Bali is a destination that offers so much to the traveler that a short guide explaining some of the island’s facets will help decipher the many options and hopefully help you with your vacation choices. Any holiday is about maximizing your time, even if it simply means relaxing and doing nothing. You still want to achieve the goals you set in the best way possible and start with the belief that you maximized your experience. To help you achieve those goals, I have compiled a short explanatory guide to the myriad of options that the beautiful island of Bali has to offer.
Amed
This has to be one of Bali’s best kept secrets. Amed is home to some of the most enchanting beaches on the islands in a peaceful and totally relaxing setting. With very little activity when it comes to nightlife, this is the perfect destination for families and mature travelers.
Amlapura
Amlapura is the main city of Karangasem Regency and is home to some of the most attractive attractions on the islands, such as Tirta Gangga (The Palace of Water).
Asahduren
The Bali Clove Plantation is located 20 kilometers inland from Negara. The rich, lush green of the plantation is an extraordinary sight.
Barat National Park
The largest national park in Bali is located on the western side of the island and occupies about 10% of the island’s land mass. The park is considered the last refuge of one of the most endangered birds in the world, the Bali Starling.
Bangli
Bangli offers extraordinary views of Mount and Lake Batur. Situated hundreds of meters above sea level, the breeze in Bangli is cool and refreshing.
Banjar
Providing a rare opportunity to witness cockfighting (for those who like that kind of thing) Banjar also offers a chance to experience the wonderful hot springs in the region.
Batubulan
Batubulan Village is an artistic rural place in the western part of the Glanyar Regency. It is famous for the artistic “blessing dance” of the Barong. The town is sustained by the artistic craftsmanship of wood and stone carving.
Bedugul
This is a small town in the mountainous regions between the north and south of Bali.
Besakih Temple
Recognized as the most important and sacred temple in Bali. Known as the mother temple, Basakih offers spectacular views of the tropical surroundings.
Blahmantung waterfall
This pristine waterfall is located in the Pupuan area of Tabanan. With above-average rainfall, the area is extremely fertile. It offers the perfect place to cool off in the crystal clear waters below the falls.
Botanical Gardens
A botanists’ delight! The Eka Karya Botanical Garden in Bedugul was founded in 1959 and is the youngest but largest of the four botanical gardens in Indonesia.
Candi dasa
Candi Dasa is located in Karangasem Regency, just 10 minutes from Tenganan village. Originally a fishing village, it has recently undergone a rapid transformation into a thriving tourist resort.
Celuk
Located in the Sukawati sub-district, Celuk is considered the home of gold and silver crafts in Bali.
Denpasar
Denpasar is the capital city of Bali with an estimated population of half a million residents. Several of the best museums in Bali are located in the capital of the island.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana
The island’s main cultural park is home to a giant statue of Vishnu mounted on its promenade that is half man and half Garuda bird.
Gianyar
The Gianyar Regency is famous for its art and culture. Renowned for its beautiful natural landscape from the mountains to the coast.
Gilimanuk
This is the main port for traffic between Bali and the island of Java. The port is located west of Negara.
Goa gajah
Goa Gajah or ‘The Elephant Cave’ is named for the shape of its entrance. A skillfully carved representation of dangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves, and demonic human characters coming out of the mouth.
Goa lawah
The name given to a cave inhabited by thousands of bats that spend most of their time hanging from the ceiling. It is also home to one of the holiest temples in Bali, Pura Goa Lawah.
Jimbaran
Jimbaran is a fishing village that is also home to some of the best hotels in the world. Jimbaran’s beaches are lined with hundreds of seafood restaurants.
Kintamani
Mountain village with stunning panoramic views from the plateau at the top of Mount Batur.
Klungkung
This is a destination that holds a special place in Balinese history and culture. Once home to the Klungkung kings and their nobles who developed the music, art and culture that thrives there today.
Kuta
Perhaps the most recognizable place in Bali. This beachside venue is known as the center of Bali’s nightlife. It is also a thriving commercial area with lines of shops, boutiques and galleries.
Lake batur
This is the widest lake in Bali and is surrounded by magnificent panoramic views. Considered a sacred place by the Balinese, visitors can enjoy the nearby hot springs.
Bratan lake
Located in Bendugul, Lake Bratan is the second largest lake in Bali. Stunning views are seen from the lake of the Pura Ulun Danu temple on its shore.
Lovina
Lovina Beach is a 12 kilometer stretch of coastline northwest of Singaraja in northern Bali. Lovina is considered by many to be the best family vacation spot on the island of Bali.
Mount agung
Agung is the highest peak in Bali. It is believed to be the home of the gods in Balinese culture. The most sacred temple in Bali, the Mother Temple of Besakih, stands on its slopes.
Denied
Negara is best known for the famous bull racing. This area is remote and rarely visited by tourists and offers a glimpse of the real Bali.
Nusa dua
Nusa Dua is home to the largest international five-star resorts in Bali. A calm and relaxed atmosphere with quiet beaches, this location is ideal for the most demanding traveler.
Nusa Ceningan
This area is home to the largest kelp farms in Bali.
Nusa lembongan
A small island located 20 kilometers off the east coast of Bali. The island is known as a ‘virgin island’ with crystal clear waters and local cultivation of algae. It is also known worldwide for its quality surf breaks.
Nusa menjangan
This is a small dive island off the northwest coast of Bali and is exclusive to a set number of divers per day.
Nusa penida
Another of the smaller islands in Bali that is famous for the chances of seeing sharks, turtles and its reef system with crystal clear visibility.
Nusa serangan
Better known as Tortuga Island, this small island is used as a turtle sanctuary. Locals house turtle eggs in purpose-built huts until they hatch and are released.
Padangbai
This is a small fishing village in East Bali. It is known for its beautiful white sand beaches.
Sengeh Monkey Forest
Located in the southwest of Bali, this small section of forest is famous for its population of primates that inhabit both the trees and the local temple.
Sanur
Sanur is one of the largest traditional villages in Bali and a well-established tourist area. Recognized as one of the best diving and snorkelling spots in Bali.
Seminyak
Seminyak is widely regarded as Bali’s premier tourist destination with its laid-back natural appeal, world-class accommodations, and fabulous fine-dining restaurants.
Singaraja
Once the capital city of Bali, Singaraja was the main port during the Dutch occupation of the island and retains a strong colonial feel.
Tabanan
The Tabanan Regency is home to the spectacular Tanah Lot Temple, best known as the most photographed temple in Bali.
Tanah lot
This is one of the most popular sights in Bali. Tanah Lot is home to the most impressive oceanfront Hindu temple in Bali.
Tanjung benoa
A beautiful area of Bali best recognized for its large number of coconut trees. It is one of the most perfect water sports spots in Bali.
Tegallalang
Tegallalang is an important place for arts and crafts with stunning views of the layered rice fields.
Tulamben
This is a small town on the northeast coast of Bali. It is world famous for its famous dive site that contains an astonishingly diverse underwater ecosystem, especially around the wreck of the Liberty Glo, a US Army transport ship torpedoed by Japanese submarines in 1943.
Ubud
Ubud is best known as the center of Bali’s arts, crafts, dance and music. The spectacular views of the terraced rice fields make it one of the most visited destinations in Bali.
Uluwatu
This site is famous for its magnificent views from the top of the cliffs and its waves. With its spectacular temple overlooking the clear blue water of the ocean below. A large number of monkeys inhabit the area.
Hopefully this concise look at the island of Bali will help you plan your next visit. With so much to do and so little time, it is highly recommended to plan and list some of the key elements that you would like to incorporate into your Bali vacation. Whatever your choices, I have no doubt that the time you spend in this magical piece of paradise will be a treasure forever.
