'Must Do Activities' in Bali, Indonesia
Bali, a tiny Indonesian Island can be truly regarded as a paradise on Earth. With its pristine white sandy beaches, charming islands, lush green rice terraces, scenic beauty, a rich culture, and warm and hospitable people; Bali has become one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world today. Aptly referred to as the jewel in the crown of Indonesia, Bali has been successful in luring writers, artists, travel enthusiasts (both budget conscious backpackers and luxury travellers), surfers, divers, shopping freaks, and party lovers from all across the globe. Listed below are activities which one must indulge into when in Bali.
Visit the arts and crafts hub of Bali: Ubud
Located in the heart of Bali is a small town of Ubud which is a home to many ancient temples and is surrounded by lush green paddy hill terraces. The small neighbouring villages of Ubud are famous for unique bamboo and wooden crafts, furniture items, stone carvings etc. People from all around the world come here to study yoga and meditation. One of the most famous fun activity which tourists indulge themselves into when in Ubud is cycling through the rice fields. Bikes are easily available on rent. Also, people often take biking tour packages to explore the rice fields and other neighboring areas. Listed below are some of the places of interest in Ubud.
1. Monkey Forest - The Monkey Forest in Ubud is famous for its long tailed monkeys known as macaques. Apart from the monkeys, tourists also visit this forest to see the 3 sacred temples: Pura Dalem Agung, the Holy Bathing Temple and Pura Prajapati temple. It is believed that the monkeys here guard these temples from the evil spirits. Feeding these monkeys with bananas and watching them jump around the trees is real fun. You need to be cautious while feeding the monkeys especially when you are with kids.
2. Tegalaland Rice Terrace - The Tegalalang village located near Ubud is famous for its terraced rice fields lined up with fraying coconut trees which add to the beauty of the landscape. The picturesque village gives you ample opportunities for photography. Apart from the rice fields, the village is famous for its beautiful and colorful wood carvings of flowers, animals and other designs. You will find numerous shops on your way to the village selling these handicrafts at reasonable prices. Getting one for yourself as a souvenir can be a great idea.
3. Goa Gajah - These famous caves are another great tourist attractions in Ubud. Enlisted in the UNESCO World heritage sites, the Goa Gajah caves date back to the 11th century and have a scary entrance. These caves are considered to be sacred Hindu site because of close proximity to various Buddhist and Hindu temples. Inside the caves, there is a statue of Lord Ganesha and three Shivlingas.
Enjoy Sunset at the Tanah Lot
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Bali is the Tanah Lot and the Tanah Lot Temple (Pura Tanah Lot). Tanah Lot is a huge rock 3 acres in size which has been shaped up by the ocean waves over the years. The Tanah Lot temple sits on this magnificent rock. The best time to visit the Pura Tanah Lot is during sunset when the setting sun's rays fall on the temple and the beach waters. You will surely get awed with the beauty of this stunning view. Visiting the Tanah Lot temple on the full moon light can be a unique experience as you will get to see the true Balinese culture with people performing Balinese dances, offering special prayers in the temple and bathing in water containing fragrant frangipani flowers to have a healthy and youthful life.
Enjoy the Kecak Dance Performance at Uluwatu Temple
The cliff-hanging temple at Uluwatu is the other most famous tourist attraction in Bali. The temple is perched on the edge of a 70 metres high cliff with the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean at the bottom. You can take a walk around the cliff and enjoy the breathtaking views of the temple from different sides. Watching the Kecak Dance performance here with the backdrop of setting sun is the most priceless experience which one can have once at Uluwatu. If you are planning to visit this temple during day time, beware of the monkeys who can prove to be aggressive and can snatch away your belongings like camera and sunglasses.
Soak Yourself into the Serenity at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
One of the other must visit temple at Bali is the 'Pura Ulun Danu Bratan' or the temple by the lakeside. This picturesque temple is located on the shores of Lake Bratan which is the main source of irrigation for central Bali making the region very fertile. If you want to spend some quiet and relaxing time in Bali, then this temple is a perfect place to visit. You can spend here few hours feeling the peace and serenity of the surrounding lake and the misty mountains. The best view of the temple, lake and mountains can be observed during sunrise when the rays of the sun fall on the temple and the lake giving it a golden hue. The manicured gardens along the temple path add to the beauty of 'Pura Ulun Danu Bratan'.
Sight Dolphins at the Lovina Beach
Lovina is a beautiful black volcanic sand beach along the shores of the calm sea. The tranquil and laid back atmosphere here lets you explore the area at your own pace. Dolphin watching is the must do activity when you are at Lovina. Lots of boat trips are available during sunrise which is the best time to sight the lovely dolphins. When at Lovina, you can indulge yourself in various other activities listed below.
- Trek the steep hills along the North coast. The trekking trails take you through a series of beautiful waterfalls and coffee and vanilla plantations.
- Explore the surroundings of Lovina on a motorbike.
- Visit the Brahma Vihara Arama which is a charming Buddhist Monastery in the area.
- Watch a cock-fight that is a very popular local activity around Lovina.
- Take a dip in the Banjar Hot Springs naturally set amidst the lush green surroundings. These springs have high sulphur content that are believed to cure you from various skin ailments.
- Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul by taking a spa or a beach massage.
- Get yourself swimming, scuba diving or snorkelling experience in the clear waters along the beach.
Party all Night at the Kuta Beach
Kuta is the most famous beach and tourist destination at the Bali Islands. If you want to get a feel of the tropical atmosphere then do indulge in sunbathing combined with a beach side massage. If you like to get wet with the sea water, take a surfing experience. Apart from surfing, you can also have a swimming experience here but, before jumping into the sea right away, look for the red flags around that warn you of the danger zones.
Kuta is a perfect choice if you are a party lover and enjoy night life at the beach side. There are lots of pubs, discotheques and restaurants along the beach which come alive during night hours.
Witness the Sunrise from Top of Mount Batur at Kintamani
Mount Batur is a home to an active volcano at Bali and is a must visit tourist destination. Spectacular scenic views and the mesmerizing sunrise seen from the top of Mt. Batur is what draws tourists from all over the world. Trekking to the top of Mount Batur is a great adventurous experience that you can have when you are in Bali. On your way back, you can visit the Bali Agrotourism where you can see how Balinese coffee is made in a traditional way. Before climbing the volcano, hire a registered guide so that you stay in safety zones. One of the most unforgettable experience that you will have is enjoying the delicious breakfast of tea and eggs cooked in volcanic steam once you reach the top of Mount Batur.
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