The must-do things to do in Bali

Published on : 20 September 20194 min reading time

Located just below the equator, Bali Island dazzles you with its beauty and beaches. While many tourists go there to rest and enjoy their holidays without too much effort, the Indonesian island is far from being a landmark of uninvolved resorts. And then, who said there was nothing to do in Bali but rest? If you are planning to go to Bali for 1 or 2 weeks, you won’t be bored! From the cultural discovery of the island through villages, temples, history and culture, to nightlife, sports activities and relaxation with spas and yoga, there are indeed many things to do in Bali!

The Temple of Uluwatu (Pura Luhur)

magine a large cliff on which a temple is perched, and add to that a splendid view… The temple is located on the Bukit peninsula, in the far south of Bali, where there are also some beautiful beaches like Balangan and many excellent surf spots.

The construction of this majestic temple in Uluwatu began in the 11th century on the edge of a cliff, 70 metres above the Indian Ocean. Its visit provides beautiful views of the ocean, but you will have to be careful with your belongings because the temple is inhabited by many thieving monkeys.

The Tanah Lot Temple (Pura Tanah Lot)

This is another rock formation on the waterfront that serves as a kind of foundation for this very popular pilgrimage site. It is the most famous of Bali’s temples for its serenity and cultural importance as it is associated with Balinese mythology as one of the seven temples that form a ring in southwest Bali. The ideal is to go there during low tide so that you can discover it on foot. It is a pity that it is a victim of its success, as the site is very busy, with the obligation to pass through an alley of small sellers.

Ulun Danu Temple on Lake Bratan (Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)

Another temple yes, but it is the most beautiful that can be visited in Bali. This is the famous “temple by the lake”, which, unlike other temples perched on the edge of a cliff, rests serenely on the shores of Lake Bratan. It is certainly one of the most beautiful places on the island not to be missed under any circumstances! The reflection in the water of the temple (also known as Bedugul) and the mountainous surroundings offer a superb setting for a visit.

Rice fields

Bali’s reputation is not only due to its beaches and temples. You will also see many rice fields, terraced or not, during your trip in the Balinese lands. The most notable are: Tegalalang, Antosari, Busungbiu, Karangasem, Jatiluwih and Pupuan.

Dolphin watching in Lovina Beach

Lovina Beach is simply one of the best places in the world to observe dolphins by boat. Be warned, you will not be the only ones to leave at dawn by boat (especially in high season) but the excursion is still worth the trip today, and you will realize it once the dolphins jump out of the water in front of you! Lovina is however much less frequented than South Bali and there are many nice places to rest and take your time.

Ubud

The streets of Ubud are teeming with culture. The village is the cultural and spiritual centre of Bali, far from the turmoil of Dempasar and Kuta. You could come here like everyone else for its Monkey Forest, but there is much better to do in Ubud. An excellent way to discover Ubud, the surrounding villages and the surrounding landscapes is to ride a bike and walk quietly. You will find bike rental agencies on site. Meet the locals and if you are lucky you can join a ceremony or festival. Feel free to stay in one of the very luxurious guesthouses in the area, to enjoy a spa and a massage, with a room overlooking the rice fields on the terrace.

Hiking on the Batur volcano

In a mountainous region of eastern Bali, there is the Mount Batur caldera in Kintamani. A trek at the top of the 1700 meters of this active volcano is a great experience for all travellers eager for new sensations. The perfect time to hike is at sunrise: leaving at 4am, you will arrive in time for the first light of day (at 6am). This hike is relatively easy and the trails are quite well marked. From there, you will have a panoramic view of the whole region, a magical moment.

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