If I had to choose a destination that has a special place in my travel heart, I'd have to say it's Bali. I grew up in Indonesia and we used to spend a lot of our holidays in Bali. As an adult I have gone back a few times and to be hotest I could go back and back and back. Here's a list of my favourite things to do in Bali and maybe you will see why I can't get Bali out of my head:
Its beaches
This was our main reason for flying to Bali during every school break. There are beaches all around the island, some being nicer than others. Avoid the Kuta/Seminyak area and head south to the peninsula south of Kuta where hidden bays and secluded cove beaches await you. I personally love the Lovina beach in the north; not so much for its beauty, cuz it's not. But for the schools of dolphins that can be spotted from there.
Its Hindu culture and temples
Beaches are everywhere in Asia and also in Indonesia, but the thing that makes Bali different from the other islands in the country is its Hindu culture. There are temples in every shape and size, in every family home garden, public gardens, office buildings, hotels etc. There are many famous public temples dotted around the island and if you're lucky you'll get to witness a traditional ceremony while you're visiting.
Its people
I was lucky to spend some time a few years ago teaching English in a Balinese highschool and living with a Balinese family for a month. It was an unforgettable experience to learn about the Balinese family customs and daily on-goings and made me realise me how important family is to them.
Its food
I love Indonesian food from everywhere in the country for its spices and typical flavours. In Bali you can find some dishes that are typically Balinese. There is betutu which is stuffed duck, Balinese satay or sate lilit, which is spiced mince skwered onto lemon grass sticks, and the lawar which is pork or chicken with chopped coconut and garlic. And bubuh injin, a black rice pudding dessert. You might have to make a bit of an effort to food these dishes as most Balinese hotels tend to offer the more usual nasi goreng and gado gado dishes.
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Photo by Adi Setiwan off Flickr |
Its scenery
If you venture out of the Kuta/Seminyak area (and you should) the scenery turns into an emerald green blanket of rice paddies that cascade down against the rolling hills. Offering views you don't get anywhere else in the world.
Bali is so good for the soul!
ReplyDeleteRight? Totally agree.
ReplyDeleteMmm that places looks fantastic. I'm about to hit up my first tropical vacation but will keep Bail in mind for my next one!
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely there. Albeit a bit touristy in some places. Go north I'd say.
ReplyDeleteSo pleased to see this post as I'm thinking of going to Bali later this year and have never been so trying to gather info about where to go and what to see - lots of really useful info on your Bali blog posts :)
ReplyDeleteYou will have a wonderful time!!
ReplyDeleteThat divine little face melts my heart!
ReplyDeletehaha, she was the cutest little thing ever! Although she was in Cambodia though. I lost a lot of my Bali pictures due to not backing up!! So I had to find some substitute images for this post.
DeleteHubby and I had gone to Bali two years ago for our honeymoon. Five days there and we were in LOVE! From the crazy nightlife in Kuta to the serene getaways in Ubud or Nusa Dua... Bali really has something for everyone. I really enjoyed your post as it brought back so many fond memories of the place. I really want to go back to Bali and this time I want to go to Gilli Islands. I hear it is stunning! :)
ReplyDeleteThey are stunning, but I think developers are taking over. I went 4 years ago and it was already pretty full on Gili T. But the other islands might still be a bite more quiet.
DeleteI would love to go to Bali one day - a lot of research I am sure to find the hidden gems though?
ReplyDeleteOh there are. If you leave the touristy bits behind, there are still some real hidden gems to be found.
DeleteI love Bali too, such a beautiful island and somewhere I would never tire of going to. I also wrote about Bali as my place I can't get out of my head!
ReplyDeleteMe neither. I've been twice now, but I am sure I will be back for more.
DeleteI am actually planning a trip to Bali for next year! I am going to save this! Thanks for all the tips! I so want to go to the rice paddies!
ReplyDeleteCheck out the place I can't get out of my head:
http://www.lifeismyoyster.com/my-brazilian-love-story/
Don't worry, you'll see those pretty much everywhere in Bali. It is such a pretty island.
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