The island of Bali is such an ocean. Open left menu bali

30.03.2020

When going on vacation to distant Indonesia, be sure to spend a few days on the island of Bali: discover the mysterious beauty of the art of batik and enjoy the spectacle of theatrical mass dances Kecak and Barong Kris.

Affordable prices for holidays in Bali

If vacation time is approaching, and you still can’t decide where to go on vacation, choose a tour to Bali island: getting to know the unique culture of Indonesia will not leave any tourist indifferent, and in addition to souvenirs, you will be left with vivid impressions and a sea of positive emotions.

So, if you are captivated by a distant Indonesia Bali will be a great start to a trip around the archipelago. The Island of the Gods (as Bali is called) has a length of about 100 kilometers and is located near Singapore (to the south) and Java (a little to the east) and an hour's flight from Jakarta.

The magic of Bali

Blue lagoons with crystal clean water, surrounded by the greenery of the tropical jungle, will seem like Eden for tourists. Such beauty simply cannot be expressed in words, but if you look at photo of Bali island, then make sure it's real paradise.

Arriving at Bali vacation you are provided with the most varied. Must visit main temple Kingdom of Mengwi - Taman Ayun, the majestic Ulun Danu Temple, which is located on Lake Bratan. Thrill-seekers can admire the majesty of the Batur volcano, in the crater of which is located Botanical Garden.

In addition, when you find yourself in Indonesia, you can’t help but go see Balinese dances, which are entire theatrical performances. The theme for the dances is the eternal theme of the struggle between good and evil; for example, the Kecak dance shows a scene from the epic poem Ramayana (Dewi Shinta, kidnapped by the villain Rahwana, is tried to be rescued by a group of monkeys led by Hanoman); about 150 performers in national costumes create a unique spectacle at sunset at the Uluwatu Temple.

Another popular dance is Barong Kris: a mythical animal fights an evil witch; the dance captivates the audience with its riot of colors and dynamic movements. Such a spectacle will be equally interesting for both adults and children, so if you come to holidays in Bali with children, have no doubt: they will also enjoy this trip.

Affordable prices for holidays in Bali, Indonesia

Arrival at Bali island vacation It will seem like a real holiday if you choose one of the paradise beaches, where you can not only sunbathe in the sun, lying on the white warm sand, but also go diving or surfing, you certainly won’t be bored.

In addition, the island has a completely unique climate, and instead of four seasons, there are only two: dry (from June to October) and wet holiday season in Bali(from November to March). Therefore, lovers of summer heat are guaranteed a wonderful beach holiday in Bali in summer and autumn, and those who like to walk barefoot on wet asphalt during warm “blind” rains will have a wonderful vacation in winter and early spring.

So, going to get acquainted with the spices of Indonesian cuisine and the art of batik, you can book a trip to one of the most popular resorts: Sanur, Benoa, Kandy Dasa, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Ubud or Lovina - an unforgettable adventure awaits you at any of them.

Tours to Bali

Route: O. Bali - o. Java - oh. Flores - oh. Komodo - o. Bali.

A combined tour of the islands of Indonesia from the tour operator “Our People” is all the most interesting things in one trip. In two weeks you can visit four islands, visit the Balinese village of Ubud, ride in jeeps to the Merapi volcano on the island of Java, enjoy the splendor of Flores Island - the “Cape of Flowers” and meet the last dinosaurs on Earth - the Komodo Dragons. After exciting visits to the sights of the Indonesian islands, a week of relaxation awaits you on the snow-white beaches of Bali.

We invite you to an exciting combined journey through magical island Bali, during which you will find legendary Balinese dances, ancient temples, spices and the azure sea. First, you'll spend 4 days in atmospheric and ancient Ubud, famous for its spa complexes and jewelry galleries, and then you'll have a week of relaxation on the picturesque Balinese coast.

10 nights in Bali and 2 nights in Singapore in the most best hotels with impeccable service - this is a great way to do new year holidays a bright and memorable event. The pristine nature of the island, its snow-white beaches, the turquoise expanse of the Indian Ocean and the local population professing the joy of every minute of life will create an atmosphere of calm and relaxation.

We invite you to spend your holiday on the beautiful island of Bali! It will greet you with magnificent white sand beaches, tropical forests and majestic volcanoes, as well as blue lagoons with crystal clear waters, surrounded by the greenery of tropical jungles. Holidays in Bali are like a wonderful dream, where the whole landscape evokes bliss and relaxation: spreading palm trees leaning towards the clear turquoise waters, velvet sands, picturesque bays, as if they came to life from the pages of glossy magazines.

Cruise route. Indonesia: Bali, Java. Malaysia: Kuching, Kota Kinabalu. Brunei: Bandar Seri Begawan. Philippines: Puerto Princesa, El Nido. China: Hong Kong. Singapore.

From beautiful island Bali to futuristic Hong Kong... We invite you on a big cruise, during which you will visit six countries at once - Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, China and the Philippines. A trip on a comfortable yacht Le Laperouse will allow you to see all the jewels South-East Asia without neglecting comfort.

The Bulgari Resort 5* hotel offers a magical holiday at a luxurious spa resort. The exquisite design of the spa harmoniously combines the sophistication of modern Italian design and the traditions of Bali. The spa complex is located in a secluded location on a high beach, offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Complete isolation from the bustle of the city allows you to create a charming world of calm and harmony, which we invite you to visit.

We offer you the “Spiritual Journey” program from the health center of the Bagus Jati Health & Wellbeing Retreat 4* hotel, which is located on the island of Bali, near the resort of Ubud. The course includes meditation, Ayurvedic healing, various types of spa massage, yoga classes, cleansing rituals and famous Balinese spiritual practices. Accommodation and three meals a day are included in the cost of the program!

Bulgari Bali Resort 5* is a luxury hotel on the island of Bali, with a magnificent view of the Indian Ocean. In addition to the fact that the resort has excellent infrastructure designed for luxury holidays, it boasts an abundance of truly romantic corners. This is what makes it a great place for weddings and honeymoons. In addition, in 2015 the hotel offers the “Wedding at Villa Bulgari” package, which includes a wedding ceremony and accommodation in a luxurious villa of 1300 square meters. m, as well as other mandatory elements of the celebration. If desired, you can order various Additional services- from the wedding dinner with entertainment program before a professional photo shoot.

The island of Bali is one of the most romantic places on Earth. That is why many lovers strive to hold their wedding ceremony here, surrounded by the azure waters of the ocean and lush tropical gardens. The Bulgari Bali Resort 5* hotel offers you a special package of services, which includes a wedding on the water with festive decorations and music, as well as two nights of accommodation in a beautiful villa overlooking the ocean. If desired, you can order various additional services - from a wedding dinner with entertainment to a professional photo shoot.

If you are a fan of active recreation, then this offer is for you! The Bali Adrenaline package includes rafting, jeep safaris, diving in Nusa Penida, jungle quad bike or buggy rides, and a trip to Mount Batur. In addition, you get a free visit to the aquamedical pool at the Thalassotherapy Center and a seafood dinner on Jimbaran Beach!

In a luxurious villa, in a cozy chapel, on a snow-white beach by the ocean or on the mirror surface of a picturesque lake - you can choose any option for one of the most unforgettable days of your life. We invite you to have an unforgettable wedding ceremony at the five-star Bulgari Resort 5* hotel. Depending on the chosen ceremony option, you can invite from 12 to 90 guests.

Exotic beaches, wild jungles and rafting attract you? Then you will like it leisure in mysterious and attractive Indonesia! We invite you to an exciting tour of the resorts of the island of Bali, during which you will explore ancient temples, raft down a mountain river, master extreme sports on the picturesque coast and just have a good rest by the ocean.

Tour route: Bali island - Flores island - Bidadari island - Kanawa island - Flying fox island - Flores island - Komodo island - Flores island - Bali island - Java island - Bali island.

The magnificent beaches and Buddhist temples of Bali, prehistoric dragons and the amazing pink beach of Komodo, the flight of a million fruit bats under the sunset sky of the Flying Fox Island, the opportunity to see giant stingrays, the ancient pearls of Java and snorkeling off the island of Bidadari - all this awaits you in amazing Indonesia!

We invite you to go on an exciting diving tour on a speed boat, in just 30-40 minutes you will find yourself on the islands close to Bali... You will visit islands such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan (Nusa Ceningan) and them extraordinary beauty beaches. You will also enjoy snorkeling and see pristine corals and colorful fish.

Dense jungles and black sand beaches, mysterious ancient cults and hospitable Papuans, delicious exotic cuisine and untouched jungles... All this awaits you in Southeast Asia, which is so attractive for travelers! We invite you to an exciting tour of the Indonesian islands - Java, Sulawesi and Papua. You will get acquainted with the life and culture of local peoples, see the legendary Borobudur stupa, learn about the frightening cults of the Toraja mountain inhabitants, visit the Papuan festival and buy inexpensive but very beautiful souvenirs from local craftsmen.

We bring to your attention the “Detox” program from the health center of the Bagus Jati Health & Wellbeing Retreat 4* hotel, which includes procedures for removing toxins conducted by a specialist doctor, various types of massage, body masks, wraps, acupuncture sessions, yoga classes, meditation and much more! Accommodation, meals according to the program and treatment session are included in the tour price!

We bring to your attention the “New Start” spa program of the health center of the Bagus Jati Health & Wellbeing Retreat 4* hotel, which is located on the island of Bali, near the resort of Ubud. The course includes various types of massage to choose from (restorative, Balinese, Javanese, anti-cellulite), face and body masks with natural ingredients, yoga classes, cooking lessons and much more! Accommodation and meals are included in the cost of the program!

We bring to your attention a weight loss program at the Thalasso Bali center, which will help normalize metabolism, improve lymph flow, remove toxins, increase the overall tone of the body and, ultimately, get rid of excess weight. Every day you will receive a welcome drink, consultation with a specialist, a treatment according to the program (lymphatic drainage or thermo-effective massage, seaweed wrap or chocolate-honey mask), and then green tea in the Spa Café.

Spa treatment program in health center of the Bagus Jati Health & Wellbeing Retreat 4* hotel is focused on rejuvenation and healing of the body. The course includes various types of massage, masks made from natural ingredients, milk-floral and herbal baths and other treatments for the face, body and hair. Accommodation, meals (half board) and yoga classes are also included in the tour price.

The best place to celebrate a wedding. The wedding chapel and the Cloud Nine honeymoon villa are located right on the hotel's beach. The high quality service and personal care of each of our staff will make your St Regis wedding an unforgettable experience.

Faraway Indonesia is considered the world's largest archipelago state. It consists of almost 18 thousand islands of varying sizes, and only a third of them will welcome travelers, because the rest are completely uninhabited.

In Indonesia, located far from civilization, megacities coexist peacefully with tiny villages, and green jungles and active volcanoes, extraordinary clear water and its stunning beaches have long attracted tourists from all over the globe.

Heaven on earth

The island of Bali, the most popular and visited, seems to have embodied every person's dream of paradise on earth. Ideal resort and a real center of all kinds of entertainment has long been considered one of the best holiday destinations. Amazing combination picturesque nature, original culture, mysterious historical monuments attract tourists to enjoy the unique landscapes.

Fantastically beautiful (Indonesia), detailed information about which will help all travelers planning to visit the picturesque place for the first time - a long-developed tourist territory.

Located south of the equator, it is recognized as the most beautiful place in the world. The “Island of the Gods”, always flooded with sunshine, welcomes tourists all year round.

Where is Bali: map of Indonesia

The symbol of Indonesia, located between Australia and India, is washed (from the north) and Indian Ocean(from South). An evergreen natural masterpiece, formed as a result of volcanic activity, neighbors two islands of a huge archipelago - Java and Lombok.

A tourist pearl with Hindu traditions and rituals, standing out against the backdrop of Muslim Indonesia, it surprises with a memorable fairy-tale atmosphere.

The capital of Bali: what is it called? Jakarta and Denpasar

In the south of the tropical island there is a cultural and political center - the city of Denpasar, which has been the capital since 1958 and is an incredible mix of European, Chinese and Javanese culture. Unfortunately, it is not one of the most popular tourist spots.

This may be why it is often confused with the capital of Indonesia, the most populous city in Southeast Asia. Located a few kilometers from exotic Bali, the capital Jakarta, which many mistakenly believe to be the administrative center of a popular resort, is located on the neighboring island of Java. The largest, with a population of ten million, is officially a province with the status of a capital.

So, cozy and small Denpasar is the center of Bali. The capital of which country is Jakarta, we figured it out, and now there will be no confusion.

Modern airport

Denpasar - lively city, which is listed in many guidebooks as being of little interest to tourists. However, it is not. And I want to tell you more about the friendly administrative center"islands of a thousand temples"

Where does the trip to begin? wonderful place, where the capital Ngurah Rai is located, located 13 kilometers from Denpasar, welcomes all arriving foreigners. It is known for its very developed infrastructure, because this is what the tourist flow to the pearl of Indonesia depends on. Harbour Air bears the name of a national Indonesian hero who died in the struggle for the country's independence.

The airport, whose terminals handle more than six million people a year, has been expanded several times, increasing the length of the landing strips.

A city underrated by tourists

The capital Bali is the most Big city an island underrated by travelers. For local residents, this place evokes special memories of the events that took place in 1906, when the city was captured by the Dutch.

To avoid being captured, the supreme ruler, his entire family and even his servants committed suicide, and now Denpasar is a real cult place for all Balinese who remember their history. On main square Puputan erected a monument to perpetuate this tragic event and personify the disobedience of the ancestors to the conquerors.

It is surprising that the small city does not have clear boundaries, and sometimes tourists do not understand where the capital of Bali begins and ends.

Organization of an attractive route for tourists

The city administration, concerned about the unattractiveness of Denpasar for tourists, began work on organizing a new route that could open all the unknown attractions of the capital. Main city The green island has luxury hotels and inexpensive hostels, allowing travelers of any income to relax.

Tourists who spend the bulk of their holidays on snow-white beaches, unfortunately, are not interested in the historical and cultural monuments of Denpasar. Many luxurious royal palaces, which not only foreigners, but also Indonesians would like to see, are privately owned, and negotiations are still underway with their owners.

Problems of an original city

Translated, the name of the capital means “near the market”, and it perfectly reflects the realities original city. Only here there is a huge number of large and small markets, souvenir shops and shopping centers offering a wide variety of goods, from jewelry to cars and building materials.

The capital of the island of Bali, despite the active development that has begun, still remains a provincial town in which there are not enough parking spaces, and tourist buses they cannot drive through its narrow streets. In addition, the lack of sidewalks jeopardizes safe movement from one attraction to another, so the administration recommends using mopeds or cars.

The bustling city with chaotic traffic is just trying to take a leading position among tourist spots, but even now it boasts unusual attractions.

Bali Island Museum

At the previously mentioned Puputan Square - the historical center of the capital - there is interesting museum Bali, built by the Dutch so that no relic would be stolen or forgotten. Consisting of four pavilions reflecting national architecture, it shows visitors ancient artifacts, talking about ancient history and the culture of the colorful island.

Here you can admire the beauty of funerary sarcophagi, learn a lot about religious rituals and view unique collections of antiquities for which the capital of Bali is famous. Indonesia is proud of its historical rarities, which tell about the life of the indigenous population and are of great interest not only to tourists, but also to local residents who revere traditions and remember the difficult history of their native island.

Temple complexes

Adjacent to museum complex The main temple of the capital - Jagatnata - was built in 1953. In a structure made of white coral, open to visitors of all religious faiths, memorable ceremonies are held dedicated to the main god of the island. In the architecture of the temple, visible from afar, the builders used mythological images from the Ramayana, and the state building itself rests on a giant sculpture of a turtle, reflecting the religious views of the islanders.

The Maospahit Temple, whose name comes from the name of a powerful Balinese deity, did not reach descendants in its original form due to an earthquake that occurred at the beginning of the last century. The red brick religious building is the oldest of its kind. historical monument. For the remainder ancient temple you can admire it from the outside because it is closed to visitors.

St Joseph's Church

Good-natured Balinese, respectful of other religions, helped build catholic church. The complex, built near Denpasar, belongs to the parish of St. Joseph. The external decoration of the beautiful building is covered with palm branches, and above the powerful door of the temple there are angels floating in the air.

Cultural capital of Bali

Talking about the heart picturesque island, one cannot fail to mention Ubud - a serene city famous for its concentration of art museums and art galleries. The home of creative people is ideal for those who are looking for solitude and dream of combining relaxing holiday with exploring cultural attractions.

Located far from the ocean and called the cultural capital, it is of no interest to all adherents beach holiday. People come here to take a break from noisy cities to feel unity with the amazing nature of Bali.

Treatment of body and soul

The cultural capital of Bali, famous for its wellness treatments, not only restores the body, but also heals the soul. Energy practices take place here, for which thousands of people in need flock here. Yoga, meditation, tantric systems of self-improvement create a special atmosphere that calms the mind.

People come to Ubud for treatment from local healers - healers. Predicting fate along the lines on the hand and working with the human body, eliminating diseases at the energy level, they affect the chakras and aura. Everyone who has been rejected by traditional medicine and those who are curious about such practices come to them.

Nature reserve

It is impossible to be in Ubud and not visit the monkey sanctuary. Adults and children flock to Monkey Forest to feed playful macaques in a natural, cage-free environment. In a spacious forest with centuries-old trees, there live more than three hundred monkeys who feel great and are not always friendly to visitors.

When walking, you need to be attentive to things, because mischievous wild animals love to snatch handbags and cameras from visitors when the opportunity arises.

City heritage

The friendly and hospitable city of Denpasar awaits curious tourists, who will not be indifferent to local attractions. The capital of Bali is distinguished by excellent service with low prices for services, unique cuisine, and equipped beaches located near the hotels.

The heritage of a city with a difficult fate deserves to be seen by as many tourists as possible.

How to get there?

Resorts of Bali

On southwest of the island Kuta

Legian

Canggu

Jimbaran

Uluwatu

Southeast coast Nusa Dua. This resort is suitable for those who are not used to counting money and prefer to relax in style. Nusa Dua – luxury resort a populated area where everything is organized so that vacationers leave as much of their money as possible. There's a beautiful white and clean beach and a calm ocean with clear water. Distinctive feature resort area, and also an important factor influencing the formation of prices, is the lack of houses of local residents, i.e. there are only hotels, inns, villas, mansions, etc. for vacationers and tourists. In addition to a variety of small shops, the resort has excellent shopping mall– Gallery center, where a variety of boutiques are concentrated, best restaurants and numerous retail outlets with luxury goods. The place is ideal for families to relax: peace, quiet, various entertainments at hotels, cuisine of different nations in restaurants, as well as a yacht pier.

How to get to Bali?

Bali can only be reached by air. The only question is which route each tourist will choose: a direct flight or with a transfer. Many people (especially surfers) do not want to arrange a trip through a travel agency, but plan to get there on their own. From Moscow you can do this in the following ways:

direct flight from the capital of Russia to the capital of Bali – Denpasar. This method is the simplest and most convenient. The flight time will take about 12.5 hours, after which you will lie on the beach and enjoy the beauty of the coast. Through travel company such a ticket will cost about $1,500, and buying it yourself will cost $500 cheaper, but there is a significant drawback: the ticket may go on sale shortly before departure, which is completely unacceptable for many tourists. Another unpleasant point is that such flights operate only during the high season, so if you choose rainy season, fly with transfers;
The undoubted advantage of a flight with one or two transfers is the opportunity to save money, since a ticket will cost from $600. You can select flights based on the time you spend on the road, the location of your stop, and their number. The minimum time needed for travel is about 16 hours, the maximum is more than 2 days. It is this factor that is fundamental in the formation of value;
A mixed flight involves flying from Moscow to one of the neighboring countries (Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore), and then booking a cheap Asian flight to Bali. Since communication between Asian countries is frequent and well-established, there will be no problems. You will be able to plan your flight so that it is comfortable for you and not particularly long, and the time waiting for your connecting flight will not be a burden to you. The cost of such a round trip flight starts from $500.

There is only one airport on the island - Ngurah Rai - and it accepts international flights, so there is no need to make additional land or water crossings.

Resorts of Bali

On southwest of the island concentrated resorts with the best and most expensive hotels, excellent service and a lot of entertainment venues. Mostly wealthy people or those who decided to spend their holidays spending a good amount of money relax here. On this coast, the most famous resort, especially among young people and party-goers, is the resort of Kuta in Bali. Here life is in full swing and seeths all day long. If you decide to stay and relax here, then you won’t have any problems with housing: you can choose here from quite cheap and budget hotels to luxurious 5-star complexes. The main segment of hotels is still represented at the 3-4 star level. As for the pricing policy, the cost of goods and services here will not hit your pocket. Surfers quite often choose Kuta as a vacation spot, regardless of skill level. Beginners can attend classes at one of the local surf schools, while more experienced ones can master the board on their own. The main distinguishing features of the resort are snow-white sandy beaches, small but very good for surfers, waves, and the absence of rocks and reefs. In Kuta there is interesting hotel– “Hard Rock Hotel”, which is located in the central part of the city. This hotel is distinguished not only by its stylish design, but is also the place where a large number of concerts of famous world groups take place.

Kuta resort

Not far from the never-silent Kuta (distance about 2 kilometers) there is another resort town - Legian in Bali. It is not much different from its neighbor, but still the water here is more transparent, the shore is calm, and the music does not play at full volume. There are also fewer surfers here. The cost of housing is affordable for every tourist, and the accommodation option in the far part of the town will be ideal for those who like active and nighttime recreation, but prefer to sleep in silence.

About 13 kilometers by road (or 5 kilometers along the beach) from Kuta there is a very small and not yet very developed resort area – Canggu. This resort is not Big City, but a small village with all the ensuing flavor. Around it are green rice fields on terraces, beautiful gardens, rocky beaches and other beauties. It is always calm, fresh and practically free of annoying tourists. Not far from bustling Kuta, this place can become a real paradise. Despite the weak development of tourism in this place, there are still several good restaurants and hotels where you can stay for a very reasonable price.

Jimbaran– this is an elite resort not for the middle class, since most of The hotels here are in the “5 star” category, and the food and drinks in restaurants, bars and cafes are an order of magnitude higher than those offered for similar goods and services in Kuta or another resort.

Uluwatu- This the best place for surfers who want to meet fewer annoying tourists on the shore. The waves here are amazing and sometimes you can even catch 8-meter ones. If you are not a surfer, then you won’t have much to do here, since the infrastructure is still underdeveloped, the number and quality of hotels is not impressive, but this is compensated for beautiful nature Bukit Peninsula and a large number of temples.

Uluwatu Temple on the slope

Southeast coast You can begin to describe Bali from the same Bukit Peninsula, the resort Nusa Dua.

This resort is suitable for those who are not used to counting money and prefer to relax in style. Nusa Dua is an elite resort town, where everything is organized so that vacationers leave as much of their money as possible. There is a beautiful white and clean beach and a calm ocean with clear water. A distinctive feature of the resort area, as well as an important factor influencing the formation of prices, is the absence of houses of local residents, i.e. there are only hotels, inns, villas, mansions, etc. for vacationers and tourists. In addition to a variety of small shops, the resort has an excellent shopping center - the Gallery Center, where a variety of boutiques, the best restaurants and numerous retail outlets with luxury goods are concentrated. The place is ideal for families to relax: peace, quiet, various entertainment in hotels, cuisine of different nations in restaurants, as well as a yacht pier.

Nusa Dua Resort

Sanur is the resort from which Bali began its ascent to the top of the tourism business. Today this place bears the proud status of the quietest resort town. The beach here stretches for about 7 kilometers and is considered one of the cleanest on the island.

Sanur is suitable for a relaxing holiday with small children or for those who have already crossed the retirement age line. The resort is recognized as a center aquatic species entertainment, in particular diving.

Beaches

Uluwatu Beach is located in the resort of the same name locality. This is a fairly small section of the coast, located between the rocks. During high tide, its territory is almost completely hidden under water. Due to the fact that this beach often has very high waves, and in general the sea is not very calm, there are a lot of surfers here. The beach infrastructure is well developed: many shops, cafes, as well as centers for renting surfing equipment.

Kuta beach is most popular among Russian-speaking tourists. There is absolutely everything here: bars, restaurants, cafes, surfing, numerous nightclubs and great diving opportunities. Near the shore you can get hit on the head by beginner surfers with a board, but if you come here to get on the board yourself, then the place is ideal.

Sights and excursions

Of course, many of the sights and beauties of the island can be explored on your own, but there are also those that are best visited with Russian speaking guide, since no one else can tell you the history, legends, beliefs and traditions of certain places.

In Ubud it would be a good idea to visit Royal Palace, which is located near the main road of the town.

Here you can see traditional island dances. Also pay attention to the Monkey Forest. It can be reached on foot from the city center. This is a real kingdom of monkeys, where they behave as they please.

Don't take shiny things with you and hide your camera, as monkeys always take what they like. In the center of the forest there is a real cemetery for primates with tombstones where the names and dates of death of the animals are engraved.

The list presented is not exhaustive. In Bali there are a lot of temple complexes, beaches, parks (parrots, reptiles), settlements offering various types of craftsmanship and skills, as well as other attractions and excursion programs. The prices for everything are quite affordable, so you simply must see at least those beauties that are located near your resort.

There are several dozen beaches in Bali. Some of them are popular, others are considered “secret”, that is, little known among tourists. There are almost no “paradise” beaches. Those who like to lie on a sun lounger with a cocktail in their hands, occasionally venturing into the calm surface of the ocean, will have a hard time.

One of the most popular is the beach - a youth party resort in Bali. This is a real mecca for surfers. Constant waves, the absence of corals at the bottom and developed infrastructure have turned Kuta Beach into the most densely populated vacation spot on the island. After Kuta, Seminyak beach begins. Everything here is almost the same as at the neighboring beach, but more “respectable”. The waves are constant, but not so strong. You can rent a sun lounger, an umbrella and have a snack in local cafes. Those who do not consider themselves surfers and come to Bali for relaxation should pay attention to the beach in. The ocean is much calmer here. The ebb and flow of the tides are not noticeable. The beach is covered with the purest white sand. This area is home to novice surfers and just swimming enthusiasts. Another calm beach on the island is Sanur. White sand, crystal blue water, no waves all year round... What more do you need for lazy rest and good diving?

Hotels

There are a lot of hotels in Bali. These include well-known global chains and affordable guesthouses with amenities on the same floor. And given that many people come to Bali to live, renting villas and bungalows is common on the island. It is by settling for a month or more in a real Balinese house that you can feel the life of the island and plunge into the colorful and unique way of life of the local population. The cost of bungalows and villas on the island is low, such housing is especially beneficial for companies of 4 or more people.

Most of the hotels in Bali have 4 and 5 stars. As a rule, these are low-rise (building buildings taller than palm trees is prohibited by law), neat residential buildings with a garden and a swimming pool. The service here is good, the staff is polite and helpful. Tipping is not accepted. At the same time, Bali has one of the highest hotel fees in the world - 21%. It is either already included in the room price, or is paid by tourists separately. It is better to clarify this question immediately when booking a hotel.

Attractions

Tanah Lot Temple is often depicted on postcards from Bali. Its name translates as “Land and Sea”, and it is located right on a steep cliff. It is believed that the temple was built by one priest in the 15th century, who lived here alone, and feeling that the place was sacred, he ordered the temple to be built here. The place is very exotic and atmospheric.

Besakih Temple is another one favorite place tourists. For the Balinese, this is the holy of holies. The temple is located on the most revered Mount Agung, the abode of all gods. They pray on the mountain and even go to bed with their heads facing it. Besakih Temple is called the mother of all temples on the island. It is also the largest religious complex in Bali. Here you can see how sacred rituals and ceremonies of offering to the gods take place. When you come here, you understand how devout the Balinese are and how much their faith means to them.

The Bedugul area is home to the magnificent Bali Botanical Garden. A place that captivates with its beauty. There are often fogs here, and the garden is surrounded by huge strawberry plantations. On 57 and a half hectares of the slope of Mount Pohon, there are about 650 species of trees, 400 species of orchids, 104 species of cacti, as well as bamboo, roses and much more. There are about two thousand different plants in total. When planning a tour to Bali with children, add the botanical garden to your list of must-see places. Little ones can run around barefoot here while parents relax on the grass and watch the wedding ceremonies of Balinese couples.

The water palaces of Ujung and Tirta Ganga are some of the most beautiful structures on the island. They were built by the last Raja of Bali - Karangasem, using Dutch architects. It turned out not only beautiful, but also useful. Palace complexes serve as an irrigation basin for the surrounding fields. Arriving here, you will see magnificent ensembles of water labyrinths, fountains and palace buildings of extraordinary architecture.

It’s worth a trip to the village of Butulan to see how the very same stone statues that are found everywhere in Bali are created. Images of gods and ordinary people guard houses and temples, and greet you at the entrance to shops and beaches. They all come from Butulan, the center of stone carving. Craftsmen here work tirelessly, creating more and more mythological characters. Any statue can be bought.

To see how rice grows in Bali, you need to go to the Ubud area. The famous Tegallalang Rice Terraces are located here. Rice grows very quickly, in 3 months, so the appearance of the local landscapes is constantly changing. First, the undulating terraces on the hillsides are filled with water, then green shoots emerge from the water. Soon the plantations turn entirely emerald, and when harvest time comes, the fields take on a golden hue. Interestingly, even after harvesting the rice, there is still something to see on the terraces. The Balinese bring domestic ducks here to eat the remaining grains. The spectacle is very interesting.

Kitchen

Bali has a unique cuisine, but almost all tourists like it. The dishes are not spicy, as in Thailand, and the Balinese also use a lot of seasonings. The famous combination of 8 spices is used: coriander, cumin, cloves, white and black pepper, nutmeg, candle nut and sesame. All dishes are based on rice and, unlike other provinces of Indonesia where Islam is practiced, in Bali they eat pork.

To get acquainted with Balinese national cuisine, we recommend trying the famous Babi Guling dish. This is suckling pig, which is marinated in herbs for a long time, and then roasted on a spit for several hours. Meat is served with vegetables and sauce. Advice: if you decide to try Babi Guling, go to the cafe before lunch. The piglets are cooked in the morning, and after they are finished, the cafes (warungs) close.

Another national dish of Bali is betutu. It takes at least 24 hours to prepare. Chicken or duck is marinated, then fried and stewed with spices. The most tender betuta is served with rice and a special sauce made from coconut oil, onions and chili peppers.

For dessert you can try martabak. Simply put, it is a thick pancake filled with chocolate, bananas and nuts. The most pleasant way to enjoy the dish is to wash it down with traditional hot tea or coffee.

Souvenirs

There are a lot of craftsmen in Bali. They pass on their crafts from generation to generation, whole villages and even cities doing a certain thing. Going to the villages of Mas and Kemenuh, you will find a huge number of wood carving workshops. The Balinese make both figurines and furniture from wood. Moreover, it is so skillful that if you buy a wooden souvenir as a souvenir, you will admire the talent of the master for a long time.

The small village of Cheluk in Bali is famous for its jewelry production. It is called the silver heart of the island. Silver products are created here in a unique national style. Those interested are also shown the process of making rings and earrings. Jewelry in Bali is of very good quality and is inexpensive.

An excellent souvenir would be batik, which is skillfully created in the city of Gianyar. There are as many as 40 fabric factories here. Craftswomen apply designs on cotton fabric with special paint. Balinese batik patterns are recognizable: usually they are colored national ornaments, as well as mythological characters and gods.

It is also common to bring healthy food from Bali. Spirulina algae, goji berries, chia seeds and black rice - there is plenty of this on the island. Superfood is inexpensive, so you can buy it for yourself or as a gift. You can complete your shopping in Bali with organic cosmetics, buying natural oils, soaps, Ayurvedic creams and shampoos, as well as toothpastes and much more. It is based on natural ingredients that have been used in Bali for hundreds of years: honey, cinnamon, ginger, sandalwood, jasmine and aloe. Cunning merchants claim that all miracle jars are charged with longevity and prosperity.

The island of Bali is the epitome of tropical perfection, tranquility and a fabulous holiday. An island of mountains and volcanoes, jungles and temples, palm trees and endless sandy beaches, waves and coral reefs. Millions of tourists from all over the world raid here every year, greedily inhaling the air of wanderings and adventures, conquering the waves and depths of the sea.

This island is far from the largest in Indonesia (it is usually classified as a small island), but it is definitely one of the most famous in the whole world.

Bali on the map

Geographic coordinates - -8.361280, 115.163996
The dimensions of Bali are as follows: from west to east about 150 kilometers, and from north to south about 80. Its area is 5780 km 2
The island belongs to the Lesser Sunda Islands of the Malay Archipelago. Bali is located between the majestic island of Java (on the left of Bali) and the island of Lombok on the right. By the way, Lombok is almost equal in area to the island of Bali.

The incredibly beautiful and colorfully crazy island of Bali is filled with a huge number of attractions. And these are not only original and ancient temples, of which, according to some sources, there are up to 20 thousand. It is not without reason that it is also called “the island of a thousand temples,” although, probably, it should have been called “the island of THOUSAND temples.” Officially, there are 6,000 temples on the island, but together with home or family temples there are already about 20,000. This is also amazing nature, dense, sometimes impenetrable tropical jungle and diverse wildlife.

Nature of Bali

There are 4 types of forests perfectly coexisting on the island. The western part is dominated by classic evergreen (no, not coniferous) tropical forests. In hard-to-reach places in the northwestern part there are deciduous forests. As you can imagine, the leaves from the trees in these forests periodically fall. There are also savannah forests, and finally, mountain forests grow in the highlands (as a rule, their altitude does not exceed 1500 meters above sea level).

The vegetation in Bali is extremely rich. Banana palms, which are considered sacred here, have grown throughout the island and provide food for numerous monkeys, bats and even squirrels. Giant bamboo trees (although according to the biological classification it is a grass) up to 35 meters high and a trunk up to 40 cm thick. Fig (emphasis on the first syllable) and banana groves are common on the island. A large number of representatives of the ficus family. And there are countless types of palm trees, including coconut palms, traditional for the tropics.

In Bali you can find an interesting Sapodilla plant. Its bark is used to produce natural latex, which is used in the manufacture of chewing gum.

Beautiful orchids and yellow magnolias decorate the greenery of the island with their flowers.
The fauna matches the plant world. There are several hundred species of birds alone. There are also many monkeys, flying dogs and bats in Bali. Incredibly beautiful butterflies amaze with their colors. Coastal waters are abundantly populated with tropical species of fish, shellfish and corals.

It is worth noting that the island is also rich in inanimate nature. There are as many as 2 volcanoes here, both of which are considered active. These are Gunung Agung at 3142 meters high and Gunung Batur 1717 meters above sea level. They are located in the northeast of the island. By the way, these volcanoes erupted quite recently, in 1963, causing numerous casualties. After this, some local residents were forced to leave the island.

Climate of Bali

There is no traditional division of the year into seasons. No winter, no summer. It is customary to distinguish only two seasons. The dry season lasts from June to October, and the wet season (or rainy season) lasts from November to March. Usually during the wet season the amount of rainfall increases and the weather can be very changeable. Although in some areas of the island this division is almost invisible. We can safely say that Bali is the island of eternal summer. Even during the rainy season, almost every day you can see the sun, warming this amazing corner of the planet with its rays.

The island's proximity to the equator determines its almost constant warm climate. The average annual temperature is approximately 26 o C. True, it can be cooler in the mountains. The water temperature in the ocean is 26-28 o C, which is very, very comfortable. But the humidity here is always high, which is typical for tropical islands.

Residents of the island

The local population is the real attraction of Bali. The bulk of modern Balinese are descendants of Indians. India was once a prosperous kingdom that controlled both the islands of Java and Bali.
The island is now inhabited by approximately 4.3 million people. The language on the island is Balinese, but it is more of a dialect official language Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesia (or simply Indonesian, since “Bahasa” is translated as “language”).

An interesting fact is that Bali is a Hindu society located on the territory of a Muslim state. The religious movement here is called Agama Hindu Dharma, this is the Balinese version of Hinduism. The Indian god Shiva is highly revered.

Locals They are very respectful and proud of their customs and traditions. An interesting symbiosis of ancient traditions and achievements of the 21st century is clearly visible on the island of Bali. Beautiful modern hotels coexist with centuries-old temples. Often the architecture of hotels is closely intertwined with the local whimsical style. Therefore, on the island you can find hotels that resemble Balinese palaces and temples or, for example, similar to local colorful villages with houses under thatched roofs.

For believers, hotels provide chapels. As a rule, many hotels encourage Balinese celebrations on their premises. Local musicians and dancers are invited for this purpose. This is not only entertainment for tourists, but also the popularization of traditional Balinese culture.

Despite numerous tourists and various modern innovations, the local culture of the Balinese is only blooming. This is largely due to the fact that part of the income from tourism is invested in the improvement of temples. Moreover, every year various festivals and ceremonies are held on the island, becoming more colorful and varied, which, in turn, awakens even more interest in Bali.

Do not think that the Balinese are illiterate natives who can only entertain tourists. They are a very developed and hardworking people. Do you know that there is no concept of “artist” in the local language? Art here is a common phenomenon among the Balinese. Music, dancing, the creation of sculptures and paintings are a natural and, one might say, everyday part of local culture and life.

Craftsmen and farmers use both ancient knowledge and modern technologies in their activities. Moreover, both of them (and indeed all Balinese) simply must be able to sing and dance. Local residents know a lot about beauty and its creation. Now in Bali there are many souvenir shops and stalls where you can buy crafts from Balinese craftsmen and quite modern things.

Sights of Bali

That's it, there are a great many attractions on the island. Numerous Hindu temples built in the middle of the last millennium, many of which are still in operation. Religious services and ceremonies are held there. High and active volcanoes. And in general, the island of Bali is one continuous attraction.

In particular, it is worth visiting (or as it is also called the Earth Temple). Just remember – the road to the temple is only accessible during low tide. Tanakh Lot is one of the seven water temples around the island. It is generally accepted that the collection of these temples protects the island from evil forces.

If you like cheerful and carefree monkeys, then you should definitely look into the Monkey Forest. Don’t be alarmed, this is not a dense unexplored jungle, but a kind of park located in the city of Ubud. Here monkeys live in their natural environment. They are fed by park rangers and tourists. But be careful, animals may rip off your jewelry or steal your phone. Well, if they don’t like you at all, if you provoke or tease them, then the monkeys can easily bite you. Be careful.

Well, the Monkey Forest is behind us, now we are heading to. This temple is located near a cave inhabited by a myriad of bats (they are highly revered on the island). In the evenings, this gigantic horde flies out of the cave and grabs unwary tourists and goes on a night hunt. Tourists often come here precisely to look at this.

These are just some of the attractions of Bali.

Tourist activities

The island of Bali, quite recently, literally at the beginning of the 20th century, was a pristine tropical paradise, practically inaccessible to tourists. But gradually he entered the world tourism podium.

In the 20-30s of the twentieth century, the island began to be explored, and already in the 60-70s, strings of “flower children” hippies reached the southern part. For these crazy citizens, the island of Bali has become a kind of Mecca. Then the hippie movement faded away, and the island’s fame, on the contrary, “went uphill.” And now it is one of the most famous, rated and attractive resorts in the world.

Now on the island there is a large number of different hotels (more than 5,500), capable of satisfying both capricious tourists and unpretentious travelers. They are located, as a rule, on the coast, and have different star ratings.

In any case, there are many different hotels on the island to suit every taste and budget. There are plenty to choose from.

Entertainment in Bali

In addition to the usual entertainment for tourists, diving and surfing are very developed in Bali.

The island is surrounded by a large number of coral reefs. It's naturally simple ideal conditions both for diving and for simple diving with a mask and fins (usually called snorkeling).

The purity of the ocean combined with the graceful beauty of the corals create an amazing and unique underwater world. Multi-colored small fish quickly maneuver among the reefs. A school of silver tuna swirls into a huge, sparkling tornado.

Life is also seething on the surface. Four-meter waves are a magnet for surfers. Riding the wave of Bali is one of the cherished goals of any surfer.

You can surf on the island all year round, but the optimal time for professionals is from March to October. It is at this time that the waves in the ocean grow above 4 meters, and crowds of experienced surfers rush to conquer them.

But there is a place on the planet where incredibly desperate surfers try to conquer the biggest waves. These are the famous waves in Portugal. They rise to a height of 30 meters and can surprise the most experienced traveler

During the rainy season, when the waves are smaller, they are already stormed by novice surfers.

Surfing is one of the main specializations of the Balinese. A large number of special shops for surfers and various schools for teaching this elegant, but extreme art, publicly and secretly push tourists to “master the board.”

Thousands of people with surfboards under their arms are normal in Bali. Best beaches surfing spots are mainly found in the southern part of the island. Although you can catch waves along its entire coast.

It is no secret that competitions in this exotic sport have been held in Bali for decades.

But that's not all. Tourists can watch incredible buffalo races. Bloody cockfights are also held in Bali. Although they are considered illegal, they are often included in some ceremonies and holidays.

And again, we must not forget that the island of Bali is, first of all, unique geographical, ethnographic and simply cultural site of our planet. Luxurious hotels and local villages in the surrounding area, modern resorts and ancient temples, high volcanoes and stunning beaches. This is all Bali.

But Bali also has a significant drawback.

The biggest disadvantage of Bali

And now we want to tell you about one huge disadvantage of the island. This is an annoying and sad thing, but you should know about it. It's very difficult, but you have to accept it. So - the biggest drawback of the island of Bali is that... you will never be able to explore, absorb all its uniqueness, be surprised by all the diversity of the island, enjoy all its enchanting beauties and visit all the beaches and see all the sights within one (and perhaps even and more than one) tour.

Of course, a few lines above are just a lyrical digression, but still, unfortunately, all these events will take much more time. Well, this is a very good reason to return to Bali again.

It is recommended to wear a swimsuit only on the beach and hotel grounds
It is highly undesirable to sunbathe topless or even naked
for distribution or use of drugs the death penalty, but you can safely buy hallucinogenic mushrooms
Balinese eat using only their right hand. The left is considered unclean or defiled. Local residents never use it to send and receive things and objects. It is not customary to wave this hand
Here it is not customary to kiss in public places
in Bali to this day there is a division of people into castes. There are 4 of them. Shudras - the poorest and largest caste, Brahmins - temple servants, Kshatriyas - military and civil servants, Vaisyas - merchants. The last 3 castes are considered privileged, all the nobility belong to them
Polygamy is allowed on the island. You can have up to 4 wives, and consent for the second and subsequent wives must be obtained from the first wife
Multi-colored umbrellas are very common in Bali. They are believed to be protection from evil forces. Usually the colors of umbrellas correspond to certain castes
officially here 230 holidays, so festivals and ceremonial processions along city streets are a common occurrence
Marriage is a very important step for the Balinese. The wife must go to live in her husband's house. A family must have children. Only in this case will the Balinese be able to take part in religious ceremonies and rituals. If a divorce suddenly happens, the woman returns to her parents' house and has the right to take only her personal belongings. Children usually stay with their father. In Bali they are considered to belong to a man
The burial ceremony on the island is quite incomprehensible to Europeans. The fact is that in Bali people are cremated (in other words, burned). But this procedure is very expensive, so they try to cremate people in groups, thereby dividing the costs among several families. And until the required number of deceased is collected, they are temporarily buried in the ground. They are then dug up and cremated. Moreover, this ceremony takes place with noise and fun.
Ordinary water is especially revered on the island of Bali. In ancient times, the religion of the island was called Agama Tirta, which translated means “religion of sacred water.” Water is believed to have creative and cleansing powers.