Visitors come to Bali for a number of reasons: surfing, scuba diving, white water rafting, snorkeling, sightseeing, sunbathing, souvenir hunting, shopping, trekking, and many other activities. You will not leave the island disappointed that your holiday plans had not been realized through the many amenities that Bali offers you.
Other than the activities mentioned above, bikers swear by the joy of biking in Bali as well, not for its own sake alone, but also by the beauty of the amazing countryside scenery.
Climate and When to Visit Bali
Being located in the southern hemisphere, Bali is usually very warm with an average temperature of 27°C or 80°F in its coastal areas. The annual monsoon season brings rain and wind, and at times high humidity from October through March. Thus, the ideal time for you to visit is outside the monsoon season, from May to September.
Things to see and do in Bali
Kuta
Kuta is arguably the most visited tourist attraction in Bali. One obvious reason for this is its proximity to Ngurah Rai International Airport of Denpasar, the capital of Bali.
Kuta famous is famous for its beach, known simply as Kuta Beach. It is a sandy beach which is 5 kilometers long, and it is unmatched in Bali in many respects. Surfers–the skilled and beginner alike—often make it their main holiday destination.
Ubud
While life in Kuta for visitors revolves around Kuta Beach, in Ubud the focus is on its arts and culture. It is one of the most visited tourist spots not only in Bali, but also in all of Indonesia.
Some of the attractions of Ubud are the dance performances held almost daily in the evening. Tickets are available at the venue itself or from street sellers. If you buy your ticket from the latter, just be sure that the price printed on the ticket is the same as the amount the seller is asking.
Goa Gajah Temple, Bedulu
This temple is located in Bedulu village, and can be reached by car from Ubud in 10 minutes. In the Indonesian language “Goa” means cave, and “Gajah” means elephant. It is in fact a cave, but elephants are nowhere to be found there.
The temple shows some Hindu influence dating back to the 10th century, while relics in the temple show attributes of Buddhism in an earlier period. It is often visited by tourists and Hindu pilgrims.
Aside from the many artifacts found in the open-air compound of the temple, you can also view the beautiful landscape and the rice fields surrounding it. Streams located nearby lead to Petanu River, a legendary site.
A bathing pool with spouting statues is located inside the complex. Holy water is obtained from this source for use during religious ceremonies.
Ubud Monkey Forest
It is a nature reserve and temple complex which is home to about 340 monkeys. They belong to the long-tailed Macaques species (Macaca fasicularis). They are divided into 4 groups, each with its own designated territory.
The Monkey Forest is a sacred site, and the monkeys are believed to be guards of the Dalem Agung Temple, which is built in the middle of the forest. It is located at the center of Ubud, and can be reached in an hour by car, from the capital city Denpasar.
Kintamani Village
An active volcano, Mount Batur, is located at Kintamani. It has erupted 24 times during the last 2 centuries. Batur Lake, the biggest lake in Bali, serves as the source of irrigation to the farmlands in the neighborhood.
You should visit Kintamani Village to enjoy the panoramic view of the areas around Mount Batur, including Batur Lake. In the morning, the sun rises precisely at the location of Mount Batur, and it is an amazing view to behold.
Bedugul Mountains, Lakes and Botanical Gardens
This is another site of natural beauty located in the mountain range of Bali. The attractions in this site consist of 3 crater lakes and a nearby botanical garden. The area has an altitude of about 700 meters, and the tallest mountain peak is about 2,000 meters.
Mount Agung Volcano
Mount Agung is an active volcano, measuring 3,150 meters high. It occasionally spews out smoke and steam. Besakih Temple, the biggest temple in Bali, is situated on its slopes. The surrounding rain forests are often cloudy, but on a clear day, the view of the island from Mount Agung is beautiful.
Bali Safari and Marine Park, Gianyar
This park is home to 60 species of animals, which include some rare and endangered ones. Cheetah, komodo dragon, leopard, white tiger, Sumatran tiger and Sumatran elephant are just some of the hundreds of animals that you will find at the park.
White Water Rafting
Rafting providers will take you on river runs, drops, and to see spectacular waterfalls that will make your rafting ride a fun experience. They will take you on a 10-kilometer river stretch, and you will go through rapids set against a backdrop of rain forests gorges, and rice terraces. The white water rafting adventure lasts 2 hours, after which you will be treated to hot showers and buffet lunch.
Bali is primer destination for tourist so book cheap flights to Bali few month earlier and spend vacation of your dream on Bali.
