Bali is a captivating island that is still deeply rooted in traditional Hindu culture with grand ceremonies and stunning temples. Despite the island's popularity, if you know where to go, you can still find your own secret beach to explore.
An island of contrasts
If you choose to stay in the capital Kuta, you'll find what a typical tourist-metropolis can offer you. The smooth beach is surrounded by cafes, bars, restaurants, shopping opportunities and plenty of invasive salespeople. But outside of this tourist magnet hides great experiences: volcanoes, hidden beaches, fantastic Hindu temples, cozy villages and, last but not least, the welcoming and open inhabitants. Bali is actually the only Hindu place in Indonesia, something that culturally sets it apart from the rest of the country.
Local transport
It is very easy to find transport in Bali. If you want to travel around the island you can hire a driver for the day. They will drive you wherever you wish to go, tell you about the sights, wait for you if you want a rest or to experience something special, and in the end, safely get you back home. Ask your hotel to arrange transport for you, or simply ask the local drivers personally. They are just about everywhere, so they are easy to spot.
Beachlife, surfing and palm trees
Bali is surrounded by great beaches in all sizes;
- Kuta-Legian-Seminyak offers long beaches with massive waves. Great for surfing! Many restaurants, bars and shops near the beach.
- Nusa Dua offers golden sand, fewer people and a calmer atmosphere than Kuta. Here you will find many exclusive hotels.
- Lovina Beach is situated on the northern coast and has black volcanic sand and few tourists. This is a perfect place for relaxation, diving, snorkelling and a great spot to see dolphins.
- Sanur is surrounded by coral reefs and offers many cozy beach hotels, restaurants and shops. Swimming is only possible during high tide due to the massive rocks and cliffs.
- Jimbaran Beach has a few hotels, fewer tourists and a great beach. Good for sailing and safe swimming. Here, you can sit directly on the beach and enjoy a seafood dinner while you watch the sunset.
- Dreamland Beach has, up to recently, been one of the hidden treasures of Bali. Only a few locals and some adventurous travellers used to know about it, but recently it has become more known. A crisp, white beach and gigantic waves make it a great spot, but be careful of the strong tide!
- Uluwatu offers you the best sunset view on the entire island. This is also the perfect place for the hard-core surfers.
Ubud is a cultural spot that offers a series of galleries and temple dances every afternoon. Here you can also experience the Monkey Forest with exotic trees and plenty of monkeys!
Food and beverage
Don’t miss out on the local dishes, like nasi goreng (fried rice with vegetables, fried eggs and meat), saté/satay (small chicken skewers and peanut sauce), babi guling (BBQ pig) or mee goreng (fried noodles with vegetables and sometimes meat included). And don’t forget to enjoy the food with the local beer, Bintang.