Beaches. Which ones are better

Bali is one of the most popular destinations in Indonesia, where tourists from all over the world fly throughout the year. Despite the fact that it is not the largest island in the Malay archipelago, Bali has managed to become a world tourism center over the course of several decades.

People come here for high waves for surfing, for yoga practices, for gorgeous nature and the best views of the sunset, for parties on the beaches and for the unique culture that the locals cherish. Everyone finds something different on the island.

Bali is called the “island of a thousand temples,” so lovers of antiquities will not be bored here either. In addition to numerous temples, the island is replete with many more natural and cultural attractions: palaces, museums, parks and zoos.

You can learn more about the flora and fauna of Bali in Barat National Park or by diving to the bottom of the sea with equipment from one of the island’s diving centers.

Bali is located almost on the equator, so it enjoys all the benefits of the tropical islands. Here you can always taste the ripest fruits and see real exotics on the counter.

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Rare medicinal plants grow on the island, which are used in natural cosmetics. You can feel their healing effects in any spa. A tourist with almost any budget can afford a massage for a nominal fee.

Every day, Balinese fishermen return with tons of their catch, which they then sell in local markets. It is considered a crime to leave the island and not try the delicacies of sea creatures.

In addition, Bali has a well-developed hotel infrastructure. Here you can stay either in the most expensive five-star hotel or in a cheap hostel. Also, many tourists like to rent entire villas by the sea or overlooking the rice terraces.

The only disadvantages of a holiday in Bali include the high cost of plane tickets and a large number of tourists.

How to get there

An airplane is the only way to get from Russia to Bali. Since 2018, this has become much easier to do, thanks to the emergence of direct flights from Sheremetyevo. In addition, the island has long become one of the most popular destinations for mass tourism, so during the high season or New Year holidays you can easily find many options for offers from tour operators, which include charter flights.

Flight to Bali

Bali is a relatively small island, so there is one international airport, Ngurah Rai. It is located in its southern part, 12 kilometers from the capital Denpasar.

From here, the easiest way to get to the nearby areas of Kuta and Jimbaran is by bus or taxi. There are also major highways nearby, which provide convenient access to the resorts of Nusa Dua and Sanur.

From Moscow to Bali

The history of the island is full of tragic events. Who hasn't conquered it? Nevertheless, the people inhabiting Bali now remain smiling and friendly. They still respect religion and national traditions.

Golden age

The island remained independent until the 12th century, until it was conquered by King Kertanegara of Java. His reign was short-lived.

After his death in 1292, his son Vijaya came to power, during whose reign the “golden age” of Bali began. This period is marked by a sharp leap in spiritual development. Many of the island's temples were built at this time.

But everything changed dramatically after the arrival of Europeans, who were only interested in trade and financial gain, and not in cultural experience.

Dutch colony

At the end of the 19th century, Holland decided to found the East India Company in Bali. Despite the stubborn resistance of the Balinese, the Europeans pursued a fairly tough colonial policy and subjugated one area after another. Only the south of the island remains adamant.

Then in 1906, the Dutch landed in Sanur to storm the palace of the Badung kingdom. However, they met no resistance there. A huge crowd in white robes, led by a priest, walked towards them. Not reaching a hundred meters from the armed soldiers, the priest stuck a dagger into his chest. He was followed by all the other participants in the procession, including children and women. The proud Balinese did not want to die in an unequal battle, so they committed mass suicide.

Struggle for independence

The world community and even Holland itself condemned the behavior of its army. Authority was lost. The period of Dutch dominance ended in 1942 when Japan occupied the island during World War II. The Japanese occupation continued until the surrender in 1945. All this time, the Balinese waged a guerrilla war and fought against repression.

In 1949, Bali gained its long-awaited independence.

The new government began to attract large foreign investors who built the entire tourism infrastructure here. We now know Bali as one of the best holiday destinations on the planet.

Climate and weather in Bali

Bali is located slightly south of the equator, so the climate here is equatorial-monsoon. This means that the island is hot and humid throughout the year. There are no four seasons that are familiar to us here. Instead, there are only two seasons: wet and dry.

Therefore, depending on the climatic conditions, you should choose the time for your vacation in Bali. The wet season is more suitable for a relaxed holiday without crowds of tourists and surfing on high waves. The dry season is for those who like to sunbathe on the beaches and travel on bikes to the mountainous areas of the island.

The wet season in Bali lasts from October to April, and maximum rainfall occurs in the second half of January and February.

During these months, the temperature during the day rises above +30˚С and does not fall below +25˚С at night. At the same time, the humidity remains very high, about 80%. But even if it’s cloudy outside, you shouldn’t forget about sunscreen to avoid getting sunburned.

When planning your trip at this time, it is worth considering some tourism features. For example, the weather during the New Year holidays is quite moderate. Therefore, a large number of people go to the island to celebrate the New Year.

But after the holidays, the flow of tourists decreases significantly due to tropical downpours, which entails a reduction in prices for hotel accommodation and air travel. Life in Bali is becoming more relaxed. The wet season is mostly chosen by surfers, as the sea warms up to its maximum during these months, and the winds create high waves on the west and east coasts.

The dry season on the island lasts from May to September. The peak influx of tourists occurs from July to September.

It is these months that most tourists prefer to choose for their holidays in Bali. The air temperature during the day stays around +30˚С. Humidity is low and comfortable for most people.

Rains are very rare and occur mainly at night. Daylight hours last almost 9 hours, which allows you to explore all the sights of the island as much as possible.

When it comes to surfing, the best waves can be found on the beaches of the west coast.

Transport

In Bali, in addition to having a great time soaking up the snow-white sand by the ocean, it would be nice to get to know the island itself - with its nature, culture and attractions. To do this, you need to get around on something, which, in general, is not a big problem in Bali - you can choose a kind of analogue of the Russian minibus called bemo, and special shuttle buses, and simple taxis, as well as rent a car with a driver or without it, to drive yourself.

You can read more about transport on this Indonesian island in a special material « Transport in Bali: how to get around the paradise island? » .

Districts and cities of Bali

Bali is one of the provinces of Indonesia. It is in turn divided into seven kabupaten: Badung, Buleleng, Bangli, Denpasar, Gianyar, Jembrana and Karangasem.

In addition to its territory, it includes the two nearby islands of Penida and Lembongan - the municipality of Klunkung.

Bali is unevenly populated. Conventionally, it can be divided into four parts according to the cardinal directions.

If you choose between them, where to stay, then you need to take into account their features:

• South of the island- the most densely populated part. There is an international airport and large tourist centers, which are always bustling with life and many tourists.
• North of the island and him central part Fewer visitors choose it, although everything they need for a vacation is there.
• IN western part People go to the islands for an authentic atmosphere. This area is mainly inhabited by locals and tourists who have settled for long periods of time.
• It is better to look for peace and quiet at east of the island.

The areas of the island that are popular with tourists are mainly concentrated in the south of the island. But there are also several villages in the north and center of Bali that attract travelers like a magnet.

Ubud

Some buildings stand on tiny islands connected to the land by narrow bridges.

Due to the distance from other attractions, significantly fewer tourists come to Ulun Danu than to other temples.

Or the bat cave. Goa Lawah is built a hundred meters from the sea surrounded by jungle.

In the 11th century, it was erected from black volcanic rocks and decorated with gold painting.

The place is not for the faint of heart, because huge bats live inside. Although for the Balinese the temple represents the balance of natural forces, and the animals themselves are sacred.

The subspecies of mice found in Bali is called flying foxes or dogs. These winged creatures feed on fruit, so every evening believers bring them fresh fruit as offerings.

Work on its construction was completed in 1946 at the site where fresh water sources came to the surface. The customer was Raja Anak Ketut.

17 years later, a terrible eruption of the Agunga volcano occurred with a series of earthquakes that almost completely destroyed buildings and destroyed plants in the gardens. For a long time, there were not enough funds for restoration work and the palace stood in disrepair.

However, now it has been reconstructed and opened to tourists. The palace complex includes ponds, baths, fountains and a garden and park area.

In one of the pools there is a winding path made of stone slabs, along which visitors can see large multi-colored carp.

Natural attractions of Bali

The island has many natural attractions that will outshine any man-made structure in their beauty. In addition, some of them can be visited completely free of charge.

Located in the eastern part of the island. Local residents consider it a sacred place. According to their beliefs, the axis of the Universe passes through it.

His last activity was noticed in 2017. Then evacuation work was carried out in Bali.

Despite this, escorted tourist groups can climb to the top of the volcano.

When climbing, you must strictly adhere to special routes.

50 kilometers from Agung there is another active volcano of smaller size.

At the foot of Batur is the world's largest crater lake with the same name.

Despite the activity of the volcano, generations of peasants continue to live around it, cultivating the fertile lands.

It is allowed to climb to the upper crater of the volcano only with guides along marked paths. The ascent starts from the village of Kintamani.

The natural park is located northeast of Denpasar. The trip there will take no more than 40 minutes.

On two hectares of land there are over 250 species of birds from tropical forests from the nearby islands, as well as from South America and Africa.

Most of them live in fenced enclosures, but in the center of the park there is an area for communication with parrots, which are completely tame.

To entertain tourists, the park hosts shows with birds. You can also take pictures with them and feed them.

In addition to birds, large reptiles live here: crocodiles, pythons, turtles, monitor lizards and iguanas.

This is the area around three major temples in the vicinity of Ubud. Most tourists visit the forest to see monkeys in their natural environment.

The area is considered a protected area, and causing any harm to sacred animals is strictly prohibited.

In turn, the local monkeys brazenly take advantage of this. Tourists often get their sunglasses or even bags torn off. It is possible to return your items only by exchanging the item for some fruit.

If you only have time to visit one waterfall in Bali, then feel free to choose Sekumpul. The most spectacular of all on this island.

He falls down from the height of a 25-story building. It has several streams that greatly increase in size during the rainy season. Interestingly, they feed from different sources, so at times one of them turns brown, while the second remains transparent.

Getting to the waterfall is not so easy. Perhaps this is why large excursion buses with tourists do not come here. Entrance to the territory is paid. There are two trails leading from the parking lot. One leads to observation platforms from which a panoramic view opens, and the other leads to its base.

In general, even unprepared tourists can walk here. The only thing you need to do is be careful around wet areas and steep steps.

Where to go in Bali

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Things to do in Bali

Bali is a paradise for absolutely different types of people. It doesn’t matter whether a tourist is coming for a thrill or looking for a quiet, deserted place to be alone with himself. There are activities for every taste on the island.

Surfing in Bali

Bali is one of the best places in the world for surfing. Many tourists come here specifically to stand on a board for the first time in their lives. On large beaches with strong currents there will always be a free coach, fortunately there are a lot of surf schools here.

You can also easily take all the necessary equipment and learn how to use it. Experienced athletes advise starting with Kuta Beach, and then trying yourself in more difficult conditions.

More suitable for surfers with an average level of skiing and professionals:

It is located near the village of Pecatu in Bukit. There are no dangerous rocks at the bottom here, but there are big waves.

Located very close to Bingin. Its small strip of sand is completely compensated by the quality of the waves. In addition, entry into the sea is convenient, which makes it possible here not only for boarding, but also for regular swimming.

Mostly surfers gather here. You can get there by following the signs towards the western part of the Bukit Peninsula. The landmark is the Badung area. It differs from others in its mixture of black and light sand, privacy and powerful waves.

Almost 10 kilometers of black sand. A favorite place for surfers. A calm sea is extremely rare here, so people come here mainly to sunbathe.

Canggu has the necessary amenities, but no nightlife. Along the sea line there are luxury villas and several luxury hotels.

Located on the west coast of Bukit. It is very popular, so just say the name Uluwatu Blue Point and you will be immediately directed to the right address. It received its second name due to the bright blue color of the water. This beach has excellent skiing conditions throughout the year.

Yoga in Bali

There are a huge number of different yoga schools in Bali. Some of them can be lived in 24 hours a day. People come from all over the world to practice here.

Classes are almost always held outdoors in the most beautiful places. The minimum cost for a lesson starts at $10.

As a rule, students avoid the noisy southern resorts and go to the center of the island in Ubud. Those who do not want to travel far from the sea find schools in the quieter villages of Bukit, Jimbaran, Sanur or Canggu.

Festivals

The Balinese love holidays. Basically, most of them are related to religion. A major festival is held in March Nyepi. This is the beginning of the New Year according to the Balinese calendar. But they celebrate it completely differently than Europeans. For exactly 24 hours, local residents do not go outside and turn off all the lights in the house. They believe that if the entire island becomes quiet, evil spirits will bypass it.

After Nyepi ends, the time comes Festival of Kisses, when every kiss from a stranger takes on healing properties. During these few days, almost everything on the island is closed, which causes inconvenience for tourists.

Bali starts at the beginning of summer Arts Festival. It lasts for a whole month. In parallel, there are smaller festivals of Indonesian culture.

Beaches of Bali

Bali's beaches vary greatly. From the color of the sand to the ability to swim in the sea.

On the southern coast there are mainly golden sandy beaches, on the western coast there are beaches with black volcanic sand. There is even the only snow-white beach - on the eastern tip of Bali.

One of the most famous in Bali. It is sandy and gently sloping, which is quite rare on the island, so people like to come here to sunbathe on sun loungers. And because of the strong waves and currents, it is popular among surfers and windsurfers.

Another sandy beach where people sunbathe and swim in the sea. It is so close to the airport that you can watch planes landing on the runway from it.

Expensive hotels and beach cafes stretch along the coastline, where they will happily cook freshly purchased fish from the local market.

It is also called Pantai Pasir Putih or "untouched".

Its remoteness from tourist routes and small snow-white grains from corals made its appearance unique to Bali.

Here you can sunbathe in privacy, but safe entry into the sea is only on the left side.

A kind of buffer zone between party town Kuta and measured Seminyak. The beach absorbed a little from both areas, and the result was a golden mean.

The sea here is shallow, sometimes you have to walk quite a long time to hide your body up to your neck.

Legian has a well-developed infrastructure and has everything you need for recreation.

Shopping in Bali

Every tourist wants to bring something interesting and memorable from Bali. And in this regard, the island has great opportunities. Each district has large shopping centers, small shops or colorful markets.

Shopping in Bali is an exciting experience, so you should take the largest suitcase and the minimum number of things. You definitely won’t be able to fly home empty-handed.

Spices

Buying high-quality spices in Bali is very profitable, because for ridiculous money here you can buy spices that are not available in Russia, or they will be very expensive. Saffron, mint, basil, cinnamon, sage and many other species are grown on the island. They are sold both individually and as mixtures.

Among adherents of a healthy lifestyle, “superfood” is popular - dietary supplements based on plant components, such as chia seeds, spirulina, and goji berries. They are high in nutrients, can strengthen the immune system and improve well-being.

Coffee Luwak

Every true coffee connoisseur knows about the existence of such an unusual variety as Kopi Luwak. The drink is notable for its specific production method. Coffee beans of this type grow in the same way as others. But then very interesting things happen to them.

A small predatory animal - the musang - eats coffee beans, which in turn are excreted along with waste products. They are cleaned and sold at a super high price. This type of coffee is one of the most elite and expensive in the world.

Fruits

Balinese fruits are perhaps the most popular product brought from Bali. They are sold absolutely everywhere, regardless of the season.

Mangosteen, longan, dragon fruit, rambutan, lychee, durian are just a small part of the list of tropical delicacies that are sold on the Indonesian island.

Natural cosmetic

This is a good gift and a necessary thing for any woman. In addition, it is based only on natural and environmentally friendly ingredients - oils, herbs and spices. Most often, the production of cosmetics is carried out by private manufacturing houses that open their own shops.

When visiting such a factory, it is not uncommon to see with your own eyes the entire production process of a particular product. A huge range of products, high quality and affordable prices are what attract the fair sex from all over the world.

Food and drink

Getting to know national cuisine is one of the surest ways to learn about the traditions and culture of a country. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s a small budget cafe or a restaurant in an elite hotel. You can enjoy the unique atmosphere of the island of “a thousand temples” in any case.

The national cuisine of Bali combines Indonesian, Chinese and Indian cuisine.

The religion of the Balinese also made adjustments to its formation. And if most of the population of Indonesia are Muslims, the residents of Bali profess Hinduism. Therefore, eating pork is allowed on the island. Roasted suckling pig has become the main gastronomic symbol of Bali. It is prepared mainly in this part of Indonesia.

As in many Asian countries, the staple of Balinese cuisine is white rice. It is served with literally everything: meat, fish, seafood or vegetables. No less popular are fried noodles, various kebabs, flatbreads and soups.

Of course, all this is generously seasoned with aromatic and fiery spices, which are presented in abundance here. The main ingredients used are chilli, coriander, nutmeg, turmeric, cloves, cumin and ginger.

You can taste national cuisine in street stalls, cafes, warungs and restaurants. In total, there are more than 4,000 establishments in Bali. Their prices are pleasantly surprising. Of course, the cost will depend on the status of the selected location. It’s quite possible to have a hearty meal for less than $10, even in a restaurant.

Another reason to visit this wonderful island is its seafood. Their diversity sometimes drives you crazy. You don't have to go to restaurants for fresh fish. You can buy it directly on the street from local fishermen or in specialized markets.

Many stalls look more like an aquarium. Here you can see all the representatives of the underwater world living in this region. After purchasing, you should take your “catch” to small cafes nearby. There, for a nominal fee, they will cook it on the grill.

It is impossible to imagine Bali cuisine without exotic fruits, which are added to all kinds of dishes. They are also used to make the most popular drink in the Balinese paradise - refreshing juice or cool cocktails.

As a rule, each fruit has its own season, during which it is sold everywhere and at very attractive prices.

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Districts of Bali

The main party center of Bali, a place where life is in full swing regardless of whether the sun is hot or the moon is shining, is the “sweet couple” of Kuta and Seminyak. The format of recreation here is very similar: here and there there are round-the-clock parties, megawatts of light and sound, busy streets with bars and restaurants. However, Kuta, with its democracy, simplicity and cheap alcohol, is especially attractive to young people. In addition to fans of parties and having fun at night parties, numerous fans of conquering the waves come to Kuta: the conditions for surfing here are simply ideal. Accordingly, the surrounding area is full of rental shops, schools and private surf instructors.

Guides in Bali

Entertainment and attractions

Ubud is considered the cultural capital of the island. The city is inhabited mainly by artists, craftsmen and dancers. Every evening there are performances in all temples - you can see the Kecak, Barong, Legong dances and the Wayang Kulit puppet theater.

A corner of pristine nature and unearthly beauty is hidden in the Bali Barat National Park on the western tip of the island. It is home to equatorial savannah, mangrove and deciduous forests, and its coastal waters are home to 110 species of corals. On the territory of the Botanical Garden, in addition to the pleasure of contemplating luxurious plants, you can get a dose of adrenaline. There is the Bali Tritop adventure park with a network of cable cars, bungees and suspension bridges.

Bali for children

The children's entertainment program on the island is no less intense than that for adults. Safari parks provide a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the animal world and get to know its inhabitants better. Any child will love the prospect of spending the whole day with elephants - feeding them, bathing them and even drawing. Bali Waterbom is considered one of the largest water parks in Asia. It is located in the center of Kuta and is surrounded by 4 hectares of tropical gardens. Spend a day in the ocean - this opportunity is provided on floating pontoon beach clubs near the islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. They are equipped with a system of water slides and pools, there are opportunities for snorkeling and diving, children's animation and restaurants - everything for a family holiday.

In the Monkey Forest in Ubud, kids can watch the monkeys (but be careful, the tailed ones can play and attack a person), admire the flying beauties in the butterfly park, and swim with sea turtles on Gili Island. And by the way, surf centers in Kuta start putting beginners on the board from the age of 5.

A real pirate ship is moored to the beach of the Nusa Dua resort. The ship's crew is constantly looking for cabin boys over the age of 4 years. While classes are going on at the sea wolf school, parents of young pirates can find something to do in the restaurant. The Pony Club riding center invites young riders from 3 years old not only to ride small horses, but also to take care of them. Bali Treetop Adventure Park will especially appeal to teenagers - there are all the conditions for conquering the jungle on bungees, ziplines and other equipment.

Schoolchildren will benefit from visiting the Green School in Sibang near Ubud. This jungle campus operates without any harmful impact on the environment. The buildings are made of bamboo, energy is from solar panels, sewerage and water supply are with the highest degree of purification. Representatives of different cultures and nationalities receive education there, including learning how to respect nature.

• Which resorts in Indonesia are suitable for families with children November

December

Eternal summer reigns in Bali. You can swim, sunbathe and practice water sports here all year round. Thanks to the equatorial monsoon climate, instead of winter, the island experiences a rainy season - from November to March there are downpours at night and in the morning. Most often they are fleeting and by lunchtime there is no trace of precipitation left. If the rainy weather lasts, then in just a few hours you can reach the neighboring islands, where the weather is usually sunny. The most comfortable time in Bali is from May to October - when it is warm, dry and clear, and the southeast wind brings pleasant freshness. The peak of the dry season occurs in the calendar summer; in the evenings it becomes a little cooler.

Bali is often called the Island of the Gods. This island is unique, it is unlike any other island on the planet. It has its own culture, its own religion, its own style of clothing, its own traditions, its own language. Over the past decades, the island has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, but despite the huge number of tourists, the Balinese people remain the same as they have been for centuries and millennia - friendly, smiling, religious and respectful of tradition.

Every morning the Balinese feed their gods. Photo credit: Peter Hunziker, Flickr

Bali has a huge number of cultural and natural attractions. In order to get to know at least the main ones, you need to spend at least a week on the island. Be sure to visit the most beautiful temples in Bali - Besakin, Tahan Lot, Ulu Watu and the temple at Lake Bratan. The magnificent rice terraces around the island's cultural center, the charming town of Ubud, are also among the island's top attractions.

Balinese women head to the temple. Photo credit:made yudistira, Flickr

Traditional ceremony on the ocean shore. Photo credit: made yudistira, Flickr

Among the water activities in Bali, surfing reigns supreme. The island has excellent opportunities for learning to surf and many exciting surf spots, located mainly along the southwest coast of the island. At the same time, the northern and southeastern coasts are excellent places for diving.

And, of course, the island of Bali will especially delight lovers of beautiful beaches and bays, charming villas, traditional massages, SPA treatments, delicious food and other hedonistic joys.

But when planning a trip to Bali, you should understand the most important thing: Bali is not a beach holiday, Bali is a lot of attractions, adventures, cultural experiences, beautiful pictures, a pleasant atmosphere, delicious food and surfing-diving.

where to go

Main tourist regions and beaches of Bali

Travelers usually differ in travel/vacation formats in Bali. Some travel around the island, stopping for a day or two in different places in order to immerse themselves in the culture and atmosphere of Bali as much as possible, others live in one place, making occasional “forays” to the sights of the island, others come simply to surf, dive, hang out or relax , fourth - combine stops in several places and different formats of recreation.

The capital of Bali is the city of Denpasar, the administrative heart of the island, and all trips around the island begin from here. A cheerful, pleasant atmosphere, an art center and museums, a huge number of shops and a colorful market are the main attractions of the city.

The southwestern coast of the island is washed by the Indian Ocean, there are always big waves and, accordingly, excellent conditions for surfing; the main infrastructure is concentrated in the very south of the coast. The east and west coasts are washed by straits that separate Bali from neighboring islands and there are no big waves, but strong currents.

The northern part of the coast is washed by the seas; the sea here is very calm, quiet and warm. The north and east coasts are excellent places for those who enjoy diving and snorkeling.

White sand beaches can only be found on the Bukit Peninsula, the southernmost part of Bali, and on the neighboring small islands that do not have volcanoes. On the southwestern and southeastern coasts the sand is more gray than white, while the eastern and northern beaches have black volcanic sand.

The atmospheric town of Ubud is the best place for those travelers who want to get to know the unique culture and way of life of Bali, pamper themselves with traditional food and spa. Fans of quiet relaxation and yoga should also pay attention to regions such as Tabanan, Canggu and Candidasa (see more below), you can choose and book a yoga retreat.

Southwestern coast of Bali

Kuta is the largest and most popular resort town and beach in Bali among surfers and young people; in fact, a continuation of Kuta are the resort villages of Legian and Seminyak - with calmer and more respectable surf beaches and a developed entertainment infrastructure.

Further west stretch the much less touristy surf regions of Canggu and Tanah Lot - with small surf beaches and excellent surf spots, rice terraces and fishing villages. Already quite far from Kuta on the west coast is Medevi Beach.

South of Kuta lies Jimbaran, a large white sand beach and fishing village that separates the main coast from the tiny Bukit Peninsula, the southernmost part of Bali. The west coast of the Bukit Peninsula from Jimbaran to Uluwatu is incredibly picturesque, with tiny coves along the rocky coastline, tiny white sand beaches and challenging surf spots.

Kuta

Kuta is the largest and most famous resort town on the island of Bali, a cult place for fans of surfing and active nightlife. Kuta Beach is huge and wide, but absolutely not suitable for a beach holiday in the classical sense. But Kuta is an excellent place for learning to surf, since there are no dangerous rocks here, the bottom is sandy, the waves break near the shore and roll foam, on which, in fact, beginners learn.

Kuta is a place where you should look for budget accommodation and surf schools; there is also a huge number of bars, restaurants and nightclubs that are democratic in spirit and prices. In the evening, when the water recedes, cheerful groups gather on the beaches of Kuta to watch the magnificent sunset.

How to get there: by bemo (minibuses) from Denpasar, by tourist shuttles from the airport, Ubud, Sanur, Candidasa, Padang Bai, Ameda, Lovina, Kintamani and Bedugul, by boat plus a shuttle from the islands of Lembongan, Lombok and Gili.

Surfing in Kuta. Photo credit: LauriusLM, Flickr

Sunset on Kuta. Photo credit: I Nyoman Butur Suantara, Flickr

Legian

Legian is actually a continuation of Kuta, its calmer version. The beach here is almost the same as on Kuta; the water is mostly occupied by beginner surfers. Unlike Kuta, you can find sun loungers and umbrellas in Legian. The main format of housing in the village is mid-price hotels and guest houses. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars in Legian, although in general the atmosphere is much calmer.

How to get there: by taxi or hotel transfer from the airport, by taxi, motorbike or on foot from Kuta or Seminyak.

Legian. Photo credit: sethgoh, Flickr

Seminyak

Next to Legian, Seminyak is a fashionable and expensive resort village. The housing format here is hotels and villas with stylish design, well-groomed areas and swimming pools. The most fashionable boutiques, spas, restaurants, cafes, bars, nightclubs should also be found in Seminyak. On the beach there are sun loungers, umbrellas, surf rentals, and beach restaurants.

How to get there: by taxi or hotel transfer from the airport, by taxi or motorbike from Kuta.

Resort village of Seminyak. Photo credit: Brenda Gill, Flickr

Sunset at the Tanakhlot Temple. Photo credit: Gareth Lyons, Flickr

Jimbaran

Jimbaran is once a small fishing village, transformed thanks to tourism into a rather large sleepy village, located in the bay of the same name on a wide isthmus separating the main part of the island from the tiny Bukit Peninsula.

Jimbaran Bay and Beach are idyllic, with white sand, relatively calm ocean and a stunning sunset. Hotels and restaurants line the beach. In the evenings, the beach turns into a large, romantic and expensive food area, with tables right on the beach and the opportunity to choose fresh fish on large boats next to your favorite restaurant.

The village of Jimbaran is home to Bali's largest morning fish market with a huge selection of fresh fish and seafood. Here, a little further from the beach, you can find good options for budget housing.

To find accommodation on Jimbaran: Hotels and villas on the beach, guest houses and homestays in the village

How to get there: by taxi or your own transport (rent a motorbike, car, car with driver, etc.)

Jimbaran Beach. Photo credit: Anise Lin, Flickr

Bukit Peninsula and Uluwatu

The western coast of the Bukit Peninsula from Jimbaran to Uluwatu Temple is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and interesting regions of Bali. The Uluwatu Temple, located on the rocks, is considered one of the most beautiful temples on the island.

The landscape of the west coast is karst cliffs with tiny coves and beaches hidden in the rocks with white sand and emerald water, where their own life is in full swing - surfers take on the challenge of the waves at the cliffs, and lovers of a lazy holiday enjoy white sand, idyllic views and coconut milk. On the southern coast from Uluwatu to Nusa Dua, the beaches are large, beautiful and uncrowded.

There is quite a large amount of housing on the peninsula, mainly aimed at surfers and backpackers. The main format is budget bungalows and nice inexpensive villas; on the cliffs near most beaches you can find very nice hotels with absolutely incredible views. A motorbike is an essential part of life on the peninsula, because... The bulk of housing is located in the interior of the peninsula, and many beaches are located far from main roads.

To find accommodation on the Bukit Peninsula: Hotels and villas, guest houses and homestays

How to get there: by taxi or your own transport (rent a motorbike, car, car with driver, etc.)

Cliffs of the Bukit Peninsula in the Uluwatu region. Photo credit: Natalie Belikova, FiveStepsPhotoblog

Surfing on the Bukit Peninsula. Photo credit: John Seaton Callahan, Flickr

Southeast beaches and islands of Bali

The southeastern beaches and islands stretch from the eastern part of Bukit Island to Candidasa Beach. These are, in fact, the beach areas of Bali,

Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is part of the eastern coast of the Bukit Peninsula, which is most often called a hotel enclave, as the entire coast of Nusa Dua is built up with expensive beach hotels.

We must pay tribute to the fact that the beaches of Nusa Dua are magnificent, uncrowded, very calm, with white sand and calm turquoise water. Nusa Dua hotels are no less magnificent, with equipped beaches, restaurants, spas, security, etc. Prices in restaurant shops are naturally much higher than in Bali in general.

Budget accommodation options near the beautiful beaches of Nusa Dua are city hotels and guest houses in the eastern part of the Bukit Peninsula.

To find accommodation on the beaches of Nusa Dua: Hotels and villas on the beaches, city hotels and guest houses

How to get there: by taxi or your own transport (rent a motorbike, car, car with driver, etc.)

Nusa Dua beach. Photo credit: ssalis, Flickr

Sanur

Sanur is a more democratic alternative to Nusa Dua. The resort village borders Denpasar (the capital of Bali) and stretches along the southeast coast, just north of Nusa Dua. The location of Sanur is ideal, from here you can go to the center, east, south. The beaches here are wide, with still light sand. There are good, relatively inexpensive hotels along the beach; in the village itself, a little further from the beach, you can find good options for budget accommodation.

The dive coast of the island begins from Sanur; there are several tour operators and dive schools in the village. In general, Sanur is loved by fans of a relaxing beach holiday, families with children and travelers who spend little time lying on the beach and travel a lot around the island.

To find accommodation on Sanur beach: Hotels, villas, inns and guest houses

How to get there: by bemo (minibuses) from Denpasar, by tourist shuttle from the airport, Ubud, Kuta, Candidasa, Padang Bai, Ameda, Lovina, Kintamani and Bedugul, by boat from Lembongan Island, by boat plus shuttle from Lombok and Gili islands.

Sanur Beach. Photo credit: Bali Home Villa Jimbaran, Flickr

Located off the southeast coast of Bali, the small island of Lembongan (Nusa Lembongan) is a great place if you suddenly want to escape the noisy and crowded southern beaches of Bali. The beaches here are snow-white, the water is emerald, the atmosphere is lazy and very authentic. Lembongan is deservedly considered one of the best diving spots in Indonesia, and there are also several surf spots on the island. There are two more islands near Lembongan - tiny Nusa Ceningan, connected to Lembongan by a bridge, and large non-tourist Nusa Penida, which can be reached by regular boats.

The main format of housing on the island is bungalows of varying levels of comfort and prices and so-called beach huts - beach houses.

To find accommodation on Lembongan Island: Bungalows and beach houses

How to get there: by boat from Sanur, shuttle plus boat from Kuta and Ubud.

Lembongan Island (Nusa Lembongan). Photo credit: Peter Saputra, Flickr

Ubud and the center of Bali island

Undoubtedly, the cultural center of the island is Ubud - a quiet, small, cozy city in the mountains in the center of the island. Most travelers choose Ubud as their main stop to explore the attractions of the central region of Bali. But stopping for a couple of days in small villages far from the city is a very unique and interesting way to get to know the real non-tourist Bali.

In order to feel the atmosphere and learn more about the culture and traditions of Bali, you need to live in Ubud for at least a few days. The suburbs of Ubud are villages of craftsmen, each of which has its own “specialization”. Artists live in one village, wood carvers live in another, and batik painters live in a third.

Small cozy hotels and bungalows, SPA salons, a huge number of retail shops, Bali restaurants, rice terraces, monkeys walking along the city streets, communication with local residents - all this makes your stay in Ubud unforgettable.

How to get there: by bemo (minibus) from Denpasar; by tourist shuttle from the airport, Kuta, Sanur, Candidasa, Padang Bai, Amed, Lovina, Kintamani and Bedugul, by boat plus shuttle from Lembongan, Lombok and Gili islands.

Traditional architecture in Ubud. Photo credit: Jean-Jacques Halans, Flickr

Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Ubud. Photo credit: I Sing Cheu Leng, Flickr

Typical housing format for Ubud). Photo credit: Jorge de la Torriente, Flickr

Bedugul

The name of a small village located near the mountain lake Bratan gave the name to a fairly large mountainous region in central Bali. The most famous attraction of these places is the temple on Lake Bratan, the images of which are invariably associated with Bali.

Picturesque mountain lakes and waterfalls, charming villages where you can rent nice inexpensive bungalows and villas, a large botanical garden, small temples and colorful markets are on the list of cultural attractions of these places. Fans of active recreation and adventure will enjoy trekking to waterfalls and lakes, canyoning and boat trips on the river.

How to get there: by bemo (minibuses) from Denpasar and Singaraja, by tourist shuttles from Ubud, Kuta, Sanur and Lovina.

Temple on Lake Bratan, Bali. Photo credit: Natalie Belikova, FiveStepsPhotoblog

How to get there: only with your own transport (rent a motorbike, car, car with driver, etc.)

Pura Luhur Batukaru, Tabanan. Photo credit: Jambo Jambo, Flickr

Tabanan - Bali. Photo credit: Hengki Koentjoro, Flickr

Kintamani

Kintamani is a region of Bali that enjoys special respect among lovers of eco-tourism. The Kintamani region unites Volcano Batur, Lake Batur and small villages located on the edge of a huge caldera and on the shores of the lake. Dramatic scenery, proximity to Bali's most active volcano and special atmosphere attract adventure seekers to Kintamani, who are not satisfied with just having a cocktail on the observation deck overlooking the volcano.

How to get there: by bemo (minibuses) from Denpasar, by tourist shuttles from Ubud, Kuta and Sanur.

View of the lake and volcano Batur, Kintamani. Photo credit: rona_rodriguez, Flickr

Amed and East Bali

The eastern part of the island is dominated by the Agugng volcano, on the slopes of which the Besakih Temple, the main temple of the island, is picturesquely located. Dark gray, almost black sandy beaches stretch along the coast and a lazy, relaxing atmosphere reigns.

Amed

Amed – This fairly remote beach in the eastern part of Bali is a favorite spot for divers and backpackers. The eastern coast of Bali is washed by the sea, there are no huge waves and underwater currents are not as strong as in the southern part of the island, washed by ocean waves.

Black sand, a picturesque view of the formidable Agugng volcano, a magnificent underwater world, excellent infrastructure for diving and snorkeling, a large selection of accommodation and, most importantly, a special relaxing atmosphere distinguish Amed from the noisy party southern beaches of the southwestern part of Bali.

To find accommodation on Amed beach: dive hotels, villas, hotels and guest houses

How to get there: by tourist shuttle from the airport, Ubud, Sanur, Candidasa, Padang Bai and Lovina.

Amed is a remote beach in eastern Bali. Photo credit: Paul Hagon, Flickr

Candidasa

Candidasa (or Candidasa) is a sleepy little town often chosen by travelers and diving enthusiasts as a base for exploring eastern Bali. Candidasa boasts good value and luxury hotels and villas along the coast, many of which are located right on the water's edge, with magical sea views.

The beaches here are narrow, with black sand, and the sea is relatively calm. The atmosphere in Candidasa is one of complete relaxation) so it is not surprising that yoga schools and yoga retreats have settled here tightly.

How to get there: by tourist shuttle from the airport, Ubud, Kuta, Sanur, Padang Bai, Amed, Titra Ganji and Lovina.

Typical Candidasa villa overlooking the ocean. Photo credit: Bali Home Villa Jimbaran, Flickr

Padang Bai

Padang Bai is a tiny, pleasant port town on the east coast, connecting Bali with Lombok and the Gili Islands. Most travelers simply pass through Padang Bai, missing out on the opportunity to spend a couple of days in the charming village and explore the small temples and tiny picturesque beaches in the surrounding area.

To find accommodation in Padang Bay: hotels and guest houses

How to get there: by tourist shuttle from the airport, Ubud, Kuta, Sanur, Candidasa, Amed and Lovina, by boat from the Lombok and Gili islands.

Everyday life in Padang Bai. Photo credit: dicky_noorkalam, Flickr

Tirta Gangga is a small village in the eastern part of the island, picturesquely located among rice terraces - a great place to stop for a day or two. The main attraction of these places is the palace of the same name on the water. Trekking in the surrounding area, visiting small temples and local villages is a must for adventure seekers.

To find accommodation in Tirta Ganja: eco-lodges and homestays

How to get there: by tourist shuttle from Candidasa, by taxi or rented transport.

Palace on the water in Tirta Ganja. Photo credit: HOBOS.at, Flickr

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Jimbaran and Sanur: respectable beach holidays

Families with small children, European retirees who “can afford it,” as well as newlyweds looking for romance choose the resorts of Jimbaran and Sanur for their holidays. The first (southwest Bali) attracts tourists with magnificent hotels, spa centers and a dizzying selection of the freshest seafood on the menu of local restaurants. The second (southeast) is richer in entertainment: Bali Perdana Wisata Tirta Park (JL. Danau Poso Gg. Tanjung, No. 30) and the Asmat Art Museum (Jl. Cemara No. 27) await vacationers.

Not far from Sanur, in the village of Blanjong, there is one of the oldest temples in Bali, dating back to the 10th century.

The resorts have shady alleys and a wide selection of water activities. They are strikingly different only during low tides: in Jimbaran they are almost invisible, while the beaches of Sanur at this time are not the most pleasant sight.

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Kuta and Seminyak: Bali's party centers

Cheeky, crowded, rumbling club music and pretentious, slightly arrogant Seminyak, in fact, are twins, simply “raised in different families.” Both resorts are located in the southwest and are equally close to the airport. They will appeal to those who cannot imagine a holiday without discos until the morning, noisy crowds and dozens of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. There are beaches here too, but they are mostly besieged by surfing fans - the conditions for them are excellent (only the waves in Kuta are a bit high). Others would rather prefer the water park, if we are talking about Kuta, or the countless art galleries and boutiques, if we are talking about Seminyak.

Kuta and Seminyak offer the same lifestyle, but at different prices: in Seminyak everything is much cooler and, accordingly, more expensive.

There is practically nothing to do here with children; looking for authentic temples and villages is also a so-so activity.

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Nusa Dua: expensive and rich

The easiest way to feel “five stars” is in. Ordinary Balinese have no access here - the territories of luxury hotels located on the coast are carefully guarded. So no one will intrusively offer massages to tourists on the beach, but in fashionable spa centers it’s easy. You don’t have to limit yourself to just visiting them: you can take a couple of golf lessons, walk through the Bali Collection shopping center (office site in English) and visit the famous Devdan show (office site in English).

Those who miss antiquity and exoticism will have to go after them to neighboring Uluwatu, where the legendary temple stands and rice fields lie.

Living in is expensive, but you can live nearby - in Tanjung Benoa, where prices are slightly lower. But in this part of the island (southeast), low tides significantly spoil the landscape.

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Ubud: the heart of Bali

“Whoever has not heard of Ubud has not heard of Bali,” say advanced travelers. This is understandable: Ubud is the geographical, tourist and cultural center of the island, and is distinguished by affordable prices and the widest selection of entertainment on the island. In its vicinity there are

Want to know more about holidays in Bali? We have prepared a complete overview of the island for domestic tourists: attractions, tips and useful materials.

Brief introduction

Bali is the westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands. On one side it is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean, on the other by the Indian Ocean.

• Country: Indonesia
• Population: 4 million
• Climate: equatorial-monsoon.
• Rainy season: from to .
• Number of tourists per year: 4 million
• Airport: Ngurah Rai (DPS)

Denpasar

Fall asleep to the sound of the waves, and early in the morning go to the ocean... Anyone who is tired of bad weather is advised to take an urgent flight to a distant island! Holidays in Bali will relieve fatigue and give you a lot of new impressions.

The author and heroine of the acclaimed book “Eat, Pray, Love” Liz Gilbert found her love on the sunny Indonesian island of Bali. At the same time, she became acquainted with local customs and became friends with the local healer, old man Ketut. We won’t promise personal happiness in Bali, but everything else is welcome!

Traveling can become a real adventure, in which there is a place for healers, exotic rituals, and, of course, heavenly beaches and the freshest seafood. It all starts with a flight: no less than 12 hours, there are direct flights and with transfers. The destination is the capital of the island, the city of Denpasar, where the only airport on this piece of land is located.

Those who decide to spend a day or two in Denpasar itself can count on good shopping. The city has two colorful markets: the largest Pasar Badung and the Kumbasari night bazaar. Well, among the religious buildings in Denpasar, a must-see temple is Pura Maospahit - the oldest on the entire island. It was built in the 14th century by the Majapahit dynasty. Over the past centuries, it has been rebuilt more than once, and today curious tourists can stroll along the courtyards and see an empty tree trunk, into which the alarm is sounded.

Planning a trip? That way!

We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help you save money while preparing for your trip.

Black sand beaches are a reminder of the land's volcanic origins, and offerings to the gods should be generous. The famous rice fields in Bali are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Not far from Denpasar there are several resorts: Kuta, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua. Noisy Kuta is popular with nightlife lovers who, in the morning, no matter what, go to catch the wave. A haven for keen surfers and avid partygoers, it is famous for its long sandy beach - although not spotlessly clean, it does have small waves offshore. It has its own surfing school, and local spa salons have affordable prices. One of the best is Bali Green Spa (www.spabaligreen.com). The cost of procedures is from $10, and for advance online booking you can get an even significant discount.

Jimbaran has a reputation as a quiet place, ideal for families with children. It is located in a bay, so the sea here is calm and clean, and there are several times fewer merchants on the beach than in Kuta. Wherever you stay, two of the resort's main attractions will be available: stunning sunsets and delicious seafood. Moreover, these two pleasures can be combined by going to the beach for dinner.

Every evening, restaurants set tables right on the sand so that guests can enjoy not only lobster, but also a romantic view. In any restaurant, you choose the fish and seafood yourself (feel free to turn them in your hands!), and then the chef cooks the chosen sea reptile on the grill. The cost of dinner for two is approximately 1,500 rubles.

One of the most popular restaurants in Jimbaran is Menega, but it is better to book a table in advance or arrive no later than 17.00. The local mussels and squid are especially good. And one more piece of good advice: don’t miss the fish market so that you can bargain to your heart’s content and buy something from the morning’s catch. They will cook the fish right at the market!

The Nusa Dua resort, like Jimbaran, is more focused on a relaxing holiday. True, the ocean in these places is inconsistent: from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. it is impossible to swim due to the strong low tide. At this time, it is better to sit out the heat in a hotel, fortunately in Nusa Dua there are many comfortable hotels with large areas, with parks and swimming pools. Other entertainment options include surfing, diving, golf and, of course, shopping at the Galleria shopping center.

Secret beach

In addition to the resorts, there are places in Bali where a real tourist simply must set foot. Firstly, there is the legendary Pandawa Beach with coral sand and calm azure ocean. They say that local residents for a long time did not want foreigners to know about this place, but they still failed to hide such a pearl. The picturesque road to the beach is literally cut through the mountains, and you will have to pay to enter the Pandawa territory.

Temples

Bali's main temple complex is located on Mount Gunung Agung and includes more than 30 temples. This place is very revered and colorful. Just when coming here, you should be patient. The fact is that the complex is officially open for free visits by tourists, but local residents often pretend to be guides, persistently offer their services and even intimidate that, they say, you cannot walk here without an accompaniment. I advise you to study the experiences of other travelers in advance and confidently fight back the clingy ones. Tirtagangga Water Palace (the water here is sacred, by the way), Elephant Cave, tropical forest, Banjar Air Panas mineral springs, rice terraces near Ubud - this is just a small part of Balinese attractions. To get to know them comfortably, we recommend renting a car with a Russian-speaking guide-driver - it will cost about $50 per day. For those who are ready to communicate in English, prices are lower - $35–40.

Appointment with a healer

If you are interested in the life of the Balinese themselves, we recommend driving through the villages in the interior of the island. Away from the beach resorts, locals treat tourists with particular respect, so if you show interest in the customs, they will not fail to explain to you what’s what. Every morning, for example, the Balinese make offerings to the gods: they place flowers or food on palm leaves. In addition to daily household rituals, there are also special rituals that are performed in temples or sanctuaries. If you're lucky, you might witness one of them!

Local healers are a separate attraction. True, experts advise not to visit healers out of curiosity, but to go to them only if you feel the need for it. If you wish, you can find the house of that same Ketut Liyer from the book - he lives in Ubud, local residents will tell you the way. There, not far from Ubud, other healers, for example Ketut Lanchar, are receiving treatment. Or you can sign up in advance for a comprehensive rehabilitation course with the hereditary healer Pak Circus. The program includes not only communication with a healer, massage, yoga, meditation, but also an introduction to the island, its culture and customs (healingbalicenter.com). Cost from $875 per person for two weeks with accommodation.