First-timers' guide to a perfect vacation in Bali

Stunning beaches, beautiful temples, cultural landmarks, and shopping trips make Bali a true paradise for travellers. Located in the Indian Ocean, this is one of the most famous islands among the 1700 islands of Indonesia.

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However, individuals planning to visit Bali for the first time might not be aware of certain particulars like which places to visit, where to stay, etc. They should also consider securing their vacation by opting for travel insurance online. This policy covers expenses resulting from unfortunate events like baggage loss, personal belongings theft, etc.

Thus, first-time travellers must consider following the guide below for a perfect Bali trip.

Your ultimate beginner's guide to the perfect vacation in Bali

A travel enthusiast experiences many challenges while planning a complete vacation in Bali, especially when it comes to deciding the places to visit and travel routes to take.

Here is a complete guide for beginners planning a vacation in Bali.

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1. Choose the places you want to visit

First-time travellers will be interested to know that Southern Bali is the most touristy area on the island. It comprises the capital city Denpasar along with Ngurah Rai International Airport. Additionally, individuals looking to spend time in posh cafes, serene beaches, and fancy restaurants will find this area to be an ideal destination. Here are some of the best places to visit in South Bali:

● Uluwatu Temple
● Nusa Dua Beach
● Tanah Lot
● Nyangnyang Beach
● Cabina Bali
● Kuta Beach

2. Know the best time to visit Bali

Located to the South of the equator, Bali has a tropical climate throughout the year. So, there are predominantly two seasons here- the dry and the rainy season. From November to March, this area experiences rain making it less convenient for a vacation. Around July and August, Bali remains crowded due to the national school holidays in Indonesia. However, an ideal time to visit Bali is May, June, or September. The climate is pleasant during this period, and the beaches will be less crowded.

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4. Check reviews

Before planning a trip to Bali and deciding the places to visit, one should refer to the online reviews. First-hand experiences will give an idea of how to make a Bali vacation perfect. Furthermore, individuals might choose to do an activity that does not have good reviews and waste time and money. To avoid this, one should check out the reviews of these places and save expenses.

5. Plan a budget and itinerary

It is vital to fix a budget before planning a trip to Bali to avoid future hassles. Setting a budget will also help a traveller plan an itinerary. Besides including mandatory expenses while calculating a budget, keeping some additional cash available for any emergency is crucial.

6. Know the travel routes

As there are several places to visit in Bali, one should know the travel routes for a seamless vacation. An initial idea of travel routes will allow individuals to consider the conveyance fees in their budget checklist. One can opt for public as well as private transportation in Bali. However, public transportation is not very convenient as individuals would not be able to travel as per their timing and availability.

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7. Get travel insurance

First-time travellers must obtain a well-rounded insurance plan from a reputed provider to secure their Bali trip. There can be some mishaps during a vacation resulting in substantial cash outflow. Additionally, loss of baggage, visa, passport, etc., can also change a planned itinerary as travellers will need to spare time waiting for their belongings to arrive. To avoid inconvenience and reduce financial liability, one should purchase a travel insurance plan.

8. Plan your Visa

Tourists traveling to Bali for less than 30 days will not require a visa. It is applicable to only 170 countries, including India. However, if the travel duration is beyond 30 days, one needs to obtain a Bali visa for Indians on arrival at the airport. To apply for a Visa on Arrival (VoA), travellers must visit the immigration offices at least a week before the first 30 days are over and request an extension.

So, before planning a vacation in this postcard-perfect place for the first time, one should be aware of the points above. It will help them in making the trip successful and convenient.

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Top 15 Things to do in Bali

Bali! This name is synonymous with honeymoons and romantic holidays among us Indians. To others, it is a great surfing destination, beach holiday, rejuvenating holiday, backpacking trip and much more. This tropical paradise packs everything from temples to volcanoes, surf to forests, luxury properties to rustic homestays, rich shopping avenues to cultural experiences and last but the least, pristine beaches to relaxing spa and massages. The diversity of Bali is such that irrespective of the type of traveler you are, it packs a serious punch. You could be a solo backpacker, a volunteer, an adventure travel enthusiast, a couple on a honeymoon, a young family with kids or even an elderly couple, Bali is bound to mesmerize you and give you the kind of holiday that will give you full value for your money and that also recharges your batteries. It is one of those ideal easy visa destinations for the budget Indian traveler.



If you are thinking of or planning a Bali holiday ( it is visa on arrival for us Indians), here are the top 15 things that you must experience and that should somehow find their way into your itinerary. All of these are based on my personal experience of slowly exploring the different parts of this exotic tropical island.

Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Cliff Temple



Watching one of Bali’s most iconic art performances on a cliff top amphitheatre at sunset time is definitely one of the top highlights of a holiday in this tropical paradise. This Kecak fire dance, which is a dance-drama (stories primarily taken from the Hindu epic Ramayana) at its core, is an interesting mix of vocals, costumes, fast movements and chorus. The best way to enjoy this sunset cultural program is to visit the Uluwatu cliff temple in the late afternoon, enjoy all the surreal ocean and cliff views when there is light and then with the setting sun, head to the amphitheatre for an hour of Bali cultural magic.

Shopping at Sukowati Market



From paintings to clothes, masks, jewellery and souvenirs, Ubud’s Sukowati market is the place to go to for that authentic local shopping experience. You might get most of these goods elsewhere in the touristy markets of South Bali or at the Bali international airport, but no place will be able to match the low prices of Sukowati market. From T shirts for a dollar to paintings for 5 dollars, this place will you give you a wholesome shopping experience. And the icing on the cake is that you can a local procession or a temple ceremony while shopping at Sukowati market.

Climb Batur Volcano



One of the must do experiences in Indonesia is to climb a volcano and Bali is no different. From the active volcanoes of Agung and Batur to the scenic beauty and hot springs of Bratan, you definitely have to experience climbing one of these. Whether you are experiencing the sea of sand, watching hot molten lava flow in the middle of the volcano, cringing from the smoke bellowing from the belly of the volcano or being mesmerized by the panoramic views, a volcano climbing experience in Bali is a total adventure experience. Out of these three volcanoes, my personal favorite is the Batur Volcano as it is easy to climb and offers you the view of the gorgeous Kintamani hill station and the absolutely stunning Pura Ulan Danu Batur temple, which you should experience after your adventurous volcano climb.

Learn Surfing at Kuta



Surfers absolutely love Indonesia for its gorgeous surf. And the gentle breaks of Bali are considered to be the perfect surfing spots for beginners. So, if you wish to learn how to get on the board and ride a wave, then Bali is the place for you. In my personal experience, Kuta is a fabulous place to learn this sport. You get the gear, there are good trainers around and the waves are consistently gentle and good.

Stay in an Ocean View Villa with Private Pool and Butler



Bali is insanely popular as a honeymoon destination. Hence, one can find all kind of luxury properties managed by more or less all the leading global hospitality chains. Staying in some of these properties is an experience in itself. After all, it is not every day that you have an ocean facing villa with a private swimming pool, private butler and some of the most exotic foods and beverages on offer. Whether you are going on your honeymoon or on a regular romantic holiday, such a stay ought to be an experience in itself.

Stay with Locals



While Bali has no paucity of luxury hotel properties, the other end of its spectrum, which is humble homestays, packs an equal punch. Not only do you get to interact with the locals in their native surroundings, such stays allow you to become one with the locals through their culture, food, mannerisms, nature, festivals, regular way of life and more. If local rustic holidays is your thing, then I would totally recommend this as its experience is unparalleled.

Take a Holy Bath at the Pura Tirtha Empul Temple



Not too far away from Ubud in Central Bali is located a Balinese Hindu temple called Pura Tirtha Empul. This temple built using traditional Balinese architecture is famous for its holy baths where the devotee sit under a temple gargoyle and get cleansed of all their sins. Not only is this experience one of a kind in Bali, this temple and the heavenly nature located around the temple is totally worth otherwise too.

Explore Bali on 2 Wheels



Usually, many visitors to Bali stay either on the Southern coast or in and around Ubud and visit a few top attractions using four wheelers. I feel Bali is best explored on two wheels. This could be either a bicycle or a motorcycle. The reason I recommend this is because Bali has pristine green nature, beautiful countryside, excellent roads and many off beat attractions that one will only come across during the trip on two wheels. This also allows you to cover more regions of this gorgeous, yet fairly large island. You could start in the South, make your way from Kuta to Uluwatu, Tanah Lot, West Bali National Park, Besakih, Kintamani, Ubud and then back to the South.

Explore Bali’s only National Park



One of Bali’s least visited areas, the West Bali National Park, Bali’s only national park is made up of rainforests, lowland forests, mangroves, islands, coral reefs and pristine beaches. This gorgeous diversity has made it home to many amazing flora and fauna. You should go here if you are interested in remote beaches, rich marine life, wildlife and birdwatching. Wildlife sighting, snorkeling and scuba diving are the popular activities here, though one can also choose this place if they are looking for a totally off the radar beach experience.

Watch Devdan Show



Another highlight of a Bali holiday are its shows. And the best one at that is the Devdan show where the Nusa Dua Theatre brings to life the local traditions and cultures from the islands of Bali, Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua in one high energy dance performance. Nicknamed the treasure of the archipelago, this show is a combination of traditional Indonesian dance forms, modern contemporary dance, world class aerial acrobatic attractions, dazzling costumes and high tech special effects.

Get an Authentic Balinese Massage



A holiday to Bali is not complete without indulging in its traditional Balinese massage. Whether you take it at a simple massage parlor or at a luxury spa, the exotic oils and the overall massage itself will make you feel rejuvenated. It is the perfect way to recharge your batteries before returning home so that you are all ready to conquer your work and daily life with full force.

Indulge in some paddy field work like the Locals



A lesser known activity in Bali is to assist the locals with their farming.  Whether you are doing this as part of a volunteer program or have made friends with a Balinese family, this rustic holiday program will treat you to the best of Bali’s nature, its friendly people and its culture and traditions at the very root level. You could be working in the paddy fields, in the coconut plantations, in the vegetable gardens or you could be even growing herbs. This green experience will be our way of saying ‘Thank you’ to mother earth.

Offer your Prayers at Pura Besakih Temple



One of Bali’s most important and revered temples, the mighty Pura Besakih temple is a sight to behold. Located on the slopes of the active volcano Mount Agung, this 6 tiered temple is believed to be existing from pre-historic times. Offer a prayer here, while you soak in the beauty of its architecture and if you feel pretty adventurous, embark on a climb to Mount Agung.

Enjoy the Cool Mountain Climes of Kintamani



Most of Bali weather is tropical in nature, which means it is warm and humid during the day with a chance of rain later in the day followed by pleasant evenings. If you wish for cooler climes, then your best bets are either Kintamani or Besakih. Out of these, I prefer Kintamani as it is super quiet and laid back unlike the busy temple town of Besakih. The cooler climate of Kintamani allows you to go on a trek to the Batur caldera, take a walk amidst its various gardens, explore the gorgeous Pura Ulan Danu Batur temple or simply read a book while you sip on a hot cup of coffee.

Indulge in some Photography at Pura Tanah Lot

If you are into photography, then you should definitely not miss out on the opportunity of capturing sunrise or sunset at Pura Tanah Lot, the temple that is located off the Southern coast of Bali in the Indian Ocean. The golden hours ensure that you get many different hues to capture this amazing piece of nature and temple architecture. Even non photographers should visit this temple just to lay your eyes on something spectacular, especially at sunrise.



So, go on, book your flights to Bali, avail the easy visa on arrival and end up having a rejuvenating holiday filled with diversity in Bali.

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Bali’s Lush Green Gunung Kawi Temple: A Travel Photo

For some reason, I have been thinking about Indonesia and more particularly Bali for the last couple of days. The lush greenery, the gorgeous nature (beaches, volcanoes, forests, national parks and more), the smiling people, the laidback culture, the delicious food and coffee (kopi) and its temples and rich Hindu connection gives it a special flavor like no other. A beautiful way to explore this stunning island is by bicycle or motorcycle and there is so much more to it than its southern surf, beaches and luxury hotels, which is what most visitors experience during a typical Bali Holiday.



There is Besakih, Kintamani, the West Bali National Park and so many other places to explore in this tropical paradise. Temples, rich traditions and culture, volcano treks, living with locals, diving in marine national parks, Hindu festivals and so much more is on offer here. One can easily spend anywhere between 2 weeks to a few months here. I think it is the perfect place to rejuvenate in pristine surroundings. One such place that I love for its nature, tranquillity and its temples is Gunung Kawi that is famous for its rock-cut temples and that is a fabulous place to experience in Central Bali. Don’t miss out on a rural holiday in this part of Bali. In simple words, it is a thin slice of paradise where you are one with mother nature.

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Temple-Hopping in Southeast Asia

The wealth of beautiful sights and fascinating histories supplied by the temples of Southeast Asia will be enough to dazzle even the most seasoned traveler. No expense or time was spared in creating these monuments to spiritual belief, and their tremendous variety means there’s always something new to discover. 

Traveling in Southeast Asia
     

Most Southeast Asian countries are very welcoming to Western visitors and, because prices are low, they are a popular choice with backpackers. Many people choose to start in Pattaya, Thailand, where there are plenty of low-cost places to stay, and where the friendly locals guarantee a warm welcome. Once the journey starts in earnest, long-distance buses make it easy to travel between tourist sights, though some people prefer to hitch and get to know the locals, while others opt to cycle or ride motor scooters. While this article looks at some of the most spectacular places to visit, there are many smaller ones, including local village shrines dating back millennia.

When visiting temples, it’s important to note that many remain active places of worship, of deep importance to local people. One should normally remove one’s shoes before entering and make sure upper arms are covered, and women should be careful not to make physical contact with monks, even brushing past them, as this can be seen to compromise the monks’ religious purity.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia
     
 

Probably the most famous temple complex in the region, Angkor Wat is built on ruins thought by some to be as much as 13,000 years old, one of the oldest manmade structures in the world. It was significantly extended in the 12^th century on the orders of King Suryavarman II and is the largest religious monument anywhere in the world, so it can take days to explore it all. Although it may not feature the gold or bright colors of other temples in the region, its distinctive Khmer architecture has majesty of its own, looking particularly impressive at dawn and dusk.

Batu Caves, Malaysia
Hewn out of a limestone hill just north of Kuala Lumpur, these remarkable cave temples are really something different. They’re presided over by a towering golden statue of the war god Murugan (an avatar of Kartikeya) and entered via an equally towering set of steps. Inside, the immense caverns house a temple devoted to the monkey god Hanuman, and the Ramayana Cave has murals depicting the story of Rama. The best time to visit is during the festival of Thaipusam in late January or early February (heralded by the full moon), when local Tamils celebrate Murugan’s vanquishing of the demon Soorapadman.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Bali


Perched on a precipice above the breaking surf, Pura Luhur Uluwatu is visible for miles around. It was built in the 11^th century, along with eight other temples, to protect Bali from evil spirits. The coral walls of its interior are covered in animal carvings (with both real and mythical beasts), and the Hindu people who worship there show respect for the local wild animals by bringing them food. Visitors are often invited to feed the monkeys. At sunset, people gather to watch the traditional Kecak dance in the temple grounds.

Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar
     
 

Dominating Yangon, the golden stupa of Shwedagon Pagoda, set atop Singuttara Hill, is an awesome sight and is surrounded by porticos of gold and white, each with its own elegant spire. It incorporates 90 tons of gold in all, plus a spectacular diamond. Inside, it’s just as magnificent, with many small but elaborate shrines and smiling Buddha statues, and it houses sacred relics of the Buddhas. At 2,600 years old, it is thought to be the oldest surviving pagoda in the world.

Wat Arun, Thailand


The magnificent stepped pyramid of Wat Arun (also known as the Temple of Dawn) is covered in intricate carvings and surrounded by several galleries from which one can look down to the Chao Phraya river below. Brightly-colored porcelain tiles line its many roofs and prang (spires) and look dazzling in the sunlight. Its central Buddha, in the ordination hall, was created by King Rama II and guards his ashes. Below, six Chinese-style green granite pavilions welcome visitors who have crossed the water while, above, the seven-pronged Trident of Shiva pierces the sky.

Văn Miếu, Vietnam
     
 

Also known as the Temple of Literature, this Confucian shrine remains an island of peace in modern Hanoi, its five courtyards are the perfect place to rest or simply to gaze in wonder. Less elaborate than the other temples listed here, it is no less impressive thanks to its elegant design, with red brick roofs curving like wings and long, low walls perfectly complemented by the surrounding foliage. It was built in 1070 to replicate the birthplace of Confucius, the Qufu temple in Shandong, China, and over the centuries it has served as a university for the religious and social elite. The best time to visit is at Tết, Vietnamese New Year (in late January or early February), when it fills up with calligraphers writing wishes as beautiful works of art.

Miagao Church, Philippines



This elaborate Baroque church, now listed as a World Heritage Site, represents the collision of Christian architecture in one of its most dramatic forms with the very different but equally magnificent traditions of Filipino art. Also known as Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church and as the Fortress Church (since it was used to defend the town against Muslim raids), it was built in 1787 and has since survived full scale war, earthquakes and a massive fire. Inside is a gold-plated sanctuary that recalls the Buddhist and Hindu temples of the region.

Wat Rong Khun, Thailand


Looking like an elaborate snowflake, Wat Rong Khun is a modern structure very much in keeping with the spectacular tradition of temples in the region. It is almost entirely built of mirror glass and it sparkles a dazzling white, topped with intricate structures that give it an ethereal quality. It is entered via a bridge over a gleaming lake. Designed by the esteemed painter Chalermchai Kositpipat in 1997, it is dedicated to the Buddha but draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, with interior murals depicting Batman, Superman and scenes from the Predator movies.

Wherever you choose to go, there is no shortage of beautiful temples to discover in Southeast Asia, and visiting them will give you fresh insight into the dynasties and empires that have shaped this remarkable part of the world.

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5 Popular Surfing Spots in Bali for Beginners

Bali is a world renowned tourist spot situated in Indonesia. Every year, millions of tourists from all corners of the world visit this place. Apart from enjoying the exotic beauties, there are several things to do in Bali. From sightseeing to trekking, safari to shopping, people can indulge themselves in several activities to lose track of time. However, the most popular activity of Bali is surfing.

There are very few people, who visit Bali, but do not go for surfing. According to the level of expertise in this popular water-sport, the exotic beaches of Bali can be categorized to several parts. However, keeping in mind the fact that most people are the first-timers in surfing, Here are the 5 most popular surfing spots for beginners in Bali:



1. Kuta This is the first beach for the surfers in the island. Robert Koke, an America, followed by a couple of locals, started surfing in this spot, in 1936. Though several changes took place, Kuta still remains one of the most attractive surfing spots around the world till date. The water current gets stronger and the waves grow bigger than before in the afternoon. Therefore, beginners are advised to enjoy surfing in the early morning, and leave it to the experts in the afternoon.

2. Legian This beach is considered as the sister beach of Kuta. Just like Kuta, the waves in this surfing spot have an average height of one to three feet, making it an ideal place for beginners. One advantage that this spot enjoys over its sister beach is that, this area is less crowded than the former one. As a result, several surf schools have popped up in the Legian beach to help people be an expert surfer. However, just like Kuta, try to stay away from the water in the afternoon.

3. Tuban The popular ‘Airport Lefts’ and ‘Airport Rights’ surf spots are situated just outside the Ngurah Rai International Airport. In this spot, the swells can be as high as five feet. However, one would need a boat ride to go beyond the reef, and reach the spot. Beginners can enjoy moderate waves near the beach. The crowd varies day to day but is less compared to that of Kuta.
       


4. Canggu This is one of the most gorgeous beach, as well as surfing spot in the island. It is just 30 minutes away from Kuta, with a local name of Pantai Batu Bolong, after the local temple with the same name. The sunset here is awesome, making it one of the most beautiful, yet functional place for the surfers. The waves here are appropriate for almost all types of surfers. However, the beginners should be careful as, unlike other beaches there are no lifeguard patrols on this coast.

5. Seminyak This white-grey sand beach, situated on the northern side of Legian beach, offers larger swells, some of which are almost double the size found in Kuta. However, short lengths are available, which are ideal for beginners and kids. Being a comparatively less crowded area, there are several camps and surfing schools in this spot.

Therefore, choose either of the above spots to include surfing among several other things to do in Bali to enjoy the water and beaches like never before.

Summary: Keep the fear aside, and go for surfing in one of the most exotic beaches in Bali to enjoy the beaches ad water in the most innovative way possible, while feeling the rush of adrenaline through the spine.

Courtesy: The photos in this post are courtesy of wikipedia.org under the creative commons license.

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