Some people say that Bali is overrated, too touristy and not worth to
visit while some say it is one of the best experience in their travels.
I guess it all depends on how you would enjoy Bali. Not only that it is
popular in its own right, with post eat, pray, love, is there still the
Bali that started it all?
Regardless, as time has passed, and places may have grown, Bali is
still what it is, somewhat but not quite. If you can look past the many
tourists especially during the peak season and enjoy instead the many
attractions dotted around specifically catered for tourists, you might
just fall in love with Bali.
Bali deserves the attention it is getting still, and just the Top 10
must visit places list is enough to show why you should still travel to
Bali.
Uluwatu Temple, Pura Luhur @ Bali
Imagine a large rugged limestone cliff with a temple perched on it,
almost like a scene from cliffhanger, to add to it’s dramatic grandeur.
Uluwatu Temple, also known as Pura Luhur, is situated in the island
commonly known as Bukit Peninsula, where it also include Bali’s few best
beaches like Balangan and many good surfing spots. The temple is itself
a majestic structure, constructed and expanded many times since in the
11th Century. It is perched at the steep cliff of 70 meters above the
Indian ocean. If you go on even higher grounds nearby, you will be
rewarded with a breathtaking view of either side and sunset over
Uluwatu temple itself.
Pura Tanah Lot @ Bali
Pura Tanah Lot
Another majestic rock formation lays as a foundation of a popular
pilgrimage temple, known as Pura Tanah Lot. It is most popular for its
serenity and cultural significance as it is associated with the Balinese
mythology as one of the seven temples that form a ring in the southwest
of Bali. Try to visit during the low tide so that you can “walk across
the water” to the temple for the full experience.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan (Bali’s temple by the lake)
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is a famous temple by the lake in Bali, where
unlike the rest perching on the cliff rock, this one is serenely resting
at the edge of Lake Bratan. Imagine beautifully structured temple with
double the beauty due to its reflection on the clear lake.
Paddy rice fields @ Ubud, Bali
Dolphin sightings at Lovina
Lovina
is one of the best place in the world to make dolphin sighting boat
trip. You will leave the beach at dawn to seek for the dolphins, though
yes it may be quite crowded with other tourists trying to do the same
especially during peak season, it is still well worth it when you find a
school of dolphins happily jumping by. Lovina itself offers many other
attractions, activities and even boasts some backpacker scenes where you
can chill out in cafes with live music.
Lady selling flowers at the Market @ Ubud, Bali
Ubud
Yes, despite that one might be trying to escape the eat, pray, love
trail, Ubud is one place you cannot miss. It is still the heart of Bali,
where all the action is and all the people and energy are focused on.
Ubud is packed and condensed with the best of Bali, ranging from nature,
culture and people, temples, museums, rolling rice/paddy fields and
man-made gardens and parks. You may take an interesting bike tour around
here or take up cooking, adventure activities like whitewater rafting
and other outdoor activities, relax with yoga and meditation or have
some pampering sessions of spa and massage, also enjoy the arts and
theatres and not to forget the shopping. Just so you see, Ubud has a
little bit of everything for almost everyone.
Party @ Kuta Beach, Bali
Party at Kuta Beach
Kuta
is the most popular beach in Bali, which means you can be sure to find
the life and party scene here in Kuta Beach. Head here if you are
looking to socialize, party and have a good time. You can be sure to
find a range of places for different atmosphere and budget, ranging from
Hard Rock cafe to your neighborhood cafe and pub.
Private Beach @ Nusa Dua, Bali
Private beach at Nusa Dua Beach
If you have a bit more of a budget to spare, splurge at
Nusa Dua
beach, where it is dotted with higher end hotels and resorts. You will
be rewarded with private pristine beaches for you to slowly soak in the
sun and the sea. Nusa Dua is also ideal for honeymooners or people
looking out for a private and relaxing getaway.
Hike Mount Batur @ Kintamani, Bali
Hike/Climb Mount Batur at Kintamani
Up in a highland in East of Bali, there lies Mount Batur caldera in
Kintamani. A climb to the summit (1700 meters) of this active volcano is
a great experience for any active travelers. Many would do the sunrise
hike for an ultimate experience, starting from as early as 4am to reach
in time for the 6 am sunrise. This hike is relatively easy and the treks
are quite well marked. From the peak of the mountain, there are views
in all direction to sweep you off your feet, not literally of course.
Ayana bar on rocks
We had two temples on the cliff, and now we get to drink off a bar
perched on yet another cliff at Ayana in Bali. This bar is known as the
best bar in Bali, having a long line of people daily trying to get in
and have a drink or two with some bites (which is surprisingly good)
while overlooking the sea crashing into the rocks below. Think about
drinking, chilling and also dancing atop a cliff with the roaring sea
stretching behind you to infinity while you watch white water crashed
onto the side of the wall creating a spectacular natural show. If you
decide which is the one bar you must go to in Bali, Ayana bar on the
rocks is the place. You may get special access to the bar as a guest of
Ayana Resort and Spa or
RIMBA Jimbaran by Ayana *.
Coffee plantation at Bali Pulina Agro Tourism
Coffee roasting @ Agro Plantation, Bali
An almost zen place for you to sit back and really
appreciate your cup of coffee while overlooking the coffee plantation as
far as the eye can see. Here you are served with various coffee and tea
for tasting. You can also see the process of how the famous and
expensive Kopi Luwak are made and even the civet cats themselves. If you
are a coffee lover, do come check this place out for the ultimate
coffee experience.
So you have it, ten reasons to visit Bali and these are just the
highlights. Now you know the reason behind Bali’s popularity, so maybe
people can just be right sometimes. Come over with an open heart and
open arms, a huge ounce of patience and tolerance for the crowd, close
an eye to all the touristy things glaring at you and just enjoy yourself
here. If all else fail, you can always jump on the next available fast
boat and escape to
Gili Islands or its rival
Lombok!
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