Bali: Close to Heaven, Down to Earth

Tasnia Mozammel
Feb 2, 2023
4 min read

Updated: Mar 20, 2023

Bali, known as the most evocative and sought-after 'Paradise' destination, offers an unforgettable Indonesian island experience. From luscious green rice terraces to a unique sense of spirituality to exploration of the underwater world and silky blue coasts - Bali rewards the curious and adventurous!

This post entails a Bali guide and my experiences exploring some of Bali's internationally famed traveller hubs including Ubud and Nusa Penida, enviable insta-worthy sites, and the island's remarkable underwater surroundings. Bali is a memorable and worthy destination where the outstanding landscapes, activities, culture, and people exceed expectations!

BEFORE YOU GO:

1. Where to Stay. The top places for travellers to stay in Bali include Ubud, Kuta, and Nusa Dua - each offering a unique experience. Where Ubud offers accommodations in the buzzing centre of arts and culture surrounded by the greens of rice terraces, Kuta (a bustling beachfront) and Nusa Dua (a quieter upscale resort area) offer beachside island vibes! We stayed at the Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali, situated in Kuta.

2. Check the Weather. The best time to travel to Bali is between October to April as it tends to be cooler. We went during January and were blessed with a combination of rain, sun, and sea breeze! But it's pivotal to plan your adventures according to an estimated forecast, especially if visiting during a typical monsoon season.

3. Don't forget your camera!

Ubud

Ubud, situated in the scenic uplands of Bali, features the island's most famous landscapes. The town centres traditional Balinese crafts and dance, an abundance of temples, and Ubud Palace, surrounded by vibrant greens of jungles, paddy fields, and rice terraces. Ubud tours can be booked via GetYourGuide, TripGuru, or with local drivers on-site.

Barong & Keris Dance

Bali is not only blessed with fascinating landscapes and glistening beaches! The Indonesian island, known as the 'Island of Gods,' also comprises well-preserved traditions and culture that are depicted in a famous Balinese Barong and Keris Dance, highlighting specifically the daily life of locals, spirituality, and ritual ceremonies.

Ubud Monkey Forest

Ubud Monkey Forest is a must-visit attraction in Bali for a unique experience to get close to the mangy little creatures - a sanctuary and natural habitat of Balinese long-tailed macaques. There are about 1260 monkeys who roam around their natural oasis filled with ancient trees, stunning temples, and rivers!

But! Actually follow the rules (don't speak to or touch the monkeys, or tell them to stop tugging on your bag) to avoid getting bitten like me 😒. And if you do, simply visit the First Aid Centre. The monkeys are vaccinated and receive visits from millions of tourists each year, many of whom get bitten and are very much alive and well. So, there's not much to worry about, as according to the Sanctuary Representatives.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Tegalalang Rice Terraces, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is most well-known by international travellers for its extraordinary scenic lookouts over the beautifully arranged paddies following the Balinese irrigation system. The quiet and relaxing atmosphere also offers unmissable activities for adventure seekers including the jungle swing and zip lining.

Where rice terraces meet powerful waterfalls - a true charm of the Green...

Ubud Palace

Ubud Palace, located in the centre of Ubud and adjacent to the Monkey Forest and Ubud Market, is beautifully crafted and high in authentic value. A great place to wander around while in the area.

Ubud Market

Ubud Market and Ubud Art Market are located directly in Ubud centre. The organized chaos of the hippie village offers streets of stalls selling traditional items from hand-woven bags to silk scarves and batik clothing. A great place to bargain for local crafts and souvenirs!

Nusa Penida

Calling all tropical sun-loving souls – Nusa Penida awaits! This charming island nestled in the waters between Bali and Lombok has slowly but surely become a favourite with travellers for its beautiful beaches, rugged coastlines, and relaxed way of life. We booked our tour with GetYourGuide and the local provider, TripGuru, entailing visits to Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong, and snorkelling stops including Manta Bay, Crystal Bay, Wall Point, and Mangrove Point. The tour exceeded our expectations!

Close to heaven, down to earth...

A Nusa Penida Snorkelling Series: Manta Bay & Crystal Bay

Nusa Penida not only houses picturesque beaches, but is also home to fascinating marine life, offering excellent snorkelling opportunities to swim with vibrant fish, magnificent manta rays up to 3.5 feet large, turtles, and more!

Nusa Dua: Something From Above & Below

Nusa Dua, as mentioned previously, is a quieter upscale beach resort area situated in Bali's southern peninsula. Although known as the island's most luxurious location for its world-class integrated hotels, restaurants, and beaches, Nusa Dua also offers a variety of unmissable watersport activities including snorkelling, parasailing, and a unique and immersive deep sea walk!

From Above: A Parasailing Experience

Admire the aerial views and soar above the glistening Indian Ocean...

From Below: A Deep Sea Walk

In this extraordinary approach to diving, the Sea Walker enabled us to experience the wonders of the underwater world by foot! There was no need for swimming experience as we came face to face with Bali's stunning and exotic sea life whilst breathing the same as we do on the surface.

A Quick Swim with Nusa Dua Fishies

Of course, I also had to take the opportunity to jump off the boat for a quick swim with my brilliant fish friends and exploration of Bali's crystal clear waters!

My kind of playground...

Kuta Beach

Kuta is a bustling touristic southwestern beach area popular for its beachfront, sea view hotels, shops, nightlife, and restaurants.

Kuta Beachwalk Shopping Mall

Kuta Beachwalk Shopping Mall is a chic open-air complex outlooking Kuta Beach and comprising international chain stores as well as a central water garden, restaurants, and a viewpoint terrace!

Kuta Art Market

Kuta Art Market as well as shops and stalls along the same street offer a wonderfully eclectic shopping scene comprising unique souvenirs and craft items to take home.

Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu Temple is a Hindu sea temple on the most southern end of Bali renowned for its magnificent location on top of a cliff about 70 meters above the blue waves. The site is also popular for its scenic sunsets and a mesmerizing native Kecak dance with traditional costumes and swirling flames.

Other things to do in Ubud:

1. Relax at Cretya Ubud by Alas Harum

2. Watch the Sunset at Pura Tanah Lot

3. Discover Gilli Islands & Bali's Marine Life

GALLERY:

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