Commonly referred to as the “Island of a thousand temples”, “Island of gods”, and “Bali Dwipa”, Bali island is the most visited Indonesian island by foreign travellers, and the southern tip of the island is the most crowded. While most travellers start and end their Bali journey at beaches in the south, mostly fixated on the luxurious tourist resorts and spas, Bali is much more than these popular spots.
Get away from staying in the south. Get away from the popular and crowded beaches of Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Nusa Dua, and others. The days when these beaches, including the inland town of Ubud, were rustic retreats, are long gone. In are the flyover-highways, busy roads, large shopping malls, luxury brand stores, endless beer-bars & eateries, and of course the flashing discos.
Here is my Top 9 list of amazing experiences to enjoy around Bali.
1. Conquering the Volcanoes
Bali is famous for its volcanoes, sometimes dormant and other times erupting. Make sure the volcano you select is not on high alert and that your fitness level will match the climb.
Mount Batur is the most popular as the trek is relatively short and not too strenuous. The volcano is smouldering, so don’t breathe too deeply!
Mount Agung is currently on high alert as a major eruption is imminent. Its highest point is at over 3,000 m, so the trek is tough.
Also consider trekking the Bratan Caldera and Mount Batukaru, Bali’s 2nd highest.
2. Attend Traditional Dance Performances
Bali has a rich history of traditional dancing which is largely influenced by its Hindu roots. Hence, most of the dances are sacred or semi-sacred dances, rather than dances purely for entertainment purposes.
The Wali dances such as the Baris war dance and the Sanghyang are mostly performed in the temples. However, increasingly these sacred dances are now performed at tourist venues with an entrance fee and flashing cameras and selfie-touting tourists.
Among the dances often performed for tourists are the Kecak, Barong, Legong, Kebyar, and the Sanghyang fire dance. Some of the other dances include the Gambuh, Topeng, Pendet, Wayang-wong, Janger and the Joged dance.
3. Attend Temple Ceremonies
For the Balinese to attend a religious festival or temple ceremony is as natural as people commuting to work in other countries. Should you be lucky enough to attend, you need to strictly comply to the rules, such as wearing a sarong, not walking in front of people praying, no cameras flashing, not sitting higher than the priest, and checking additional restrictions applicable to women.
Most, if not all temples have multiple ceremonies a year. However, some temples do not allow tourists to attend the ceremonies, but should you attend, follow the rules strictly and be a discreet photographer. Among the festivals are the Nyepi, Galungan, Kuningan, Siwa Ratri, Saraswati, Pagerwesi, Tumpek Kandang, Tumpek Landep, Odalan, Tumpek Uduh, and many more.
4. Participate in the Many Festivals
Religious festivals and temple ceremonies are often intertwined. In addition to the many temple ceremonies and religious festivals, Bali also offers many other festivals, although nothing in Bali is too far removed from the Balinese Hinduism religion, which is a blend of Shaivism and Buddhism.
Look out for these exciting festivals: Bali Arts Festival, Sanur Village Festival, Bali Spirit Festival, Bali Kite Festival, Ultra Beach Bali, Nusa Dua Fiesta, and more. Don’t miss the Perang Pandan (a mass coming-of-age ritual).
5. Soak in the Hot Springs
Being an active volcanic island, with more than one smouldering volcano, Bali has numerous hot springs. Whether you like a secret hot pool nestled in the jungle, or a natural hot spring pool adjacent to your luxury hotel, you will find some place that suits your taste and budget.
Along the shores of Lake Batur are several hot springs located in an idyllic spot. Alternatively soak at the Tabanan Hot Springs next to Mount Batukara, Banjar Hot Springs in the central far north, or the Belulang Hot Springs.
6. Take on the Trekking Routes
On a tropical island with volcanoes and calderas, jungles, rice terraces, an abundance of moss-covered Hindu temples, and wide beaches, it is almost hard to find areas not good for trekking. So, to recommend one good place to trek would be easy: go trekking anywhere on Bali Island.
To name but a few exceptional treks include hiking any of the volcanoes, but also the canyon in Sambangan with its many waterfalls, the Sangeh Monkey Forest, and the jungle around the twin lakes Tamblingan and Buyan.
7. Gaze over the Endless Rice Terraces
Few landscapes in Bali are as famous and beautiful as the lush green rice fields and terraces. Rice is very much part of the Balinese culture, so rice terraces are synonymous with the Bali landscape.
Among the most scenic terraces are those at Tegalallang, about 10 km north of Ubud town. The Jatiluwih terraces in central Bali are just as beautiful, as are the terraces at Belimbing to the southwest of Jatiluwih. While any season is good, the greenest time is around February to April.
8. Savour the Balinese Cuisine
Bali is blessed with delicious cuisine that is part Indonesian, part Indian, part Chinese, and part uniquely Balinese. With a well-developed tourist infrastructure, you will find way too many choices of great restaurants in the touristy areas, and even in the less touristy regions.
☛ Read more: 10 Great Travel Experiences in Indonesia
What makes dining in Bali so special, is the traditional architectural designs of the restaurants, often located in the most beautiful surroundings. You will never be too far from a vegetarian restaurant, or even pizza and burgers.
9. Don’t Miss a Sunrise or a Sunset
It is always a great debate among travellers to Bali as to where the best sunsets are. A not-to-be-missed sunset is at the Tanah Lot temple. Great photo opportunities as the sun sets over this very photogenic temple, also famous for its festivals. The next most beautiful sunset is at the Uluwatu temple that is perched on rocks 70 metres above the sea. Be here well before sunset to get a seat for the Kecak dance performance.
Best place for Bali’s stunning sunrises is at the top of any volcano!
Blog post and photos by Peter who has been travelling almost full-time since 2005 and has been to over 122 countries. He visited several countries, such as Japan, more than 20 times. Peter is Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of GlobeRovers Magazine, an independent travel magazine focused on intrepid destinations.