Bali has famously been described as the “morning of the world” and it’s a place that certainly lives up to that accolade. This is a beginner’s guide to Bali, to tempt you to visit and to help you get the most out of your trip there.
Why should you visit Bali? After reading this you’ll be keen to visit the Island of the Gods, as Bali is nicknamed.
Beginner’s Guide to Bali
The reasons to visit Bali are numerous: friendly people, delicious food, incredible sunsets and unique landscapes including the world famous rice fields. Bali represents great value for money yet offers a wide range of luxurious hotels, boutiques and shopping.
There are also some fantastic spas in Bali. Have we persuaded you yet? Well read on and by the end of this we hope to have piqued your curiosity.
Flights to Bali
Bali has one international airport, Ngurah Rai, more commonly known as Denpasar International Airport, located in Southern Bali. There are direct flights with many countries including Australia, Brunei, Japan, Malaysia, Qatar, Singapore and the United States. If visiting Java or Lombok as well as Bali, there are regular connecting ferries.
Best Time to Visit Bali
The best time to visit is between April to end of September which is the dry season when humidity is lower. Accommodation is priced considerably higher in July and August, as well as during Easter holidays, Christmas and New Year.
What to Pack for Bali
When choosing what to pack for Bali, make sure to take plenty of loose clothing in natural fabrics as it can get quite humid. It’s a good idea to pack a sarong as you will need one to visit the temples – however if you forget, you can hire one at all the big temples for a very small fee.
The roads in Bali can be quite uneven so it’s best to stick to flat shoes if going anywhere on foot. Anti-mosquito spray is a good thing to pack, as is a bite relief device if you do get caught out!
Getting Around Bali
Hiring a private driver for excursions is very reasonably priced and makes sense considering the state of the roads in some areas. In Kuta, Legian and Seminyak it can get very busy with cars and motorcycles.
When walking along the narrow streets, expect constant horn beeping from taxis as they tout for your custom. If you do take a cab, insist that the meter is turned on or negotiate the price first.
Balinese Culture
A trip to Bali will give you a fascinating insight to Balinese culture. Art permeates every aspect of life here, from the intricate dances with their elaborate costumes to the carved wood masks and furniture.
The main religion is Hinduism and the Balinese are particularly devout with over 10,000 temples. Most families have a temple in their house, and we didn’t originally realize that they were houses not temples as they were so impressive.
The Balinese believe that demons and giants live in the sea, whereas gods live in the mountains. Daily offerings are made at the temples, and include areca nut, betel leaf and lime.
Bali First Timers Helpful Hints
The official currency is the Indonesian rupiah and with the exchange rate, you can easily feel like a millionaire as 1 million rupiah equals around 72 US dollars. In terms of etiquette, it is considered impolite to point with your index finger and you should also take off your shoes before entering a home or temple.
It is fine to haggle the price of items in markets but not the done thing in shops. Bali is a very safe place on the whole, whether you are travelling solo, as a couple or a group.
Best Things to Do in Bali
There are so many wonderful places to visit in Bali. If you’re looking for unspoilt beaches then Jimbaran and Nusa Dua are excellent choices.
Canggu is known for its surfing beaches and street art.
- Batu Bolong Beach
- Tanah Lot Temple
- Berawa Beach for sunset
- Old Man’s beach bar
Nusa Dua is an upmarket resort town in southern Bali. It has some great white sand beaches like Pantai Geger.
- Pura Geger Temple
- Geger Beach
- Serangan island turtle conservation center
- Puja Mandala worship complex
- Bali Collection open-air shopping mall
- Koral Aquarium Restaurant at The Apurva Kempinski Bali
Seminyak is perfect for a spot of shopping and some of the coolest restaurants on the island.
- Potato Head Beach Club
- Seminyak Beach
- Ku De Ta bar and club
- Pura Masceti Temple
- Shopping on Jalan Laksmana
Ubud is a must-see for everyone – the inspiration for Eat Pray Love and home to Ubud Monkey Forest. Tegalalang Rice Terrace is a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage site north of Ubud.
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
- Pura Gunung Kawi Temple
- Tegenungan Waterfall
- Empul Water Temple
Uluwatu is a favorite with surfers and has a relaxed vibe.
- Uluwatu temple and Kecak dance
- Balangan Beach viewpoint
- Cliffhouse restaurant and day beds.
- Pantai Tegal Wangi Caves
- Dreamland Beach
What to Eat in Bali
It’s easy to find international cuisine in Bali as Australian, French, Italian and Greek cuisines are all well represented. However, the real highlight is the delicious Balinese cuisine.
It’s worth visiting a local warung or café, going to the counter and ordering rice accompanied with meat, fish or vegetables. Nasi Goreng is an Indonesian dish of fried rice with chicken or prawns that you’ll find everywhere in Bali.
Coconut milk makes for a refreshing drink whilst alcohol is readily available but expensive due to high import duties. Check out our guide of where to eat in Bali for dining ideas.
Best Souvenirs From Bali
If you’re wondering what to bring back from Bali then you’ll be spoilt for choice. Balinese wood carvings make a great souvenir.
You can find many wood carving artisans in the village of Mas near Ubud. Coffee fans may the droppings of the luwat or civet cat – the most expensive brew in the world.
Textiles are very reasonable and there are lots of modern boutiques, particularly around Seminyak where a new shopping gallery is being built.
Where to Stay in Bali
There’s a great range of places to stay in Bali, from private villas like the inimitable Kayumanis to luxurious hotels such as the Alila Ubud. Kuta is quite rowdy so we recommend staying in Nusa Dua or Jimbaran instead.
Books About Bali
We picked up Snowing in Bali by Kathryn Bonella at the airport bookstore, it gives a fascinating insight into the darker side of the paradise island. And don’t forget the iconic memoir Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert for a feel-good holiday read.
In Conclusion: Beginner’s Guide to Bali
Bali is a beautiful place with something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for stunning beaches, delicious food, or amazing temples, Bali has it all.
