Bali Travel Guide
Fly Like a Super Pig to Any One of the below page Sections:
Top Attractions
Cheap Flying Tips
Where to Stay
Things to Do
Your Guide to Bali
Bali, Indonesia, has to be one of the most magical places on earth. With its unique culture, breathtaking architecture, and captivating landscapes, there is no doubt that this little island is full of places to explore and experience. However, with so much to do and see, it can be difficult to try and fit its wonders in one visit. Well, look no further.
If you have made the decision to visit Bali for your vacation but feel like you need some direction, this article will give you all you need to know about Bali to make your getaway as fantastic as possible (or at least convince you to put the island on your bucket list).
Top Attractions in Bali
Let’s say your visit to Bali is only a few days, and you can only fit a few of Bali’s many wonders into your trip schedule. Not to worry, these next top three attractions are those must-gos; the places you absolutely cannot miss.Let’s say your visit to Bali is only a few days, and you can only fit a few of Bali’s many wonders into your trip schedule. Not to worry, these next top three attractions are those must-gos; the places you absolutely cannot miss.
Tirta Empul Temple
To experience the true heart of what Bali is all about, the Tirta Empul (Holy Spring) Temple is a wonderful place to start. Built-in 942 AD, this water temple holds the key to Bali’s spirituality and connection and is sacred to the Balinese.
While tourists cannot partake in bathing in the pool like locals can, its unique architecture and being able to witness the Balinese perform an age-old tradition is enough to fill your heart and will surely kickstart your appreciation for the culture.
Bali Botanic Garden
Located next to the lush and calm scenery of Tapak hill, the Bali Botanic Garden filled with thousands of orchids is Bali’s largest garden. Driving and walking for hours among lush orchids gives you a small window of Bali’s many natural beauties. The unique sculptures trickled throughout are worth stopping by for on its own.
Ubud Art Market
Maybe breathtaking nature and architecture isn’t your thing. That’s okay! The urban cultural setting of the Ubud Art market is the best place to feel the hustle and bustle of a city while still being able to experience the rich culture of the Balinese (and you can pick up a knick-knack or two.
Pro-Tip: If you want to find the best deals, get up early and go when the market opens at 10 AM.
The Experience Flying into Bali Airports
While I would prefer it to be known as the coolest airport experience in the world, it is known as being the busiest and crowded airport in Indonesia. So keep your bags close, and give yourself more time than you think you need to navigate the hustle and bustle. A TripSavvy article helpfully explains that there is a departure fee when returning home.
Top Three Tips to Fly Cheap to Bali
1. Travel to Bali in the fall
Avoid taking your trip during Bali’s busy season. Summer is never a prime-time to visit anywhere. Travel to Bali in the fall, right after a busy season where they have the biggest lull of tourists.
2. Connecting flight to Singapore
Taking a connecting flight to Singapore may be the cheapest option for those in the US as flying directly to the Bali Airport is often much more expensive.
3. Book your tickets well before your trip
Make sure to book your tickets well before your trip to get the best deals. The earlier you book tickets, the cheaper they are likely to be
Popular Areas of the City to Stay
There are numerous places to stay in Bali, and all have their own advantages. However, a few have emerged as visitors’ favorites over the years. Here are the most popular areas to stay:
Ubud
Ubud is considered the best place to stay overall in Bali. Being the location of many activities in Bali that will be pointed out later in this article, it is considered the cultural center of the island and is packed with other tourists and locals alike.
Kuta
Kuta is located near many of Bali’s famous beaches and is the perfect scenery for a true “Vacation-esque” stay in Bali. Make sure to book hotels and AirBnb’s quick, though. They fill up very quickly.
Legian
Legian has some of the best nightlife in Bali. So if you are young and looking to have some partying fun, Legian is the place to be. It also has some of the most budget-accommodating places to stay. Don’t be fooled, though, the more humble places to stay in Bali can be the most delightful.
Popular Hotels in those Areas
These are the top hotels in each city. Each hotel is in a different price range to accommodate everyone’s needs and desires. Easy hotel listed is rated a 5-Star Hotel.
Ubud
Price
$120 USD/ Night on Average
Appeal
The perfect balance between modern and cultural charm.
Kuta
Price
$60 USD/ Night on Average
Appeal
Great beach and shopping mall access.
Ubud
Price
$200-$275 USD /Night on Average
Appeal
Luxury experience with five-star dining, spas, and activities.
Popular Airbnb’s in those Areas
Though hotels can be a wonderful place to stay, AirBnb experiences are often hosted by local people who do their best to combine a luxurious vacation stay and the true charm of Bali. Here are some of the most popular AirBnb’s we found.
Ubud
Space
6 bedrooms, beds, and bathrooms. Entire Villa.
Price
Around $700 USD per night
Appeal
Modern, with a beautiful jungle view. Perfect for large retreats.
Space
1 bedroom, 2 beds, 1.5 bath
Price
Around $25 USD per night
Appeal
Bohemian, calming space but affordable near rice fields.
Seminyak Beach
Space
1 Bedroom, bed, and bath
Price
Around $60 USD per night
Appeal
Cozy but modern villa, short walk to the beach
Kuta Beach
Space
1 or 2 bed and bath
Price
Around $125 USD per night
Appeal
Pool included cottage style villa. 3-minute walk to beach
Kuta
Space
1 bed, bedroom, and bath
Price
Around $81 USD per night
Appeal
15-minute drive to the airport, great center hub, free breakfast!
Top Things to do in Bali
While going around and looking at the beautiful sights in Bali is enough to visit on its own, the island has plenty of things to go like interactive sights, restaurants, shopping, and performances that will make memories to last a lifetime.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
This one of a kind experience to see monkeys roaming free in their natural habitat is a tourist MUST at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Monkeys are considered to be some of the most sacred animals by the Balinese, and they are treated as such. Specifically, the monkeys in the sanctuary are called Balinese Macaques.
As you walk around the lush canopy environment, monkeys roam free, living their everyday lives. The best part is it’s completely safe and monkey-bite free as long as you listen to the regulations created for your safety.
Wild Air Restaurant
If there is one restaurant to try out in Bali, it is the Wild Air Restaurant in Ubud, Bali. TripAdvisor users unanimously rate this restaurant five stars for its welcoming service, tasty food (including vegan and vegetarian options), and beautiful view of Bali itself.
Wild Air is located just 0.2 miles from the Monkey Sanctuary, so when you finish visiting the attraction, grab the best bite to eat in Bali afterward!
Elephant Cave
The Elephant Cave is located just outside Ubud and dates back to the 11th century. Surrounding the entrance of this miniature cave is a monstrous stone carving of an unsettling being with hellish eyes opening his mouth to reveal the cave. The sight of it alone is worth it to check out in Ubud.
There are various other stone carvings and art around the cave that are breathtaking. Locals still use this cave as a place of peace and meditation, despite its unsettling exterior.
Electric Bicycle Tours
The best way to see Bali is through the people who know it best! During the Electric Bicycle Tours, join knowledgeable guides that will take you through Ubud’s flowing rice fields, its towering temples, and wondrous natural landscape in just half a day – all ending with a scrumptious meal.
This is a great way to scope out what places you may want to take more time to visit later on your trip. If there’s any way to capture the entire beauty of Bali in a short amount of time, it is with a bike ride through the city.
Kecak Fire And Trance Dance
As the day in Bali comes to an end, the island transforms with its beautiful sunsets over its temples, and this is when the Kecak Fire and Trance Dance begins. This performance is the best way to experience the true culture of the Balinese as they dance, chant, and sing in traditional Balinese style.
The outfits are colorful and vibrant, synonymous with the color and passion in their voice and dance, and it all ends with the setting sun billowing down to create the night sky.
Coolest AirBnb Experiences in Bali
Looking for some truly unique places to stay in Bali? These AirBnb experiences are sure to fulfill these desires. They all come at different price points – because, in Bali, you can find some of the most magical places at the cheapest prices.
- AirBnb’s Bamboo Home in Sealat, Bali, is a quaint and adventurous feeling getaway outside of the bustling city areas of Bali for around $140 USD per night. Built by the Balinese, this little “treehouse” is infused with Bali’s traditional culture and comes with all the amenities to make your stay comfortable.
- Zen Hideaway #1 is a world-famous AirBnb known for its beautiful sunrise and luxuriously “boho” stay. If you are nervous about the sounds of wildlife surrounding you, this house may not be for you. At around $100 USD per night, this house has two bedrooms and bathrooms and is no doubt worth the stay.
- Cahaya Skai Joglo is the childhood treehouse of your dreams with a luxurious twist. It is elevated above the ground, and the house itself is built by local craftsmen who repurposed century-old houses. With 2 bedrooms and bathrooms and a luxury pool, this treehouse is only around $30 USD a night!
Conclusion
From the ancient temples of Ubud to the 600 monkeys in a stretched out canopy of wildlife, Bali will be a place like no other. Once you get to Bali and begin to experience its magic, taking that departure flight back home may be the most difficult part of the journey.
The memories and experiences to be had in Bali will last forever, though. There truly is something for everyone to experience, and we hope this article will help you get some clarification to make your trip as worthwhile as possible on this one-of-a-kind island in Indonesia.
