Bali Travel Guide: Reviews, photos, & videos

In the traditional Balinese culture Mount Agung, an active strato-volcano, is said to be the home of the gods. What I don't understand is why aren't the gods living on the white sand beaches, while receiving first class spa treatments and sipping rum from a coconut? Lucky for us humans, all they seem to want is the view. And what a view it is! Bali is one of more than 17,000 islands that make up the nation of Indonesia. Though relatively small in size, Bali offers an abundance of activities for big families, tan surfers, broke backpackers, smitten couples and just about anyone looking to enjoy the relaxing, island life. Accommodations can range from just a few dollars a night to multi-million dollar beach front villas.

Head over to Kuta Beach for 24-hours of fun in the sun. This picturesque beach is one of the nicest on the island, with heavenly sand, and world class waves. At night, club and dance music permeate Kuta's narrow streets as sun soaked revelers party until returning to the waves in the morning. Bali is also over 90% Hindu, and there are countless temples devoted to the many gods. Make sure to visit Pulaki, a temple built on a healing hot spring, but be sure the windows work in the car because the water smells strongly of sulfur. Also check out the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud for an up close and personal encounter with the cute little critters – watch out though – they’ve been known to steal sunglasses. And take a dip in the relaxing hot springs in the gorgeous Lake Batur. The gods don’t know what they’re missing out on.

  • Asia, Beach, Biking, Family-friendly, Fishing, Golfing, Hiking, Horsebackriding, Island, Jungle, Luxury, Mountain, Nationalpark, Night-life, Ocean, Over55, Relaxing, Romantic, Rustic, Scubadiving, Singles, Snorkeling, Spa, Surfing, Theater, Volcano, Warm/tropical, Watersports, Wedding, Wildlife, Windsurfing, Worldclassrestaurants
  • 96%

 
 
link-8.4343378844115.16967773449Bali, Indonesia
link-8.4915888115.2422684Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
link-8.258816115.408195Lake Batur
link-8.8067547115.2185573Nusa Dua
link-8.499537409115.2616882324Botanic Garden
link-8.6869240037115.2548217773Goa Lawah Bat Cave
link-8.724115115.170303Shopping in Kuta
link-8.4343378844115.16967773449Bali, Indonesia
 
 
 
 

   

 Directions 

Major airport – Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) located in Denpasar.  
 
Major cities in Indonesia (Jakarta, Surabaya and Makassar) as well as major cities in Asia and Australia will fly directly into Bali.  
 
Average flight time from London to Bali: 16 hours and 30 minutes  
 
Average flight time from Australia to Bali: 2 hours and 30 minutes  
 

 

   

 Weather 

  • Current conditions

    Cond108

    Scattered showers. There is a 30% chance of precipitation. Cloudy. Warm, Humid. Temperature of 82.76°F. Winds SE 10.39mph. Humidity will be 73% with a dewpoint of 73° and feels-like temperature of 88.57°F.
    Hi: 83° F, Low: 78° F.

  • Tomorrow's forecast

    Cond005
    Light rain. There is a 80% chance of precipitation. Cloudy. Warm, Humid. Temperature of 81.91°F. Winds ENE 9.88mph. Humidity will be 77% with a dewpoint of 74° and feels-like temperature of 87.73°F.
    Hi: 82° F, Low: 79° F.


  • Weatherbug's weather page.
 

   

 Attractions 

Add Attraction

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

A famous comedian once stated that every man in the world wants a monkey – specifically one that he could fight. I absolutely agree with this statement, but unfortunately in the United States it’s very challenging to obtain a monkey. For the next best thing, just hop on a plane to Bali and visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in the town of Ubud. True to its name, this swinging sanctuary is home to three friendly troupes of long-tailed Balinese Macaques – which equals about 200 furry little creatures. Walk freely amongst the beautiful forest as these cute critters scamper to and fro and will often beg for food from their human counterparts. This lush forest is not only home to the monkey’s but is also the location of three gorgeous Hindu temples dating way back to the 14th century. Oh yeah – and it’s probably not a good idea to try and fight these monkey’s – rumor has it they can become a bit ornery if picked on. SPECIAL NOTE: Mother Macaques can be incredibly protective, so tourists should be cautious when approaching infants – no matter how cute they may seem to be.

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Lake Batur

Most people love spending a nice Saturday afternoon on the lake. However, where I come from that usually just involves imbibing a few choice beverages and maybe a little water skiing. However, one visit to the gorgeous and serene, crescent shaped Lake Batur and all other lake adventures are forgotten. That’s because Lake Batur is flanked on both sides by large mountains: Mount Batur and Mount Abang. Oh yeah and Lake Batur is also an active volcano! Resembling a massive basin with a Hershey’s kiss in the middle (not edible unfortunately), a trip to Lake Batur – the widest lake in all of Bali – provides ample amounts of fun and adventure. Strap on the hiking boots and trek around the mountains and gaze at the dried lava rivers that have an eerie resemblance to photographs of Mars; grab a couple of eggs and boil them in one of the lava vents on the side of the mountain (lunch time!); and then wrap it all up by dipping your body into the glorious hot springs after a long day. Then just sit back and relax and enjoy this phenomenal view that could only come from Bali. Sure beats a typical Saturday on the lake!

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Nusa Dua

Bali has so many gorgeous vacation spots it’s often hard to choose just one. However, for those looking for the “pampered” version of a Bali vacation, look no further than Nusa Dua. Located in south-eastern Bali about 40 kilometers from the capital city of Denpasar, Nusa Dua is a small beach enclave/peninsula that is home not only to an incredible amount of gorgeous white sand, beach front property but is also the spot to find first class restaurants, exclusive night clubs and bars and all inclusive, five star resorts. The location of the 2007 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Nusa Dua is perfect for those looking for some authentic Balinese vacation action without the stress of venturing too far out of the good old comfort zone. Check out Dreamland, a gorgeous beach with some of the most ideal surfing conditions in the entire world. Hop on a glass bottom boat and venture over to Pulau Penyu (English for Turtle Island) where exotic creatures like komodo dragons, slithery snakes and – of course – sea turtles roam around against the pristine back drop of the light blue water. And definitely check out an authentic Balinese play often held right on the beach. Now that’s an unforgettable theatrical experience.

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Botanic Garden

When one thinks of Bali, one tends to think of tropical beaches – not lush gardens. However, the Botanic Garden is here to change that. Located just 1.2 kilometers from the heart of the town of Ubud in the village of Kutuh Kaja, the Botanic Garden is a tranquil sanctuary full of Bali’s finest plant species situated in a way that can only be described as serene. Positioned at an elevation of around 350 meters above sea level, the Botanic Garden offers its visitors waterfalls, an Orchid Garden, an Islamic Garden, a natural forest and a gentle river that could serve as a visual dictionary definition for the word soothing. Established by German writer Stefan Reisner, the Botanic Garden’s main purpose is to protect and enhance Bali’s precious flora and increase environmental consciousness in the region. And for those wanting to find a unique and intimate spot for their wedding, the Amphitheatre of the Garden is available for rental.

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Goa Lawah Bat Cave

Sorry people, Christian Bale doesn’t live inside this bat cave (and if he did he’d probably just yell at you). No, the real thing lives here: thousands and thousands of loud, screeching, long nosed fruit bats. Located on Bali’s eastern coast about an hour drive from Denpasar is the Hindu temple of Goa Lawah, which is built just in front of a cave opening on the side of one of the cliffs. According to legend, a giant, dragon-like snake named Basuki also lives in these caves (although of course no one has lived to tell about him). Venture inside to the sound of screeching bats and experience something completely unique; or stay outside and watch the Bali locals engage in ancient rituals as curious and occasionally clueless tourists interact; and if none of those seem tropical enough – there just so happens to be a beautiful black sand beach just a short walk away. Bats and beaches: isn’t Bali just wonderful?

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Shopping in Kuta

Shopping in Bali can feel like anything from a beautiful ballet to a blood drawing contact sport. Some places give you intense bargainers in less than ideal locations and some offer high end boutique shopping on par with Rodeo Drive. However, the only place that seems to have it all is Kuta. Check out the Kuta Art Market for a variety of different shops selling anything from sarongs to furniture and leather goods. Or transition into more mainstream mode at the Bali Mal Galeria Kuta where a two level shopping center offers Nike and Adidas outlets, stylish hair salons and a huge amount of book or book related stores (helpful for that long plane flight back). Travel down the main road of Kuta and there are a multitude of open air shops selling items varying from swimwear to cd’s and – of course – there are numerous street hawkers roaming about trying to sell watches and jewelry. A few words of advice with them: 1.) a Rolex will never cost fifteen dollars and 2.) don’t make any contact with them if there is no real interest in buying something.

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 Reviews(Average Rating: 96% for 3 reviews) 

  • sunrise88
    sunrise88Reviews: 1
    Posts: 0

    An Unforgettable Island Embedded With Love

    10/01/2009

    100%

    Bali, Indonesia

    I have to admit that Bali was not what I expected. Kuta Beach was really crowded and did not meet my expectations of a beautiful beach at all, but I snapped out of my negativity immediately. I reminded myself that every place has it’s own beauty. It’s all about how I choose to look at something. Actually, I’ve heard many complaints about how the vendors keep pushing visitors to buy things and offer services on the beach. While I was getting my nails done, I finally experienced it. Two ladies kept pushing me to use their services. I felt sorry for both of them. So, I decided to give them some money. I’m not a millionaire, but I don’t have to be one to give. I looked at them as if I was looking at my own mother. I thought that life must be very hard for these ladies for them to desperately push people to use their services like that. After I got my pedicure, I decided to buy a floral wrist band from another lady. To my surprise, she gave me another one for free and told me that it was a gift from the beautiful island of Bali. For me, one of the most important parts of visiting a new place is being able to connect with the locals and other travelers. Another memorable experience for me was interacting with the dolphins! It was a truly magical experience!

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  • Nashata
    NashataReviews: 2
    Posts: 0

    Bali is Still a Blissful Island

    09/28/2009

    95%

    Bali, Indonesia

    -----review deleted by user

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  • zieak
    zieak
    • Top member
    Reviews: 7
    Posts: 5

    A paradise with plenty of Western comforts

    12/17/2008

    93%

    Bali, Indonesia

    When I visited Bali I expected beaches, ample sunshine, Australians, and a vibrant culture. It had it all. But I was astonished by the westernization around the Kuta beaches. McDonald's food and Circle K's are easy to find. Fortunately so are local foods, hand-crafted jewelry, carvings, and more. I loved that locals didn't assume we were Americans right away. They guessed quite a few other countries first. Despite having had two bombings of tourist locations and a general international distaste for the United States I felt quite safe. You don't have to surf or dive to enjoy the beaches. Be careful to not buy anything from any vendors wandering the beach unless you want to be swarmed with carvings, paintings, woven goods, shirts and other wares. You'll have to move to a new spot to have peace and quiet again!

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