Bali
Bali is full of unbelievably green rice terraces, dramatic volcanoes, ancient Hindu temples, spiritual vibes, traditional dances, and the friendliest people. Visit serene Ubud, Bali’s cultural capital, and spend a few days among the cafes, art galleries, and street vendors, losing yourself in the magic of this spectacular island.
Highlights
- Taman Ayun Temple
A temple whose name means "beautiful garden', the Taman Ayun Temple is known as one of the most attractive temples in Bali. This grand temple sits on the compound surrounded by lush, manicured gardens, a moat, fountains, canals, and ornate wooden gates. Located in the village of Mengwi, this UNESCO World Heritage site was constructed in 1634 to serve as the Royal family's temple of the Mengwi dynasty. The odalan of the Taman Ayun Temple occurs every 210 days. This religious ceremony spans several days and is the only time the third courtyard in the complex, jaba jero, is accessible.
- Ubud
The sprawling green town of Ubud sits in the uplands of central Bali. This quaint town is comprised of fourteen different villages, each run by its own committee. Ubud is popularly known as an arts and crafts hub and the cultural center of Bali. With a population of around 30,000, this town is home to vibrant rainforests, terraced rice paddies, and countless Hindu temples and shrines. Home to one of Bali's royal families, this cultural town is famous for its arts and crafts. Much of Ubud consists of artisans' workshops as well as art galleries. Some of the world's most well-known artisans have visited the area, and a handful have also worked here!
- Rice terraces
Although Bali is known for many things, nothing compares to its iconic rice terraces. The area surrounding Jatiluwih is home to some of Bali's most beautiful terraces, known worldwide for their exotic appearances. These rice fields are spread out over 1,400 acres below the Batukaru mountain range. The rice terraces here and throughout Bali are cared for and maintained by an irrigation system that allows rice harvests up to four times every year. The irrigation system, known as 'subak,' dates back to the 9th century and is still used today.
- Ulun Danu Temple
The Ulun Danu Lake Temple, also known as Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, is one of Bali's most iconic temples. The temple sits on a small island on the far shores of volcanic Bratan Lake, located over 3,900 feet above sea level, and is surrounded by lush gardens and towering mountains. Built in 1633, the temple is used for offerings and ceremonies dedicated to the Balinese water, lake, and river goddess Dewi Danu due to Bratan Lake's importance as a primary irrigation source in central Bali. With its serene atmosphere and unique architecture, Ulun Danu Temple is a must-see for those seeking an enchanting experience.
- Balinese cuisine
Balinese cuisine is one of the most significant parts of the island's cultural heritage. The country's food culture is based on tradition, spirituality, and a deep love and respect for nature. The traditional cuisine is full of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and exotic spices brought together through traditional cooking methods (and paired best with a glass of local rice wine or homemade hibiscus tea!) Whether you taste your way through a foodie tour, visit local markets for produce, or try your hand at cooking a meal beside locals, you will leave Bali with a better understanding of the ceremonial significance of food in the country's society.
A temple whose name means "beautiful garden', the Taman Ayun Temple is known as one of the most attractive temples in Bali. This grand temple sits on the compound surrounded by lush, manicured gardens, a moat, fountains, canals, and ornate wooden gates. Located in the village of Mengwi, this UNESCO World Heritage site was constructed in 1634 to serve as the Royal family's temple of the Mengwi dynasty. The odalan of the Taman Ayun Temple occurs every 210 days. This religious ceremony spans several days and is the only time the third courtyard in the complex, jaba jero, is accessible.
The sprawling green town of Ubud sits in the uplands of central Bali. This quaint town is comprised of fourteen different villages, each run by its own committee. Ubud is popularly known as an arts and crafts hub and the cultural center of Bali. With a population of around 30,000, this town is home to vibrant rainforests, terraced rice paddies, and countless Hindu temples and shrines. Home to one of Bali's royal families, this cultural town is famous for its arts and crafts. Much of Ubud consists of artisans' workshops as well as art galleries. Some of the world's most well-known artisans have visited the area, and a handful have also worked here!
Although Bali is known for many things, nothing compares to its iconic rice terraces. The area surrounding Jatiluwih is home to some of Bali's most beautiful terraces, known worldwide for their exotic appearances. These rice fields are spread out over 1,400 acres below the Batukaru mountain range. The rice terraces here and throughout Bali are cared for and maintained by an irrigation system that allows rice harvests up to four times every year. The irrigation system, known as 'subak,' dates back to the 9th century and is still used today.
The Ulun Danu Lake Temple, also known as Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, is one of Bali's most iconic temples. The temple sits on a small island on the far shores of volcanic Bratan Lake, located over 3,900 feet above sea level, and is surrounded by lush gardens and towering mountains. Built in 1633, the temple is used for offerings and ceremonies dedicated to the Balinese water, lake, and river goddess Dewi Danu due to Bratan Lake's importance as a primary irrigation source in central Bali. With its serene atmosphere and unique architecture, Ulun Danu Temple is a must-see for those seeking an enchanting experience.
Balinese cuisine is one of the most significant parts of the island's cultural heritage. The country's food culture is based on tradition, spirituality, and a deep love and respect for nature. The traditional cuisine is full of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and exotic spices brought together through traditional cooking methods (and paired best with a glass of local rice wine or homemade hibiscus tea!) Whether you taste your way through a foodie tour, visit local markets for produce, or try your hand at cooking a meal beside locals, you will leave Bali with a better understanding of the ceremonial significance of food in the country's society.Fast Facts
Already booked on one of our packages to Bali? See everything you need to know before you go.
| Overview | Capital: Denpasar |
| Entry requirements | Please see our Entry Requirements page. |
| Staying Healthy | Malaria According to the CDC, malaria is present in Indonesia, but not in the resort areas of Bali. |
| Weather | Bali's dry season occurs between April and October, with heat and humidity indexes still high. Monsoon season is between November and March with January and February being the wettest months. |
| Tipping | 10% in restaurants, Rp 500 per bag for porters |
| Money & Credit Cards | Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card while traveling. |
| Shopping | Shop for the Indonesian textile batik, gold, silver, leather crafts, baskets, cloth, porcelain, tin art objects, wood, ikat, masks, coffee, tea and honey. Be prepared to bargain for everything! Start low and expect to meet the seller at least halfway. Some of the best places in Bali to shop are the Ubud Art Market, Sukawati Art Market, Celuk Gold and Silversmiths, and the Tegallalang Handicrafts Center. |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | 127/230 volts. Plugs C, F, and G. A country-wide conversion to 230V is in progress, complete in principal cities. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
| Did you know? |
|
Tours & Packages
- Destinations: Bali
- including closed packages
Trip Reviews & Photos
We love hearing your stories and seeing your photos! Check out our entire fan photo gallery and upload your photos.