Those who watched the movie "Eat Pray Love" have an idea of the beauties of Indonesia. One of the pearls of this country is the island of Bali.
Climate
The weather in Bali is the most favorable for relaxation. It is warm here, but not hot - only up to 32 degrees Celsius. Vacationers take into account that there are two weather seasons on the island - the rainy season and the dry season, which is to blame for the monsoon winds. In November, they bring rain clouds here, and then it rains periodically until the end of February. In February-March, precipitation intensifies, and then the dry season begins. The rainy period passes here quite painlessly, because everything dries up very quickly. And if you just walked along the sidewalk in knee-deep water, then after 30 minutes it feels like it didn’t rain at all.
In April, dry southeasterly winds begin to blow over the island, and the weather sets in clear and cloudless. So if you want to save money on vacation - take a ticket for March or February, because at this time you can swim and sunbathe here with fewer tourists. This is a great getaway from the harsh winter. And if you buy tickets in advance, you can also save a lot. For lovers of hot holidays, July andAugust.
Hotels
Where the islands of Bali are located, there are many hotels for a wide variety of demand. The Nusa Dua area is one of the most prestigious and expensive, where every hotel is like a palace, and the number of staff per guest is simply incredible. The Kuta and Seminyak areas are the busiest and noisiest places. Kuta has a lot of youth, surfers, hangouts and parties. Seminyak is also fun, but it looks more and more calm and decorous. The Sanur area combines all of the above, plus there is also the possibility of a family holiday.
All hotels are located on the coast, almost all have indoor and outdoor pools, some have pools with sea water and access to them directly from the room. Each hotel has its own speci alty - a kids club, fun evening shows, spa treatments or a rustic interior. Bali will also welcome guests with cozy private villas or guesthouses - the difference is only in price.
Types of recreation
Where is the island of Bali - there is the most diverse recreation and the opportunity to spend time with benefits for body and soul. The most common activity is, of course, a beach holiday. As a rule, each hotel has its own beach, it is very well maintained and free for vacationers. Spa lovers will spend unforgettable hours in the hands of skilled professionals. More mobile people will be able to visit a variety of excursions: the island of Bali is rich in ancient architectural monuments that reflect its diverse culture, there are many volcanoes, picturesque natural places. Children and adultswill be delighted with visiting the local zoo with exotic animals.
Young people will be able to learn how to surf and even meet celebrities. You can go to the mountains or go to the bottom of the sea, feeling like a real diver. And in the evening - hot dances to rhythmic music at a fun party.
Those who like to relax on their own will be offered to rent a bike or scooter - and you can admire the surroundings while exploring the beautiful island of Bali. You will definitely remember your vacation for a long time, and you will want to come again.
Tours during festivals
You can often find another name for this place - "Island of a Thousand Temples", because the island of Bali is decorated with more than 20,000 shrines. The religion here is very peculiar, it mixes Hinduism, Buddhism and local Indonesian beliefs, which consist in the worship of the spirits of ancestors and the spirits of nature.
It's wonderful that each temple celebrates its birthday, so you might think that life here is an endless holiday: local residents with songs, dances and gifts move towards the temple in the morning to honor its main deity. It all looks very nice.
You can also go to the big festivals held by this island country. Bali invites guests to various celebrations.
March 19 - New Year, or the day of silence. On this day, the Balinese do not work, do not turn on the phone and TV, do not talk, do not cook food. Special people are on duty on the street, who for violation canbe fined or sent to jail. Holiday date may change.
The main holiday that celebrates the island of Bali is Odalan, which lasts 10 days. It is believed that these days all good gods descend from the sky and have fun with people. The date is determined by the lunar calendar.
From June 17 to July 17, Denpasar hosts an arts festival with carnivals, parades, performances, restaurateur competitions.
Throughout August, Jalan Jax Street Fair, which exhibits many goods of small traders
Beaches
You can say that on all sides the island of Bali is surrounded by beaches. And depending on the coast, the sea can be very different - either the waves are too big, or too shallow, or the beach is dirty. It is best to describe specific locations:
- Lovina - north coast. This name unites several beaches (Temukus, Kaliasem, Amturani Peramon, Kalibukbuk, Tukad Mugga). The volcanic sand beaches are very wide, and when you go out to the sea in a boat, you can look at dolphins. This is a great family vacation.
- Uluwatu is a beach for surfers. It is hidden between the rocks, there are big waves and good infrastructure for surfing.
- Padang-Padang is perhaps one of the best beaches in the places where the islands of Bali are located. The coast is gentle, the sea is clean, the waves are small, which is rare for the island. In addition, the place is very picturesque, although crowded.
- Dreamland is a white sandy beach with clear but choppy seas. It is also waiting for surfers.
- Jimbaran is a long beach stretching for several kilometers. Famous for its ebbs and flows, but also for its excellent fish market, where you can try many local dishes- Nusa Dua is a closed place owned by hotels. Calm, relaxed holiday, clean sand and fairly shallow sea.
- Kuta is one of the most popular destinations. Surf during the day and party all night long.
- Padang Bai - Bias Tugal beach. A wonderful place, hidden from prying eyes and not yet explored by crowds of tourists.
What is fed
And meat, and seafood, and vegetables, and cereals - all this is offered to guests by the island of Bali. Reviews of tourists about the quality of food here are the most positive. Balinese duck stewed with herbs and spices for a long time (bebek betutu) and fish baked in a banana leaf (pepes ikan) are the most positive reviews.
Where to eat? Made's Warung Cafe in the center of Seminyak, on Jalan Raya Seminyak Street, is the oldest cafe on the island. Another decent cafe is Tekor Bali, located on a pedestrian street filled with restaurants and cafes.
Those who don't like tourist crowds can recommend the Warung Sobat restaurant on Jalan Batu Belig Street - it belongs to a family that loves the island of Bali. The reviews of those who have been here more than once are invariably delighted, especially with regard to the dish of a pig roasted on a spit.
Shopping
Connoisseurs say that you need to take a bigger suitcase if you are going to the island of Bali. Photos can be brought in the camera, but where will you put things? For here, even inyou will always find something new in the most familiar stores.
Shopping can also be done at the resorts - they will always offer products of local craftsmen, clothes and fabrics. And you can go on a purposeful trip to large stores. For example, to Depansar on the southern part of the island, to Denpasar Badung Traditional Market, which is open 24 hours a day. Here you can buy silver jewelry, textiles, souvenirs, dishes and much more.
However, Seminyak and its two main "streets" - Oberoi street and Seminyak street are still considered the capital of shopping on the island. An original purchase awaits in Ebiza: shoes and accessories made of python skin. Shops along these streets include silver jewellery, streetwear and more expensive dresses, handmade lace, and home furnishings.
In Ubud, the main market sells silk pashminas, dresses and robes. The quality is good and the prices are much lower.
Attractions
The main attraction of the island is its magnificent, luxurious views. You can rent a car (you will need an international license) and drive around the entire island, admiring its beauties. Organized excursions will lead tourists to luxurious temples, brightly and lovingly decorated by ministers and believers. The temples of Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Besakih amaze with their grandeur.
Kintamani volcano is also worth a visit. It is dormant, but very large. In the radon springs at its foot, popular procedures for the treatment of joints are taken. In its caldera you can see Lake Batur - one of the mostlarge volcanic lakes.
Ubud town is the center of creativity of local artisans. Around it are villages, each of which is engaged in its own craft: woodcarving, painting fabrics, making souvenirs.
Safari and marine park - birds and reptiles live here in natural conditions. There are rare animals that are protected here. Professional artists perform shows with trained animals. There is a water park for children.
Gitgit Waterfall is one of the unique places. A very picturesque road leads to it through rice and clove fields, past villages. It is 40 meters high and falls in several cascades.
Souvenirs
A separate theme of the island is souvenirs. It is simply impossible to buy everything, but you can see a lot. In the village of Batubulan, sandstone sculptures are sculpted for temples or home decoration. The figures are so skillfully carved that it is hard to believe that the hands of an ordinary person can do this.
Mas Village is a true center of wooden sculpture. Exquisite figurines made of black ebony are massive, and those made of pantgal are intricate, with lace carvings. There are products made from palm trees, sandalwood and tree roots.
The village of Pejaten produces ceramic souvenirs - cat figurines, jugs, scented lamps, dishes and vases. The variegated colors are pleasing to the eye.
This is about local souvenirs. In general, where the islands of Bali are located, you can buy a huge variety of any souvenirs madereal masters of their craft, often right before your eyes. Just one piece of advice - be sure to bargain - politely but persistently.
What to bring from Bali
In addition to souvenirs, as a gift, you can bring, for example, shoes or a bag made of python skin - this is exotic. Jewelry lovers should give real Balinese gold-plated silver bracelets made using a special technology.
There are also unique fabrics here - batik, painted by local craftsmen. It is made from cotton or silk. Or songket fabric, which is woven by hand. Gold and silver threads are woven into it, so the fabric is sparkling.
Art lovers will love the plant-based paintings by Balinese artists that will never fade. Or carved wood panels to decorate the room, as well as various amulets, masks and dolls.
Kopi Luwak coffee is very good here. For tea lovers - jasmine tea, for alcohol lovers - traditional local Arak vodka. If you're an avid spa, bring jamu, the common name for oils, incense, and herbal blends.
It's true what they say: "Get a big suitcase ready if you're going to Bali."
