Bali in Brief: The Ultimate Concise Travel Guide
Bali is a destination that offers so much to the traveler that a short guide explaining some of the facets of the island will help decipher the many options and hopefully help you with your vacation choices. Any vacation is about maximizing your time, even if it means just kicking back and doing nothing. You still want to achieve the goals you set for yourself to the best of your ability and start with the belief that you maximized your experience. To help you achieve those goals, I’ve compiled a short guide explaining the myriad of options that the beautiful island of Bali has to offer.
amed
This has to be one of Bali’s best kept secrets. Amed is home to some of the most enchanting beaches on the island in a peaceful and totally relaxing environment. With very little nightlife, this is the perfect destination for families and mature travelers.
Amlapura
Amlapura is the main city of the Karangasem Regency and is home to some of the most attractive attractions on the island, such as Tirta Gangga (The Water Palace).
Asahduren
Bali clove plantation located 20 kilometers inland from Negara. The lush and bold green of the plantation is an extraordinary sight.
Barat National Park
Bali’s largest national park located on the western side of the island and occupies about 10% of the islands land mass. The park is considered the last refuge of one of the world’s most endangered birds, the Bali starling.
Bengali
Bangli offers stunning views of Mount and Lake Batur. Situated hundreds of meters above sea level, the breeze in Bangli is cool and refreshing.
banjar
Providing a rare opportunity to witness cockfighting (for those who like that sort of thing), Banjar also offers the chance to experience the region’s wonderful hot springs.
batubulano
Batubulan village is an artistic rural place in the western part of Glanyar Regency. It is famous for the artistic ‘blessing dance’ of the Barong. The town is supported by the artistic crafts of wood carving and stone sculpture.
Bedugul
This is a small town in the mountainous regions between the north and south of Bali.
Besakih Temple
Recognized as the most important and sacred temple in Bali. Known as the mother temple, Basakih offers spectacular views of the tropical surroundings.
Blahmantung Waterfall
This pristine waterfall is located in the Pupuan area of Tabanan. With above average rainfall, the area is extremely fertile. It offers the perfect place to cool off in the crystal clear waters below the falls.
Botanical Gardens
A botanist’s delight! The Eka Karya Botanical Garden in Bedugul was founded in 1959 and is the youngest but largest of Indonesia’s four botanical gardens.
Candi Dasa
Candi Dasa is located in Karangasem Regency, just 10 minutes from Tenganan village. Originally a fishing village, it has recently undergone a rapid transformation into a driving tourist precinct.
celuk
Located in the Sukawati sub-district, Celuk is considered the home of gold and silver crafts in Bali.
Denpasar
Denpasar is the capital city of Bali with an estimated population of half a million. Several of Bali’s best museums are located in the island’s capital.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana
The island’s main cultural park houses a giant statue of Vishnu mounted on its promenade that is half man and half Garuda bird.
Gianyar
Gianyar Regency is famous for its art and culture. Renowned for its beautiful natural settings from the mountains to the coast.
gilimanuk
This is the main port for traffic between Bali and the island of Java. The port is located west of Negara.
Goa Gajah
Goa Gajah or ‘The Elephant Cave’ is so named because of the shape of its entrance. A cleverly carved depiction of dangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves, and demonic human characters coming out of the mouth.
goa leyah
Name given to a cave inhabited by thousands of bats that spend most of their time hanging from the ceiling. It is also home to one of Bali’s holiest temples, Pura Goa Lawah.
Jimbaran
Jimbaran is a fishing village that is also home to some of the best hotels in the world. Jimbaran’s beaches are lined with hundreds of seafood restaurants.
kintamani
Mountain village with stunning panoramic views from the plateau on top of Mount Batur.
Klungkung
This is a destination that holds a special place in Balinese history and culture. It was once the home of the Klungkung kings and their nobles, who developed the music, art and culture that thrive there today.
kuta
Perhaps the most recognizable place in Bali. This beachside venue is known as the center of Bali’s nightlife. It is also a driving shopping area with lines of stores, boutiques and galleries.
lake batur
This is the widest lake in Bali and is surrounded by magnificent panoramic views. Considered a sacred place by the Balinese, visitors can enjoy the nearby hot springs.
bratan lake
Located in Bendugul, Lake Bratan is the second largest lake in Bali. Stunning views are seen from the Pura Ulun Danu Temple lake on its shore.
lovina
Lovina Beach is a 12 kilometer stretch of coastline northwest of Singaraja in northern Bali. Lovina is considered by many to be the best family vacation spot on the island of Bali.
Mount Agung
Agung is the highest mountain peak in Bali. It is believed to be the home of the gods in Balinese culture. Bali’s holiest temple, the Besakih Mother Temple, stands on its slopes.
will deny
Negara is best known for the famous bull races. This area is remote and rarely visited by tourists and offers a glimpse of the real Bali.
nusa dua
Nusa Dua is home to the largest five-star international resorts in Bali. A calm and relaxed environment with calm beaches, this place is suitable for the most discerning traveler.
Nusa Cenangan
This area is home to the largest seaweed farms in Bali.
Nusa Lembongan
A small island located 20 kilometers off the east coast of Bali. The island is known as a ‘virgin island’ with crystal clear waters and local cultivation of seaweed. It is also known worldwide for its quality waves.
Nusa Menjangan
This is a small diving island off the northwest coast of Bali and is exclusive to a set number of divers per day.
nusa penida
Another of Bali’s smaller islands that is famous for the chances to see sharks, turtles and its reef system with crystal clear visibility.
Nusa Serangan
Better known as Isla Tortuga, this small island is used as a turtle sanctuary. Locals house the turtle eggs in purpose-built huts until they hatch and are released.
padang bai
This is a small fishing village in the east of Bali. It is known for its beautiful white sand beaches.
Sengeh Monkey Forest
Located in the southwest of Bali, this small section of forest is famous for its population of primates that inhabit both the trees and the local temple.
Sanur
Sanur is one of Bali’s largest traditional villages and a well-established tourist area. Recognized as one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in Bali.
seminyak
Seminyak is widely regarded as Bali’s top tourist destination with its laid-back natural appeal, world-class accommodation, and fabulous fine-dining restaurants.
Singapore
Once the capital city of Bali, Singaraja was the main port during the Dutch occupation of the island and retains a strong colonial feel.
tabanan
Tabanan Regency is home to the spectacular Tanah Lot Temple, best known as the most photographed temple in Bali.
lot of tanah
This is one of the most popular attractions in Bali. Tanah Lot is home to the most impressive waterfront Hindu temple in Bali.
Tanjung Benoa
A beautiful area of Bali best recognized for its large number of coconut palms. It is one of the most perfect water sports venues in Bali.
tegallalang
Tegallalang is a major arts and crafts venue with stunning views of layered rice fields.
tulamben
This is a small town on the northeast coast of Bali. It is world renowned for its famous dive site that contains an astonishingly diverse underwater ecosystem, especially around the wreck of the Liberty Glo, a US Army transport ship torpedoed by Japanese submarines in 1943.
ubud
Ubud is best known as Bali’s center of arts, crafts, dance and music. The spectacular views of the terraced rice fields make it one of the most visited destinations in Bali.
uluwatu
This site is famous for its magnificent views from the top of the cliffs and its waves. With its spectacular temple overlooking the clear blue water of the ocean below. A large number of monkeys inhabit the area.
Hopefully this concise look at the island of Bali will help you plan your next visit. With so much to do and so little time, it is highly recommended to come up with a plan and list some of the key elements that he would like to incorporate into his Bali vacation. Whatever his choices, I have no doubt that the time spent in this magical slice of paradise will be treasured forever.