How to make the most out of Bali
Bali is the most popular & iconic destination in Indonesia. The primary source of revenue is generated by the tourism industry. Businesses like hotels & resorts, travel agencies and agents are fueled by tourism.
Besides accounting for the majority of the province’s economy, Tourism has helped in the growth of more advanced artisans. It also restored some of the ancient celebrations and rituals that had been lost to time. Bali has a multitude of popular wonders, both on land and underwater. The curious are drawn to rice terraces, cliffs, beaches, islands, wildlife, caves, oceans, and marine life. All of these factors together helped Bali become one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.
Secret Beaches
Bali’s southern beaches are the finest for extended periods of white sand relaxation. The big waves and steady sea temperature of about 30 degrees make this stretch perfect for surfers who come here to ride and to experience the waves from dawn to dusk.
While it’s still a popular resort close to the airport, Seminyak is much loved by Bali’s southern beaches for its cooler air and fewer crowds. However, going south along the coast to the Bukit Peninsula, which juts out from Bali’s southernmost tip, is rarely explored.
Bali’s coastline can be categorized in two types: crashing surf beaches and volcanic sand. If you know where to look, you will find sheltered white-sand coves surrounded by azure waters along Bukit’s coastline.
Small fishing villages scatter the coastline, and conventional side-awning boats ply the waters. Temples stand guard over the sea, which the Balinese fear and avoid going by.
North West Coast – Marine Life
Besides that, the north west coast offers fantastic snorkelling opportunities. Around Menjangan Island is part of the Bali Barat National Park, which occupies the north-west of Bali, it is the home to some of the greatest coral reefs, wreck diving, and tropical fish, including manta rays.
Golden beaches and more wildlife, such as the turtles who have made the park their home, come with this gradual shift in place. It is highly recommended to swim with them.
North of Bali – Life & Wildlife
Contrarily to the south, the north of Bali’s intensity of life and climate are significantly different. It’s calm and breezing, and it begs to be explored on a bicycle or on foot. Along the way, you’ll come across villages where there’s almost always a festival or some kind of gathering going on.
People in Bali are out and about at all hours of the day, so you become immersed in daily life as it passes you by. While the father of the house is up in a tree harvesting coconuts for wine, the children will invite you to play football.
The Bali Barat National Park is a blend of grassland and coastal savannah on the island of Bali. It is home to the Javan Rusa, a deer native to three Indonesian islands, as well as the Indian Muntjac deer and more than 160 species of birds. And there are macaque monkeys everywhere, sometimes creeping down to grab sunglasses from unaware citizens.
Bali Neighboring Islands
The islands that surround Bali are content to stay out of the spotlight and remain relatively unexplored. The beaches are arguably higher, and snorkelling is some of the best you’ll find. Bali’s ideal vacation still includes a week on Lombok, which you can use as a base for your day trips to other islands.
Despite their proximity, the cultures of Bali and Lombok are vastly different. Bali is accustomed to large crowds of visitors and has adapted to meet their needs. However, Lombok is a religiously conservative island, and Westerners are still rare in the villages. Expect to be treated as if you’re a minor celebrity, particularly by the kids.
You’re almost certain to see turtles if you spend a day cruising around the Gili Islands, which are three tiny dots of jungle covered with pearly white sand just off Lombok’s north-west coast.
Paying Respects in Bali Temple
In addition to the temples in each village, every family in Bali has a temple in their home. Balinese temples are elegant and decorated with gold leaf, while Balinese homes are plain. In the mornings, the household would make an offering of rice and possibly mango or something similar on a banana leaf.
Visiting the temples is the highlight of a trip to Bali because of the island’s deep reverence. The fact that they are perched atop cliffs and volcanoes adds to the suspense.
The most highlighted is the Tanah Lot temple, which is located on an outcropping on the south coast near Kerambitan. To get there at high tide, you’ll need to take a ferry, but at low tide, you can easily walk over a causeway from the mainland. You’ll be given traditional clothing to wear when you arrive, and you’ll be able to make an offering yourself.
When to Visit Bali
The best months to visit Bali are usually May, June, and July. Even so, because of the climate in the north, which is more arid and covered by the volcanoes, it can be a great place to visit in February.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a vacation to Bali, I strongly urge you to explore outside of the western resorts and establishments. Always make an effort to communicate with the locals. Take a road trip to find some waterfalls. It’s a lovely island, and it’s up to us to give back to the people, to participate in their culture, and not to take advantage of it.
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