From exotic temples and volcanic mountains, to bustling streets and local cuisine, Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Indonesian archipelago. Fear not; For the Bali novice, we’ve put this ‘beginners guide’ together to help you get the most out of your first and definitely not last visit to this fascinating Island.
Image thanks to A Broken Backpack
Whether you’re a yogi, or just a traveller wanting to escape to a tropical paradise, Canggu is your prime destination. Located a short twenty-minute drive from Seminyak, Canggu is Bali’s Byron bay. It’s boho atmosphere, warm hospitality and café culture makes it one of the most relaxing and delicious visits. Be sure to try out a sunrise guided meditation at the Yoga Barn overlooking the ambient rice fields before heading over to Peloton Supershop for an aesthetically pleasing and rather indulgent breakfast.
Seeking a spot to wind down and read a book? Spend the day exploring Canggus Batu Bolong or Berawa beach before catching the magical sunset at 5:30pm.
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At the heart of Bali is Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest, a natural forest sanctuary home to some very playful monkeys. Devote a day to admiring the animals nibbling on bananas and swinging through a fairyland of canopies while you walk past beautiful ancient temples and leafy statues.
For the people staying outside Ubud, be sure to make the most of the trip by visiting the renowned Ubud Art Market and sweeping rice fields. Locals from neighbouring villages come each day to display beautiful silk scarves, leather souvenirs, handwoven bags and other hand-crafted goods as a way to highlight their Balinese artistry and talent. Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of the more popular tourist hotspots in Bali featuring sweeping fields of lush green rice terraces.
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Positioned on a frighteningly tall limestone cliff edge, Uluwatu’s Temple, locally known as Pura Luhur - Uluwatu offers an exotic seascape, and is a beautiful late afternoon activity to wander through twisting pathways where monkeys playfully sit. At 6pm every day, the locals showcase the traditional Sunset Kecak fire dance which features the story from the Ramayana epic. The absenteeism of accompaniment, and the male polyrhythmic singing makes it a very unique artistic rendition performed in the open amphitheatre overlooking the ocean below.
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After exploring the rich culture, and relaxing beaches, Bali offers a row of bars, pubs and nightclubs to drink, dine and dance well into the night. Each spot offering their own unique experience, it becomes challenging to know where to begin. Our advice:
Image thanks to The Beat Bali
Motel Mexicolaas the name suggests is a dining fiesta filled with bright colours, loud music, and traditional plates of tostadas, tacos and quesadillas. Be ready to dance the night away… on tables, with a margarita in hand.
Mirror Lounge and Club offers a chic partying scene with neon lasers that spotlight the gothic cathedral inspired interior. Inviting world class DJ’s to perform, this club is signature for its youthful crowds, and signature cocktails.
La Favela is one of Bali’s most magical and superb spots to appreciate vintage interiors, and stencil art inspired by the forests of Indonesia. At night, the bar lights up the sky with beautiful fairy lights and glowing pools making it a popular spot to have a drink or three.
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Dominating the southern edge of the rooftop, the Sky Garden bar is renowned for its triple vodka fruit shakers and sky shisha menu that offers visitors fruity flavours overlooking a 180-degree view above Legian. Once you've pleased your appetite, head to the Sky Dome, Legian's main club, hosting international guest DJ’s, free flow Bintangs, and pumping music. Take note: this spot isn't for the faint hearted. It remains packed and lively well into the night, occasionally blasting showers of confetti onto the party goers.
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Dine at The Lawn for a relaxing beach front restaurant experience with the soundtrack of waves and music as the sun goes down. The beach lounge is perfect for guests to share food and drinks while an intimate dinner in the dining area is perfect for a romantic and indulgent display of the island’s freshest ingredients.
Famous for its multiple pools, bars, 150 metres of beachfront and daily DJ’s, Finns Beach Cluboffers beds in the day and party beds at night. Enjoy the share boards with friends while knocking back the assortment of cocktail jugs on offer, all with a view of Bali’s famous surf break, Berawa break.
On a Wednesday night Old Man’s Bar becomes a very trendy beer garden enthralled with Balinese parasols, cosy lounges and a combination of both locals, and visitors. The fun atmosphere that is “Dirty Ol’ Wednesday invites anyone and everyone to party the night away with drinking games, DJ’s and endless amounts of table tennis.
One last thing to take note, avoid the rain and book your next trip to Bali during the Island’s dry season: May to October.
Thank us later.
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