Festive Bali
Sun, beach, party, and surf
If this is what you're looking for, then you'll certainly find your bliss in the south of the island! Seminyak, Legian, and Kuta stretch over 7 kilometers. Beaches, great waves, bars, shops, restaurants, resort complexes... The atmosphere is guaranteed!
Tourists from all over the world gather on the beaches and in the bars until late at night... Kuta is the liveliest. Legian still has some quiet spots, and Seminyak even more so, with many luxury hotels. Further south, Jimbaran also offers a beautiful beach, ideal for swimming and relaxation. Nusa Dua caters to tourists seeking luxury and tranquility, but also various activities: jet skiing, skiing, golf... In the northeast of the island, Kubu Beach is stunning and quite peaceful. It is well worth a visit. Located in the northwest, Lovina Beach is more family-oriented and especially known for its dolphins.
Bali, the spiritual island
Bali is rich in temples, with about ten thousand of them! If you're planning to visit a few, don't hesitate and follow the guide. The most famous is undoubtedly Tanah Lot, in the southwest. Perched on top of a rocky islet, the "temple of the land in the sea" attracts thousands of tourists, especially at sunset. Therefore, it's recommended to go there early in the morning at low tide to be able to access it. Located at the southwestern tip of Bali, the temple offers a breathtaking view of the sea from the top of the cliff on which it is built. It is one of the most sacred temples on the island and honors the sea gods. A long walkway starts from the temple and runs along the cliff for 500 meters.
The sacred temples
In the heart of Ubud, the Taman Kemuda Saraswati temple is dedicated to the goddess of knowledge and arts. A pond covered with lotus flowers and magnificent sculptures welcomes visitors. In the evening, traditional dance performances are organized there. About fifteen kilometers from Ubud, the Taman Ayun temple ("beautiful garden" in Balinese) is surrounded by pools and gardens. It is one of the most beautiful temples on the island. An hour from Ubud, don't miss the Ulun Danu Bratan temple, dedicated to Devi Danu, the goddess of the waters, erected on Lake Beratan. Eleven thatched roofs crown the Meru, the tower symbolizing the sacred mountain of Hindu mythology. In the east of the island, in the Klungkung region, one discovers Goa Lawah, a major site of Balinese Hinduism.
Bali, authentic above all
For a more authentic experience, venture off the beaten path. Religious ceremonies are an interesting way to share in the lives of the Balinese. Odalan is a Hindu festival that takes place in every village in Bali. The villagers gather to celebrate the foundation anniversary of their temple with processions and dances. Each village has its own date to celebrate Odalan. While the larger temples attract many tourists, the ceremonies in the smaller villages welcome only a few foreigners, who are always well received.
Religious ceremonies
Nyepi celebrates the Balinese New Year and silence... But the day before, bad spirits are attracted with offerings. Once lured, they are scared away by thunderous noises: firecrackers, gongs, screams... and paper monsters, the ogoh ogoh. On the day of Nyepi, the Balinese dedicate themselves to fasting and meditation in silence.
Galungan celebrates the creation of the universe and the victory of good (Dharma) over evil (Adharma). It occurs every 210 days over a period of about ten days and ends with Kuningan, a purification festival. During this celebration, the spirits of deceased parents return to visit their former "earthly homes". For these celebrations, the Balinese make the penjor, a tall bamboo richly decorated with palm leaves, a coconut, and cakes. This bamboo is planted in front of each house entrance.
Must-visits in Bali
The Monkey Forest in Padangtegal, Ubud
With over 600 semi-free primates, the Monkey Forest is well worth a visit. Especially since the forest that houses these monkeys is an attraction in its own right, with 186 plant species, some of which are very rare. The forest and its three temples (Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, Pura Beji, and Pura Prajapati) are sacred to the locals who come here to pray and make offerings.
The rice terraces
In the center of Bali, in the Tabanan region, lie the Jatiluwih rice terraces, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012, along with four other rice terraces in the region. Further away and more secluded, the terraced rice fields of Belimbing are also worth a visit.
About twenty minutes from Ubud, the Tegalalang terraced rice fields attract many tourists with their beauty and accessibility. Another site to explore is the village of Sidemen, in the east of Bali: few tourists, well-preserved rural life, and rice fields as far as the eye can see, with the majestic Mount Agung in the background.