The island of Bali is not only a mecca for surfers, where shampoo and clothes are forgotten.
- It is nature with rice terraces, waterfalls, volcanoes, lakes.
- Ocean with coral reefs for surfing and diving.
- Yoga and dance centers.
- Spa and the famous Balinese massage.
- Unparalleled food from the best restaurateurs in the world.
- Dancing till morning in the clubs and sunsets that will give you a unique light show every day.
When to go to Bali
Nature doesn’t have bad weather – and certainly not in Bali.
The rainy season
Lasts from December through March – but that doesn’t mean it will drizzle every day at all.
A tropical downpour can hit suddenly, interrupting a sunny day, and end just as abruptly.
But it can also pour for half a day – so that the streets will resemble Venice (only instead of gondolas there are bikes and cars crossing the water).
It’s also funny how it can rain non-stop in one part of Bali. For those in the know, it’s a hint of Ubud. While in another, just forty minutes away, your acquaintance will get burned in the bright sun.
Dry season
From April to the end of October. There is practically no rainfall during this period.
During the summer months, the evenings are breezy – you may want to throw on a sweater.
Tourist season
July, August, September and December. Lodging prices soar, cab drivers get cocky, and your nerves are frayed by traffic jams and bar queues.
Where is Bali
The island of Bali is located in Indonesia, in the Malay Archipelago in Southeast Asia. It is home to almost 3.9 million people. The area of the island is more than 5.4 thousand square kilometers.
Rules of entry to the island of Bali
Importation of goods
You can only take a liter of alcohol and one carton of cigarettes with you to Indonesia. If you try to cheat and get caught, you will shed tears watching customs officers pour out Chivas or Italian semi-dry in front of you.
Duty-free importation of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco per person over 18 years of age is allowed. As well as alcoholic beverages in the amount of one liter per person over 21 years of age.
If the specified norms are exceeded, the relevant items will be confiscated and destroyed on site.
I’ve had girlfriends who tried to bring in four bottles and were only allowed two… so they drank and celebrated their arrival right in front of a stern airport worker.
Why should the good things go to waste?
Airport transfer
If you are an independent traveler, no one will meet you with a sign.
The easiest (but also the most expensive) way to get to your desired destination is to catch a cab “by hand”. The cost ranges from 150,000 IDR ($9) to 300,000 IDR ($19) depending on how far away your destination is. If you go a little further away from the airport exit, it will be cheaper.
Still an easy way, but cheaper: you can ask your hotel in advance if they provide a shuttle service. A transfer will cost an average of IDR 200,000 ($12).
Finally, the cheapest way: call Grab (iPhone/Android) or Gojek (iPhone/Android). This will cost anywhere from IDR 80,000 ($5) to IDR 250,000 ($15). The latter is if you’re in Ubud. Here you have to either pay with an Indonesian card or immediately change dollars at the airport.
Also, app cabs are reluctant to pick up passengers from the airport at night.
Money
The national currency on the island is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Dollar to rupiah exchange rate for November 2022: $1 = 15,550 rupiah.
If you are coming for a long time, it is better to get a local card, which can be opened for 500,000 IDR ($32) on average. It depends on the bank and the terms of opening – if you look for a long time, you can find cheaper.
Remember! There are many banks and official money changers in Bali – you should change money in them.
As you travel around the island, you’ll come across many strange charlatan offices that will offer an exchange at a much better rate… No, no and again no.
In the best case, they will take a considerable commission, and in the worst case – you will run into scammers, and you will discreetly be cheated out of a couple of dozen dollars. Believe me, they have their hands full.
How to get around the island
We forget about public transportation and Asian tuk-tuks.
A breeze on a moped
A moped, aka bike or scooter, is the most popular transportation option.
Try to choose a new bike, fix any scratches, check the lights and brakes work.
When renting a moped, you may not be asked for a license. But we strongly advise you to have one – and, of course, to know how to drive. Remember that riding a moped in Asia is quite dangerous.
The most popular models:
- The cute Honda Scoopy stool is the easiest to drive. If you’ve never driven a bike before, start with this one.
- Honda Vario is budget-friendly, easy to drive too (125 and 150 models).
- Yamaha NMAX and XMAX are the most powerful and expensive. They are very close to the characteristics of a motorcycle. They are preferred by experienced drivers, as maneuvering will be a little more difficult.
- The Kawasaki Ninja 250 is a sporty motorcycle. Fast, powerful, stylish. But in Bali’s traffic jams, it’s not exactly convenient, and the locals are itching to steal it. There were situations when they stole it right from the parking lot.
The cost depends on the length of the rental period. Depending on the bike, you will pay 60,000-280,000 IDR (4-18$) per day. Per month for Scoopy and Vario – from 900,000 IDR (60$), for NMAX – from 2,000,000 IDR (130$).
The cost of gasoline at gas stations is about IDR 10,000 per liter ($0.6).
Also in many roadside stalls you will see bottles from under familiar alcoholic beverages – for example, vodka. Use strictly in the tank: gasoline inside. Such a bottle costs on average 15 000 IDR (1$). But it’s better to buy it at a gas station.
Wear helmets both for protection from police officers who might pull you over and demand a ticket, and for safety.
If you don’t want to buy new helmets all the time (a good one costs about $50), it’s best to always take your helmet with you or hide it in your bike. My brand new blue helmet was stolen the first day I bought it. All I did was leave it on my bike by the beach near the paid parking lot.
The police on the roads also sometimes stop tourists to check their license (however, this happened to me only once during my years on the island). International licenses are valid in Bali, but many tourists do not have them. However, here you can always try to negotiate.
Often police officers will tell you that international licenses are not good here. This is not true – they just want money. You can try to agree to an official fine – they probably won’t give you one, or it will be very easy to challenge it in court.
Not in the wind, but in a car
Renting a car in Bali is not so popular because of the eternal traffic jams and parking inconveniences. And the roads on the island are a bit narrow for comfortable driving.
But on four wheels it’s cozier to travel long distances, there will be no tan marks from T-shirts and shorts and no need to hide in the rain.
You can find out about car rentals in the same Facebook groups, or go to any car/bike rental office – they are here at every turn.
The cost of a small car per day is from IDR 200,000 ($12). You can chic up and book a car and driver – from IDR 500,000 ($32) for half a day.
Cab
Believe me, finding a cab won’t be difficult. Bike drivers will be screaming all over the street: “Taxi, sister! Taxi, boss!”
The windows of the blue cars will roll down to the languorous voice: “Cheap price for you”. These cabs are usually metered.
But, I’ll be honest, I’ve never used them in my life – I wanted to save my nerves and not argue over the final amount.
Gojek/Grab/Maxim
Calling an app is the most popular way of transportation for those who are not going to drive themselves and do not want to become a victim of impudent street cab drivers. Apps have a fixed fare for a bike or car. The cost of a trip starts from IDR 12,000 ($0.8).
Communications and Internet
The first thing I recommend to do upon arrival is to buy a local SIM card: this way you’ll always be in touch, it’s more convenient to call online cabs and post photos on social networks without searching for Wi-Fi (although it is available almost everywhere).
You can buy a SIM card at any tent that says Sim cards – you only need a passport photo. I recommend XL, Telsomsel or Indosat.
A SIM card with 10 gigabytes of Internet and 20 minutes of calls costs IDR 88,000 ($6) per month. You can choose less gigabytes – it will be cheaper, or more – correspondingly more expensive. No one has unlimited internet in Bali.
It is easiest to top up your SIM card at Alfamart or Circle K supermarkets.
If you are going for a long time, be aware that after 90 days the SIM card will stop working. All because a phone more expensive than $500 falls under the tax for foreigners – you have to pay 40% of the cost of the phone, or it will simply stop working.
Where is the best place to live in Bali
1. If your budget is very limited and you only plan to sleep at home. The ideal and budget-friendly option is a hostel: you’ll also make new acquaintances. Accommodation – from 4 to 12 people in a room. The cost per day – from 100 000 IDR (6$).
2. If listening to other people’s snoring and talking on the phone is not in your plans, you need the next most budget-friendly option – a guesthouse. This is a modest hotel with a shared kitchen where you can always make yourself a snack. Such accommodation will cost 230,000-450,000 IDR (15-30$) per day.
3. Hotels are luxe and more modest: from IDR 350,000 ($22) a night – and up to space.
4. Villa. The most comfortable and expensive option, all its own: rooms, pool and kitchen. Price – from 1 100 000 IDR per day (70$) for a one-bedroom. The more rooms and amenities, the higher the price.
If you are traveling for the first time and for a long time, book your accommodation on Airbnb for the first 2-3-4 weeks. You arrive, relax a bit, get a taste of Bali, and then start looking for cheaper accommodation.
You can use Facebook groups, you can look at options on the same Airbnb and write to the hosts, come to see them and negotiate a discount on the spot. Or even look on Google Maps and write in WhatsApp. In general, there are a lot of ways – if you try hard enough, you can find good accommodation really cheap.
A few more tips for finding a place to live.
Post ads in Facebook groups in neighborhoods you are interested in. Be sure to specify the location and budget so that you don’t get irrelevant ads with villas several times more expensive than you expect – or in places where you are not interested.
You can also consistently drive around your favorite neighborhood and look for FOR RENT signs on houses – they usually have phone numbers.
This method is rather tedious, time-consuming, but effective. Usually in 2-3 days you can find several decent and inexpensive options without overpaying intermediaries.
There’s also balibudgethousing.com, made by expats in English – it specializes in budget houses.
Finally, you can look for accommodation on Indonesian rental websites: RumahDijual.com, Rumah123.com, Olx.co.id.
You will have to communicate with the owner either in Indonesian or through an online translator. View websites via Google Chrome: there you can connect an add-on that automatically translates websites into English.
Not always on such sites there are enough photos of the rented accommodation and additional information.
But you can contact the author of the ad and ask them for details.
Bali’s neighborhoods: where to live and where to party
Kuta and Legian (Kuta and Legian)
Tourism veterans, the best areas for beginner surfers.
During the whole period of the pandemic they were in the status of ghosts, where you didn’t want to look without a gas can: numerous stores and cafes were closed, not a single person on the street, garbage… But now everything has come back to life in a blink of an eye – there are ladies running down the street inviting you to the spa, local vendors confidently pull you into the stores offering Gucci flip-flops, posters with beer and burgers hanging on the establishments. If the vendors, who constantly shout “May Friend, Chip” and call you to their shop, do not bother you – Kuta and Legian will suit you.
There is a huge number of hotels (though, many of them are very tired). Villas are more difficult. But the prices are invariably pleasant.
Long beach with yellow sand, there are sunbeds and tents with drinks and snacks. The waves are perfect to start surfing, but too strong for swimming. This is where many people first stand up paddle board.
Cost of accommodation: for 350,000-650,000 IDR for two people (20-40$) you can stay in a tolerable hotel near the beach. And for 850,000-1,300,000 IDR (55-85$) – in a decent hotel, and even on the beachfront.
This neighborhood is famous for the throngs of visiting Aussies who hang out in a drunken frenzy every day. It’s a pretty bad place.
Seminyak
It is drowning in noisy establishments and stores. Even the pandemic didn’t break it – restaurants are packed, Europeans are shopping, young people are buzzing in the clubs, and traffic jams at rush hour. Life here never stops – a fun vacation is assured.
There are many hotels, villa complexes, social establishments, nightclubs. On the beach you can settle down on a sun bed or look into one of the clubs: Potato Head, Ku De Ta, Mari beach club. Swimming is also a bit difficult here, but there are daredevils.
Cost of accommodation: for a hotel you will have to pay 500 000-1 300 000 IDR (30-80$), for a guesthouse – 250 000-450 000 IDR (15-30$).
In Seminyak, there are a lot of inexpensive places that always have different promotions – buy a coffee, and breakfast as a gift. And the breakfast will be really huge and hearty. The easiest way to look for such places is on social networks.
Good cafes are Sisterfields, BRAUD, Coffee Cartel, Pison.
Canggu and Berawa
The most hipster and expensive neighborhoods for rent – lots of stylish cafes and trendy restaurants, co-working spaces, bars, beauty salons and tattoo parlors, stores of local designers. And even ten years ago there were only a few guesthouses and hostels for surfers, and a couple of bars for them – the waves here are more serious than in Kuta and Seminyak.
On the beach in Changgu, you can sunbathe on a sun lounger, drink a coconut at the beach bar and watch the sunset. Or have a cocktail and swim in the pool at the beach clubs: Finns, La Brisa, Atlas, The Lawn.
Accommodation costs: gestas and hostels for 250,000-500,000 IDR (15-30$), hotels for 400,000-1,100,000 IDR (25-70$).
Pererenan
A new neighborhood that sprouted up during the pandemic and is gaining popularity at lightning speed.
There is still a lot of greenery, villas and hotels with freshly renovated and affordable prices, new-fangled places with tasty dishes and cocktails.
Also, a beach with grayish volcanic sand and pretty good waves to ride.
Cost of accommodation: for IDR 350,000-750,000 ($20-50) you can find a great hotel.
Ubud
If you are tired of the rhythm of life in big cities and want to get away from nature, welcome here. The area is surrounded by green jungles, waterfalls and rice terraces.
People come to Ubud for relaxation, meditation and inner zen – there are professional yoga and meditation centers, no drunken tourists, and all establishments close around 10pm.
Ubud also has the highest number of vegan and vegetarian places per square meter, so you won’t miss meat.
Creatives visit Ubud for inspiration, so there are many art galleries here.
Sometimes you will meet people walking around barefoot in unusual outfits – it’s just how they feel closer to nature.
There is no sea nearby, but this is not discouraging in any way.
Ubud is cooler than other parts of Bali and it rains often. But you can take advantage of this and visit one of the spas overlooking the rice paddies or stroll through the stores of local designers and leather, wood and silver craftsmen. Nearby monkey forest, bird park, waterfalls, temples, museums. And opportunities for rafting.
Accommodation costs: 200,000-420,000 IDR ($10-25) for a room for two in a gesthouse or 400,000-900,000 IDR ($25-60) for a nice hotel with jungle views.
Sanur
Calm option with places for swimming. Suitable for a vacation with children. You can also go kite-surfing here, if there is a decent wind.
In the last two years they have almost completed the promenade with cafes and stores, so in the evenings everyone actively walks around. But there’s nothing for party lovers to do in Sanur.
Accommodation costs: from IDR 250,000 ($15) for a room for two in a guesthouse and from IDR 600,000 ($40) for a nice hotel.
Jimbaran
A quiet area belonging to the Bukit Peninsula: here you can sunbathe on a spacious beach with soft sand and swim – waves are rare.
In the evening, buy some seafood seafood market at the and ask the nearest restaurant to cook your catch for an extra fee. Or simply order the same seafood in a café while admiring the sunset (although it will be more expensive).
There are practically no villas and hotels near the water in Jimbaran – but they are on the mountains and there is a great view. On the plus side, cafes, stores and supermarkets are a bit more budget than usual.
Cost of accommodation: a hotel can be found from IDR 300,000 ($20), a villa from IDR 1,200,000 ($75).
Nusa Dua
Despite being part of Bukit, the area is a realm in its own right for those who don’t mind resorts with rich infrastructure, private beaches and well-maintained grounds.
You don’t have to leave the walls of the hotel here.
There is a large shopping complex with Bali Collection restaurants, where you can easily spend the whole day if you want. In general, the main entertainment in Nusa Dua: lie on the beach, eat, store, go to the spa, eat again – and so on in a circle.
Cost of accommodation: a modest hotel – from 300,000 IDR (20$) for two people. A full-fledged hotel with territory and activities almost like in Turkey – from IDR 1,400,000 ($90).
Bukit (Pekatu, Ungasan and Kutuh)
A gem for surfers from all over the world. Big waves, cafes with hearty meals and healthy smoothies, stores of equipment and clothing for beach and marine lifestyle.
Lots of gesthouses, hotels and villas located on the cliffs – and also the largest concentration of beautiful beaches for all tastes: with rocks and reefs, with golden sand, crowded and secret. But after ten in the evening the area goes to sleep – surfers have to get up early, after all.
People come here to admire unparalleled sunsets with a cocktail at the beach clubs Ulu Cliffhouse, El Kabron and Ritual or to dance to the world’s DJs at the famous Savaya club.
Cost of housing: a hotel can be grabbed from 300 000-500 000 IDR (20-30$), a villa to rent from 1 200 000 IDR (75$), and luxury spacious houses will cost 2 500 000-6 000 000 000 IDR (160-380$).
Bukit Beaches
Balangan
White sand, Indonesian warung cafes on the beach, sun loungers, coral reefs and rocks are a popular backdrop for photo shoots. A great option for those who want to lounge with a view or snorkel near the shore.
But swimming is not so good here: waves, friends, the same waves. The only thing left to do is to walk around and look in the coral craters in search of crabs and shells.
Dreamland
White sand, good infrastructure with cafes, market and sunbeds.
Everything seems to be not bad, but the sea here is violent: quite big waves that gather surfers. But there are daredevils who flounder in them.
And the rest of us are left to sunbathe and drink coconut.
Padang-Padang
Once this small beach between the cliffs was one of the most beautiful in the world (remember the movie “Eat, Pray, Love”). Until it became a favorite spot for tourists: sun beds, towels, vendors, beer, corn, noise, noise, dogs, monkeys – and there is no longer that idyll. But the reefs and cliffs to marvel at are still beautiful.
Suluban
A beach worshipped by surfers: this is where the waves are usually the fiercest. The entrance is through a cave, which is sometimes flooded with water.
There are many stores with equipment: boards, clothes, wax. Those who have no plans to get up on the surf, can have a rest in one of the cafes on the cliff or organize a photo shoot. But definitely no swimming.
Nyang Nyang
A secluded deserted beach, where it is difficult to find grilled corn or a sun bed. So you can walk on the sand with scattered shells, lie on your own towels and look at the sea – because even here the waves reign.
There are fewer people than usual: you can sunbathe in peace, admiring the famous airplane-villa, frozen on the top of the cliff.
Melasti beach
In just a few years, this beach has been turned into a sweet spot: a picturesque cliff with a road snaking along it, offering gorgeous views. Be prepared to see a wedding photo shoot on it, or even more than one.
The beach itself with soft yellow sand is equipped with deck chairs and cafes, the water is turquoise, strong waves are rare. So you can go snorkeling a little farther away and snorkel.
For comfort lovers, there are several beach clubs: Sunday, Minoo, Palmilla, TT.
Pandawa beach
A favorite spot of many vacationers and settlers on the island. Love at first sight for this beach begins when you drive along the road dug in the rock and see the panorama from above. Soft sand, weak waves, natural caves. And a long coastline.
You can lie on the sand or settle in at the Roosterfish Beach Club.
You can also make a small (or big) fire here and get high with music from the speaker and friends before the sunset. Usually there are not many people here at all, especially if you go a little further away. But it can be a bit illegal to have a bonfire here.
Food in Bali
Bali offers establishments for every taste and wallet – it’s just a matter of what you’re looking for.
Main Options.
- Warungs (warung) are for locals. Warung is a small homemade cafe with a few tables. You walk up to the counter, they put boiled rice on the counter, and then you poke at the additions to the rice that you particularly like. A large assorted plate will cost up to IDR 25,000 ($1.5). What’s the catch? You’ll be sitting with vocal locals, and flies can fly around quietly. And the food is battered and spicy. But this way you will get acquainted with real Indonesian cuisine.
- Varungs for tourists. Variants of the same local eateries, but customized for Europeans. The dishes are the same, but there are menus – sometimes even with pictures. So at least you can understand what you’re eating. And you will sit in a room with a fan. But the prices are a bit higher: for example, a main course will cost from 50,000 IDR ($3).
- Middle class cafes/restaurants. Cafes/restaurants with different cuisines and a reasonable price tag. Greek, Italian, American, Australian, Mexican, and American cafes are popular in Bali. There is even a Georgian restaurant called Tiflis, which costs from IDR 75,000 ($5) for a main course.
- High-end restaurants. Every month more and more establishments with new-fashioned interiors, high cuisine and a decent price tag open on the island.Here tourists feel at home, knowing that they do not have to chase away flies – the staff will do it for them.The cost of a main course with tax – from 200 000 IDR (13$).
What dishes to try in Bali
The local food may not look like a Michelin restaurant – but trust me, it’s VERY tasty.
- The basis of Indonesian cuisine is rice (nasi). The locals manage to serve it even for breakfast. Rice replaces bread.
- Nasi Goreng is fried rice with vegetables, scrambled eggs on top and shrimp crackers. There is vegetarian Nasi Goreng, as well as chicken or seafood versions.
- Mie Goreng – same thing, but only with noodles suspiciously resembling “Doshirak” instead of rice.
- Nasi Campur – boiled rice with toppings: spicy spinach, tofu, tempeh (pressed beans), corn in batter, shish kebab.
- Rendang – beef stewed in coconut-spicy sauce.
- Ayam Betutu – chicken thigh fried or braised in spices. The special sauce includes coconut oil, onions, garlic, nuts, turmeric. Sometimes there is a version with duck (Bebek Betutu).
- Babi Guling – pig roasted on a spit with seasonings like garlic, onions, lemongrass, chili peppers.
- Sate – mini kebabs with traditional nut sauce. There are chicken (Sate Ayam), pork (Sate Babi), beef (Sate Sapi) and seafood (Lilit).
- Gado-gado is a local salad of vegetables (carrots, cabbage, corn, spinach), egg, tofu, and tempeh. Served with nut sauce.
- Soto Ayam is a specialty soup with noodles, chicken and spices. It reminds me of chicken noodle soup from my childhood.
- Bakso is meatball soup. You can always pick it up from one of the carts that roll back and forth across Bali.
- Pisang Goreng – bananas in batter with honey or caramel.
That’s the local cuisine. But there are thousands of other cafes with European, Japanese, Latin American, Indian and dozens of other cuisines that you have no idea about. So for breakfast you’ll try different smoothie bowls, avocado toast and eggs Benedict, and for dinner you’ll choose between pasta, steaks and dim sum.
As for seafood, alas, you will not eat as much of it here as in Vietnam and Thailand. Seafood can be found only in some restaurants and at the market in Jimbaran. And their prices (by Asian standards) are not the cheapest.
But in good cafes you can always find dishes with tuna, mahi-mahi fish and white snapper. Prices for fish dishes start at IDR 85,000 ($5).
Oh yes, and then there’s the fruit. Usually you buy them in the supermarket, but in less touristy areas you can also find fruit stands.
Thus, mango costs from IDR 30,000 ($2) per kilogram, and dragonfruit, aka pitahaya – from IDR 40,000 ($2.5) per kilogram.
Alcohol in Bali
Let’s make it a separate topic. If in your dreams of Bali you are sitting on the ocean with a glass of sparkling wine or admiring the sunset from the terrace with an author’s cocktail, I hasten to warn you: the tax on alcohol here is about 75%. You get the hint? No, I’m not ruining your dreams, it’s just not budget-friendly. Anything can come true, but it will cost a lot.
For example, a bottle of the most inexpensive Australian or Chilean wine will cost from IDR 250,000 ($15). Cocktails in restaurants and bars are mostly IDR 100,000-150,000 ($6-10$) with tax. Local Bintang beer costs from IDR 25,000 ($2).
Often you’ll see happy hours: buy one cocktail, get the second one for free. But this charming offer may in fact conceal cocktails based on arak, a local vodka that has an intoxicating effect and brings a nasty hangover in the morning.
Shopping in Bali
There are many local, Australian and American brands in Bali. Especially a lot of surfing gear and clothing: Rip Curl, Billabong, Quiksilver, and so on.
Also worth mentioning is Deus Ex Machina, originally a Balinese (!) brand that is now known worldwide.
A great outlet is the Billabong Factory outlet.
Here and there there are tents and whole markets where you can buy Balinese souvenirs: rattan bags, wooden crafts, fake brands, dream catchers, T-shirts with funny inscriptions from the series: “I’m not gay, but 5 dollars is 5 dollars”.
Art markets sell body cream, scrubs, oils, sticks, the famous lovak coffee (made from, excuse me, the excrement of the animal of the same name), various spices, tea, nuts and Indonesian cookies.
If you like something, feel free to quote a lower price – and by a factor of three.
The biggest art markets where you’ll find everything from bracelets to paintings are Ubud Art market, Sukawati Art Market, Art Market Kumbasari.
Surfing in Bali
If you’ve never gotten up on a wave, the island of Bali is the place to definitely give it a try.
And for the pros, there’s a whole lot of fun to be had here.
There are tons of schools on the island. There are several options: take a single lesson, a package of 5-7 lessons or stay in a surf camp. Camp services usually include transfer, accommodation, breakfast, lessons, photo analysis, equipment and various activities 1-2 times a week.
Surf camps
Wave house – from IDR 760,000 ($50) per day when staying in a room for four with breakfast and lesson.
Endless Summer – from IDR 1,000,000 ($70) for your own room.
Thanks to camps like this, I made friends on the island and conquered my first waves, even though I was afraid of the water.
Another option is to just go to the beach and ask the locals, they will give you a lesson from 150,000 IDR (10$) and support you on the waves. But not everyone gets the skills they need from them. Often these people are called “pusher-men”, as their job is to push you properly on the wave so you learn how to stand up.
And those who already have basic skills can simply rent a board from IDR 50,000 ($3) per day.
Where to go
No matter where you live, there will always be a bureau nearby that will organize a tour to any point – just pay. This is the easiest and most expensive option.
The next most expensive option is to ask about guides and transfers on forums and groups, and you’ll get recommendations.
The guide will pick you up in the morning and drive you around the selected sights, tell you about the island, traditions, religion. Or you can make your own itinerary. The cost of such a tour – from 700 000 IDR (45$) per day, regardless of the number of people. Entrance to all points is paid separately.
The third option is to explore on your own. Put a mark on the map where you want to go and go.
These trips will save you money and make the trip the most atmospheric: unspoiled nature, Balinese villages, rice fields, local kids and cozy warungs.
What to see and do on the island of Bali
I would like to complain about one thing: every year the Balinese get more brazen. They invent the concept of “donations” on beautiful public places and charge the price of this very donation for a visit.
Plus they try to extract money from tourists under any pretext: you park here – pay, you want to take a photo here – pay, pet a pet – open your wallet. So always carry some change with you.
Monkey Forest Ubud
Several hectares of forest – here you can find small temples, streams and huge old trees. And this kingdom belongs to monkeys: big and small, kind and aggressive.
It is advised not to hold anything valuable in your hands – they may steal it and demand a ransom in the form of a banana.
Also, try not to smile in the monkeys’ faces – they may think you want to attack and start defending themselves. But everyone is very nice and friendly, you can easily spend half a day or more here.
Cost: 80,000 IDR (5$) for an adult ticket, 60,000 IDR for a child ticket (4$). Sundays: IDR 100,000 ($6.5) per adult ticket, IDR 80,000 ($5) per child ticket.
Tegallalang Rice Terrace
The verdant stepped terraces near Ubud where rice is grown are the main ingredient in almost every local dish.
The fields are breathtakingly beautiful: strolling along the path along them, you can meet a local at his work and take an authentic photo for a donation.
You’ll also find places for photos: a balcony with a view and a sign Love Bali and the same balcony with a big spider Bali Corner.
We recommend taking bug spray to avoid being a victim of mosquitoes.
Cost: donations at various points from IDR 10,000 ($0.5$).
Jatiluwih Rice Terrace
Rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Locals proudly tell how Barack Obama himself came here. The paths in the middle of the forest and rice paddies offer more and more views – including an incredible view of Mount Batura.
This is the real island of Bali. It’s far enough away from everything, but believe me, it’s worth it. UNESCO knows a thing or two about beauty.
Cost of entry: IDR 40,000 ($2.5).
Batur volcano and Kintamani village
This 1717 meter high volcano attracts thousands of tourists like a magnet. Some come to the village of Kintamani to admire the giant from a café or walk along Lake Batur.
For an up-close view of the volcano, choose the terrace of Montana Del Cafe or PaperHills.
The more active ones prefer to meet the dawn on the volcano and descend before the wild monkeys wake up. The way up takes about two hours.
There is an option to take a guided tour here. This will cost you from IDR 525,000 ($30).
The second option is to come on your own and get a guide on site. It will cost 500,000 ($30) for a group of up to 4 people, plus 100,000 ($5) entrance fee per person.
And the third option is to avoid guides and climb on your own. You don’t need any special preparation for this. But there have been cases when guides, offended by the neglect of their services, punctured the wheels of bikes.
It is better to climb at night when it is cooler. Take warm clothes, sneakers and water.
Abandoned Hotel
Once upon a time, an entrepreneur decided to build a hotel. Built, built, built… and ran out of money. So he abandoned it for monkey fun.
There’s a bigger legend: one day all the guests and employees simply disappeared from the hotel. Believe what you want to believe.
They charge IDR 100,000 ($6.5) for entry.
Water Palace Tirta Gangga
It is not for nothing that the palace is called “water”. It is surrounded by canals, pools, fountains with bizarre beasts and frightening sculptures of local gods. And carp swim in the ponds. There are also holy springs on the territory, where you can purify karma.
You’ll have to hand over 50,000 IDR ($3) to get into the palace.
Taman Ujung Water Palace
Another palace – this time standing on a pond and without mysterious sculptures. A huge green area with bridges, neatly planted palm trees, flowers and bushes. Climb the steps up the mountain and admire the garden and fountains.
You will be asked for IDR 75,000 ($5).
Pura Tanah Lot Temple
One of the most famous temples – both for locals who come for the service and for tourists who prefer sunset time. The temple is perched above the water on a hill with the waves crashing over it – a wow!
The area itself is green, with flowers and traditional sculptures. There is a market in front of the complex, but the prices are very overpriced, so don’t waste your time.
You can’t get into the temple itself – but you will be offered a ritual for a donation: they will sprinkle water, put a flower behind your ear and stick rice on your forehead (yes, there it is again) as a sign of purification.
Cost of entry: 60,000 IDR ($4).
Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple
This temple is famous for its location – on a cliff right above the ocean.
Here you can enjoy sunsets, walk along the cliff among flowers, admire the panoramic view, take photos of the temple and try not to fall prey to wild monkeys who are eager to steal your water bottle or phone. And it’s better not to stay on the territory after sunset …
You can also attend the national dance performance of Kechak: it takes place every day at 18.00.
Cost of entry: 50,000 IDR ($3).
Pura Lempuyang Temple
This temple is called “heavenly” – it is located more than a kilometer above sea level. The steps of the complex lead to the top to the gate, between which you can enjoy a magnificent view of Agung Volcano.
Experienced local photographers will take a professional shot – it will seem like a lake in front of the gate, reflecting the whole landscape. They do it with a mirror, because there is no lake at the top of the temple. But thanks for the cool photo.
Cost of entry: IDR 55,000 ($3.5).
Pura Besakih Temple
Bali’s main shrine with its 22 temples: there’s plenty to do. Pilgrims and tourists roam the grounds, located on the slope of the Agung volcano. You may be lucky enough to catch a beautiful celebration ceremony.
Cost of entry: 50,000 IDR ($3).
Pura Ulun Danu
The temple complex stands right on Lake Bratan (!?). The weather here is unpredictable and changes every 10 minutes: either the whole lake and buildings are covered with fog, or the sun shines brightly and you can see the mountains around.
Funny statues of sea creatures, bushes with flowers, and small temples are all definitely worth a visit. The region is also home to delicious strawberries, so be sure to stop by the market for a taste.
This is my favorite temple. And not far from it, there is also a place where you can take cool pictures – the entrance gate to the Handara Hotel. The place is called Bali Handara Gate.
Cost of entry: 75,000 IDR ($5).
Lovina
The city in the north is popular for morning excursions on funny boats. You drag your frail body out of bed early in the morning, get on the boat, and there’s a cheerful guide waiting for you. And off you go into the ocean to watch the sunrise and dozens of dolphins jumping around you.
There will be quite a few other boats and people wanting to shoot cuties – so the excursion will be a real race.
The town itself is like a village, where expats living on the island come to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of life.
The cost of the rides is from IDR 100,000 ($6).
Waterfalls
There are dozens of waterfalls in Bali, so if you go to the center of the island, be sure to bring a swimsuit, towel, and wet bag – you’ll definitely hit one or more.
To each waterfall you need to descend at least 15 minutes, and sometimes, and all 40 – train your breathing and do not smoke.
Entry to each waterfall costs IDR 10,000-40,000 ($0.5-2.5$).
- GitGit is the most touristy, beautiful and full of water. Even the path to it through the green thickets and bridges is beautiful. However, the crowdedness at its foot erases the solitude with nature a bit.
- Tegenungan – Set in the picturesque surroundings of Ubud. You can take a refreshing dip in the pond, have your photo taken in the wooden sculpture or sip juice in the café with a view.
- Aling-Aling – twin waterfalls: two streams join in the same lagoon.
- Sekumpul is the highest one, which includes seven waterfalls hidden in the jungle. The goal of the trip is to find them all.
- Munduk is another popular waterfall, powerful enough that you can only take pictures near it.
There is an amazing hotel in the Munduk area called Munduk Cabins – up in the mountains, with a hot pool, jungle views, ocean and a campfire area around which guests gather every evening. Very cozy place, I recommend it if you want a break from the noisy rhythm of Changgu.
- SingSing is the most romantic, spread out in the middle of the wilderness.
- Banyumala Twin Waterfall) is a marvel with two main streams and several smaller ones. Well hidden, so go for the sound of the water.
- Nung Nung) is another waterfall with a strong flow and beautiful vegetation.
- Tukad Cepung – is located in a cave: it feels like water is pouring from the sky, even under natural light.
- Kanto Lampo is a cascading waterfall where you can sit. There’s also a local photographer who can give you tips on what poses to take.
