A Local's Guide to Bali

Photo By: Sasin Tipchai

Are you planning on travelling to Asia? Look no further, we've got you covered!

Bali is known for its peaceful and calming nature. Located between Lombok and Java, this beautiful island is popular for its stunning beaches, forested volcanic mountains, sacred temples, and rice terraces. It just recently also set a new continental record when it was declared the world's best tourist destination for 2017 by TripAdvisor.

For first-time tourists and even for returning visitors, Bali has the perfect offering for everyone. Whether you're coming for a 3-day vacation or a whole week's stay, let this guide be your map to make the most of your holiday.

Peace and Relaxation

If you chose to go to Bali to have some alone time, perhaps for a solo spiritual retreat to renew your inner peace, then you definitely made the right choice. Unknown to many, Bali has a lot more to offer. It has gorgeous rainforest hotels tucked away from the busy touristy areas in the city. Here are some of the best places to stay in Bali where you can recharge your body, mind, and spirit:

Firefly Eco Lodge

If you are looking for an adventurous kind of experience that won't compromise your quiet time, this is the perfect place for you. First of all, your room will be a treehouse. The fun part here is that you need to climb up a bamboo ladder before you can lounge and rest in your bed. This secret paradise is only 10 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Ubud's city center.

Balian Treehouse, Balian Beach

If you do not want to be disturbed, this secluded beach is your best bet. The treehouse lodge in Balian village offers full privacy. Imagine having only the sun, the sky, the trees, and the ocean as your neighbors. With this much peace and quiet, you're bound to have a truly rejuvenating experience.

Four Seasons Sayan

If you find comfort in the sound of burbling rivers, then this is the perfect place to stay. And if you want spacious accommodations, get the Riverview Two-Bedroom Villa. This mesmerizing villa offers not only a plunge pool and a private meditation area just for you, but also a serene view of nearby rice terraces and the Ayung River.

Art and Culture

For avid lovers of art and culture, the places and the activities listed below will promise a unique and memorable experience. Your eyes and ears are in for a special treat. Prepare to immerse yourself in Bali's colors, culture, and music.

Sukawati Art Market

Be blown away by the various authentic art pieces that you'll find here. Wooden sculptures and paintings are great options if you want to take home a souvenir or two. Perhaps the best thing about this place is that the items cost half the price of what you'd find in Ubud Central. The place may seem like a maze at first, but for an art lover, it's an adventure worth taking.

Makare-kare Festival

If you happen to visit Bali in June, don't forget to watch - maybe even participate! - in this annual festival in Candidasa. Makare-kare, also known as Perang Pandan, is a theatrical fight among Balinese men to honor the history of their ancestors and the God of War. This is a month-long event, too, so you don't have to worry about missing it.

The Balinese Gamelan Orchestras

Don't forget to include visiting the villages in your day tour check list. It's in the villages where you'll be able to watch and hear the Gamelan orchestras' rehearsals. Nearly every village in Bali has its own orchestra, so finding them won't be hard.

Gastronomic Delights

After a long day of exploring, you'll certainly need a delicious meal to recharge. Take your dining experience to a whole new level. Bali offers a variety of themed restaurants that will definitely satisfy your cravings-with some added twists.

Slippery Stone Bali

Get a glimpse of Greece in Indonesia. This restaurant serves authentic Greek cuisine, and you'll really feel like you've been transported back to Grecian times, being surrounded by Slippery Stone's sculpted pillars.

La Laguna Café

This café is only a 10-minute drive away from Seminyak. Located right by the beach, this place is its own little magical world. It's absolutely enchanting with a unique bohemian vibe.

Cantik Agriculture Luwak Coffee

Grab a cup or two as you learn about the process of making coffee and tea. Watch the locals roast and pound actual coffee beans. One great bonus is that you get to taste all of their products while you decide which ones to purchase.

Adventure and Nature

Bali Safari and Marine Park

The park has more than 60 kinds of wild animals, animal shows, and a night safari escapade. There is a Balinese fire-dancing show that you can enjoy with some BBQ at the N'kuchiro Bar & Grill.

Waterbom

Whether you have kids or you're just a kid at heart, this is one theme park you should not miss! They have extreme slides like the snake-themed Constrictor. And after a tiring day, you can relax and have a mani-pedi, book a reflexology session, or try their fish spa therapy.

Zen Hideaway

A swing hanging between coconut trees at the edge of a cliff is already a sight to behold-and you can actually give it a whirl. If you happen to be afraid of heights, this may be the perfect opportunity to conquer that fear. As you swing, you'll get to enjoy magnificent views of the jungle, an actual waterfall, and even the Ayung river.

Bali is one of those places that you'll definitely want to visit again and again. This place is nothing short of amazing and will never stop surprising you. Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, with your significant other, or with the whole family, you will find something truly enjoyable, and you will feel safe and sound.

So what are you waiting for? Buy that plane ticket and go pack your bags. This trip will be one for the books.


Sam Ross

Sam Ross runs the blog  The Hammock Hombre - a travel blog focused around the digital nomad lifestyle. Over the past 3 years, he's travelled to every continent, so writes on a broad range of countries, cities and destinations.

https://thehammockhombre.com/