Surfing mecca, stormy waterfalls and rice terraces, friendly locals — it’s all about Bali. It is regularly included in the lists of the best islands in the world according to reputable travel resources. No wonder more than 5 million tourists come here every year, and for Russian expats it has long become one of the most favorite places.
If you’re just starting to plan your trip, here’s a list of seven things to avoid in Bali.
Relax only on the beach
Coming to Bali and spending the whole vacation only on the shore would be a big mistake. After all, there are so many interesting things here: jungles, waterfalls, temples, monkey forest, rice terraces. Here is the list:
- The Forest of monkeys in Ubud is home to hundreds of monkeys in the heart of Ubud. Try not to hold valuables in your hands — the cunning ones will instantly steal them and demand a ransom in the form of a banana.
- Tegalalang rice terraces are the island’s calling card, worthy of hundreds of photos.
- Waterfalls. There are dozens of them on the island, there is no way to get around. Choose those that will fit seamlessly into your tourist route: Tegenungan, Sekumpul, Munduk, Gitgit, Aling-Aling.
- Temples. There are a lot of them on the island, we advise you to visit the main one — Pura Besakih, take epic photos against the background of the volcano in Pura Lempuyang, come at sunset to the temple on the rock of Pura Luhur Uluwatu and get to the Tanakh Lot located right in the water.
- There is also an option to conquer the top of Batur volcano at dawn. To do this, it is better to use the services of a local guide. Locals may treat independent travelers badly: puncture the tires of a bike while you’re climbing, open the trunk or steal a helmet. It is better to be safe: take a driver for a day and make a route with him.
Forest of Monkeys in Ubud. Photo: Gung De Setiawan/Shutterstock.com
Choose Seminyak and Changu for a beach holiday
Although Bali is associated by many with golden sand and the ocean, Seminyak and Changu do not quite fit this description. Yes, they are popular with tourists, but more because of shopping, a variety of restaurants and an active nightlife. The sand here is a dark shade — due to an admixture of volcanic, and there are almost always waves – which is why there are a lot of surfers here.
If you want to lie on the beach and swim in the ocean all your vacation, stop:
- in Sanur, there are pebbles with sand and convenient access to the ocean, in addition, there is a promenade along the ocean;
- in Nusa Dua – Bali beach holiday paradise with golden sand and palm trees;
- in Uluwatu near Melasti – with the most popular beach Bali is for photos, and even without waves. Other local beaches are very beautiful, but it is often difficult to swim there because of the waves. No wonder these places were chosen by professional surfers.
You can stay in Nusa Dua, Bali’s beach holiday paradise with golden sand and palm trees Photo: monticello/Shutterstock.com
Where to stay
There are many inexpensive and good hotels in Sanur near the ocean:
- Sanur Resort Watujimbar,
- THE 1O1 Bali Oasis,
- Prama Sanur Beach.
An excellent hotel near the ocean in Nusa Dua is SOL by Meliá Benoa Bali (from 14,000 rubles per night), there is also a more democratic The Nest Hotel Nusa Dua a little away from the ocean, but with a swimming pool (from 6,500 rubles).
It is difficult to find something inexpensive near Melasti beach, but renting a villa for a large company in 10-15 minutes by bike is just right. A great option is The Reika Villa (from 15,000 rubles). You can also rent a house with several rooms in the Hideaway Residence (from 15,000 rubles).
If you still choose Changa, you can choose among surf camps, villas and guesthouses. We also recommend the hotels Eastin Ashta Resort or Citadines Berawa Beach Bali (from 9,000 rubles).
There is a large selection of villas and hotels in Seminyak, including IZE Seminyak by LifestyleRetreats and Grand Mercure Bali Seminyak (from 10,000 rubles).
A great option is The Reika Villa.
Neglect safety
The most popular means of transportation in Bali is a bike, and it’s not to be trifled with. It can be rented without asking for the rights. Many tourists relax so much that they do not put on a helmet and drink at the wheel — no one will force them to breathe into a tube, the police are not on duty at night. Hence the large number of accidents. But if something happens to you or your loved ones, you will have to pay with your health and part with money: medical services on the island cost a lot, there are even jokes that the most expensive date is what happens at the local hospital. Therefore, always wear a helmet and, if you are going to carouse, then use the services of a taxi or motorcycle taxi.
Changing money in obscure offices
Almost every fourth tourist is faced with one fraudulent scheme. A foreigner walks down the street and sees two exchange offices nearby, one of which offers a clearly more favorable rate. It is logical that the choice falls on the office with the best offer. However, you need to be vigilant — this was the first red flag. A man enters a small room with a maliciously smiling Indonesian — the second red flag. The exchange process seems to be standard: money is recalculated on both sides. But here’s the catch: at home, the tourist discovers that the amounts have not converged.
This is a typical trick, the so-called microfocus. It is not known where this is taught, but the result is obvious: exchange offices with a suspiciously good exchange rate are a scam. Change money only in certified places. Signs of reliability: the presence of air conditioning, security, a separate bank employee and a fixed exchange rate throughout the island.
Change money only in certified locations. Photo: Apik/Shutterstock.com
Safe journey
Do not be afraid: despite the fact that theft and other troubles occur on the island, foreigners generally feel at ease in Bali. You can come here alone (or alone) and spend an unforgettable solo trip.
Search only for seafood or eat avocado toast
Despite the proximity of the ocean, typical seafood stalls, like in Thailand, are not so common here. If you still want to try the gift of the sea, here’s a hint: they are found on the menu of many restaurants. Where else can you find marine ruins:
- Gili Islands. When the sun goes down, tables with fish andseafood, where you can choose a dish to suit your taste.
- Jimbaran Seafood Market. Here you can find absolutely any marine reptile or variety of fish — but in its raw form. You buy what you like and go to the neighboring restaurants, where everything is grilled for an additional fee.
- Kuta. Once the most popular tourist area, it still honors the tradition of feeding travelers with fresh seafood. There are such counters in a cafe on the second coastline.
In general, there are thousands of restaurants in Bali: Italian, French, Japanese, Brazilian, English, even African. Think of your vacation as a gastronomic trip around the world, do not stop at seafood.
Jimbaran Seafood Market. Photo: umikem/Shutterstock.com
Be sure to try the local dishes. Balinese cuisine may not seem very aesthetic, but it is rich in flavors due to the use of various spices and sauces. Examples of local dishes:
- sate — chicken skewers with nut sauce,
- nasi goreng — fried rice with vegetables,
- mia goreng — fried noodles,
- babi guling — grilled pickled pig,
- pepes icahn — tuna in spices, baked in banana leaf,
- soto ayam is a traditional chicken soup with egg and noodles.
Places where you can taste the local cuisine are called warungs. Some of them look and smell scary. If you are afraid to go to such places, there are places adapted for tourists: “Local” (Changu, Ubud and Uluwatu), “Bu Mi” (Changu), “Ueues” (Uluwatu). Tourist warungs often offer local dishes in the format of a cafe or buffet, the main thing is to look for the word “warung” (warung).
Sate — chicken skewers with nut sauce. Photo: Duan Wade/Shutterstock.com
Bali coffee culture
There is an unexpected reason to come to Bali, and that is coffee. For a native Balinese, the classic kopi tubruk or kopi Bali is a taste of local ceremonies, just like our grandmother’s compote from childhood. About the coffee culture in Bali in Oh!A separate note was published on the blog.
Never go to a party
Bali is often called the Ibiza of Indonesia, because something new happens here every day, and the island is rarely plunged into silence. Therefore, even if you are not an avid party-goer, you should go out at least once, drink a couple of cocktails and make a few movements to high-quality music.
However, we must warn you that Indonesia is a Muslim country (although Bali also professes Hinduism), so alcohol is quite expensive here, especially in clubs and beach establishments. On average, it comes out about 1,100 rubles per cocktail, including taxes.
Here is a list of the best clubs in Bali — now you know:
- Savaya is the number one club in Asia, located on a mountain in Uluwatu with a picturesque view of the ocean. World DJs come here, attracting crowds of dance music lovers.
- Finns — expats call this daytime beach club “Australian soup” because of the many Australians who sip cocktails in the pool. Nevertheless, tourists like the lively atmosphere, evening dancing to the hits of the 2000s and an incredible view of the sunset.
- Morabito — every Friday, the villa space turns into an ideal venue for a party overlooking the ocean.
- Miss Fish is a small club open from Tuesday to Sunday, the local elite gathers here.
Savaya is the number one club in Asia, located on a mountain in Uluwatu. Photo: lemaret pierrick/Shutterstock.com
Limited to Bali
Did you know that there are almost 18,000 islands in Indonesia? Of course, we do not offer to travel around them all, but here are a few that are worth paying attention to.
Nusa Penida
This island is just a 45-minute boat ride from Bali and is famous for its magnificent scenery and secluded beaches. You can rent a bike and ride around the main locations of the island or take an excursion from Bali, which includes transfer, boat, excursion and accommodation.
Clinking Beach is the most photogenic point of Nusa Penida. Photo: Danaan/Shutterstock.com
We recommend arriving at Broken Beach at sunset to admire the creation of nature: a ring of rocks surrounds the water, creating the effect of an isolated lake with access to the ocean in the form of an arch.
Nusa Penida is also famous for its scuba diving spots — manta rays can be found there.
Gili
These are three small paradisiacal islands: Trawangan, Meno and Air. There are no cars and bikes here, but bicycles are available and an interesting taxi option is a horse cart. You can take a snorkeling mask and look for turtles underwater or go on a diving tour to see the diversity of ocean underwater life. In the evenings, live music and parties are held in the bars.
If you want to be in the center of events, then on Gili Trawangan Island you can stay at Pearl of Trawangan, while you can find a more relaxing holiday at Aston Sunset Beach Resort. Prices start from 9,000 rubles per night.
You can take a snorkeling mask and look for turtles underwater. Photo: Gatot Adri/Shutterstock.com
Komodo
It is best to devote at least three days to this archipelago. To do this, take a boat tour: you can live on it while you are being driven around the most beautiful sights. The main ones are:
- Komodo National Park is the home of hundreds of monitor lizards (Komodo dragons);
- Padar Island — trekking to the top of the island opens panoramic views of curved coves with black, white and pink beaches;
- pink sand beach;
- snorkeling stops in search of manta rays and reef sharks.
To get on such a tour, you need to fly to Flores Island — from here boats depart for Komodo. Excursions can be taken to Bali or arranged on site at the port.
Padar Island. Photo: dennywaves/Shutterstock.com
We believe that Bali will leave a mark on your heart, and you will definitely want to come back again to continue exploring the island.
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Cover photo: Nok Lek Travel Lifestyle/Shutterstock.com
