Picture perfect rice terraces, ancient temples, museums that take you back in time and some very famous art galleries — there is an endless list of places to visit in Bali. With many of the heritage sites such as the Taman Ayun Temple and Pura Ulun Danu Bratan featuring on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, this place is a treat for the lovers of culture and history. Add to it the miles of white sand beaches and Bali Barat National Park and you will have a perfect itinerary for Bali. The island is also home to a hill station known by the name of Kintamani. Its orange orchards, souvenir shops, Mount Batur and Lake Batur make it the perfect locale for a day trip. You won’t go hungry in Kintamani either: dine on local Balinese dishes whilst feasting your gaze on the beautiful views of the lake and hills. Before heading home, sip a cup or two of home-grown coffee at a coffee farm in Bali to experience how the most expensive coffee in the world tastes like!
Things to do in Bali
The tropical island of Bali offers so much more than just a holiday on the beach. The astonishing number of exploratory and fun things to do in Bali makes it an absolute destination. Blessed with natural splendour, Bali is home to an interesting culture, streaks of spirituality and a vigorous dose of adventure thrown in as well. A huge number of people visit Bali owing to its world class surfing, diving and water sports opportunities. Moreover, the many adventures that can be had inland amongst the luscious, stunning landscapes from climbing volcanoes to white water rafting, trekking, zip lining and even quad biking through the jungle also adds more zing to it. Tranquil Yoga classes with views of the scenic rice terraces and paddy fields are also popular and the fun-filled, family friendly water parks also make for a great day out.
Adventure seekers will see Bali not only as a travel destination but also as a thrill machine. One of the most popular surf destinations in the world, tourists flock to the island to avail its world class surfing opportunities. It has something to offer for all levels of surfers – beginners or seasoned. Bali’s well known surfing spots are around the Bukit Peninsular near Ulu Watu and there are also great breaks at Dreamland, Padang Padang and Canggu. Snorkeling is another water sport that you can undertake in Bali. Some of the very best locations for snorkeling are at the nearby islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. These lucid warm waters and unspoiled corals are home to herds of vibrantly coloured fishes like the emperor angel fish, parrot fish, moray eels and even turtles and manta rays. Moving on from the seas, you can also embark on a trekking expedition in one of the volcanoes of Bali and there can’t be a more glorious feeling than reaching the top of a volcano and witnessing the sun rise!
Numerous other outdoor activities also qualify to be taken as major things to do in Bali. Go for a cycling trip or a walk through the rice terraces of Ubud; splash around Waterbom Park, one of the best water parks in Asia; practice yoga; go quad biking through the countryside; do white water rafting through the jungle or feel the thrill of a ziplining route.
If you are a culture fanatic, you don’t need feel disheartened by the abundance of outdoor stuff; there is plenty to satiate your cravings too. Beautiful museums, well curated and well stuffed art galleries and breathtaking cultural performances come under some of the main things to do in Bali. Places like Genta Fine Art Gallery, Taman Nusa Cultural Park, Rudana Fine Art Gallery, Bali Museum, Museum Puri Lukisan are must visits for a culture lover. One can also enjoy a show of Devdan at Bali Nusa Dua Theatre.
You will just not be able to leave Bali without a heavy shopping bag. From elegant art markets to unique and traditional handicrafts stores, buzzing night markets to stylish air-conditioned malls, which offer international designer brands – there is something for every shopaholic in Bali. So just make room in your shopping cart to fill it with whatever you like.