to go on excursions, but to devote yourself to enjoying the warmth and exoticism. Of course, you can’t help but go to the beach to swim and sunbathe, and in the evening you should pack your suitcase and, without wasting last hours in Bali, take a walk through the streets before going to bed.
Tour for those who want to learn something new even on a purely beach vacation, immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Indonesia and get acquainted with the contemporaries of dinosaurs - Komodo dragons. If you are lucky with the weather, you will be provided with excellent snorkeling along the reef, and the soft sand of the stunningly beautiful Pink Beach will complement what you saw on the island of Bali!
You will walk through its ancient capital, the city of Ubud, with our historian guide!
Days 1 - 6. Bali Island. Relax on the beach at the Novotel Nusa Dua 4* hotel
Day 6. Flight to Flores Island. Upon arrival in Labuan Bajo, you will be met by your guide and taken to your hotel. Lunch – at a local restaurant + visit to the cave of stalactites and stalagmites, sunset at Puncak Varingin. Dinner, overnight at the hotel.
Day 7. After breakfast, you will embark on a full day trip to Komodo Island (or Rinca - depending on the weather) on a local wooden boat, the journey takes approximately 3 hours (to Komodo), after which you will go to Banugulung (2 km.) to see the giant lizards - the famous "Komodo Dragons". This truly unforgettable experience will be followed by a cruise to the beautiful pink beach (while visiting Rinca Island, which is closer to Flores and offers more opportunities to see monitor lizards, a visit to pink beach not provided). Snorkelers can admire the vibrant underwater coral kingdom (snorkeling equipment not provided). Lunch on the boat. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 8. Breakfast in the hotel. Airport transfer. Return to Bali island. Accommodation at the Tjampuhan 4* hotel in Ubud
Day 9. Stay at the Tjampuhan 4* hotel or similar
Day 10. Full day tour to Ubud with a historian guide.
Day 11 Flight home
Included:
- 5 nights in Bali at Novotel Nusa Dua 4*, Deluxe Room or similar
- 2 nights in Flores at a hotel
The Jayakarta Suite Komodo Flores 4*
- 3 nights at Tjampuhan 4* hotel, Deluxe Raja Room
- Breakfast
- Individual transfers to Bali on Suzuki APV, Isuzu Elf, Toyota Innova, Toyota HIACE
Tour to Flores/Komodo for 3 days/2 nights. Included: transfers, hotel accommodation according to the program, meals breakfast + lunch + dinner, 1 tour to the island. Komodo or o. Rincha, English speaking guide
Full day Ubud city tour with Russian historian guide
- Fee for all entrance fees according to the program
Not included:
- Direct flight to Bali - from 48 t.r./person
- Airfare to Flores - from 80 USD/person
- Lunches and dinners other than those indicated on Flores
- fee for using a photo or video camera on the island. Komodo
- Tips and expenses for souvenirs
**IN National Park Komodo charges the following fees: for the use of a camera from 50,000 to 100,000 Rupees, for a camera - 150,000 Rupees. An additional fee for the protection of Komodo wildlife is paid: $15 per person
Snorkeling at Komodo or Rinca - 60,000 Rupees per person (permit)
Supplement for visit Taman National Park on weekends and holidays USD 7.5/ pax/ day
Minimum 2 people per program
The variety of holiday opportunities in Bali is amazing. Trips here are no less popular than tours to Thailand. Here you can get acquainted with the art and folk crafts of Indonesia, taste unusual dishes and drinks of local cuisine, buy beautiful and inexpensive souvenirs and just have a great rest. Therefore, it doesn’t matter what vacation program you choose and how much time you plan to spend on the island. It will be very easy for you to develop a route that suits all your companions. The island is small, so getting to the main attractions is easy. Even those who come here for a short time will be able to see a lot.
Bali for a few days
If you come to Bali for just a few days, then it would be better to stay in a large tourist center in the south of the island.
Those who just want to relax can stay at luxury hotels Nusa Dua, Tanjung Benoa or Seminyak. Those who are attracted by surfing, busy streets, restaurants and shops, and vibrant nightlife will prefer hotels or guesthouses in Kuta. An equally lively life is in full swing in Legian, but the crowd here is older and more respectable, unlike youthful Kuta. From here it is easy to get to Denpasar or take an excursion to the Tanah Lota and Uluwatu temples. We also recommend taking a day trip to Ubud to explore the art museums, folk villages, and maybe even one of the many folk dance performances that take place every evening.
A week
With a whole week at your disposal, you can spend several days in different areas of the island. Start in the south to see “classic” Bali, lie on a white sandy beach, and enjoy inexpensive food and drink. Take a day trip to Tabanan to see Pura Tanah Lot and the magnificent rice fields Jatiluwiha, And then move to Ubud and immerse yourself in the atmosphere for a few days national holiday, the ancient temples of Gunung Kawi and Yeh Pulu. In Ubud, you can hike through the rice fields or go down the river on a raft.
If you prefer a seaside holiday, you can choose the quieter and less frequently visited by tourists area of Lovina (in the north) or Chandi Dasa (in the east). Lovina is a beautiful, peaceful place. From here it is easy to get to Tulamben or Menja-iang - the best places for diving and snorkeling. Located nearby national park Bali-Barat. I From tranquil Chandi Dasa, you can easily tour the majestic Gunung Agung volcano, see sacred temples, the traditional village of Tenganan and the water palace at Tirtagangga. Those who want to go diving, surfing or snorkeling can head to Lembongan Island, located on east coast.
For a contrast, spend a few days in Kuta and then head to the tranquil Gili Islands near Lombok. If you haven't had enough of the nightlife yet, stop by Gili Trawangan. And if you want to feel like in a real tropical paradise, choose Gili Air or Gili Meno.
Two weeks or more
With a few weeks at your disposal, you can really get to know Bali and visit Lombok. Start with a few wild days in the tourist centers of southern Bali, then head to Ubud and the picturesque rice fields of Tabanan. Hire a car to get to Lovina. Along the way, stop at Belutul, home to the Bali Botanical Gardens and the lovely lake temple of Pura Ulan Danu Bratan. Spend a few relaxing days in Lovina. Head to Pulau Menjangan Island for snorkeling. Visit the hot springs and temples around Singaraja and the northern coast. From the north you can head east to see sacred mountains Batur and Agung.
You can stop in this area, or you can move further east. On the east coast, spend a few days in the tranquil towns of Amed or Chandi Dasa (or both). From here it's a stone's throw to Padang Bai, from where you can take a tour boat to Lombok to spend a few days on the pristine Gili Islands. From these islands you can take a boat back to Lombok, take a taxi, get to the airport and in 20 minutes find yourself back in Bali. Last days spend time choosing souvenirs for family and friends. Check out the markets and souvenir shops in Kuta.
Many people believe that traveling is very expensive and that it requires exorbitant amounts of money. In general, this is the case with the classic tourist approach - when you use the services of travel agencies, live in tourist places, eat in establishments designed for tourists, use the services of expensive guides, excursions, and so on.
However, everything will change as soon as you start practicing an independent approach - you will learn how and where they live local residents where they buy food and things, learn the basics of the local language. Then an exciting path of independent travel will be open to you, which always turns out to be much more interesting and much cheaper.
How much does a visa cost for Bali?
The first issue that we have to decide when we find ourselves in Bali is the visa issue. Russian citizens can fly to Bali, put a stamp at passport control and use it to stay in Indonesia for 30 days - this is completely free.
If we feel that a month is not enough for us to explore the island, and it is quite likely that this will be the case, we can get a so-called “visa on arrival”. To do this, you don’t need anything special other than paying the visa fee at the checkout counter at the airport. The fee is $35. After they put the visa in our passport, we will be able to stay in Bali for the same 30 days, but with one big caveat - the visa can be extended at the immigration office for another 30 days - that is, in total our period of stay in Indonesia may be already two months (60 days).
To extend your visa on arrival, you will have to make 3 trips to the immigration office in Denpasar. The first time is to submit documents. The second time is for a photo, fingerprints and payment of a fee ($27). Well, and the third, respectively, to obtain a passport with an extended visa.
Transport from the airport and back
When you go through passport control and go out into the common area, you will be attacked by a whole crowd of intrusive taxi drivers who will offer to take you anywhere. If this is your first time in Bali and you don’t have the skills to bargain, it’s better not to mess with them. Adequate price for a taxi from the airport to Ubud - 200,000 Indonesian rupiah($15), but they can offer 300 or even 400 thousand.
From the experience of travelers, according to the Uber meter, the cost of a trip from Ngurah Rai airport to Ubud will be around 150,000 rupees ($11.5).
Long-term rental housing in Bali
If we want to live on a budget and for a long time, there is no point in wasting time searching for housing on the Internet in advance. All you need is to book an inexpensive guesthouse for the first 2-3 days. This can be done using a hotel aggregator, which compares prices on different sites and shows the most profitable ones. So, a night in a simple guesthouse in Ubud will cost $13-15.
Why is this needed and why exactly 2-3 days? Because that’s how long it usually takes to independently search for housing long term, and while you’re doing this, you need somewhere to live!
- You decide on the area where you want to live. It’s almost impossible to find something budget-friendly in tourist areas, so you need to look for an area away from the center.
- Rent a bike. But not for 2-3 days, but immediately for the entire stay in Bali. More details about bikes will be in the next section of the article.
- You ride your bike to the chosen area and look for a suitable housing option.
How to look for housing? The best way is to simply go into each courtyard and ask if there are rooms or houses for rent. There is nothing wrong with this, the Balinese are very welcoming and friendly, they will be happy to talk to you. If they tell you that nothing is coming up, you can ask about their friends or neighbors, it is very likely that they have something. Or just ask which direction is best to go for further searches. A simple rule works here - the more you communicate and ask, the more options appear and the more actively the search for housing progresses.
If you are on a bike and can move easily and quickly, then you can easily find a home in 1 day, or maybe even in 2-3 hours.
As for the cost, a good room with air conditioning can be rented monthly for $185-200. If you are sure that you can do without air conditioning, the cost can drop to $140-150. This article is about budget travel, so we will not consider houses and villas here.
Rent a bike in Bali
You can't live without a bike in Bali without your hands. No, of course you can try, like we did, but it only lasted for one week, after which we left this torment. There is no public transport, you cannot go to the store or market by bus. There are only taxis, but this is not about budget travel. Therefore, in order to look for accommodation, buy food, go to temples, beaches and waterfalls, you will need a motorbike!
The cost of daily bike rental is $4, the cost of monthly rental is $45. The two most popular models in Bali are the Honda Vario and the Honda Scoopy. To rent, you don’t need anything other than a passport; you won’t be asked for your license. Before entering into a contract, be sure to check the brakes and wheels, and also take photographs of any scratches or scuffs on the body. In addition, be sure to ask for a helmet, and if there are two of you, then two helmets, this is included in the rental price.
The following precautions should be taken when riding a bike. First, always ride with a helmet. This is not only required by the rules, but also for your own safety.
Officially, to drive a bike in Bali you need international law category A, but in reality this is not so strict and many people move without the necessary documents.
Gasoline in Bali costs 8,000 rupees ($0.6) per liter. We recommend refueling at large gas stations, they are called Pertamina, because street vendors who sell bottled gasoline usually dilute it with water. Even if you actively travel around the island on a bike, you are unlikely to spend more than $15 per month on fuel. Let's add another $3 to our budget for parking; parking here is paid in many places and costs 1000-2000 rupees ($0.07 - $0.14).
How much does food cost in Bali?
In Bali you can eat very cheaply in local cafes, which are called warungs here. The key word here is local. Tourist establishments on tourist streets and near famous attractions are not classified as such; there is nothing for a budget traveler to do there!
Local cafes look unremarkable in appearance, are located in places where ordinary tourists rarely go and speak there, as a rule, only in the local Bahasa language. However, if you have a bike, you can easily get to such a warung in a few minutes, and having learned the basic names local dishes, no problem navigating the menu selection.
IN local cafe one good dish costs 10,000 rupees ($0.75). As you can see, the price is very, very attractive! Here are the main names of local dishes:
- Nasi putih (plain boiled rice).
- Nasi goreng (fried rice with vegetables and tofu/tempeh).
- Mie goreng (fried noodles with vegetables and tofu/tempeh).
- Nasi campur (plain cooked rice with a few extras - vegetables, tofu, tempeh, etc.).
- Gado-gado (mixed vegetables and tofu/tempeh with peanut sauce).
- Plecing kankung (spinach with very spicy sauce).
In addition to inexpensive cafes, Bali has excellent inexpensive fruits and vegetables. You need to buy them not in supermarkets (where they are much more expensive and often unripe), but in local markets. The markets are called pasar in the local language and are open from 4 to 8 am. There you can buy papayas, watermelons, pineapples, tangerines, pomelo, dragon fruits, mangosteens, cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, and many other fruits and vegetables. Here is an approximate price list:
- Papaya and watermelons - 8,000 rupees per kilogram ($0.6).
- Pineapples - 7000 rupees per piece ($0.5).
- Mangosteens, dragon fruits, tangerines: 15,000 rupees per kilogram ($1.1).
Entertainment
In the most modest scenario, you can, of course, limit yourself to traveling on a bike, but we also want to see those places where you need to pay for entry, don’t we?
Here are the prices entrance tickets to some attractions:
- White Sand Beach in Candidas - 5,000 rupees ($0.4).
- Nung Nung Waterfall - 10,000 rupees ($0.75).
- Monkey forest in Ubud - 50,000 rupees ($3.75).
And the prices of some popular entertainments:
- Balinese massage, 1 hour - 80,000 rupees ($6).
- Climbing Batur volcano with a guide (in a group of 4 people) - 125,000 rupees ($9.5).
The island of Bali and some other islands of Indonesia are a paradise for surfers from all over the world. Surfing in Bali is not just a sport, it is a certain way of life. Here you can catch your best wave, no matter whether you are a beginner or a professional. The Island of the Gods is home to world famous surf spots such as Padang Padang, Uluwatu, Dreamland, etc.
Taking surfing lessons will cost on average from $50 to $65 per lesson and from $260 to $380 for 10-14 days, depending on the school where you plan to take lessons.
Rent of boards is usually provided for up to 2-3 hours, this time is enough so that you do not have any more strength left for further immersion in the water. Services such as surf rental in Bali will cost about $4.
If, after several lessons, you already have good board management skills, then, of course, rent is more profitable boards in Bali, for a longer period, a month or more. In addition, for a long term, there is always a discount. For a month, you can pay only $100 at a discount.
When is surfing season in Bali?
Surfing season in Bali is all year round! Unlike other countries, you can find waves here at any time. In addition, all schools always adapt their programs to where and in what place the waves are better at the moment, for example, in the winter months, when Kuta is not too good, students are taken to Nusa Dua or Serangan. You don't need to worry about this, your instructor will think about everything for you.
If you are a solo surfer, consider the following:
- surf spots* Kutas “work” all year round, except for periods when the water is too dirty - this can happen from December to February;
- during the rainy season (December-March), the waves at the surf spots in the southwest are unsuitable, that is, there is no point in going surfing to Canggu at this time; whereas in Nusa Dua and Serangan (near Sanur) there are excellent waves and there are places for both beginners and intermediate and advanced;
- from April to November you can ski in Kuta and Canggu at the Batu Bolong and Oldman spots.
