7 Reasons to Visit Bali this Year
Its long been known as a backpackers paradise, but to leave this tropical haven to the gap year kids is to woefully under-appreciate it. Bali is for everyone and thats why more and more luxury packages to this beautiful country are being offered as part of our ever-extending range of exciting all-inclusive holidays.
Instead of bedding down on a hostel bunk with your own sleeping bag, youll be staying in opulent hotels, or spacious cruise boat cabins. Your sheets will have a decent thread count and your pre-arranged transfers will be guided by an experienced tour manager. Youll visit all the different destinations along the way entirely rucksack free!
Located just north of Australia and south of China, Bali is part of Indonesia. Its a volcanic island with exceptional beaches, coral reefs and some of the worlds most exciting temples. There are so many reasons to visit Bali, we had trouble narrowing them down to just 6, but here they are – some of the very best things you can experience here:
Surrounding Islands
Nusa Penida has a rugged landscape, while Nusa Lembongan boasts a picturesque mangrove forest. However, if you want to cliff jump into a deep blue lagoon and walk across a bridge known as The Bridge of Love youll want to try out Nusa Ceningan. Its smaller than the others and less crowded.
That said, one of the most revered nearby island nations here is that of the Gili islands. This is a divers paradise, given its abundance of coral reefs and sharks. Its also the place to be for sun-worshippers, who want to kick back on the soft, white sand and take in the tropical beach vibe.
Natural Beauty
The sunsets in Bali are legendary. Watching the golds and pinks crawl across the sky behind the lakes, bays and waterfalls is a magical experience, and it is said sunset is the best time to visit the temples for the same reason.
In the land beyond, youll find lush green jungle foliage, rice fields and white sand beaches. Mountain trekking is popular here too. Mount Batur is an active volcano, the summit of which can be reached via a 2k hike. Youll get a great view from the top.
Whether youre planning to explore the country on foot, by scooter, or by bike, were in no doubt that youll find it charming and inspirational. Its worth noting that youll find thoughtfully placed swings throughout the island, which will give you the opportunity to take in the views as you move through the warm air on high. Attached to palm trees and high posts, many of them will allow you to safely swing out over the water!
Balinese cuisine
You can get the very best of Indonesian cuisine in Bali. There are internationally respected, upmarket hotels in the countrys capital, Ubud, and the city of Seminyak. The vibe here is a healthy eating one with plenty of meat, fish, vegetables and rice, not to mention a lot of Chinese and Indian influence in the cooking. Theres also an abundance of fruit that is native to the island. Some traditional dishes to try include Babi Guling; a pork dish, Iga Babi; pork ribs and Campur; a type of mixed rice.
Stunning temples
Balinese temples hint at the countrys mysterious past. Whether theyre hanging precariously off a hillside peak, half way down a limestone cliff, or on the beach itself, youll be impressed with the atmosphere they command, as well as their aesthetics. Many people time their visit to Bali to coincide with some of the religious festivals, which are filled with colour, dressing up, dancing and worship rituals. This is when the temples truly come alive!
Uluwatu and Goa Gajah both stand high on their respective hillsides, while Ulun Danu Beratun is the infamous floating temple on Beratan Lake. Tirta Empul is a temple that is renowned for its holy water and Tanah Lot, despite being one of Balis busiest temples, is the must- see site at sunset, when worshippers do the Kecak, an auspicious dance.
Balinese Wildlife
Whether youre walking along the spectacular beaches, through the lush greenery, or taking a boat trip, Bali is a haven for exotic wildlife. Theres Monkey Forest, just outside Ubud, where youll see a variety of monkeys, small mammals and birdlife, as well as the temples where monkeys hope to get fed by the tourists.
Sometimes, the wildlife even makes it way onto the grounds of the many resorts. Lizards are not uncommon around hotel swimming pools and youre more likely than not to hear the calls of exotic birds as they fly overhead.
In the warm waters of the sea around Bali youll see all sorts of marine life; whether youre exploring under the waves with your snorkel or scuba gear, or youre on a boat trip. You can expect to see sharks, dolphins, manta rays and other tropical fish among the coral reefs
The Waterfalls
Bali is known for its abundance of waterfalls. You know the type of image that sells a tropical holiday? Its usually a picture of two beautiful people swimming in the warm turquoise waters of a lake being fed by a picturesque waterfall. Bali is probably where this photo was taken!
The Tibumana Waterfall near Ubud has doubtless been used as the backdrop for many travel images. Its also less crowded than the more touristy Sekumpal, which has won a number of beauty spot awards. The waterfall at Tengenungan is always busy, but with good reason. Its a great place to visit. Other Balinese waterfalls that are particularly pleasing on the eye are Git Git, NungNung and Munduk.
If youre looking to do more than just take pictures of yourself next to a waterfall, you might want to head over to the exhilarating Aling Aling, where you can jump over the cliff itself, or Tukad Cepung, which is perhaps one of the most rewarding sights in Bali. When youve been trekking for an hour through the jungle, through caves, and through streams to get there, this astonishing waterfall certainly has the wow factor!
Great Surfing
Cornwall and Wales have arguably some of the best surfing conditions in the UK, so if youre a keen surfer, you might be wondering why youd go to the bother of travelling right across the world to catch a wave. After all, it is true that you could miss a whole day of carving it up in the water during your flight to Bali alone. But what if we were to tell you that the water is warmall year round. Not just lukewarm, but deliciously warm!
The secluded white sand beaches around the Bukit Peninsula make for a great base from which to launch your board and conditions can be found to please beginners and pros alike. If youre still learning, then youll want to head over to the Jimabaran, Seminyak and Canggu beaches, which are safer, with more manageable waves. Thrill-seeking seasoned surfers, however, will love the exhilaration of Uluwatu.
Boards can be hired on the beaches and if youre on a package booked through us, your tour manager will have everything pre-arranged on your behalf.
An easier way to book your holiday to Bali
With Aspen Travel, you can search and book an amazing holiday to Bali on behalf of our award-winning travel partners.
If youd like to see all the options we have exploring Bali in an opulent, but cost-effective way, please get in touch with our team of travel advisors. Well be able to find you a Balinese holiday that perfectly matches your budget and travel preferences.
