Over the years, tourism has flourished in Bali and there is little doubt why. If you want take an international trip that promises adventure and rejuvenation without denting your bank balance, Bali should be at the top of your list. We have curated a short guide to help you plan your Bali trip. Read on.
If Bali was a girl, she would be unpretentious, practical, entrancing and fun-loving. She would love to spend her mornings sipping piping hot tea in a hilly cottage, afternoons riding a bicycle through a lush-green country-side and evenings relaxing on stunning beaches. If you are already starting to like that girl we just described, you will instantaneously fall in love with the island. Bali’s hidden beaches, ostentatious waterfalls, luxuriant expanses and noteworthy architecture promise to carve out a special place in your heart. Once you visit this enchanting island, you will want to keep coming back – we promise.
Bali’s geographical diversity – from active volcanoes to pristine beaches – is one of its most alluring features. Thanks to this, the Indonesian island offers a list of never-ending activity options to its travellers. A trip to Bali is perfect for families making their first international trip together, couples seeking romance or backpackers wanting to explore undiscovered corners. It is the perfect mix of adventure, luxury, natural wonders, art and religion. The icing on the cake is the friendly nature and infectious smiles of the locals. Bali is indeed a happy place.
Over the years, tourism has flourished in Bali, thanks to the ever-growing stay options and better accessibility. Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport serves millions of travellers each year and is located around 13kms away from Denpasar. Unlike the rest of Indonesia, over 80% population is Hindu and so you will come across plenty of sculptors and paintings of Indian Hindu Gods and Goddesses across Bali. The locals find a bit difficult to decipher English; Balinese and Indonesian are the most common languages spoken on the island. Bali welcomes Indians with a free visa on arrival. The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah, a weak currency when compared to the US Dollar or even Indian Rupees. That’s why Bali is the perfect place to get more value for your buck.
Whether it is Bali’s earthy beauty or its modesty that’s attracting you, a trip to this island is always a good idea.
Find cheap flights to Bali hereBest time to visit Bali
Thanks to its location close to the equator, Bali has a tropical climate almost throughout the year. So, how do you decide when is the best time to visit the island? It actually depends on what exactly you intend to do in Bali. Bali has two distinct seasons – wet and dry. The wet season starts from October and goes on till May while the rest of the months are dry. For general tourists wanting to focus on sightseeing and activities like snorkeling and trekking, May, June and July are considered the best months. Those planning to visit Bali mainly for surfing, can choose to fly in anytime between May and October. However, if you do not wish to pay those peak season accommodation prices, plan a trip around February or March. It does not rain that heavily, the tourist brigade has not yet arrived and everything is cheaper. For more details on the best time to visit Bali, click here.
Find cheap flights to Bali hereThings to do in Bali
While Bali has ample of offbeat things to do, there are some ‘must-do’ things you just have to include in your travel plans. These include spending an entertaining afternoon at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary amid 750 monkeys roaming around freely, witnessing what could be one of the best sunsets of your life at the iconic Tanah Lot temple, clicking unending photos and trying out the exhilarating swings around Tegalalang Rice Terrace, interacting with diverse wildlife at the Bali Safari and Marine Park, getting your dose of rejuvenation at the Sekumpul Waterfalls and finding peace at Tirta Gangga. Of course, visiting good-quality but cheap spas and gorging on the local street food should also be on your itinerary. Those seeking adventure can indulge in scuba diving, surfing, trekking and quad biking. For more inspiration on what to do in Bali, click here.
Find cheap flights to Bali hereBeaches in Bali
If you are craving some sun, sand and sea, head to one of the many spectacular beaches in Bali. For some family-fun, head to the sugary Nusa Dua beach, those wanting to dive can visit Amed or Tulamben, for delicious seafood Echo beach should be on your list and if you are into clicking Insta-worthy pictures, Balangan beach is your key word. For a day trip filled with flawless white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and rich underwater life, take a short boat ride to the nearby islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. Apart from the regular water activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving, Bali beaches are also the perfect place to experiment with stand-up-paddle, sea walking, kitesurfing and flyboarding, among others. For more details on Bali beaches, click here.
Shopping in Bali
Bali is a shopping hub so make sure you keep some time out from your busy itinerary for that. From trendy beachwear to luxurious designer clothes, the island has it all. Branded chains such as Quicksilver, Billabong and Rip Curl give you the perfect bargain, thanks to Bali’s weaker currency. For buying paintings, handicrafts and other local artifacts, head to Ubud, Kuta or Sukawati art markets. Stylish furniture is also found in abundant across Bali but mainly in and around Ubud. Make sure you check the quality of wood and consider the transport bit (back to India) before you buy any huge piece of furniture. For boutiques selling quirky jewelry and clothes, Seminyak and Legian are the right places. Once you are done shopping clothes, accessories and artifacts, don’t forget to buy your share of the distinctive Kopi Luwak, locally-produced Pod Bali chocolates and souvenirs.
Find cheap flights to Bali here
