Bali is a tropical island in the Indian Ocean. The gentle sun, the sound of the ocean, palm trees, mountains, volcanoes, temples, exotic animals, outlandish fruits and soulful people make this place truly heavenly. Absolutely any person will find something to their liking here - both those who love outdoor activities and those who prefer to just lie on the beach.
Bali attracts surfers and endless parties, families with children, nature lovers and connoisseurs of beauty. There are several resort areas on the island:
- Kuta (suitable for young people, surfers and nightlife enthusiasts),
- Nusa Dua and Sanur (suitable for a relaxing holiday and recreation with children),
- Ubud (located in the center of the island among rice plantations, is considered the "cultural capital of the island", suitable for lovers of silence and delightful landscapes),
- Jimbaran (suitable for lovers of tranquility, luxury hotels and fish restaurants).
The island itself is very small and therefore, wherever you stay, all the sights will be within reach. What is so surprising about Bali?
Temple of Tanakh Lot
The temple was built in the 15th century. Located on a rock in the middle of the ocean. One can get to Tanakh Lot only at low tide, at other times it is not possible to get into the temple. A healing spring gushes at the foot of the cliff. The temple is especially beautiful at sunset.
Volcano Batur
The volcano is located in the northeast of the island. Not the tallest in Bali, just over 1,700 meters, but still active. As a result of the eruption of the volcano, a lake was formed and on its opposite shore, another volcano - Abang with a height of more than 2100 meters. At the edge of the volcano's caldera, there is an observation deck from which you can contemplate the endless expanses of Batura.
Lake Beratan and Pura Ulun Danu Temple
The lake and the temple are located in a picturesque place at the foot of the mountain, at an altitude of over 1200 meters above sea level. Lake Beratan is the main source of water for drinking and irrigation. Many legends are associated with this place. It is believed that the one who bathes in the sacred lake will be granted longevity and youth. The temple is located on a small island at the very shore of the lake and a small bridge leads to it. Around the lake with a temple complex, there is a wonderful park covering an area of more than 150 hectares.
Elephant park in Taro village
An elephant nursery is located not far from Ubud. Here you can see a fascinating show with the participation of these animals, ride through the jungle on mighty and very kind elephants, as well as treat little elephants with delicacies. Also on the territory of the nursery you can visit a cozy cafe and buy souvenirs.
Goa Lava Temple
Goa Lava is also called the Temple of the Bats. The temple is located at the entrance to the cave, which serves as a haven for a huge number of bats. No one has yet managed to fully explore Goa Lava, so every day there are more and more legends about this place. On the territory of the complex, you are asked to maintain maximum silence so as not to disturb the bats and not to disturb the monks.
Pura Uluwatu Temple
The temple is located in the southwest of the island. Built on the edge of a cliff, offering a breathtaking view of the vast expanses of the ocean. The temple itself may not be as good as, for example, Tanakh Lot, but the surrounding landscapes will not leave anyone indifferent. In the evenings in Uluwatu you can watch a performance - the Kecak Balinese dance, or as it is also called "monkey dance".
Pura Besakih Temple and Agung Volcano
The Pura Besakih temple is considered the main temple on the island of Bali - "Mother of all temples". The complex includes about 30 temples, and all of them are located on the active sacred volcano Agung. The height of the volcano is over 3000 meters. The Balinese believe that the gods and souls of their deified ancestors dwell here. The peak of the volcano is often hidden by dense clouds, but as soon as the sun appears, all the power and greatness of Agung is revealed to your gaze. All villages, courtyards and temples on the island are oriented towards the sacred mountain. This place attracts not only crowds of tourists, but also an endless number of scammers and beggars, be careful.
Monkey Forest Monkey Forest and Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest
Monkey Forest is located in Ubud village. The forest covers a large area, there are many paths, benches, sculptures depicting both monkeys and a variety of outlandish creatures. Also in the park there is a temple, a monkey cemetery and a small river. There are many monkeys here, they have long been accustomed to visitors and are not at all afraid of them. When visiting the monkey forest, be careful! Some individuals are very aggressive, most of the monkeys are not averse to profit from something. Move your glasses, telephones, and hold your camera tighter.
There is another monkey forest in Bali called Alas Kedaton. It is smaller in size than Monkey Forest, but no less interesting. The forest is located in the western part of the island among the jungle and rice fields. The monkeys are more friendly here, although care must be taken here too. “Alas Kedaton” is also attractive by the fact that “flying foxes” live on its territory, both wild and those that have been tamed.
Git-Git waterfall
The Git-Git waterfall is located in the north of the island, near the city of Singaraja. By the way, in the town of Singaraja there is a hotel "Melka", where you can enjoy spa treatments, massage, and you can also swim in the pool with dolphins. But back to the waterfall. Git-Git is located in a very picturesque place, adjacent to the jungle and rice terraces. It reaches a height of more than 40 meters, is considered one of the highest on the island and has several levels. You can swim in the waterfall. The water here is clean and fresh. Like all waterfalls, Git-Git is considered a sacred place. But Git Git is not the only waterfall in Bali that deserves attention - there is also Tegenungan, Nung Nung, Munduk, Aling Aling, Sekupmul and others. One is not like the other, small and large, calm and stormy, singles and groups. Absolutely everyone is admirable.
Ubud
Ubud is located in the center of the island. It is called the "cultural capital". Most of the city consists of workshops, galleries and museums. Here you will find many shops where you can admire bamboo, silver and gold, wood and stone carvings, paintings. During the day, on the streets of Ubud, you can witness Balinese ceremonies, and in the evening, no less exciting shows with a Balinese flavor. The city is also full of caffeine and restaurants, where you can admire the endless jungle and rice terraces with a cup of tea.
Zoo and Bird and Reptile Park
The Bali Zoo was opened in 2002. It is located in the southeast of the island and has a large territory. The zoo features over 350 species of rare animals and birds. Where necessary, animals are fenced off from visitors by glass or a moat with water, in other cases, birds and animals can be approached at arm's length. The entire territory of the park is covered with tropical forest, there is a stream, a pond and a waterfall. There is also a cafe and souvenir shops.
Close to the zoo there is another place where you can get to know the representatives of the animal world closely - the Bird and Reptile Park. More than 250 bird species are collected in the park. We are especially proud of the albino peacocks, talking parrots and cassowaries. There are also reptiles - giant monitor lizards from Komodo Island, turtles, crocodiles, lizards and snakes. The territory of the park covers an area of about 2 hectares with a lot of greenery, flowers, ponds and places for recreation. Here you can feed the birds, take a picture with an iguana, buy your favorite souvenirs, or just walk in the park and enjoy nature.
Tirtaganga water palace
Tirtaganga is a water palace located 70 km from Denpasar. The palace has three levels. At the lowest level there is a fountain and a carp pond, and on the middle level there are many swimming pools where you can swim. At the highest level - the palace of the descendants of the rajah, ponds, a restaurant and guest houses. At all levels, an endless number of sculptures covered with moss from time to time, which gives this place a special flavor. The park is very well maintained, with a lot of greenery and flowers. In 1963, Tirtaganga was badly damaged by the eruption of the Agung volcano, in 1981 the park and palace were completely restored.
GWK National Park
The park is located in a picturesque place in the canyon of the Bukit Peninsula. There are gardens, lotus ponds, an exhibition complex, a street theater, gorges and hills. At the top of the hill is a huge statue of Vishnu. This is only part of the monument that is still being built - in the future it will be the largest sculpture dedicated to this deity. Colorful performances are held in the park every day. In the evenings, you can see a show - the Kecak national dance. The park often hosts concerts of world stars and just parties. At GWK you can get acquainted with the work of local artists and even take part in the creation of a masterpiece.
There are many more amazing and delightful places in Bali. If you decide to visit it, be sure to get to know it better. You will remember it for a long time for its amazing nature, tranquility, endless expanses of the ocean, culture, fish restaurants, coffee plantations, massage, tropical fruits, shops of local craftsmen and hospitality. You will find everything in Bali!
