Written by expats and locals living in Bali
Transcript of Written by expats and locals living in Bali
BALI The ebook
Written by expats and locals living in Bali Latest update: 12. November 2016
About Bali
Language 4
Time 5
Electricity 5
Climate 5
Culture 5
Eating 7
Drinking 7
Preparations for Bali 9
1. Money 9
2. Visa 10
2.1. Social Visit Visa 10
2.2. Visa on Arrival (Tourist Visa) 11
2.3. Visafree Stamp 11
2.2.1 Extending your visa 12
3. International Driver´s License 12
4. Travel Insurance 13
5. Vaccinations 13
6. What to bring with you 13
Accommodation 15
Arriving at the Airport 19
Getting Around in Bali 21
1.Scooter 21
Dealing with the police 22
2. Taxi 23
3. Car 24
Safety 25
Drugs 25
Alcohol Poisoning 25
Scooter 26
Breakins 26
Muggings 26
Scams 27
Red flags on the beach 27
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Health 28
Important Numbers 29
Heat stroke 29
Bali belly 30
Dengue fever 32
Coral/Reef cuts 33
Rabies 34
Food 35
Our top picks
Best breakfast places 36
Best Restaurants 38
Best Pizza in Bali 40
Best finedining 43
Bakeries 55
Food delivery services 55
Beer delivery 55
Services 56
Supermarkets 56
Shopping Malls 56
Cinema 57
Bowling 58
Spas/Beauty Salons 59
Laundry 60
Going Out 61
KUTA 61
SEMINYAK 62
CANGGU 62
ULUWATU 63
Things to do in Bali 64
Kuta 64
Seminyak 71
Ubud 80
Canggu 89
Sanur 91
Nusa Lembongan 95
West Bali National Park 98
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East Bali 101
North Bali 104
Central Bali 107
Bukit Peninsula 111
Things to do in Bali for free 115
Romantic things to do in Bali 125
Mustvisit Attractions 133
The most beautiful beaches 133
Best beach clubs in Bali 144
Temples on the Island of Gods 154
The best hot springs 161
Waterfalls to visit 163
TIPS 178
Gorgeous rice terraces 178
Activities 198
1. Learn how to surf 198
2. Get your diving license 199
3. Climb a volcano 200
4. Go visit Gili Islands 201
5. Go whitewater rafting 202
6. Join a sailing trip to Komodo Island 203
7. Do a scooter trip through Bali 203
8. Do a cycling tour/Hash Run 204
9. Paintball 205
10. Visit the Waterbom Park in Kuta 206
11. Ride an elephant 207
12. Go parasailing 208
13. Try wakeboarding or water skiing 209
14. Whole family water fun 210
15. Hop on a quad 211
Adventures away from Bali 212
Gili Islands 212
Komodo Trip 216
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About Bali
Bali also known as the island of Gods is home to about 4 million people. It’s quite a small
island, spanning 144 kilometres from east to west and 80 kilometres from north to south. The
most popular times to visit Bali are JulySeptember and around Christmas and New Year.
Language
The official language of Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesia. But there are hundreds of other
languages spoken throughout Indonesia and there are thousands of dialects. Most Balinese
speak Bahasa Bali and Bahasa Indonesia. Bahasa Bali is linguistically very different from the
official language. In touristy areas english is widely spoken but it’s always wise to learn a few
words in both the national and local language.
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Time
Bali is in time zone UTC+8 and 1 hour ahead of Jakarta time (central Indonesian time).
Electricity
Electricity is supplied at 220V 50Hz. Outlets are European standard but nongrounded.
Climate
Daytime temperatures are usually pleasant, varying between 2033 degrees depending on the
area and season. During the wet season, from November to March, the west monsoon can bring
heavy showers and high humidity but days are still often sunny. From May to September the
humidity is low and it can be actually quite cool in the evenings (don’t forget your sweaters and
long pants). The Bukit peninsula in the south receives far less rain than any other part of the
island. On the other hand, in central Bali and the mountains, you should not be surprised by
cloudy skies and showers at any time of the year.
Culture
Unlike other islands in mainly muslim Indonesia, Bali is mainly hindu in both religion and
culture. Balinese everyday life is suffused with religion, the most visible part of it being the tiny
offerings found on streets, houses, restaurants etc. Also tiny temples depicting the primary
deity Sanghyang Widi Wasa can be seen in the gardens of houses, villas and hotels.
Balinese dance and music are quite famous, and a major attraction to the island. You can hear
the traditional Gamelan music being played most days at the banjar (local community)
temples around the island, and you can book tickets to go watch traditional dance
performances such as Barong, Kecak and Legong Keraton.
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Nyepi , or the Hindu New Year, is the biggest celebration of the year, usually held in March or
April. On the eve of Nyepi you can see amazing, colourful giants, called OgohOgoh, being
paraded around the streets. On Nyepi day everything on the island is shut from 6am for the
next 24 hours. People are required to stay inside their premises and be as quiet as possible
(light should be kept to a minimum, too) as the balinese believe this way they can fool bad
spirits to think the island is empty so they will go looking elsewhere for their prey. Other big
balinese hindu celebration is Galungan , held twice a year.
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Eating
Bali has a huge variety of cafes and restaurants serving both indonesian and international
foods. You will also see the huge multinational chains, such as McDonalds, KFC, Pizza Hut and
Starbucks widely represented. When it comes to local food, the best one can usually be found in
the small stalls and warungs by the side of the streets. Most of these might seem unhygienic at
first but they serve delicious local delicacies that have been freshly cooked onsite. Make sure
to try Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Mie Goreng (fried noodles), Nasi Campur (rice mixed with
meat/chicken/fish/tofu/tempe and vegetables) and Ayam Lalapan (fried chicken with rice and
sambal, a local chili paste).
Some balinese dishes you should also try are:
Babi Guling (roasted suckling pig), a large ceremonial balinese dish that can be found at some
night market stalls and restaurants. Ayam/Bebek Betutu (chicken or duck topped with
balinese herbs and roasted in a banana leaves), a spicelovers musttry. Sate (different options
of meat roasted on grill and served on skewers with peanutty sauce). Bakso is a meatballs and
noodles soup (pork, beef, chicken options) that can be spiced to your taste.
You can find our recommendations for the best restaurants serving international food, best
pizzas and best breakfast later on in the book.
Drinking
Tap water in Bali cannot be drunk but bottled water is very cheap.
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Fresh fruit juices sold at market stalls, warungs and restaurants are extremely delicious and
usually quite cheap. If you prefer your juice with natural fruit flavour, please ask it without
sugar, as the locals tend to add spoonfuls of it to everything. The same goes for coffee and tea.
By the way, Bali coffee might take some getting used to.
The Balinese, unlike many muslim cultures, have no problem with public drinking and alcohol is
widely available (Circle K, Minimarts, department stores and most balinese shops). This of
course doesn’t mean that obnoxious, drunken behaviour is accepted, and you should always
remember to respect others.
Bintang is the favourite beer of Indonesia, with its refreshing pilsner taste. Other local labels
are Bali Hai, Stark and Anker , which definitely cannot compete with the taste of Bintang.
International brands such as San Miguel, Heineken, Guinness etc can also be easily found. Bali
produces its own wines, Hatten and Plaga , which are a lot cheaper and not that much
different than imported brands. Bali’s traditional spirit is called Arak which is a clear, distilled,
strong spirit. Many locals season their araks with herbs, making the colour change, but the ones
sold at shops are usually clear in colour. Be extremely cautious about buying arak off the street
as there have been some cases of methanol poisoning. We recommend you to also avoid mixed
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arak cocktails at bars as these tend to be really strong and can cause major hangover issues.
Imported spirits can be very expensive, but luckily local versions are sold for third of the price.
Preparations for Bali
We’ve combined a checklist of what you should think about and take care of at home well
before you start your journey to Bali:
1. Money
First of all, there are ATMs everywhere in the southern part of Bali where you will most likely be
spending most of your time during your stay. In the less touristy areas you can find ATMs for
example at gas stations and some convenience stores such as Alfamart or Circle K.
Visa and Mastercard both work well here in Bali. You can take out money with them from
almost all ATMs and pay at most shops and restaurants. Visa Electron is also good for taking
out money from the ATMs, with Maestro currently only the ATMs from BCA and BNI work. There
are differences between countries who provide your credit cards in whether it’s wiser to take
out money or pay with your credit card. For example with some german cards you don’t have to
pay any fee for taking out money, but when using a finnish card you are charged a basic fee
(around 56 euros) and a percentage of the withdrawal at all indonesian ATMs. On the other
hand some places charge you 23 % (most don´t) whenever you pay with a credit card which
means even then it´s cheaper to pay with a finnish card instead of taking out money but more
expensive with a german card. Please find out which is the best option for you!
Bring at least 2 cards with you, in case one gets lost/broken (for example a credit card and a
Visa Electron/Maestro). Don’t carry the cards with you all the time, only when you need to take
out money. Please change some of your local currency to rupiahs already at home and bring
some cash with you to change here as the charges for taking money out of the ATMs can be
quite high (89 euros each time) for some european cards. You can use your credit card to take
cash advance at BCA bank on Jalan Raya Kuta up to 10 million a day in case you need bigger
amounts of money at once.
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2. Visa
You can enter Indonesia with a Social Visit Visa (Type 211), a visafree stay stamp (for certain
nationalities) or the 35$ Visa on Arrival. Please be aware that all these visa types expire if you
exit Indonesia and you have to apply for a new Social visit visa outside of Indonesia or reenter
Bali with a new Visa on Arrival.
This brief summary should help you to choose the right visa:
2.1. Social Visit Visa
This visa has to be applied for at an Indonesian embassy in your home country or some other
country such as Malaysia, Singapore or Thailand
It is initially valid for 60 days and can be extended up to 4 times (until a maximum of 180
days). After that you will have to exit the country.
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Please remember to make sure that the immigration official at the airport knows that you
have a social visit visa (in some cases they forget to check for that and end up giving you a
30day stay stamp which cannot be extended)
This visa is the right choice for you if you are planning to stay for over 60 days and spending
your time in Indonesia (Bali, Lombok, Java, Komodo, Papua, Sulawesi, Flores...)
2.2. Visa on Arrival (Tourist Visa)
This visa acquired at the airport for 35$ is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for 30
days more. After 60 days you must exit the country and obtain a new visa. To be able to obtain
a Visa on Arrival you will need to show a flight ticket out of Indonesia.
2.3. Visafree Stamp
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This stamp acquired from the airport will allow you to stay in Indonesia for 30 days after
which you must exit the country and obtain a new visa.
2.2.1 Extending your visa
Visa on Arrival can be extended by yourself at the immigration office close to the airport. The
address is Jalan Perum Taman Jimbaran Asri No.1, Jimbaran, Kuta Selatan 80361, Kabupaten
Badung, Bali. In case you stay in Denpasar or Sanur, you should visit the immigration office in
Renon instead. The address us Jalan D.I. Pandjaitan No. 3, Renon, Denpasar Selatan, Bali
80235. Please check their website for the documents needed for the extension. The extension
done by yourself requires at least three visits to the immigration office and costs Rp. 355 000.
Remember the proper dress code which means shoulders, knees and feet should be covered.
Alternatively you can use a visa agent to handle the procedure on your behalf, although you will
still need to visit the immigration office once for fingerprints and photos. The agent fees start
from Rp. 700 000 (University agents are a bit cheaper but only exchange students can use their
services). Please ask the agent which documents you need to provide them with.
Social Visit Visa can only be extended with the help of a visa agent (unless you can convince
your sponsor to accompany you to the immigration office). You will still need to visit the
immigration office for every 1st visa extension for fingerprints and photos. The agent fees start
from Rp. 700 000 (University agents are a bit cheaper but only exchange students can use their
services). Please ask the agent which documents you need to provide them.
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The extension process should always be started at least 7 days before your visa expires.
3. International Driver´s License
One of the most important things to get: An
international driver’s license! Do not forget to
apply for it before you leave! More information
can be found here: International Driving Permit .
The police will probably stop you at least once
during your stay and by showing them the
license, you can save a hefty fine.
Even if you don’t have a driver’s license from your
country, you can still obtain an Indonesian
driver´s license in Bali although the process can
be a bit annoying and has to be repeated every
30 days (fees apply).
4. Travel Insurance
Please make sure that you have a valid travel insurance for your whole stay abroad! Sickness or
accidents can happen and the cost of medical care is not cheap. Some insurance companies
have partner hospitals in Bali, find out yours already in advance. We also recommend you to
find out your insurance company’s policy on paying the hospital bills. Some can offer you a
direct billing agreement certificate that you show at the hospital and they will send your bill
directly to the insurance company. With others you have to pay your hospital bill by yourself
first and afterwards apply for reimbursement from your insurer.
HanseMerkur and World Nomads have been widely recommended (World Nomads travel
insurance can be purchased even if you are already abroad)
5. Vaccinations
For your stay in Bali, we recommend making sure that you have a valid tetanus vaccination and
a vaccination against hepatitis A and B. Other vaccinations are not needed, even though some
European doctors might recommend otherwise. We know of some cases where actually the
people who had gotten special vaccinations still got typhoid or other diseases. Others who were
not vaccinated, experienced fewer or no problems. Therefore, save yourself the time and the
hassle. If you are in Bali and something happens, like getting bitten by a monkey or dog, you'll
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(regardless whether you have a precautionary vaccination or not) need to go to the hospital
anyway to get vaccinated.
6. What to bring with you
To save you some energy we’ve combined a list of what you should bring with you from home:
prescription medication
sunscreen
tampons
contact lenses
dry shampoo
blue shampoo if you have blond hair
proper clothes
gym clothes
underwear (especially girls)
microfibre towel
proper shoes (running, trekking etc)
Kindle or similar eReader if you like to read a lot
GoPro
Extra SD cards
There are also a few things you don’t need to bring with you as they are very cheap here:
too many clothes
mosquito repellent
basic hygiene products
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Accommodation
Shortterm stay
You won’t be needing anything special as you’ll probably be spending most of your time
outdoors anyway and cheap doesn’t necessarily mean bad, as for 15 euros per night you can
already find a place with pool, breakfast and a nice atmosphere. Kuta and Seminyak are good
areas especially if it’s your first time in Bali, as they are located an easy drive to all possible
locations and are lively areas. Canggu is becoming more and more popular as the hipster part
of Bali. Uluwatu is for surf and quiet nights in and Ubud is for those seeking spirituality and
interested in art and nature. Depending on the time of your arrival, you can either book in
advance ( www.agoda.com is a good option for finding homestays, hotels and villas) or just
make a walkin booking. Here are a few good options for your first nights (located in the
Kuta/Seminyak area):
Grandmas in Petitenget
Favehotel in Umalas or Seminyak
Guesshouse Hostel
Happy Day Hostel in Seminyak/Petitenget
Masa Inn in Kuta (about 550.000 IDR/ per room per night)
Aquarius (next to Bounty’s discotheque)
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Hotel New Arena in Poppies. About 10€ for a room with double bed inc. AC, Pool, TV, breakfast
Tanaya Bed & Breakfast Jl. Legian! TOP!!
Gemini Star Hotel in Poppies Lane II. 5 minutes walk to Kuta nightlife, 10 minutes to the beach.
Bakung Sari appr. 15 Euros per night. Clean hotel with good location in Kuta.
Legian Beach Bungalow: Room with a fan: 120.000 150.000 IDR per night. Room with AC:
150.000 180.000 IDR per night.
Puri Dukuh Accommodation
Nyima Budget Inn: Basic Room (fan & cold Water): 197.500 IDR per night. Standard Room
(AC.Hot & Cold Water) 297.500 IDR per night. Bungalow Room (AC.Hot & Cold Water) 355.500
IDR per night. Family Room (AC . Hot & Cold Water) 375.500 IDR per night.
Hotel Lusa, Jl. Benesari Kuta, http://www.hotellusakuta.com/rate.html
Hotel Bendesa, Jl Benesari. Good hotel with pool and central location * Price can be changed subject to each hotel price update.
Instead of staying at a hotel you can book through airbnb https://www.airbnb.com/ where
people can rent their rooms, houses or villas. Currently it has over 1,500,000 listings in 34,000
cities and 190 countries. All you need to do to be able to start browsing is to register and create
an online profile.
Longterm stay
First of all, you should decide on the area you want to stay in. Secondly, be prepared that you
will have to compromise a bit on western standards, such as overall cleanliness, and get used
to some unwanted house pets (cockroaches, spiders etc). Anyways, the level of luxury you’ll
get for your money is worth some minor troubles.
Where to find villas online?
If you google for villas in Bali you will mainly find the websites advertising accommodation for
several hundred dollars per night. As you are probably on a tighter budget, this won’t be an
option.
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s
We started out our accommodation rental business by asking former students for information
about their villas, the price and photos. Nowadays we have 40,000 page views per month and
inquiries from all over Europe for cheap accommodation in Bali. Availabilities are constantly
updated and prices are renegotiated. That’s how we’ve managed to become the largest
independent platform for student accommodation in Bali. Sounds good? Check out our updated
accommodation portfolio: Villas in Bali
Book in advance or go house hunting after your arrival to Bali
Which is better? Booking your villa before you get here or having a look at the accommodation
options when you are already on the island?
Generally, there is no universal answer to this question. Some people prefer to go house
hunting after their arrival while others like to book in advance. It depends on your needs and
budget as well as when (autumn season tends to be busier than spring) you will be in Bali. We
have put together some important information and tips in order for you to be able to make an
informed decision: Is it better to book in advance ?
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Finding a roommate
If you have decided on renting a house or a villa and would like to find someone to share the
costs, you should go about it with care. This topic is often underestimated: picking the right
roommate is often more important than finding the right accommodation! Most people know
how easy or hard sharing your home with someone else can be and picking the right or wrong
roommate can make your time in Bali either great or horrible. You can have a look at Find
roommate in Bali .
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Arriving at the Airport
Denpasar airport (Ngurah Rai) is quite a small one so getting through it will not take a long
time. Well, sometimes the lines for immigration booths can be annoyingly slow, but let’s hope
that doesn’t happen to you. Please remember to save your boarding pass, in some cases the
immigration officials might ask for it or you might need it for extending your Visa on Arrival.
Otherwise everything should go smoothly, after passing through the immigration you can go
collect your luggage and then submit your customs declaration (which you received during the
last leg of your flight from the flight attendants) to the officials and put your luggage through
the security check. Then you’re already on your way out. We recommend not falling prey to the
airport money changing desks on the way, as their rates are really bad.
For getting from the airport to your accommodation, there are a few options to choose from:
1. Take a taxi from the airport : Taxi drivers wait at the airport exit for Bali newcomers. Be
aware that these drivers try to offer you an overpaid taxi ride (approx 70k 500k). If you’re
good at bargaining and know how much you’re supposed to pay, you can try to get a decent
price.
2. The taxi counter outside the arrivals (exit arrivals, turn right) has fixed prices but
sometimes in the evenings they charge more.
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3. Some visitors order an Uber taxi to pick them up from outside the airport complex but this
can be tricky as the wifi at the airport can be a bit unreliable at times and the drivers prefer the
customer to have a local number they can call in case of any issues.
4. You want to choose the easiest and fastest option? We at StudyinBali.com offer you the
service to be picked up by one of our drivers starting from around 210 000 IDR. They are
reliable and know the way to each and single hotel and villa around. Dirga is a local guy who
speaks good english and our German driver can serve you in both german and english. By
booking one of them, you will also receive a free local SIM card.
One of the first things you should consider acquiring in Bali is a local SIM card . Simpati and XL
are the most common providers. The price of the SIM card depends on where you buy it. A
Wartel (local phone shop on the side of the street) is your cheapest bet: they sell the cards for
around 20 00050 000 IDR. They will install the card and after that you can buy credit (pulsa in
indonesian). Mobile internet credit can be purchased once you have bought enough phone
credit, a month should cost approximately 60 000100 000 IDR. Here’s a quick guide to
checking your credit:
Simpati (Telkomsel)
*888# call
XL
*123# call
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Getting Around in Bali
Walking longer trips in Bali is not really an option (except if you happen to be walking along the
beach) as the streets are quite narrow and crowded and sidewalks lousy (although they are
working on this issue). Here are your options:
1.Scooter
Even though the traffic in Bali might seem a bit crowded and chaotic at first, most of visitors
will end up renting a scooter. It really is the fastest and cheapest way to get around and once
you get comfortable with the traffic, also the most enjoyable. You can find scooter rental places
everywhere; you can just ask your fellow travellers, friends or your accommodation staff for
recommendations or go for a walk along the streets. Most people choose to pay monthly and
the price will depend on the type of bike, which insurance you choose and also the area from
where you rent the scooter. Make sure you make a written rental agreement.
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You should be able to rent a scooter for 700.000 800.000 IDR per month (50.000 80.000IDR
per day) from our recommended providers:
Wayan (KuBuKu): +62 816 474 0596
Made Wana: +62 812 4668442
In case you need a surf rack or two helmets, please ask for it in advance.
A few tips to keep in mind while driving a scooter:
Always concentrate, not just on your own driving but also on other people in the
traffic. Bali has no such set of road rules as us westerners are used to.
Don’t get into crazy speeding and reckless turns and always use your blinker to
indicate what you are about to do. Balinese are also used to honking their horns
to let other traffic users know what they are up to.
Always wear a helmet and don’t drink and drive!
Dealing with the police
You will probably be stopped by the police at least once. Even though it’s mandatory to wear a
helmet, many Indonesians neglect it for cost reasons. The local police are very strict about this
rule especially when it comes to tourists and therefore issuing hefty fines for not abiding it. Not
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only because of the fines, but also for security reasons, we absolutely recommend everyone
driving a scooter here to buy a proper helmet.
The police also gain a lot of money by issuing fines for not having an international driver’s
license. This is why we recommend you to get one in advance (the price depends on the issuing
country) and to always have it with you when driving. You should always keep a 20 000 or 50
000 IDR bill separate from your wallet to offer to the police in case they demand a fine. And of
course speaking a few words of indonesian is always a benefit.
2. Taxi
Bluebird Taxis
Bluebird taxis are considered as the most
reliable of regular taxis. There are many blue
taxis around but you can recognize a Bluebird
from the bird logo on their rooftop sign. You
can grab one from the street, call their hotline
(Blue Bird Taxi: +62 361 70 1111. +62 361
728 200, +62 361 723620) or use their mobile
app to order one. Usually the will always have
the meter on so you can trust that you’ll end up
paying the regular fare but sometimes in the
evenings you might have to ask them to turn
the meter on or negotiate a reasonable price for your ride. Try to avoid using local taxis as they
might scam you or worse, make you feel unsafe.
Uber
You might have heard of this mobile app as it’s an
international one. What’s so great about it is that when
you install it, you give your credit card number or
PayPal and you never need any cash when using their
services. Of course you can also choose the cash
payment option if you prefer the oldfashioned way.
You’ll get a receipt in your email straight after you’ve
arrived at your destination. Many people use Uber as
their prices are ridiculously cheap, the service is safe
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as the drivers have to be registered in the service with all their details and when ordering you’ll
already see where the car is and how many minutes it will take for the driver to arrive at your
destination.
Grab Taxi
This is another mobile app similar to Uber, where you can tell the taxi
your pickup location and destination and it will already tell you the price
of the journey in advance. The only difference to Uber is that with Grab
Taxi you’ll have to pay the fare always in cash at the end of your
journey.
GoJek
GoJeks are motorbike taxis, and you can recognize the
drivers by their green outfits. GoJek is a mobile app
with which you order an Ojek (motorbike taxi driver) to
pick you up from wherever you are. This is the best
option for example when you are in a hurry, and another
benefit is that most rides will only cost 10 00015 000
IDR (about 1 euro). You can also use GoJeks for
example for food and alcohol delivery.
3. Car
Renting a car is not a recommended option unless you are an experienced driver, know your
way well in the traffic and around the island and are willing to spend a lot of time getting from
point A to point B. On the other hand renting a car with a driver is a very smart decision for
longer journeys (for example a trip to an attraction that might be difficult to find) if you don’t
want to drive your scooter but instead lean back and enjoy the views and aircondition. You can
ask your hotel or villa staff to recommend an individuallyowned rental car with a
knowledgeable driver to take you around. Make sure petrol and insurance are included before
settling on a price. By the way, buying lunch for your driver is recommended in case you
booked him for the whole day.
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Other options for getting around are public buses, which are cheap but unfortunately have
nonsufficient routes or fixed schedules. For rides from one tourist area to another (for example
Seminyak to Ubud) you can book a shuttle bus trip that has a fixed price.
Safety
Bali in general is quite safe, but sometimes travellers might encounter bad situations. We have
some tips on how to avoid these.
Drugs
DON’T do drugs under any circumstances. Even magic mushrooms are now regarded
class A drugs. Indonesia has very strict laws against possession, distribution,
export/import, even consumption and applies the death sentence
Alcohol Poisoning
Do not buy arak from the street and avoid consuming very cheap mixed drinks at the
bars. Sometimes arak has been distilled incorrectly or other spirits are “diluted”, ending
up containing fatal methanol. Sticking to Bintang or other bottled drinks is always the
safest option
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Scooter
Do not drink and drive! This should go without saying
Always look to your left and right on intersections, even if the traffic light is green
Pay attention to potholes, stones, loose chippings, the occasional cow, dogs, children
and other road users who might not pay so much attention (Bali’s traffic rules are not
westernstandard)
Always put your bag under the seat. The bike thefts can try to rip your bag from your
shoulder which can lead to accidents and serious injury
Always, and we mean ALWAYS, drive with a helmet on. You should consider buying your
own helmet (around 200.000 300.000 IDR) during your stay as the helmets given to
you from the scooter rental places do not always fit the best or are not up to the safety
regulations
Breakins
Do not leave any cash or credit cards lying around in your room
Keep valuables such as passports, wallets, laptops, tablets etc. in a safe if possible
Always lock the doors to your house and/or room. Even if you only leave the house for a
few minutes.
Muggings
In general: do not show around your valuables like smartphone, tablet etc
Don’t carry your phone in your back pocket or an open handbag. The pickpockets on the
streets are highly skilled. Better to leave your expensive iPhone at home when going out
We would also recommended to put your bigger bags in front of your seat, especially if
you are driving at night. In the past it has happened that even backpacks were stolen
from the back during driving
Don’t drive alone in quiet alleys during night time and prefer wearing longsleeved shirts
to avoid looking like an easytarget tourist
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Scams
Only change money at the official money exchangers such as Kuta Central or BMC and
make sure you get the right amount of money
Be careful at the petrol station when buying a full tank and paying with a big note, they
might on purpose try to charge you more than what you should pay
Some ATMs have card swipers, although this problem is being fixed now. To make sure
your card is not being swiped, please prefer the ATMs next to bigger shops or with
security closeby and monitor the amount of money on your account
When paying for your taxi make sure that the driver doesn’t switch your big note to a
smaller one and demand for more money because you didn’t yet pay enough. Also,
always ask the taxi driver to put the meter on or negotiate a fair price for the journey
before going in the car
Red flags on the beach
Don’t go for a swim when you see these. They are a warning of dangerous rip currents
which are strong and unpredictable, and present a huge danger even to experienced
swimmers
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Health
You do have a valid travel insurance, right? As mentioned earlier, the standard of healthcare in
Bali is high, especially in the international hospitals, but it can also cost an arm and a leg. Minor
injuries can be treated at local clinics but in more serious cases we recommend turning to the
hospital recommended by your insurance company:
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Important Numbers
Prima Medika Hospital : +62 361 25744 5 or: +62 361 25 744 6 (24/7 hotline)
SOS International Clinic : +62 361 720 100
BIMC Hospital Kuta : +62 361 761 263
BIMC Hospital Nusa Dua : +62 361 3000 911
Kasih Ibu in Denpasar : +62 361 223036
Siloam Hospital : (0361) 779 911
Sanglah (public) Hospital: (0361) 22791115, 225 482
If you need a European health therapist, +62 81 337 128 563 and +62 81 13 880 040, you can
also visit their website .
Dentist (Dr Yonas): Jl. Imam Bonjol, 338A, Denpasar. Tel. +62 361 886 08 08
911 Dental Clinic : (0361 766255) / 7449911.
Many Bali visitors experience at least some kind of problems with their health or get involved in
accidents. Here we’ve covered some of the most common ones, and give you advice on how to
proceed:
Heat stroke
This is the most common health problem. First of all: the midday sun is a force to be reckoned
with, so make sure to slather yourself with highfactor sunscreen before going out and repeat
regularly to avoid getting sunburnt. Also remember to drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself
hydrated. Isotonic drinks, such as Pocari Sweat and Mizone can be found at most shops, and
help restore all the water and electrolytes you lose while sweating. Covering your head with a
hat or a scarf is a good idea, too. In case you do suffer a heat stroke, rest and drinking a lot of
fluids is the best cure.
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Bali belly
Bali Belly is the name given for an upset stomach, traveller´s diarrhoea or gastroenteritis
caught on our beautiful island. It occurs mostly because of the different levels of bacteria and
hygiene. The main source of infection is food and water contaminated by feces and the cause of
infection can be a virus, parasite or bacteria. The symptoms include abdominal bloating, cramps
and pain, nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhoea, mild fever and general weakness. Usually you’ll
find yourself going to the toilet frequently to empty both ends and not much of what you
consume stays inside for long. It is a selflimited disorder and often resolves without specific
treatment but it can last up to a week and lead to serious dehydration so make sure to act as
soon as the symptoms arrive.
What to avoid:
· greasy, fried food
· spicy food
· alcohol and excessive smoking
· soft drinks
· coffee
· very hot or very cold drinks
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· all dairy products except yogurt
What to do:
· rest as much as possible
· drink water up to 34 litres a day
· drink fruit juices
· drink isotonic sports drinks such as Gatorade and Pocari Sweat
· drink herbal teas such as ginger, chamomile and peppermint
· eat apples and bananas
· eat clear, salty soups, plain rice or porridge
· eat natural yoghurt or take acidophilus/biophilus supplements
· chew ginger or peppermint candies when nausea strikes
You can also make your own drinks as WHO advises:
To prevent dehydration, mix
· 1 teaspoon salt
· 8 teaspoon sugar
· 1 liter of bottled water
For fluid replacement, mix
· 200 ml orange, apple or other fruit juice
· ½ teaspoon honey
· a pinch of salt
and
· 200 ml bottled water
· ¼ teaspoon baking soda
Alternate drinking these until your thirst is quenched.
Oral rehydration solutions such as Electrolade, Dioralyte and Rehidrat (found in most stores and
pharmacies) replace and replenish lost salts and minerals but are most effective on children and
the elderly. Normal, healthy adults should stick to soups rich in salt and juices rich in sugar.
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Charcoal tablets such as Norit (found in pharmacies called Apotek in Indonesian) can help
minimize diarrhea and absorb excess stomach gas, chemicals and poison ingested.
Imodium is a basic in many traveller’s medicine supply but remember that it only acts as a
temporary “blockage” and is more suitable for having to travel while dealing with the
symptoms.
If the cause of the disorder is bacterial, antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin can help in severe
cases but consulting a doctor first is advisable.
If you pass blood with the diarrhoea, have severe stomach cramps or fever over 38 °C it is
important NOT to take any antidiarrhoea medication and see a doctor as soon as possible.
Dengue fever
Bali is officially a Malariafree zone
but there are other possibly
lifethreatening mosquitoborne
viruses you could contract, such as
Dengue fever and Chikungunya.
Infrequently there are dengue
fever outbreaks in Bali. The
blackandwhite striped Aedes
mosquitoes who carry the disease
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only bite during daytime so remember to wear mosquito repellent and cover your arms and legs
during the days as well. The most common symptoms are fever, a widespread rash, nausea and
bone, muscle and joint pain. The symptoms for Chikungunya virus are similar to the ones from
dengue fever. The only difference being, that chikungunya virus can cause problems, such as
joint pains, even months after it has been treated.
You might have read a lot of horror stories about dengue but actually it can be treated in many
cases at home with rest, painkillers (only paracetamol), a lot of hydration (especially guava and
papaya juices are good) and by eating even a little bit of nonspicy, nongreasy foods
frequently. If you experience really high fever, serious dehydration or bloody feces you should
go to the hospital. The treatment for chikungunya is same; lots of rest, painkillers and fluids.
No hospital visits are usually needed.
Parasites
Catching a parasitic infection is not that common in Bali but it’s good to mention them anyways.
Intestinal parasites are microorganisms that live in the intestines. Some cause problems while
others can live for long periods in the bowel without causing symptoms or requiring treatment.
Parasitic infection with intestinal worms may spread through contaminated water, fruits,
vegetables, grains, poultry, fish or meat. Symptoms can include diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of
appetite, weight loss, abdominal cramps or they might just feel bloated, tired and dizzy.
Parasites causing strong symptoms can be gotten rid of with strong antibiotics but it might take
a very long time. Some antimedicine people suggest herbal remedies.
Coral/Reef cuts
A tropical infection can start from the smallest of scratches and believe us a small nick
anywhere on your legs especially the feet area can get nasty. So please remember to stay
afterwards out of the water for at least a few days. First, clean the wound: you have to make
sure you get all foreign material out of the wound for it to start to heal (lime juice and a
toothbrush work well). Afterwards you can use Betadine but only after the wound is perfectly
cleaned of coral as the shellfish in Betadine can actually feed the coral making the problem
worse. To avoid infection you might consider buying oral antibiotics from a local pharmacy.
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Rabies
This virus is transmitted by the bite or scratch of an infected animal (such as dog or a monkey)
and there is no vaccination to prohibit the virus from entering your body (there is an antirabies
vaccination, but it only lessens the number of vaccinations you need after being bitten). In case
you suspect having been bitten by an infected animal (a rabid animal is usually very
aggressive, although scared of water and salivates excessively), wash the wound thoroughly
with soap and water under a running tap for 15 minutes, apply antiseptic or alcohol to clean the
wound, leave the wound open and seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY as you’ll need to be
treated with post exposure vaccinations and an immunoglobulin injection which might in some
cases be hard to find in Bali. Without treatment this virus is in almost all cases fatal.
Other tropical diseases you might contract are typhoid and intestinal viruses/diseases/larvae
that need medical treatment.
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Food
Our top picks
After dealing for years with Bali travellers (and also living in Bali ourselves), we have been able
to combine a list of favourite choices, whether it’s breakfast places, best pizzas, restaurants,
spas, bars etc. Read on to discover them:
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Best breakfast places
The say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and I couldn’t agree more. In Bali
breakfast is usually included in the hotel prices but eating eggs on toast or the same buffet
every morning will get boring after a while. That’s why we are lucky to have so many wonderful
restaurants serving healthy, hearty and varied dishes to start your day with.
Betelnut nutritious food with a view (Canggu)
Betelnut is set in a doublestory thatched bungalow overlooking lush rice paddies. It is a
favourite among Canggu hipsters and surfers, located just a minute’s drive from the
beach. They serve yummy breakfast bowls featuring granola, yoghurt and fresh fruits
and delicious set menus accompanied with freshlyblended juices and smoothies.
Nalu Bowls the best smoothie bowls in town (Canggu, Seminyak and Uluwatu)
The concept of Nalu Bowls is inspired by the Hawaiian surf culture and tropical
ingredients and it caters to everyone looking for a sweet and nutritious start for the day.
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Avocado Cafe healthy and wellbalanced meals (Canggu)
Avocado Café is a health café specializing in vegan, vegetarian, glutenfree and paleo
options. They also do weekly menus where all your meals will be freshly delivered to
your door.
Watercress fresh and plentiful goodness for all (Batu Belig)
Watercress on Jl Batu Belig is a shabbychic decorated, popular restaurant serving
wholesome allday breakfast menu, delicious Revolver coffee and mouthwatering cakes.
Sisterfields popular cafe/juice bar (Seminyak)
Sisterfields' smashed avocado with feta, lemon and lime juice and semidried tomatoes
on grainy toast is a legend in Bali. They also serve breakfast bowls and great
coldpressed juices. The restaurant gets really crowded during breakfast so if you get
tired of waiting you can always sneak over to Grocer and Grind.
Sea Circus a colourful, happy coffee den (Seminyak)
Sea Circus serves a westernstyle breakfast menu with feelgood options, Five Senses
coffee and even a hangovercure breakfast with berocca and panadol.
The Fat Turtle nicely decorated newbie (Petitenget)
The Fat Turtle is one of the newest additions to Bali's cafe scene, fast becoming a
favourite among breakfast lovers. Their menu is small but nonetheless delicious. Try the
red velvet pancakes with cream cheese mousse and pulled pork eggs benedict and you
won't be disappointed.
Livingstone Bakery freshlybaked goods every day (Petitenget)
Livingstone is a countrystyle restaurant with aussie vibes and total comfort. They serve
fresh, daily bakes, pretty cakes and pastries and a hearty menu with classic
breakfast/brunch favourites. You can pick a choice on the menu or customize your own
breakfast.
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Best Restaurants
Of course you will be occasionally craving some westernstyle cuisine instead of your regular
nasi campur. No worries, as there are a multitude of options to choose from:
Warung Sobat (Batu Belig)
Warung Sobat 2 (Kerobokan)
Good, hearty meals with affordable prices (both western and indonesian)
Ultimo (Seminyak)
Serves great pastas among other Italian food.
Taco Casa (Petitenget)
The best option for friends of Mexican food.
Malo’s (Seminyak)
A Swiss restaurant with great choices of steaks.
Casa D´Angelos (two locations in Kerobokan)
Budgetfriendly cafe and delicious brunch buffet on Saturdays and Sundays
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Earth Cafe and Zula (Seminyak)
Best vegetarian and vegan food in Bali.
Pit Stop (Petitenget and Pecatu)
Wacko Burger (Seminyak)
Alltime favourite burgers. Pit Stop is open 24/7.
La Finca (Batu Belig)
Spanishstyle delicious tapas.
PokePoke (Canggu)
The most delicious, varied sashimi bowls
The Beach House (Echo Beach, Canggu)
Great bbq dishes with a delicious salad buffet. They also serve excellent salmon
sandwiches
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Best Pizza in Bali
Who doesn’t love pizza? I mean seriously, isn’t that the ultimate indulgence and hangover cure?
The crispy base, mouthwatering toppings and all that yummy cheese. It definitely deserves its
own section. Here is a compilation of restaurants that serve the best pizzas in Bali:
Warung Italia and Warung Ava (Seminyak and Kerobokan)
Warung Italia and Warung Ava serve in my opinion the best pizzas on the whole island,
and what´s best, they have two restaurants. Their crust is a little bit thicker than in the
other top 7 restaurants but I’m guessing that is part of the secret. All the ingredients are
imported from Italy and the pizzas are cooked in a wood fire oven. You can either
choose a mediumsize pizza that is already huge or a family size pizza, triple the
sizedouble the prize as they advertise, that can easily feed four hungry mouths. The
Price to quality ratio here is excellent. The restaurant in Seminyak gets quite crowded at
times so if you’re looking for faster service or delivery, choose the one in Kerobokan.
Other dishes served include for example bruschettas, pastas and in the Seminyak
restaurant a buffet.
Cafe Marzano (Seminyak and Ubud)
Café Marzano is another longtime favourite of ours and many others: the Seminyak
restaurant can get really crowded most evenings so reservations are advisable.
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Sometimes ordering takeaway is the fastest way to get your delicious pizza. Home
delivery is also available. The making of the dough follows the traditional Napoletana
recipe, the crust is thin and all the ingredients are fresh. A favourite is the Popeye with
spinach and ricotta and We’ve heard the calzones are also amazing. Pricewise Café
Marzano is comparable to Warung Italia, except there are no family size pizzas available.
Panzerottos and pastas are also good here.
Balitaly (Seminyak)
Balitaly is our favourite pizza delivery option. Their list is very comprehensive and the
prices won’t break the bank. The crust is just perfect and the taste delicious.
Pronto Pizza (Kuta)
Pronto Pizza in Kuta serves nothing else than pizza but then again why would you when
you are so damn good in what you already do. All the ingredients are fresh, and the
Italian chef cooks all the thin crust pizzas to perfection. It is all about delicious flavours
and affordable prices. The service in the restaurant is fast but they also do home delivery
in case you want to enjoy your meal at home.
Pizzeria Italia (Uluwatu)
This little gem can be found right before PadangPadang beach on the way to Uluwatu.
The restaurant has a cozy Italian feel to it, with redandwhite checkered tablecloths and
cute aprons on the waiters. The pizzas are absolutely yummy with thin crust and good
toppings. Prices are cheap and one pizza can feed two people. Options to try out include
the pesto pizza and diavola. Pastas and salads are also great. Delivery is available in the
nearby area.
Nusa Dua Pizza (Nusa Dua)
Nusa Dua Pizzas serves delicious, wood fired, thin crust pizzas that are large enough to
share. The perfect, freeofcharge addon is the chili olive oil you can drizzle on your
pizza. Prices are very good value and the owner is a lovely man. The restaurant is small
but they also do home delivery in Nusa Dua and Jimbaran areas. Try out the blue bacon
pizza!
Pizza Bagus (Ubud)
If you get pizza cravings in Ubud area, look no further than Pizza Bagus. They have a lot
of thin crust pizza options and two sizes –small or medium to choose from, and the
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prices are definitely reasonable. Their calzones are a musttry! The restaurant is very
popular as is their delivery service so prepare to wait a while.
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Best finedining
Bali is fast becoming a mecca for finedining lovers. Worldfamous chefs bring their innovative
concepts here and old favourites keep upping the ante. Here are the best places to experience
what Bali’s culinary culture has to offer:
1. Metis Restaurant and Gallery
Metis is one of Bali’s most famous and exclusive restaurants. The venue is all about luxury,
consisting of a restaurant, bar and lounge, gallery, boutique, wine cellar and private dining
room. The restaurant enjoys a terrace and veranda overlooking adjacent rice fields. The menu
presents FrenchMediterranean cuisine extending to inventive Japanese and MiddleEastern
plates passionately crafted by chef and founder Nicolas Tourneville. Their wine cellar has an
exclusive collection of wines from around the world. Metis serves lunch, dinner, high tea and
also hosts regular events such as Aperochic on Friday evenings.
Address: Jalan Petitenget No 6, Seminyak
Tel: 03618465950
Opening Hours: 12pm3pm and 6pm11pm
Menu: http://metisbali.com/menudrinks/foodmenu/
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2. Mozaic
Mozaic was the groundbreaker for Bali´s finedining scene and still remains one of the most
popular restaurants on the island. Chef Chris Salans has an innovative approach to French
cuisine incorporating local and exotic Balinese ingredients through a varying menu. You can
enjoy dinner at the awardwinning restaurant either in a lush and romantic garden setting or in
a spacious and cosy pavilion. They serve for example 6course tasting and discovery menus
that change regularly according to the chef´s team inspirations and seasonal ingredients.
Address: Jalan Raya Sanggingan, Ubud
Tel: 0361975768
Opening Hours: 5.45pm01am
Menu: http://www.mozaicbali.com/mozaicrestaurant/thefoodofmozaic
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3. Sarong and Mama San
Sarong and Mama San are creations of chefowner Will Meyrick who gained much experience
trying out different street foods and exotic dishes in various Asian regions. Sarong´s menu has
Indian, Sri Lankan, Thai and Indonesian flavours whereas Mama San’s concentrates more on
dishes from China, Vietnam and Burma. Sarong also offers asianinspired cocktails and Mama
San has one of the most extensive wine lists in Bali. While Sarong is a sultry, rusticmeetsrich
space with two dining pavilions, an outdoor lounge and an informal dining area adjacent to the
bar, its less pricey little sister Mama San has a cool and elegant warehousestyle interior on two
levels. Both places are almost always fully booked so be sure to make your reservation well in
advance.
Sarong
Address: Jalan Petitenget No 19X, Seminyak
Tel: 0361737809
Opening Hours: 6pm11pm
Menu: http://sarongbali.com/media/Menu.pdf
Mama San
Address: Jalan Raya Kerobokan No 135, Seminyak
Tel: 0361730436
Opening Hours: 12pm3pm and 6.30pm1.30am
Menu: http://mamasanbali.com/menu/dinner/
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4. Merah Putih
Merah Putih is a temple of innovative architecture and inspired Indonesian cuisine. Soaring
translucent roof columns collect rainwater and UV filters purify and recycle it while the
solarfiltered glass walls let the light in but keep the heat out. The positioning of the tables and
plants throughout the space gives a sense of intimacy even when the restaurant is full.
Executive chef Kieran Morland has separated the Indonesianthemed menu into two sections:
You can choose from the traditional menu consisting of classic regional dishes or the modern
menu of creative culinary concoctions made with ingredients from around the archipelago.
Address: Jalan Petitenget No 100X, Seminyak
Tel: 03618465950
Opening Hours: 12pm3pm and 6pm10pm
Menu: https://merahputihbali.com/restaurant.html
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5. Sardine
Sardine comprises of a gorgeous bamboobeamed dining hall with platforms overlooking rice
fields and of the chillout lounge featuring leafy bamboo gardens and ponds. Executive chef
Michael Shaheen´s menu changes daily, with the main ingredients being fresh catches from
Jimbaran seafood market. The healthy and tasty seafood selection is combined with menu there
are also meat and vegetarian dishes. homegrown organic produce sourced from their own
garden in the village of Bedugul.
.
Address: Jalan Petitenget No 21, Seminyak
Tel: 08113978111
Opening Hours: TueSun 11.30am01am
Menu: http://www.sardinebali.com/
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6. Teatro Gastroteque
The Papuanborn chef Mandif Warokka has created this intimate 26seat restaurant serving fine
French and Asianfusion cuisine. Together with another multiaward winning Indonesian
celebrity chef Daniel Edward he promises a memorable dining experience with an open
theaterstyle kitchen. They source the best produce available in the market, about 70% of
which are local ingredients.
Address: Jalan Kayu Aya Blok C No 12
Tel: 085101700078
Opening Hours: 6.30pm10.30pm
Menu: http://teatrobali.com/content/menu/
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7. Locavore
Locavore offers delectable and innovative French cuisine creations by Eelke Plasjmeijer and Ray
Adriansyah, two former chefs of the fivestar resort Alila Ubud. They serve an ingredientdriven
tasting menu with wine pairings and five to seven course degustation treats made out of local
produce. In the restaurant there are three seating sections: a loungelike part at the far end,
several recycled wooden tables in the middle and the most privileged spot right next to the
open kitchen. The dishes are served directly by the chefs and everything is art on a plate.
Bookings are essential as there are only 30 seats at the restaurant.
Address: Jalan Dewi Sita, Ubud
Tel: 0361977733
Opening Hours: Mon 6pm11pm, TueSat 12pm2.30pm and 6pm11pm
Menu: https://www.zomato.com/bali/restaurantlocavoreubud
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8. Sip
Sip wine bar and restaurant is one of the bestkept secrets of Bali’s fine dining. The atmosphere
here is that of a French brasserie,and the space is small, romantic and intimate despite its
streetside location. The creator, Christian Vanneque was an acclaimed sommelier and wine
lover, so the wine list is extensive and exquisite. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner sets as
well as “Bouillon Sip”: a range of affordable starters, mains and desserts,which you can mix and
match to your own liking.
Address: Jalan Raya Seminyak No 16A, Seminyak
Tel: 0361730810/0361732513
Opening Hours: MonSat 11am10.30pm, Sun 7.30pm10.30pm
Menu: http://sipbali.com/
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9. The Warung at Alila Villas
At The Warung you will have uninterrupted views of Indian Ocean on one side and a swimming
pool on the other while enjoying chef Stefan Zijta´s enthusiastically traditional Indonesian
cuisine. You can either dine on shared plates around the ninemetre wooden table communal
area or on a private table nestled indoors or alfresco above the ocean. The chef´s selection
“Uluwatu”, consisting of 11 mini dishes, is definitely worth a try.
Address: Jalan Belimbing Sari, Uluwatu
Tel: 03618482166
Opening Hours: 11am11pm
Menu: https://www.zomato.com/bali/thewarungalilavillasuluwatuuluwatu/menu#tabtop
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10. Sundara at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
Sundara´s chic space has become a gorgeous addition to the beach with its blue infinity pool
and treeshaded daybeds. The restaurant consists of a bar, an openair dining area and a
lavish fivestar dining room. They serve an international menu cooked in a semiopen kitchen
helmed by executive chef Greg Bunt. You can choose for example from sushi, salads and
pizzas for lunch and steak and seafood for dinner.
Address: Jalan Bukit Permai, Jimbaran Bay
Tel: 0361701010
Opening Hours:
Menu: http://sundarabali.com/menus/
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11. Kayuputi at St Regis Bali
The awardwinning Kayuputi offers a luxury dining experience with premium Asianinspired
haute cuisine. The restaurant has elegant and stylish interiors in dominant white, lined with
traditional wayang puppet motifs and figurines. The centerpiece is a large open kitchen where
you can witness the Balinese sous chef Agung Gede and his team prepare the dishes. Open for
brunch, lunch and dinner, Kayputi features a´la carte and lavish sixcourse degustation menus.
One thing to try out are the champagne brunches.
Address: Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua Lot S6, Nusa Dua
Tel: 03618478111
Opening Hours: 12pm11pm
Menu: http://www.kayuputirestaurant.com/menu
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12. JuMaNa at Banyan Tree Ungasan
Jumana, which won the 2015 best restaurant award by Indonesian Tatler, has an amazing
cliffside location with stunning views over the Indian Ocean. The décor is sophisticated with
rattan chairs and floortoceiling windows. Their cuisine is French with a Japanese twist and
especially the simply delicious degustation menu with its internationalstandard dishes is a
musttry.
Address: Jalan Melasti, Banjar Kelod, Ungasan
Tel: 03613007000
Opening Hours: TueSun 6.30pm10.30pm
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Bakeries
For good and fresh bread or delicious pastries and desserts head to:
Gourmet Cafe (Seminyak and Petitenget)
Casa D´Angelos (Kerobokan)
Bali Buda (Kerobokan, Uluwatu and Ubud)
Also Watercress in Batu Belig and Betelnut in Canggu have great cakes and such.
Food delivery services
Hallo Bali Delivery Service : 036178 00 100
Burger King : 0361500025
McDonalds : 036114045
Pizza Hut : Kuta: 0361767073, Denpasar: 0361246305/309
KFC : Kuta: (0361) 7571612, By Pass Ngurah Rai:(0361) 772407
Beer delivery
Eliza: 087 861 862 789
Plumber’s Arms : 0851 0044 9132 (they also deliver wine and imported spirits)
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Services
Supermarkets
If you want to go shopping for groceries, alcohol and homeware, look no further:
Bintang Market (Seminyak)
Pepito (Canggu and Pecatu), there are also smaller Pepitos in Kerobokan and Petitenget
Grand Lucky and Carrefour (Sunset Road)
Frestive (Kerobokan)
Bali Deli (Seminyak), lots of imported delicacies
Shopping Malls
Beachwalk Mall (Kuta)
Bali Mall Galeria/DFS Galeria (Simpang Siur, Kuta)
Seminyak Square (Seminyak)
Lippo Mall Kuta (Kuta)
Park 23 Mall Bali (Tuban)
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Cinema
XXI (Beachwalk Mall / DFS Galeria / Park 23 / Level 21 )
Cinemaxx (Lippo Mall, Kuta)
Cineplex (Denpasar)
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Bowling
Paradiso Bowling & Billiard Centre (Kuta/Tuban)
Strike 10 Pin Bowling (Canggu Club)
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Spas/Beauty Salons
There are so many spas and beauty salons to choose from and usually the prices of treatments
are A LOT cheaper than back home. Here are our tried and tested favourites:
Sisu Spa (Petitenget), great massages
Jepun Beach Spa (Batu Belig beach), great massages
C & G Spa (Batu Belig), great massages
Bali Wellness & Spa (Kerobokan), great massages
Febri’s Spa (Kuta), great massages
Cozy Massage (Sunset Road), great massages
Goldust (Canggu), good beauty treatments
Rin´s beauty (Kerobokan), best fake eyelashes
Think Pink Nails (Petitenget), manicures, pedicures, fake nails etc
The Shampoo Lounge (Seminyak), men and women’s haircuts
Rob Peetoom (Petitenget) men and women’s haircuts
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Laundry
Good laundries can be found everywhere. The cheapest ones are usually those who offer their
services by the kilo.
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Going Out
Bali is the perfect place for a long night out. Not only are there many different places to go to
but also diverse crowds to party with...and to be honest..who doesn’t enjoy being out at night
and it’s still warm outside? That’s why we wanted to give you a little insight into the nightlife of
Bali.
There are many clubs in Bali, especially in Kuta and Seminyak. Be aware that most clubs start
to fill up with people rather late, normally around midnight, but there are always nice places for
a preparty as well.
KUTA
Alleycats
A longtime favourite of youngsters that serves cheap beer and vodkaredbulls from early
evening until midnight on Jl Poppies 2. The food there is also cheap and good (the best swedish
meatballs in Bali). Other alternative for cheap preparty drinks is Green Box on Jl Legian.
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Eikon
Found on the always busy Jl Legian, this club is popular almost every night of the week. Good
music, fun people and great atmosphere!
Sky Garden
The 4storey club on Jl Legian with a roof terrace is probably the biggest one on the island. The
club is open every night and most people already go there for the allyoucaneat buffet (with
free beer, smirnoff ice and some cocktails) at 5 pm and stay until the early hours. If you like to
dance the night away to modern music from international DJs then Sky Garden is your place to
be!
SEMINYAK
La Favela
This place is one of our favourites on Jl Petitenget in Seminyak. The prices are more expensive
than in Kuta but the crowd is also a bit more sophisticated and the nights there are always fun!
Motel Mexicola
Serves good food and delicious spicy margaritas in the Oberoi district. The latinthemed interior
and music make for great nights out.
Jungle Umalas
Only every Friday night.
CANGGU
Canggu is the new hipster area of Bali where the fun, beautiful people gather.
Old Man´s
Found on Batu Bolong beach, this bar has a massive crowd especially on Wednesdays but you
can find a party there every night of the week starting with 2 for 1 beers from 56pm.
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Pretty Poison
The newest addition to Canggu nightlife lies on the shortcut between Berawa and Batu Bolong.
Their speciality is a skate bowl in the middle of the bar, and they also have movie nights, band
nights, tattoo booths etc. And 20K bintangs!
Deus Ex Machina Temple of Enthusiasm
It’s a restaurant, shop and club on Jl Batu Mejan. Deus is known for its Tacos & Tattoos
Tuesdays (where you have the possibility of getting a tattoo for free), its openair cinema on
Wednesdays and its live music parties on Sunday nights. There are also freedrinks hours on
Thursdays and Saturdays. When the Deus parties come to an end at 12 to 1 am , the crowd will
leave. But don’t think anyone goes home. On Sundays you can find an after party at Sand Bar
on Echo Beach, not far away from Deus. Sand Bar also hosts a very popular full moon party
every month.
ULUWATU
Single Fin
Another place to be on Sundays is Single Fin in Uluwatu. This is where the surf and party crowd
of Bali’s south meets every week. From the deck you will have a fantastic view over the famous
surf spot of Uluwatu. The Sunday sessions start in the afternoon and continue right into the
wee hours. Live bands and DJs make sure you are wellentertained.
The beach clubs such as Potato Head , Cocoon , Finn’s , Karma Kandara and El Kabron are
also great for some daytime fun and parties :)
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Things to do in Bali
There are many cities, villages and islands to visit in Bali and so many great things to do while
travelling around. Here we give you an idea of where to go and which activities to take up.
Kuta
Kuta, having a long and broad Indian Ocean front, was originally discovered as a surfing paradise, and for decades it has been popular on the SouthEast Asian backpacking route. Nowadays Kuta is best known as a budgetfriendly backpacking and party area. People who stay around Kuta area are mostly young travellers who spend their time surfing and partying. If you are interested in making new friends and losing a lot of sleep then Kuta is definitely the place for you. Here are our top picks for what to do and experience while you stay there. 1. Partying
Kuta is an area that never sleeps. You can start your day chilling out by your hotel pool with a bintang in hand and move on to eat and drink some more for example at Stakz on Jalan Benesari. When the evening arrives head out to Alleycats on Poppies 2 for cheap bintangs, shots and double doubles (local version of vodka redbull) or Greenbox on Poppies 2, Gang Ronta or on Jalan Legian behind the Kuta bombings memorial monument for cheap cocktails and shots. After midnight head out to the clubs on Jalan Legian, the best atmosphere can be found at either Eikon or Sky Garden. Entrance to the Eikon is free but expect to pay around Rp.110.000 (approximately) for entrance to Sky Garden at least on the weekends. If you are
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more interested in just chilling out sit down at Gora steps on Poppies 2, buy some vodka and juice at the shop on top of the stairs and borrow their blender to make cocktails of your own and make some new acquaintances while you're at it. 2. Surfing
Don't come to Bali and not surf. Kuta beach is the perfect place to learn how to do it. You can either book the lesson already from the many surf shops around Poppies area or head straight to the beach and approach one of the beach boys there. If you want to use a proper surf school I would recommend Pro Surf School on Kuta beach road or Bali Green Surf in Seminyak. Lessons with the locals will set you back around Rp.300.000350.000 / approximately (2,5 hours), Pro Surf charges about double. If you wish to check out other spots, Double six beach in Seminyak and Batu Bolong in Canggu are also great for beginners. 3. Shopping Cheap local stalls can be found anywhere in the area but unless you're into bargaining and hope to find better quality, you can go check out the big OlehOleh (indonesian for gift or souvenir) or Krisna stores located on Sunset Road. There you can find all things balinese without having to deal with the eager streetsellers. In case you are after certain labels check out Jalan Legian for surf brand shops (they have everything from Quiksilver to Billabong and Rip Curl) and nice clothes at Somewhere and Lost in Paradise, Kuta Square for sports gear and Beachwalk mall on Kuta Beach Road for international brands like Pull&Bear, Stradivarius, H&M and TopShop. There are also plenty of outlets just outside of Kuta.
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4. Watching a movie There are three movie theaters to choose from. Galeria XXI is the older one, located at Mal Bali Galeria on Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai and Beachwalk XXI is located inside the Beachwalk Mall on Kuta beach road. There are usually only a couple of movies to choose from but they premier not long after european premiers. Tickets cost Rp.50.000 Monday through Thursday, Rp.60.000 on Fridays and Rp.75.000 Saturday to Sunday. If you want to enjoy a luxury experience with comfy lounging chairs, book your ticket for the Beachwalk Premiere (Rp. 100.000 Monday through Thursday, Rp. 150.000 on Fridays and Rp. 200.000 Saturday to Sunday). Tickets should be purchased on site, so show up early enough. The movies shown can be checked at www.cineplex21.com , just remember to choose Denpasar as your city. The newest edition to Kuta cinemas is Cineplex at Lippo Mall. 5. Eating your belly full Kuta is a prime spot for good and cheap local food. Night market on Jalan Patimura has several stalls for good food and excellent fruit juices, Warung Malang on the same street serves amazing seafood and Warung Indonesia on Poppies 2, Gang Ronta is a heaven if you like Nasi Campur (this means mixed rice in indonesian), there are plenty of options to choose from. If you'd like to eat something more western at an affordable price head out to Sky Garden rooftop buffet starting at 5pm every day. The selection is different each day; on one day it might be mexican and on the next seafood. You pay only Rp.99.000 for all you can eat and from 5 to 6pm they also offer free Bintang, Smirnoff Ice and cocktails as much as you can drink. For a gourmet feast visit www.jamieoliver.com/italian/indonesia . Jamie Oliver opened his first Bali restaurant adjacent to Hard Rock Hotel Bali on Kuta Beach Road. His italian menu is inspired by tradition and offers original takes on rustic dishes.
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6. Visiting a spa
There are plenty of cheap spas around Kuta area. If you're not satisfied with one just try another the next day. With these prices you can afford to have a treatment every day. Expect to pay around Rp.5075.000 for a 1hour balinese massage and around the same for foot massage, manicure or pedicure. One treatment that's definitely also worth a try is cream bath: your hair will be washed and smothered with a hair mask. While you wait for the mask to absorb you'll be pampered with a scalp, shoulder and arm massage. The treatment takes 45 minutes to 1 hour and will cost around Rp.60.000.
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7. Spending a day at Waterbom waterpark
For a fun day out head to Waterbom waterpark on Jalan Kartika plaza opposite of Discovery mall. The place is an oasis in the midst of the busy Kuta. At the moment there are 13 cool rides to enjoy. Between having fun on the rides you can chill out by the sun chairs on many lounging areas in the gardens or eat and drink at the restaurants. Entrance fee is Rp. 520.000 for adults and Rp. 370.000 for kids. Showing a student card reduces the price. Waterbom have a cashless payment system in use where you just put money in at the ticketing counter and get a wristband which will be scanned and charged as payment whenever you do a transaction inside the park.
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8. Enjoying early morning beach walks or sunset on Kuta beach
Start your morning with a stroll on the beach while it's starting to wake up for the day. You can join a local zumba class held on the beach (as far as i know it's free of charge so go jump in, instructions are in indonesian but just mimic the others and you'll do fine) or watch people riding horses. On a clear day sunsets are a pretty spectacular view to see. Sit down at a beach bar (which usually means a couple of chairs, umbrellas and a cooler box where the drinks are kept) and enjoy a bintang while watching surfers enjoy the last waves of the day while the sun sets on the horizon. And don't be scared of the beach dogs, usually they are really friendly and up for some loving. 9. Go bowling If you feel like having a fun night out with a group of friends but don't feel like partying you should definitely try bowling at Paradiso Bowling & Billiard Centre on Jalan Kartika Plaza no8. They have 18 nationalcertified bowling lanes with computerized scoring systems, and also a dj to play some background tunes. Just choose shoes and a ball to fit you and get your strikeface on. If you're not so much into bowling you could play a couple of rounds of billiards instead. Plenty of food and drink stalls are to be found to keep your hunger and thirst away, and for kids there's balloon bumper bowling and kiddie rides available.
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10. Visit Kuta sea turtle conservation site
Kuta sea turtle conservation project helps to conserve the beautiful species of sea turtles. Their aim is to protect the eggs and increase hatching rates. The turtle rangers patrol the beach all night looking for mother turtles that come out of the ocean to lay their eggs on the beach. They protect the mother turtle during the nesting process and when she's finished laying the eggs they relocate them from the beach to their hatchery in Kuta. When after 4566 days the baby sea turtles hatch the project returns them to their natural habitat quickly. You can join the baby turtle release by releasing your own baby turtle into the ocean from March to September. From June to August baby sea turtles are released into the ocean almost every day.
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Seminyak Seminyak is a bit more upmarket and fashionable than neighbouring Kuta and the atmosphere is more sophisticated. You can find budget accommodation, shops and restaurants but the majority on offer is upscale. The whole area is bordered by kilometres of sea shore so you'll never be far from the beach while still being close to everything else you might need during your stay. Unfortunately due to the rapid development of this former village area the traffic has become quite congested, but luckily distances are not that long so you can easily travel by foot. 1. Surf
Double six beach is perfect for beginners, the waves seldom get really big and the sea bed is always low. There are plenty of local surf schools on the beach, just ask around for prices. So Surf school really close to the entrance from Jalan Double Six is a really good one, Bobby and the boys are professional, all smiles and fun to be around. A 2,5 hour private surf lesson costs Rp.500.000 (approximately), and don't be surprised if after a surf lesson you end up hanging around with the group for a beach bbq party.
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2. Wine and dine
There are hundreds of restaurants to choose from but finding a good one is not always that easy. If you're on a budget check out Warung Taman Bambu on Jalan Plawa for really good nasi campur. Ultimo on Jalan Kayu Aya no. 104X serves affordable and tasty italian food and their complimentary bread basket with garlic butter is just divine. If you are in need of a good steak head to Malo’s on Jalan Nakula no 9 or Rumours on Jalan Kayu Aya no 100. For a special dinner book a table at beachfront restaurant La Lucciola on Jalan Petitenget. If you'd like to experience a different kind of treat try Biku Asia high tea where the menu is centered around small cakes, bread and butter sandwiches, assorted sweets and of course tea. You'll find the restaurant on Jalan Petitenget no. 888. If you're a vegan or vegetarian go pay a visit to Zula vegetarian paradise and health food store on Jl Kayu Aya no. 100.
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3. Sunset sessions
Instead of watching the sunset on the beach upgrade a bit and enjoy it by booking a table at Double six rooftop bar on Double six beach no. 66 and sipping cocktails and savouring the different kinds of finger foods off the menu. Or head to Potato Head on Jalan Petitenget, reserve a big beach bed next to the pool and order the cheese plate and some really lovely albeit a little bit pricey cocktails. This place is perfect whether you're a couple, a group of friends or a family with kids.
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4. Have a fun night out
The Oberoi/Petitenget area is where to get your groove on if you fancy something nicer than Kuta bars and want to mingle amongst trendy people. Good way to start the evening is visiting the Red carpet champagne bar on Jalan Kayu Aya. It has a sort of upmarket feel yet the atmosphere remains light, playful and casually fun. They serve cocktails and wines but you should definitely enjoy it to the fullest by ordering a glass or a bottle of their bestselling môet champagne, just expect to be spending money in millions of rupiahs instead of hundreds of thousands. To make you feel even more glamorous the waiters go around serving complimentary canapes. After this luxury head off to continue the night at either La Favela on Jalan Kayu Aya or Motel Mexicola on Jalan Kayu Jati. Both have a bit of south american vibe and serve tasty cocktails accompanied by good tunes by the djs. Or why not go see a drag queen show in one of the gay bars on Jalan Camplung Tanduk (Dhyana Pura). For girls I can guarantee it will be one of the funniest nights of your life. Good bars to check out are Mixwell and Bali Joe . 5. Try out upscale spa treatments If you're willing to spend a bit more money on really good spa treatments book an appointment with Bodyworks day spa on Jalan Kayu Jati no 2. A 1hour full body massage will set you back Rp. 260.000 (appoximately) while facials start from Rp. 210.000 (approximately). For good nail treatments there are no better options than Think Pink Nails on Jalan Batu Belig No. 108 and Lady Marmalade nail boutique and champagne spa on Jalan Drupadi no. 9Q. The last one is a burlesqueinspired nail salon where manicures and pedicures with polish start from Rp.170.000 (approximately) each. For a more budgetfriendly option visit Jepun Beach Spa at the end of Batu Belig beach road, their 1hour shiatsu massage for Rp. 90.000 (approximately) is definitely one of the best I've had in Bali.
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6. Keep fit
Seminyak area has some good yoga studios and also a pole dancing/pilates studio. For yoga I would recommend either Seminyak Yoga Shala on Jalan Raya Basangkasa No. 1200B for good mysore ashtanga and hatha yoga classes (Rp.120.000 for 90mins) or Jiwa Yoga on Jalan Petitenget for bikram and flow hot yoga classes (Rp. 180.000 for 90mins). The Art of Body on Jalan Mertanadi no. 25 offers pole dancing, aerial yoga and pilates classes and courses. Prices Rp.160.000 for 60mins class. For those of you who like to get their endorphin fix at gym, Hammerhead Fitness is highly recommended.
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7. Shop ‘til you drop
There are plenty of small label shops in this area, especially on Jalan Raya Seminyak and Jalan Kayu Aya. One of our favourites is Drifter Surf Shop & Cafe on Jalan Kayu Aya which as the name says sells mostly surf labels but also lifestyle stuff. The design of the store is just fabulous and you can spend hours there (why not enjoy a coffee in between). Other nice shops are Somewhere on Jalan Kayu Aya and Jalan Raya Seminyak and Lost in Paradise on Jalan Raya Seminyak for more budgetfriendly options and for example Lulu Yasmine , Niconico and Animale on Jalan Raya Seminyak and Buddha Wear on Jalan Kayu Aya if you're willing to spend a bit more. You can also find a lot of affordable stuff for furnishing and decorating your home so go check out the many small deco shops on Jalan Mertanadi.
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8. Climb a wall
For an experience quite out of the ordinary, check out Eiger Adventure Store on Jalan Sunset Road. Outside the store there is a climbing wall for all adventurous people. Get your climbing gear on and test how high you can get while enjoying the view on the way to the top!
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9. Enjoy Sunday brunch and pool time
For a "died and went to heaven" kind of experience, head out to Starfish Bloo restaurant at W Retreat & Spa for their Sunday brunch. Starting at 12 and priced at Rp.495.000++ per person it surely is something you'll never forget. Grab your complimentary glass of champagne at the entrance and enjoy the mixture of Asian flavors flirting with western essences. Explore the tasting menus, graze on the little nibbles and circumvent the extensive a'la carte section. With a multitude of salads, sushis, meats, seafood, desserts and plenty others, there's something for everyone. After eating choose a nice spot by the pool to digest and soak up some rays. Other nice beach club/restaurant options are Potato Head and KuDeTa .
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10. Get your coffee fix
If you, like most people, need your daily fix of some caffeine and don't really fancy another cuppa of the bali coffee, then no need to worry! The cafe scene is booming in Bali and there's always a lot of fanfare about the wondrous themes and incredible menus. Here you can get coffee for unbeatable prices: as low as Rp.25.000 for a cup of quality flat white. In most cafes you can also enjoy delicious pastries and food at affordable prices. And what's even better, there's usually a highspeed wifi for the customers to use. Places worth checking out are Revolver Espresso on Jalan Kayu Aya no. 3, Anomali on Jalan Kayu Aya no 7B, Livingstone Cafe & Bakery on Jalan Petitenget no. 88X and Corner House on Jalan Laksmana no. 10A.
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Ubud Ubud is a town in central Bali that is regarded as the cultural and spiritual centre of Bali. It is especially famous as an arts and crafts hub. The surroundings are mostly rice fields and jungle, but also this area has grown rapidly and the centre of the town can get really busy with traffic. Due to its elevation at 200 metres above sea level, Ubud enjoys cooler temperatures than the coast so just in case bring a longsleeve shirt with you. And bear in mind that during the wet season, especially in january and february, it rains a lot. That said, there are some remarkable sights to be found and things to be done and the place has a general atmosphere of wellbeing. 1. Book a room with a view
Hanging Gardens Ubud is a fivestar luxury resort built on 32 hectares of land situated near Payangan, a village north of Ubud. It is surrounded by ancient trees, steep terraced gardens and jungle forest. It is a sanctuary inspired by nature that was built harmoniously into the landscape leaving as small a footprint as possible. Their worldfamous and awardwinning pool is a splitlevel infinity pool suspended over the dense rainforest. The price per night for a villa starts from Rp. 4.700.000 but you could enjoy the view while skipping the accommodation costs by just going for cocktails at the resort's bar. For a more budgetfriendly alternative which also has an infinity pool with a view over the rainforest, I would recommend Beji Ubud Resort . The deluxe rooms start from about Rp.600. 000 per night. For a different kind of
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accommodation that also comes with a view of dense, evergreen rainforests choose Sang Giri ; Bali's first deluxe tent resort where you can experience camping the luxurious way. Prices per night start from Rp.1.000.000. 2. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Monkey forest on Monkey Forest Road is a mustsee for everyone visiting Ubud though it probably won't be the most memorable of your experiences. It is the home of a huge group of balinese longtail macaques. They are not shy at all so you had better take good care of your belongings if you don't want to see your food or sunglasses taken from your bag. As well as plenty of monkeys you will also find 3 temples within the forest that has a real junglefeel to it. Entrance fee Rp.50.000.
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3. Visit a gorgeous temple
Pura Taman Saraswati is a picturesque temple located right in the heart of Ubud. It honors Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, literature and art and is set within a beautiful water garden with thousands of lotus flowers. Finding it might be a bit difficult because it's located behind Starbucks and Lotus Cafe and not easily seen from the road but it's definitely worth visiting and there is no entry fee during the day. Remember to cover up modestly and wear a sash or a sarong when entering the temple. And please don't enter the temple with an open wound or while menstruating and pay extra respect to the people attending the temple for religious purposes.
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4.Try yoga
Being the spiritual capital of Bali, Ubud is the perfect space to immerse yourself in the practise of yoga. Yoga Barn was created to bring together community and give back to the island of Bali. It is a full service yoga studio and holistic retreat center. There are daily classes and workshops in various styles of yoga, meditation or for example ecstatic dance. There are also ayurvedic rejuvenation and cleansing & detox retreats on offer. The basic yoga classes cost Rp.130.000 for 90 mins.
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5. Go explore the scenery on foot or by bike
No matter where you stay in Ubud, lush green rice fields won't be far away. One of the best ways to enjoy them is to venture out and find a small track leading in the countryside and see where it takes you. Just in case you might want to ask for some tips from your accommodation. One of the most accessible walks is the Campuhan Ridge Walk that runs along the valley of Campuhan River. The paved path will offer you views of the jungle that covers the river gorge below and takes you through rice fields and past villages. Biking is also a great way to explore the countryside. You can either rent a bike and with the help of a map take a tour of your own (just stick to the back roads as the traffic on the bigger ones can be really nervewracking) or join an organized tour. For example Bali Hai Tour offers good ones.
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6. Get wet while whitewater rafting
If you are looking for an adrenaline rush go white waterrafting at either the Ayung or Telaga Waja river. On either one you will be rafting for around 2 hours and between rapids can enjoy the scenery. The Ayung is the more popular and accessible one but Telaga Waja is more challenging. The best time for whitewater rafting is the wet season between November and March when the rapids are at their wildest. The professionalism and safety standards of the companies offering this activity varies a lot so make sure to check some recommendations before you book your rafting trip.
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7. Learn new skills
Cooking classes are a great way to get a look into any culture. In Ubud these are held either within restaurants or in private homes. Most of the classes start with a visit to Ubud morning market or maybe an organic farm in the midst of rice fields. After an introduction to the classical balinese ingredients and cooking techniques you will get to cook numerous dishes like sate lilit, gadogado and pisang goreng and finally, feast on them. Prices usually vary between Rp.350 000 and 550 000. Check out Casa Luna and Lobong . You could also take up a silversmithing class at Studio Perak . It is a halfday class either in the morning or afternoon where you get to make a silver pendant or ring of your own design in just three hours from start to finish while learning the basic skills of silversmithing. Price for the class is Rp.350.000 including 5 grams of silver.
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8. Get in touch with your inner artlover
You can expect to find plenty of museums and art galleries at the arts and crafts hub of Bali. The Agung Rai Museum of Art (the ARMA) is located just south of central Ubud. It is much more than just a museum as it also acts as a center for cultural events, performances, art classes and workshops. There you will find contemporary art and originals, as well as reproductions from some of the balinese masters and foreign artists who have influenced balinese art. During your visit take a stroll around the beautiful grounds where you might encounter performers practising or craftsmen working. Entrance fee is Rp.50.000 including drinks. Other places to visit are Museum Puri Lukisan and Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets . There are also so many small galleries down the roads of Ubud, and many artists' have own galleries next to their studios. If you're looking forward to buying some art, these are your best option as they're more apt to bargain. Many galleries sell similar paintings that are have been copied numerous times so look around if you want to find something special.
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9. Buy from the locals
Ubud is truly a heaven for shoppers looking for local goods. All around town, especially on Monkey Forest Road and Jalan Hanoman, the small specialized boutiques sell everything from clothing and homeware to musical instruments and locallyproduced organic foods. At the markets in and around Ubud farmers, artists and talented artisans sell their products. While many shops have price tags, bargaining is recommended especially at the markets and smaller local shops. Visit the Ubud Organic Market on wednesdays or saturdays between 9am and 2pm for an array of foods for sale. Please bring your own bag with you to help reduce the amount of plastic bags in Bali. 10. Enjoy spa treatments Make sure you leave Ubud feeling relaxed and refreshed by indulging in some massages or other spa treatments. Ubud certainly doesn't lack options so you can find something to suit every budget. You could loosen up tired muscles with a 1hour balinese massage, try some reflexology for your hands and feet or enjoy a fullday pampering session being massaged, scrubbed, bathed and cleansed. At highend spas like Alila Spa expect to pay more than Rp.500 000 (plus taxes) for a 1hour balinese massage. SANg Spa chain is good value for money; they charge Rp.150.000 for a 1hour balinese massage. Eve Spa is another good value chain; a 1hour balinese massage costs Rp.155.000 and a 4hour pampering session Rp.610.000. And they will pick you up anywhere in Ubud. For cheaper options look around for the small, nonfancy spas for 1hour massages for Rp.100.000 or less.
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Canggu
Canggu, located on the Southwest coast, is a village on the beach about 20 minutes drive North
of Seminyak. The name refers to a large coastal stretch of about 8 kilometres running North
from Berawa along Batu Bolong, Echo, Pererenan, Selasih, Seseh and Mengening beaches.
Away from the beaches it has still been able to hold its rural charm among lovely rice fields but
constant development is happening and new accommodation, restaurants and shops are being
opened up. The beaches are mostly black sand and not that good for swimming but instead
Canggu offers some of the best surf spots on the island.
1. Surfing
Canggu is both a good place to learn surfing or improve your skills. Batu Bolong is a perfect
spot to start from and then continue to Berawa and Echo . Kima Surf offers great surf camps
both at Batu Bolong and at Berawa. The packages start from 32 euros a day including
accommodation, two guided surf lessons and lots more.
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2. Yoga
Some of the best yoga centres in Bali are located in Canggu. The prices are a bit cheaper than
in other areas and the teachers are brilliant. Check out Serenity Eco Guesthouse , The
Chillhouse , Samadi Bali and Desa Seni . All of these also offer accommodation ranging from
simple budget rooms to more luxurious villas.
3. Horseriding
The combination of the different beautiful aspects make Canggu a prime location for some
horseriding adventures. You can choose between sunrise and sunset treks of different lengths
through the beautiful rice fields, villages and beaches. There are quite a few operators but we
recommend Kuda P Stables owned by a lovely Australian lady, who has dedicated her life to
saving and rehabilitating maltreated local horses.
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4. Canggu Club
Canggu Club is a huge complex opened just a few years ago. On top of having a gym and
tennis courts, it also hosts Splash waterpark , Bounce trampoline centre and Strike 10 bowling
arena. We bet a whole family could spend days in there!
5. Visit a stunning temple
Tanah Lot is probably the most touristy temple in Bali but that doesn’t make it any less worth
visiting. Located North of Canggu on the shoreline it is a sight you won’t forget, especially
around sunrise and sunset time.
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6. Go golfing
Quite a short drive up North towards Tanah Lot temple you will find a worldclass Nirwana Bali
Golf course designed by Greg Norman. Every golfer dreams of playing among beautiful
landscapes, and this course by the ocean shore with views of the magnificent temple offers
exactly that.
Accommodation
Canggu has a wide range of accommodation options ranging from budget homestays to
midrange hotels and upscale hotels such as Hotel Tugu Bali . If you are travelling in a bigger
group, renting a villa is a recommended option. There are very nice ones close to Berawa, Batu
Bolong, Echo and Pererenan beaches.
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Sanur
Sanur, a town on Bali’s Southeast coast, is an old upscale resort area mainly inhabited by expat
families and retirees. There are plenty of accommodation and restaurants yet it still maintains
its relaxed and quiet atmosphere. Pricewise it is more expensive than Kuta but cheaper than
Seminyak.
1. Surfing
Well, no surprises here. While not many surfers actually stay in the Sanur area, it’s
surroundings offer the best surf spots on the East coast. Serangan , South of Sanur, is an
island although connected to the mainland by a driveway. It offers beginner to intermediate
surfing and a nice chillout beach. Keramas break a bit North of the main Sanur area is
favoured by the more experienced surfers and host to many surf contests.
2. Diving and other watersports
Although not comparable to the other Bali dive spots, Sanur does offer the best diving and the
most diving schools in the South. Most operators also offer diving trips to Padang Bai, Tulamben
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and Nusa Lembongan. The more thrillseeking ones can try some of the other watersports, such
as kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding and paragliding on Sanur Beach.
3. Cooking Classes
Balinese cooking classes have become increasingly popular as the island’s tropical cuisine gains
wider appeal thanks to its rich ingredients, changeable spiciness levels for every palate, and fun
preparation techniques. Courses are often packaged with early morning fish and farm market
tours that let you discover the variety of fresh tropical sea creatures, meats, poultry, aromatic
exotic spices and organically grown tropical fruits before your handson experience in recreating
ageold traditional dishes. Bamboo Shoots is a recommended option.
5. Turtle Sanctuary
Serangan Turtle Conservation and Education Centre on the island of Serangan, a hatchery and
a protection center for the injured specimen found at sea, is a wonderful place to learn about
the sea turtles and between April and October for a small donation you are able to adopt a baby
sea turtle and get to release it to the sea.
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Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is a small seaweedfarming island off the Southeast coast of Bali. Although it
is quickly becoming one of Bali’s most popular attractions, it’s still a calm and peaceful
paradise. Traffic is very quiet and there are almost no hawkers around. Water is some of the
clearest around and main activities on the island include diving, snorkelling and surfing. To get
to Nusa Lembongan you can either book a speedboat ride or take a public boat from Sanur
harbour.
1.Dive/Snorkel
There are dozens of dive operators on the island and the underwater world is beautiful and
plentiful. You can see manta rays, mola molas and dive in the underwater river stream. Those
who prefer snorkelling to diving can go on boat trips around the island and to nearby spots.
2. Surfing
There are five great surf spots on Nusa Lembongan and neighbouring Nusa Ceningan, ranging
from beginner to advanced level. Surf lessons can be taken and surf boards rented from for
example Monkey Surf School at Jungut Batu.
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3. Yoga
Yoga Shack Lembongan offers great daily morning and afternoon yoga classes in an open space
hut at Secret Garden Bungalows. A drop in class costs Rp. 100.000. Retreats are also available.
4. Beachhopping
There are several whitesand beaches on the island, most of which are rarely crowded. Jungut
Batu is the most popular as it has lot of accommodation and restaurant options. Mushroom
Bay is a sheltered, attractive beach southwest of Jungut Batu, especially nice after 3 pm when
the daytrippers have left. Further south there are Dream Beach , a pictureperfect sheltered
beach, and Sandy Bay which offers exactly what the name says.
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5. Visit Nusa Ceningan
Nusa Lembongan is interconnected with neighbouring Nusa Ceningan by a wooden bridge that
can be crossed by foot or on a motorbike (Unfortunately the bridge collapsed in late 2016, so
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crossing has to be done alternatively). Nusa Ceningan features amazing clifftop views and also
a cliffjumping point at the magnificent Blue Lagoon . Alternatively you can hire a fishing boat
to take you to Nusa Penida , also closeby. It has some hidden beaches, great diving and
birdwatching opportunities.
West Bali National Park
West Bali National Park is the only national park on the island of Bali. It is located at the
Northwesternly point of Bali. The official area inside the park boundaries is 190 km2, with a
further 580m2 of protected reserve in the highlands to the East, allinall accounting for about
10% of Bali’s total land area. The habitat is very varied with rainforest, dry savannah, acacia
scrub and forests. Around the Prapat Agung Peninsula there are long stretches of protected
beach and offshore coral reef as well as a small offshore island called Menjangan. This is a
popular diving and snorkelling destination. In the protected reserve area to the east, there are
several longextinct volcanoes like Mount Patas and Mount Merbuk. When entering the park all
visitors should check in at one of the two park offices for information, purchasing permits and
organizing guides.
1.Menjangan Island
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The uninhabited island of Menjangan is a mustdo for any Bali visitor interested in marine life
and hoping to catch a glimpse of Bali’s underwater beauty. Boats to the island leave from the
beach at Labuan Lalang and can be chartered on the same day. Any boat charter must be
accompanied by a guide and all guests must have entry permits. Most dive companies on the
mainland arrange excursions to the island.
2. Gilimanuk Bay
Gilimanuk Bay, also in the Prapat Agung Peninsula, supports a rich diversity of marine life. The
park office can arrange a guided trip here for around Rp. 500. 000 (including guide fees).
3. Hike the Trails
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Tegal Bunder trail is the most popular hiking trail with the birdwatchers (There are over 160
bird species recorded at the park), and it’s an easy twohour walk. Gunung Klatakan trail is a
strenuous eighthour walk that will take your through memorable rainforests. The ranger
checkpoint for these tours is in the village of Sumberklampok, about 20minutes walk from the
village of Cekik.
Accommodation
Camping is possible at the campsite of park headquarters in Cekik. Don’t forget to bring your
own camping gear. Payment is based on small donations. Other options are for example Nusa
Bay Menjangan Resort , The Menjangan Resort and Mimpi Resort Menjangan in the village of
Pemuteran.
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East Bali
East Bali is a large region with natural habitat ranging from lush forests and blacksand beaches
to barren gravel plains and an active volcanos. The Southeast coast is home to Padang Bai ,
the main port to ferries and speedboats to Lombok and Gili islands, and Candidasa , a popular
seaside resort town. Further up North there are Amed , a small fishing village with a growing
tourist scene, and Tulamben , home to some of the top diving sites on the island.The town of
Kintamani is located at the border of East and North Bali and boasts such attractions as
volcano Mount Batur and a beautiful crater lake Danau Batur. The mighty Mount Agung, Bali’s
highest point, looms over the whole of East Bali and hosts Bali’s holiest temple Pura Besakih.
1.Diving
Tulamben and Amed are a diving paradise for someone interested in either learning to dive or
get more experience under their belt. Prices in the diving schools are some of the cheapest in
Bali, and Tulamben also boasts the wreck of USAT Liberty for underwater exploration.
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2. Sunrise trekking up an active volcano
For those interested in some exercise and setting their sights on magnificent views, a trek on
Mount Batur is a once in a lifetime experience. You can choose to climb all the way to the top
or take a shorter hike depending on your stamina. Watching the sunrise from the top is
breathtaking and the views around the volcano and towards Lake Batur don’t disappoint either.
If you feel like you crave even more of a challenge, we recommend trekking Mount Agung
next.
3. Temple time
On the slopes of Mount Agung lies Pura Besakih , the hindu Mother Temple. The complex
consists of more than 20 separate temples and numerous smaller shrines, spread out in an area
of over three kilometres. Each temple has a specific purpose, whether it’s worshipping a
particular god, for the use of a certain region in Bali or for the use of a specific balinese caste.
The only way to get around is by foot, so prepare yourself for some steep climbs as the
complex gradually inches up the slopes of the volcano.
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4. Enjoy the beaches
East Bali has some of the most picturesque and leastvisited beaches on the island. Padang Bai
is the host to Blue Lagoon , a small covey beach great for snorkelling, and a little gem called
Bias Tugal , with perfect whitesand and good swimming opportunities. Five kilometres North
of Candidasa lies Pasir Putih , of of East Bali’s bestkept secrets. It’s 500 metres long, isolated
whitesand beach fringed with coconut trees. In Amed the beaches are blacksand but shallow
and really good for sunbathing and snorkelling.
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5. Explore the scenic routes
The road through the Sidemen and Selat valley in the foothills of Mount Agung is one of the
most scenic drives on the whole island. Stunning rice terraces, lush hillsides and the mountain
itself make for an unforgettable scenery. We recommend spending a nice in the lovely town of
Sidemen to enjoy more of these views. A very different but nonetheless dramatic route goes
around the Northeast coast through Culik, Tulamben and beyond between the coastline and
Mount Agung.
North Bali
North Bali is an area far removed from the busy atmosphere of the South. The main towns in
the area are Lovina , Seririt and Singaraja . In Dutch colonial days Singaraja used to be the
administrative capital of Bali, and touches of that history still remain in the wide streets and old
houses with large gardens. Lovina is the tourism capital of the North. It consists of three
traditional villages stretched along blacksand beaches, making it the place for a peaceful beach
holiday.
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1. Dolphin Watching
Lovina is bestknown for its large population of dolphins. Early morning sighting trips are very
popular, so much so that some days the boats outnumber the dolphins. In any case the trip is
worth experiencing; the boats leave from the main beach every morning at dawn.
2. Canyoning
This activity is the ultimate outdoor adventure, using techniques such as walking, abseiling
down waterfalls, jumping, sliding down natural slopes and swimming in the white waters of
aquatic canyons. In some parts of the canyon itinerary, swimming may depend on water level
fluctuations determined by the wide range of gorges, ravines or waterfalls landscapes.
Adventure & Spirit arranges these trips at GitGit waterfalls.
3. Waterfalls and hot springs
GitGit waterfalls 10 kilometres South of Singaraja are a major tourist attraction. The best of
the three falls is the southernmost one, dropping down about 50 metres. Banjar hot springs
can be found about 10 kilometres West of Lovina. It’s an enchanting place with stonecarved
mouths gushing water in a lush garden setting. You can read more about it in our hot springs
section later in the book.
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4. Something cultural
About 10 kilometres East of Singaraja lies Pura Meduwe Karang , the most impressive temple
in the North, and home to all manner of stone carvings. A visit to this temple is wellcombined
with a visit to Air Sanih cold springs further seven kilometres East. Brahma Vihara Arama
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is Bali’s largest buddhist monastery located near the village of Dencarik and Banjar hot springs.
It is a charming place to visit and commands lovely views.
5. Horseback riding adventure
Pegasus Farm , a large organic farm located a tenminute drive to the hills above Lovina offers
fantastic horse riding treks through the tropical jungle and balinese villages. The treks are
suitable for all ages and levels of experience.
Central Bali
Central Bali is a mountainous area, most popular for its art, culture, temples, rice fields and
lakes. The main cities are Bedugul , Tabanan and Ubud (which had its own section earlier in
the book). Several of Bali's most notable archeological sites are to be found here as well as two
of the key nine directional temples. With a prevalence of artistic, cultural, historical and scenic
attractions, Central Bali appeals most those looking for break from the sun, sand and partying
in South Bali or to those who are seeking a more thorough understanding of this complex
island. The climate is remarkably cooler than in other parts of the island, and especially around
Mount Batukaru it rains a lot.
1. Check out some history
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20 kilometres North of Ubud, in the historically important area of Tampaksiring, you can visit
Gunung Kawi . This Poet Mountain, dating from the 11th century, is believed to be the burial
complex of King Anak Wungsu and his many wives. Reached by climbing down 371 steps, the
location at the bottom of the steep Pakrisan River valley is stunning. It's not easy to climb all
those steps but one of Bali's oldest and largest ancient monument in this lush green river valley
is worth it.
2. Admire the lakes and temples
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Closeby Gunung Kawi you can find the temple complex of Tirta Empul . This splendid temple
dates back to the 10th century and is one of the holiest is Bali. The site was built around hot
springs that still bubble in the central courtyard.
The area known loosely as Bedugul is right in the heart of the central mountains and is framed
by the three large crater lakes of Bratan , Buyan and Tamblingan . At the western shore of
lake Bratan you can find the Ulun Danau Bratan temple . It’s a beautiful temple in a stunning
setting, giving you the illusion of floating on the water.
Situated on the slopes of Mount Batukaru, Bali’s second highest peak, is Batukaru temple . It
is one of Bali's nine key directional temples and a site of pilgrimage for the Hindu Balinese.
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3. Take a hike
Outdoors types might like to take a relatively gentle hike through the rice fields and valleys at
Jatiluwih near Bedugul and for the more energetic and experienced, a climb of mighty Mount
Batukaru is an option. There are also several good hiking treks in the village of Wanagiri on top
of lake Buyan and lake Tamblingan.
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4. Visit the Botanical Gardens
Close to Lake Bratan you can find Bali Botanical Gardens, one of Indonesia’s four official
gardens. The worldclass gardens are huge, covering some 1500 hectares and any visitor with
an interest in plants and trees could easily spend a whole day here. The gardens are divided
into many areas, each dominated by varieties of the main tropical plant species. Dark, mossy
rain forest, open grassy conifer forest, palm groves, tall tree fern walks. Seating and the
occasional gazebo make ideal spots for picnics. The gardens are Open daily 8 AM to 6 PM and
admission price is Rp. 20.000.
Bukit Peninsula
The Bukit Peninsula is the southernmost part of Bali, south of Jimbaran and west of Nusa
Dua . This is a large limestone peninsula which, bar a sliver of land just south of the airport,
would be a separate island. It is rugged and dry, while still managing to have some of Bali’s
best beaches and surf spots. The main towns are Pecatu and Ungasan .
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1. Sunsets and fire dance at Uluwatu temple
The Uluwatu temple is one of Bali’s nine key directional temples. Even more remarkable than
the temple itself is its location, perched on a steep cliff 70 metres above the roaring Indian
ocean waves. There are more steep headlands on either side of the temple, and sunsets over
Uluwatu are a sight to behold. Just remember to beware the monkeys inhabiting the area, they
are clever bagsnatchers. Entrance fee is Rp. 30.000. Kecak fire dance performances are held
at the temple grounds daily around 6pm. Tickets cost approximately Rp. 100.000 per person.
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2. Beachhopping and surfing
As mentioned before, The Bukit Peninsula is home to some of the best beaches in Bali. You can
read more about Balangan , Nyang Nyang , Green Bowl and Gunung Payung in the most
beautiful beaches section. Other great beaches for sunbathing and swimming are Bingin ,
PadangPadang and Pandawa . Surfers should head to PadangPadang, Bingin and Blue Point
for great waves.
3. Play a round of golf
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New Kuta Golf course is stunningly located on top of the cliffs above Dreamland beach and is a
top class venue. It will both challenge the lowhandicap players and reward the novice with its
five sets of tees and enough variety.
4. Spend a day at a beach club
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There are some very nice and exclusive beach clubs located at the Bukit. Instead of a day at
the beach, why not go for a bit more luxury and spend your day sipping cocktails on your sun
lounger by the pool while enjoying some tasty tapas. Our recommendations are El Kabron and
Karma Kandara .
Things to do in Bali for free
Being a part of southeastAsia means that Bali is still quite an affordable island
accommodation, food and travelwise but there are also things you can do for free. So whether
you're really trying to skimp on money or just wish to explore the island free of charge, here
are our suggestions to try:
1. Camp on the beach
If you don't already have a tent (or at least a hammock and a mosquito net) buy one from ACE
Hardware next to Pizza Hut and Burger King at the end of Sunset Road. Then go ahead and
spend a weekend camping on the beach. Before you choose your spot make sure it's actually ok
to camp there and that it won't disturb the locals' lives. There is a deserted beach for example
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on the neighbouring island of Nusa Penida and you can get there fast with a public boat either
from Sanur or Padang bai harbour. There are a few important things to remember if you decide
to go for it: find a safe place from tidal waves and make sure the tent lies in the shade and
protected from strong winds (just don't pitch it in thick bushes where dangerous animals might
lurk) choose a spot with dense sand so you'll be able to stick the tent poles tightly keep your
environment clean by leaving nothing but footprints behind you (keep a garbage bag with you
to put all the rubbish in and bring it back with you when you leave the beach)
2. Volunteer
What would be better than getting to do something you enjoy for free and at the same time
helping others. This might not be a normal things to do for free option but I think it's definitely
one of the best and results in happiness on both sides. You can contact for example local
orphanages who can always use a helping hand with the kids, BAWA animal rescue foundation ,
Solemen Indonesia that works with the disadvantaged, Project Protect that provides children
helmets for free as a part of "Safety in traffic" campaign or Eco Bali that offers responsible
waste disposal and sustainable solutions to waste management for example school, offices and
hotels. If you have any special skills for example in healthcare or education you can try
searching the internet for longer volunteering programs.
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3. Enjoy the sunrises and sunsets
Bali is an island of magnificent sunrises and sunsets and these beautiful sights can be seen
from the beaches, tops of the cliffs or even mountains, rice fields or from the rooftops. Take an
early morning stroll on the beach or watch the sunrise sitting on your surfboard amongst the
waves. Or grab a few bintangs, a blanket and some good company and head to Jimbaran
honeymoon beach for a clifftop sunset.
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4. Listen to live music on the beach
Many of the beach bars have live music starting from sunset so you can find a place for every
night of the week. If you are in a group in which at least some of the people are buying drinks
or food you don't need to feel bad about being there just to enjoy the free music. Otherwise lay
your sarong down on the beach a bit further away and watch the sky while enjoying the tunes.
For example Taris Bali on GadoGado (Dhyana Pura) beach serves nice reggae tunes on
tuesdays. Also check out if there are any big names playing at Potato Head Beachclub , many
friends have been known to set their camp on the beach in front of it for a free concert.
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5. Visit a temple
Spirituality is one of the central vibes of Bali so it is no surprise the island is dotted with many
temples. The main religion here is hinduism and in indonesian language a hindu temple is called
pura, so these are what you will be looking for. Entry to the smaller puras is almost always free
though there will be a donation box near the door and it is considered respectful to leave a
small amount of money. Of the bigger puras Pura Saraswati in Ubud and Batuan Village
temple also offer free entry. When entering the pura make sure you're wearing a sarong or
other light cloth to cover yourself and also usually a sash which can be rented. Please bear in
mind that menstruating women are not allowed to enter.
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6. Do some window shopping and sample tasting
Even if you're too strapped for cash for shopping nothing stands in the way of window
shopping. There are so many nice clothing, furniture and decoration boutiques so go ahead and
savour the collections with your eyes without needing to open your wallet. U can also walk
around at Carrefour on Sunset Road or Bintang market on Jalan Raya Seminyak to taste the
free food and drink samples.
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7. Watch gamelan or Balinese dance rehearsals
Bali's gamelan music and dance performances are an integral part of daily balinese life, mainly
because there are so many hindu ceremonies and festivals. If you don't want to pay to be able
to get to know this part of the local culture, you can go and watch the rehearsals for free.
Sanur and Ubud areas have several renowned gamelan and dance troupes who practice
regularly, some in the afternoons, some in the evenings and visitors are entirely welcome to
watch the rehearsals. So find out where they practice and if you hear gamelan music playing
just wander inside.
8. Visit some very outoftheordinary attractions
Bali offers unique sights that you'll unlikely see elsewhere, but I bet most haven't even heard of
these very unusual sights around the island. For those of you who never cease to be curious
and are drawn towards the mystical I have compiled a list of my favourites:
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The abandoned plane in the Bukit Peninsula. You can find this one a bit hidden up in
the hilly limestone area on the Bukit, only a kilometre north of Pandawa beach. The
story behind the plane seems to be that someone bought it so they can turn it into a
home or to make it a tourist attraction but it still gives you the chills when witnessed in
moonlight.
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The Ghost Hotel of Bedugul . Taman Rekreasi Bedugul is a hotel which
construction was started in the early 90s and halted in 2002, and despite being
almost ready for opening it has never seen a guest. Also called the Ghost Palace
Hotel, it is worth seeing with your own eyes. Just be careful around the
deteriorating structures.
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Trunyan village . The village lies on the eastern side of the Lake Batur and usually
requires a boat trip from the other side. While the general Balinese Hindus are
known for their lavish cremation ceremonies, the people of Trunyan are best
known for wrapping the bodies of the deceased and bringing them to the
designated village graveyard where they lay them on the ground next to a large
ancient fragrant tree. I believe one picture says it all.
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Romantic things to do in Bali
1. Picnic at the "Honeymoon beach"
Go grocery shopping at Bintang market, Carrefour, Grand Lucky or any other supermarket
filling your bag with fresh fruits, bread, snacks and maybe even a bottle of wine, or order a
daytrip picnic basket starting from Rp.210.000++ from Nikko Bali and then set out on your
motorbike towards the Honeymoon Beach in Jimbaran close to Ayana resort. It is a bit difficult
to find and the path leading there is bumpy but it's worth the effort. Find yourself a nice spot on
top of the cliff, set down your blanket and get cozy. Or head to the small beach on the right
side under the cliff. Usually you can have the place all to yourself.
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2. Share a cup of ice cream
Romance doesn't always need grand gestures or expensive activities. Another sweet and
budgetfriendly option is to go sample the yummy ice cream flavors at Gusto Gelato&Caffe on
Jalan Mertanadi No.46B. According to most, it serves the best ice cream in Bali, and for only
Rp.22.000 you can get a cup with two flavours of your choice (try the Bounty one if you are
into coconut). Just grab two spoons, find a seat in the garden and start feeding each other.
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3. Set the baby turtles to the sea
The sea turtles were already becoming endangered in Bali but thanks to the efforts of the Turtle
Conservation and Education Centre (TCEC) on Serangan island in Sanur area the species is
once again doing fine. The place is used both as a hatchery and a protection center for injured
turtles brought there by the local fishermen. Entrance is free although donations are always
more than welcome. You can learn about these fascinating seacreatures and if you're visiting
on a release day between April and October, you could adopt a baby turtle and get to release it
to the sea. Please don't confuse this place with the masstourism trap Turtle Island in the south
of Bali. Serangan can be visited by a car or a motorbike because even though it's called an
island there are roads leading all the way to the beach. The TCEC can be found far right on the
beach.
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4. Make your own couple jewelry
What better way to immortalize your love with your significant other than making jewelry
together. During a 3hour class at Studio Perak in Ubud you'll learn the basics of silversmithing
and get to design and make a ring or a pendant of your own. You can also bring for example
your own special stones to incorporate in the jewelry. Price for the class is approximately
Rp.350.000 per person inclusive of 5 grams of silver.
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5. Monday movie night at Karma Beach
The Karma Beach Club in Ungasan area south of Bali is perfectly positioned within Bali's most
stunning beach cove, where a crescent of white sand leads you into the aquamarine waters of a
private and tranquil lagoon. The access to the beach is an experience in itself; a private
inclinator from Karma Kandara Resort treats you to 85 metres of breathtaking scenery down to
the oasis. On Mondays they have a movie night with popcorn and full Asian menu so why not
reserve a whole day to spend there to be able to enjoy the surroundings to the max. booking in
advance is recommended.
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6. Stay in an ecochic bamboo guesthouse
Bambu Indah in Ubud offers ecofriendly boutique accommodation. It consists of javanese bridal
homes that were brought to Bali, restored and decorated with the finest details. There are no TVs
in the houses so you can truly enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and sounds of nature. Prices per
night start from US $125 which translates to approximately Rp.1.600.000. They can also arrange
a private romantic dinner for you where you'll be able to enjoy the view of rice fields and distant
mountains.
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7. Go on an evening cruise
If you want to enjoy a romantic evening away from the mainland, book a cruise with Bali Hai . The
Aristocat Evening Cruise program starts with welcome drinks and canapes in the Marina garden
at Benoa harbour. Onboard the luxury catamaran you will be able the enjoy the sunset while
finedining a 5course dinner and listening to musical entertainment. The price per person is
Rp.967.000.
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8. Feast on an aphrodisiac picnic in bed
This might sound something to do at home in your own bed but in Bali you can do it on the beach.
Hotel Tugu Bali offers an aphrodisiac picnic in bed on a private beach in Canggu. You will be
enjoying dinner in an 18th century antique bed, solo on a beach illuminated by lanterns and a
dusky red sky. The dinner ends with a selection of 4 desserts to be fed to each other blindfolded.
Prices per couple can be inquired by email at [email protected].
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Mustvisit Attractions
The most beautiful beaches
Most people go to Bali because of its collection of beaches. There is something for everyone:
long stretches of white sands in the south, black sand beaches in the west and little fishing
village beaches in the east. Unfortunately many travellers only end up visiting the touristy and
notso special beaches of Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur and Jimbaran, but with a map in tow, wheels
under you and a penchant for adventure you can find some real hidden gems.
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South Bali
1. Balangan beach
Balangan is quite small, not so crowded hideaway beach flanked by rocky cliffs. At high tide it’s
great for swimming and surfing and at low tide good for a stroll on the shore. Although a recent
big fire destroyed most of the buildings on the beach there are still a few accommodation places
and warungs. Located between Ungasan and Uluwatu, follow the sign from the main road to the
beach.
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2. Sawangan beach (also known as Nikko beach)
Sawangan beachfront is partly used by some luxury hotels but there is still plenty of secluded
spots to the left. The waters are crystal clear and the atmosphere relaxed. The beach is located
between Grand Nikko Hotel and Mulia Hotel in Nusa Dua. Next to it lies another beautiful beach
called Geger beach , the shallow waters and reef life of which make it perfect for snorkeling.
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3. Nyang Nyang beach
Nyang Nyang in Nusa Dua is one of the secret beaches of Bali. You need to go through a small
jungle part and down 550 steps to get to the beach but what awaits you is an almost empty
beach with white sands and clear waters. This beach also offers a good surf break for
intermediate to advanced surfers.
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4. Green Bowl beach
Green Bowl, named after its algaecovered rocks at low tide, is a hidden paradise reached after
some tricky turns down the roads and hundreds of steps down to the beach. A magnificent
example of Bali’s natural beauty, this beach is also home to hundreds of bats living in the
beachside caves. Located in Ungasan, to find it just follow down the road Jalan Bali Cliff.
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5. Gunung Payung beach
Gunung Payung is a small, secluded secret beach that is known amongst locals as a topless
sunbathing spot. At Nirmala supermarket in Jimbaran take a left turn from the intersection and
continue on Jalan Dharmawangsa until you see a sign for Pura Gunung Payung. Access to the
beach is located right next to it.
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6. Bias Tugal beach
Bias Tugal, also known as Pantai Kecil (little beach) is a deserted beach close to Padang Bai
harbor on the east coast. Stretches of white sand and water in varying shades of turquoise
await you hidden behind a 500m trek down a rocky path. The currents here can be strong but
you ca just play in the waves and enjoy the solitude.
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7. Pasir Putih beach (also known as Perasi Beach)
Pasir Putih (white sand beach) owes it secluded reputation to its location on the east coast,
about 4,5 km east of Candidasa. On this long stretch of white sand you can swim in turquoise
waters, rent a sunlounger to chill out and enjoy some local eats. Reaching it takes you on an
adventure through a tiny village, down an unmarked road and along a rough, sandy track. Look
for signs saying Pasir Putih, White Sand beach or Virgin beach.
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8. Amed beaches
Amed, a set of 7 small fishing villages located on the east coast, has long stretches of black
sand beach due to volcanic deposits in the coastal soil. Lined with small outrigger boats. The
seas here are calm and have an abundance of underwater life, which makes Amed a perfect
place for diving or snorkeling. Also the views of Mount Agung and the green hills are amazing.
You can reach Amed by driving the road between Karangasem and Singaraja and turning east
at the village of Culik.
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9. Balian beach
On the island’s west coast, situated at the mouth of a wide river, lies Balian. It offers a beautiful
stretch of black sand, worldclass waves, some warungs and accommodation options. It can be
reached by heading west towards Selemadeg district in Tabanan and looking for the sign to
Balian beach.
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10. Dream beach
Dream beach is located on the southern shores of nearby island of Nusa Lembongan , only a
30minute speedboat ride away from Sanur. It is a small whitesand beach located between
cliffs, and has a dreamy Robinson Crusoe feel to it. To reach it, look for signposts saying
“Devil’s Tear”, “Café Pandan” and “Dream Beach Bungalows”.
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Best beach clubs in Bali
Are you looking for the perfect activity for a chilled out day? Your search is over, as I have the
answer: Go to a beach club! Not only has Bali some of the most beautiful beaches in South East
Asia, but it also has the best beach clubs. It doesn't get much better than being able to enjoy
the ocean, a nice pool, good atmosphere and food and drinks all in one place. The old favorites
still hold their charm and newbies are added to the scene regularly. Here are my choices for the
best Bali beach clubs whether you are with family, your significant other or a group of friends:
1. Potato Head Beach Club
Potato Head Beach Club is a longtime favorite of the young and trendy. Since opening in 2010
it has hosted many great concerts and festivals. The beds overlooking the infinity pool and the
ocean are the perfect spot for some delicious afternoon cocktails. The food in its three
restaurants is also great, so a dinner after sunset is a good way to finish a great day.
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Address: Jalan Petitenget No. 51B, Seminyak
Phone: 0361 4737979
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours: 10am 2am daily
Entrance Fee: None. Minimum spending applies on daybeds.
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2. KuDeTa
Kudeta is another longtime favorite on the scene. It is a lifestyle destination that serves the
perfect food and cocktails for a girls day out, and is very childfriendly in case you're traveling
with the whole family. It has an array of daybeds, a great pool and views to the ocean. On
most days DJs or live music set the mood.
Address: Jalan Kayu Aya No. 9, Seminyak
Phone: 0361 736969
Opening Hours: 8am 2am daily
Entrance Fee: None. Minimum spending applies on daybeds.
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3. W Retreat & Spa
W Retreat is the cream of the cream, and it's lush poolside area is heaven for both adults and
kids (kids have their own pool). The lounge chairs with neck pillows and double daybeds are
comfy, the service is impeccable and the ocean is only a few steps away. The best time to visit
is Sunday, when the hotel's restaurants serve the best brunch buffet in Bali. After you've filled
your belly with mouthwatering dishes, grab a spot by the pool for the perfect relaxation.
Address: Jalan Petitenget, Seminyak
Phone: 0361 3000106
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours: 24 hours a day
Entrance Fee: none
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4. Finn's Beach Cub
Finn's beach club is one of the newest additions to Bali's beach club scene. It used to be located at the Bukit, but has now moved to Canggu and is already established as a favorite of the Canggu crowd. Don't be surprised if you have a hard time finding an available chair there, but when you do, just sit back and enjoy the beauty of the scenery.Address: Jalan Pantai Berawa, Canggu
Phone: 0361 8446327
Email: [email protected] (bookings for more than 15 people)
Opening Hours: 9am 12am daily
Entrance Fee: None. Minimum spending applies between 9am5pm
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5. VUE Beach Club
Vue Beach Club, located inside LV8 Resort in Berawa, is so far a not so wellknown venue. Most
times you'll only be joined by a couple of other guests, which is kinda awesome when you want
to have the pool and the view almost all to yourself. The food is good and the happy hour
cocktails will put a smile on your face. You should book a nice shady pavilion with daybeds in
the sun to get the best out of the experience.
Address: Jalan Discovery No. 8, Canggu
Phone: 0361 8948888
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours: 9am 10.30pm daily
Entrance Fee: None. Minimum spending applies for daybeds.
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6. El Kabron Cliff Club
El Kabron brings some variety to the scene. This spanishthemed club is perched on a cliff 50
metres on top of Bingin Beach, Uluwatu. The tapas here are delicious, and the 180degree view
infinity pool that looks like it merges into the ocean provides a perfect spot for some
envyinducing selfies. Resident DJs will be setting the mood with some house tunes.
Address: Jalan Pantai Cemongak, Pecatu
Phone: 0851 00803416
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours: 11.30am 11.45pm daily
Entrance Fee: Yes. Approximately IDR 550 000. Includes entrance, IDR 300 000 worth of food
and beverages and a glass of champagne
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7. Karma Beach
Karma Beach is a boutique beach club, which sits in a gorgeous cove in Ungasan area. After
going down a cliff in their cable car, you will feel like a castaway princess surrounded by white
sand beach and a turquoise lagoon. You can either lie down and relax on a daybed, enjoy some
snorkeling, rent a complimentary kayak or have a go at stand up paddling. Kids will enjoy it
here too, as the Three Monkeys Club provides them all kind of exciting activities. Arriving
before noon is recommended.
Address: Jalan Villa Kandara, Banjar Wisaya Kusuma, Ungasan
Phone: 0361 8482222
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours: 9am 11pm daily
Entrance Fee: Yes. IDR 500 000. Includes entrance and Rp. 300 000 worth of food and
beverages.
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8. Agendaz Beach Club
Agendaz beach club is another lesserknown venue, which has been receiving great reviews
from those who have ventured to Nusa Dua for some pool and beach time. The service is
excellent, and the food is varied. They are organizing a lot of parties and hosting many events,
such as weddings and birthdays. DJ starts playing tunes around 5pm, so stay for the beautiful
sunset views.
Address: The Bay Bali, BTDC Lot CO, Jalan Nusa Dua, Nusa Dua
Phone: 0361 8948168
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours: 10am 10pm daily
Entrance Fee: none
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9. Komune Beach Club
Komune Beach Club overlooks the famous Keramas surf breaks on the east coast of Bali. The
lush gardens lead to the pool, which at times is occupied by cute surfer dudes discussing their
latest set (and when the swell is on, you can just lounge in your chair and watch them rock the
waves). Food is varied and worth the long drive. If you want to keep the day going, stay for
their beachfront outdoor cinema.
Address: Pantai Keramas, Gianyar
Phone: 0361 3018888
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours: 6am 11pm daily
Entrance Fee: No. Minimum spending applies for daybeds
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Temples on the Island of Gods
If you wish to learn more about the balinese culture and religion and get in touch with the rich
Hindu heritage, look no further than the most important or magnificent temples.
1. Pura Besakih
Besakih is known as the Mother Temple of Bali and is the most important temple on the whole
of the island. It's actually more like a complex of temples (consisting of 80 individual temples)
in one very large compound and its known and loved for is its dramatic location on the southern
slopes of Sacred Mount Agung. Besakih being the biggest and holiest of the island's temples
plays a significant role not only for the villages and families nearby but for entire Bali. Many
important festivals are celebrated here. It is a temple open to every devotee from any caste
group. It is simply the prime spiritual centre for all Balinese.
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2. Pura Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s nine key directional temples, and is situated in Tabanan, on a rock in
the ocean, just offshore. Of all the beautiful temples in Bali, Tanah Lot is quite special and for
many one of the mustsees. Tanah Lot is a very important site for pilgrimages and plays an
important role in Balinese spiritualism and mythology. The rock that the temple sits on has
been eroded by the ocean over the centuries, and is now undergoing a process of restoration.
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3. Pura Ulun Danau Bratan
Pura Ulun Danau Bratan, or Pura Bratan, is a major Shivaite and an important water temple.
The temple site is located in the mountain highlands near Bedugul on the shores of Lake
Bratan. It was built around 1663 and is used to worship the lake and river goddess Dewi Danu.
This picturesque site is featured on an Indonesian banknote and is definitely one of the most
important and bestknown landmarks of Bali.
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4. Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Uluwatu temple is one of Bali’s nine key directional temples. This clifftop temple is indeed
impressive. The temple is built on the steep cliff and coming here can feel like sitting on the
throne of Bali. During sunset hours the atmosphere gets really mystical. You can enter the
temple area through two entrances that are split gates. They are surrounded by a couple of
Ganesha sculptures (shaped like a human body with an elephant head). Behind the main shrine
lies a Brahmin statue facing the Indian Ocean.
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5. Pura Taman Ayun
Pura Taman Ayun is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful temples in Bali. Taman means
‘garden with pond’. One sees this image from the surrounding moat, which gives the impression
of the temple being a sanctuary in the middle of a pond of Lotus flowers. One will find shrines
to major mountains peaks, such as Agung, Batukaru, Batur and Pengelengan as well to Pura
Ulun Siwi and Pura Sada. Representing the three realms of the earth: spirit, humans and the
Gods are three main courtyards which together symbolize Mount Mahameru floating in a sea of
milk.
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6. Tirta Empul
Tirta Empul, located in Ubud, is not only one of the most important temples but also one of the
most famous, because of its holy water that is used for purification. Tirta Empul means "holy
water spring". The spring's water is distributed to various purification pools that Balinese Hindus
use for their purification rituals.
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7. Pura Luhur Lempuyang
The Lempuyang temple is a very scenic and very holy place to visit (one of Bali’s key nine
directional temples). Located in east Bali within the highlands of Mount Lempuyang, this temple
is not only one of the most difficult to get to, but also one of the most sacred in Bali. There are
1700 steps cut into the mountain between the parking lot and the shrines. This means a 1 1/2
to 2 hours of physical challenge leading you uphill through the jungle. The temple is never
really crowded. So if you are fit and ready for a challenge that gives you a very special reward
in return, this temple should be high up on your list of things to do in Bali.
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The best hot springs
Soak your tired bones and revive your mind in one of the hot springs. These natural baths
soothe, cure and ease away the body's aches and pains. A few good options to choose from:
1. Angseri
Angseri hot springs in Tabanan are nestled between lush rice paddies and small streams. The
places that were used only as traditional bathhouse by local people are now transformed into a
comfortable public bathing area. With the entrance fee of Rp. 30 000 you get to enjoy 2
openair pools and by paying Rp. 10 000 per person you can rent a small private cabin for 30
minutes.
2. Yeh Panas
Tabanan Hot Springs sit on the banks of the flowing Yeh Panas river, and are fed by the healing
water flowing off Mount Batukaru. You can bathe in the main pool on the river’s edge or dip into
one of the smaller pools that terrace up the hillside. Entrance fee to the public pools is Rp. 50
000 and to the private pools Rp. 100 000.
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3. Banjar
The sulphuric healing waters of sacred Banjar hot springs not far from Lovina beach are located
in the midst of the jungle in a beautifully landscaped tropical garden. For the entrance fee of
Rp. 5.000 you get to enjoy 3 public pools. We recommend you visit early before tourists arrive.
4. Tirta Empul
This is a very important sacred site for the Hindu Balinese who come here to cleanse
themselves physically and spiritually a process called melukat . Water from the spring is clean
and believed to have magical powers. Entrance fee is Rp. 15.000, including sarong and sash
rental. The complex is open daily 8.00 AM to 4.00 PM except during major religious holidays.
5. Toya Devasya
Those craving for a luxurious hot spring experience should head to the Kintamani area. The hot
springs are inside Toya Devasya resort, set in elegant, landscape gardens, the pools offer
immaculate facilities and the waters are clear blue and odourless no sulphur gases here.
Entrance fee is Rp. 150.000 for adults and Rp. 100.000 for kids.
Waterfalls to visit
Bali is full of attractions and wonders of nature; rice terraces, volcanoes, hot springs and of
course, waterfalls. Almost every Bali sightseeing tour includes a visit to at least one of the
many waterfalls Bali has to offer. Most people have heard of GitGit waterfalls in the North of
Bali or Tegenungan waterfall near Ubud, both of which are nice. But visiting those more
touristy spots is just scratching the surface. What you should do instead is check out one (or
even all) of these beauties:
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1. AlingAling
AlingAling waterfalls in the North of Bali are called twin waterfalls as they are split at the top
leaving two streams that fall at completely different speed. The 35 metre tall waterfalls, one of
the tallest in Bali, are well worth the long and steep walk down. What will be waiting for you is
not just a beautiful view, but also a small lagoon for swimming, a cliff jumping spot and natural
water slides.
Location: North of Bali, in the village of Sambangan approximately 11 kilometres from
Singaraja.
In the Sambangan area, within a short distance from AlingAling and each other, you can also
find 6 other waterfalls: Pucuk , Kembar , Kroya , Canging , Dedari and Cemara .
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2. Sing Sing
A hidden gem of the North, located up in the forested hills of Cempaka village in Banjar district
(Buleleng regency). There is a clear path from the village to the waterfalls but sometimes it
might still make sense to ask the villagers for help. This waterfall is not very high or large but it
feels like a sanctuary with birdsong and nature sounds as a backbeat to soaking in a rocky pool
at the bottom of the waterfall or in one of the lava stone pools in the upper creek. Best time to
visit is the wet season (OctApr) as during the dry season it might be reduced to trickles.
Location: North of Bali, in the village of Cempaka 50 kilometres West of Lovina (Jalan Air Terjun
SingSing).
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3. Dusun Kuning
This waterfall is one of the truly hidden waterfalls and unknown to most. Located in the Bangli
regency, it is 25 metres tall and feeds the Melangit river. It can be reached by a 500 metre
walk from Taman Bali village. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenness, fresh and cool air
and animals, such as longtail macaques, roaming free.
Location: In Taman Bali village approximately 6 kilometres South of Bangli town.
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4. Jembong
Located in Ambengan village, Buleleng regency, close to the wellknown GitGit waterfall lies the
hidden gem of northern Bali. Not many tourists have yet found their way here but locals
consider Jembong to be the best waterfall in Bali. Although the signage to the waterfall might
not be clear, it is not difficult to find your way there. The gentle sloped beauty is surrounded by
cacao plantations and tropical trees, and due to the calm atmosphere it is a perfect spot for
spiritual healing.
Location: In Ambengan village, Sukasada, Buleleng. A 70 Kilometre drive from Denpasar
towards Singaraja, past GitGit waterfall.
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5. Sekumpul
If you’re looking for a challenge, Sekumpul waterfall in Singaraja regency should be the
waterfall of your choice. It will take a dirt road, many slippery steps and the crossing of a river
to get there but it’s well worth the effort, and you get to walk through bamboo forests as well.
What’s special about Sekumpul is that there are actually seven waterfalls of different heights
(up to 80 metres) and varying water flows. It might make sense to pay a local to take you to
the top, from where you´ll have the best view of the surroundings.
Note: At the entrance you might run into touts trying to sell you a compulsory tour for Rp.
200.000. Don’t fall for this scam. The only thing you should pay is the entrance fee of Rp. 10.
000.
Location: In Sekumpul village in Singaraja, there will be signs for the location.
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6. Lemukih
Only 2 kilometres from Sekumpul waterfall lies Lemukih waterfall with its three streams of
different heights. Unlike Sekumpul, Lemukih is not wellknown and there are no signs to guide
you there. Although the waterfall is located only a 200 metre walk from Lemukih village main
street, it might be a smart move to ask the locals for directions. Once there, you can enjoy the
showers and bathe in the natural pool in total privacy.
Location: In Lemukih village in Singaraja district, approximately 72 kilometres from Denpasar.
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7. Munduk and Melanting
These two waterfalls are located very close to each other in Munduk village in Buleleng regency.
The village is situated at an altitude of 800900 metres above sea level so the cool air makes it
very suitable for farming. Munduk waterfall is a 15 metre tall picturesque beauty neighboured
by twin lakes, and can be reached by a nice path through coffee plantation. The entrance fee is
Rp. 5 000. Melanting waterfall is a short drive or around 30 minute walk from it´s sister. It is a
little bit taller and offers a natural pool to splash in. There have a been a lot of good reviews on
these waterfalls in Tripadvisor.
Location: In Munduk village, Buleleng regency.
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8. Yeh Mampeh
Yeh Mampeh, which means flying waters´ in Balinese, is one of Bali´s nicest waterfalls yet
virtually untouched. It is located in a small village called Les, North Bali. For a small entrance
fee of Rp. 2.500 you can hike down the falls, bathe in the refreshing waters, explore nearby
caves and enjoy the views of the green hills.
Location: In Les village, past Kintamani area and towards Singaraja, approximately 71
kilometres from Denpasar. There will be roadside signs for Les and the waterfall.
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9. NungNung
NungNung, which lies in the village of the same name, is a beautiful 50 metre tall waterfall that
requires some effort to reach. After paying the entrance fee of Rp. 3.000 you need to descend
509 steps. The journey is nice though, as you get to admire lush rice paddies, plantations and
of course the waterfall itself. At the bottom of the gorge you will be amazed by the thunderous
sound of the water crashing down.
Location: In Nungnung village, Approximately 45 kilometres from Denpasar towards Sangeh.
There will be signs on the way.
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10. Blahmantung
Blahmantung waterfall, also known as Blemantung, is a gorgeous sight that hasn’t yet become
too touristy. Nestled amongst the many coffee plantations in Tabanan regency (I swear you can
almost smell the aroma of coffee in the air), there are actually three waterfalls. The best one is
a 50 metre tall beauty (one of Bali’s tallest) hidden behind quite a difficult 800 metre trek. It’s
wise to bring water with you. The rainforest air is fresh and cool though, and after your trek you
can enjoy soaking in the plunge pool below. Blahmantung has gotten great reviews on
Tripadvisor.
Location: In Pujungan village in Tabanan regency, approximately 75 kilometres from Denpasar.
The way there is wellsigned.
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11. Banyumala
Located in Wanagiri village in Buleleng regency, Banyumala is another magnificent hidden
waterfall. There is a sign for it near Lake Buyan but to actually be able to find it I would suggest
hiring a local guide. There are two flows cascading down the steep rocks and the surrounding
nature is gorgeous; trees and ravine are all around you. You can also take a dip in the cool pool
while soaking up Banyumala´s beauty.
Location: In Wanagiri village in Sukasada district, Buleleng.
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12. Jagasatru
This 40 metre tall waterfall is for sure one most people have never heard of. So far it´s rarely
even been visited by locals. It can be found in Duda Timur village in Karangasem regency, but
you should definitely ask the locals for directions. The waterfall is surrounded by rocks and
trees the shade of which makes the air fresh and cool. Swimming is possible if you don't made
freezing a bit. The fact that Jagasatru is considered as having a spiritual aura makes it the
perfect location for meditation. Location: In Duda Timur village in Karangasem regency.
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13. Juwuk Manis
Juwuk Manis is one of the few waterfalls in West Bali. It is located in Pangyangan/Manggissari
village in Jembrana regency. It requires some effort to reach the falls: The trail goes through
hillsides, steep cliffs and coffee plantations and might be covered in overgrowth but what awaits
you at the end of the trek is a piece of paradise. The two waterfalls might not be the tallest
(only 5 metres) but they are pretty much undiscovered and the waters are crystal clear and
drinkable.
Location: In Pangyangan village on Jl. Raya DenpasarGilimanuk (Negara district)
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14. Carat
Carat waterfall consists of two waterfalls on top of each other, the tall and the small, which
gives it the shape of a water jug (hence the name Carat). At the bottom there is also a small
natural pool. It is located in the village of Tamblang in Buleleng regency. There is a sign
instructing the way to the waterfall but the 800 metre trek might be tricky for some, what with
crossing a wobbly bamboo bridge and tackling steep cliffs. The locals believe Carat to be
haunted, and bad luck will come to those people who talk bad things or have a negative impact
on the nature of the surrounding area.
Location: In Banjar Dinas Klampauk in Tamblang village, Buleleng, approximately 85 kilometres
from Denpasar.
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15. Peguyangan
Peguyangan waterfall on the island of Nusa Penida is not your ordinary vertical torrent in a
jungle. Instead the waterfall consists of short, cascading streams that bubble down a steep
ravine forming natural pools and then continues into the sea. The way down to the waterfall is a
steep descend down over 400 steps but it is worth the effort to be able to enjoy the fantastic
seaview while bathing in the small natural pools. To find it it's best to use a local guide or join a
tour. Other waterfalls you can visit on Nusa Penida are Sebuluh (next to Cacah village) and
Seganing.
Location: In Batu Kandik village on Nusa Penida Island. To get there from mainland Bali you
need to take a boat from either Sanur or Padang Bai.
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TIPS
The trek to some of the waterfalls takes up to 30 minutes so it's wise to wear
comfortable trekking shoes
The air is cooler in most waterfall areas so dress accordingly but don't forget to
bring your swimsuit, too
Some of the waterfalls have some warungs or snack sellers but it won't hurt
bringing some water and snacks with you just in case
Sometimes the waterfall might be hard to reach, so a local guide can be hired for
approximately Rp. 30.00050.000
Many tour companies organize waterfall tours , so you might want to join one if you
wish to see more than one waterfall a day
If you get lost or are confused about directions, ask the locals "Di mana air
terjun?" (Where is the waterfall?) Many villagers don't know the English word for
waterfall
Check the waterfall trip reviews on Tripadvisor to get more tips
Gorgeous rice terraces
Most people who have visited Bali say that the real Bali can be found where the rice grows. I
Bali rice fields can be found almost everywhere, and the Balinese people have depended on this
method of agriculture for almost 2000 years. The terraces rice paddies were carved by hand,
with the help of some simple tools, and are being maintained by succeeding generations.
Imagine yourself watching the sun rise through the mist over a rice field or taking a hike
through their lush greenness. It is a must thing to do in Bali to visit at least one of the
numerous rice paddies, and to make your decision a bit easier I've compiled a guide on which
ones a definitely worth a visit.
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West Bali
Jatiluwih
Jatiluwih rice terraces are located in Tabanan regency, about a 2 hour drive from Kuta. They
are best reached by heading up the West coast for a bit and then turning towards North Bali.
Jatiluwih area is very famous of its rice fields and subak , the balinese irrigation system, which
are considered a UNESCO World Heritage site . The rice terraces here are stunning, giving a
new meaning to the word green. They crawl up the sides of the hills like stairs leading you
towards the sky.
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Usually it is quite empty there except for a few people from nearby accommodation, and there
will be even fewer people engaging in some rice field trekking. Which actually is something
everyone visiting the area should do: The rice paddies span a huge area where you'll get to
explore not just the different parts of the green beauties but also jump over rivers and enjoy
your lunch sitting there in the middle of it all. Mount Batukaru in the distance makes for an
amazing addition to the already breathtaking view. Alternatively you can join a cycling tour
through the rice paddies.
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It is recommended to visit Jatiluwih rice fields between 8AM and 5PM, when you'll also have a
chance to witness the activities of the farmers. Due to heavy rainfall in the region is it advisable
to bring an umbrella or a raincoat with you, or choose a day for which the weather forecast
looks good. Monthwise February to April will provide the lushest scenery.
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Belimbing
Belimbing village is one of the traditional Balinese villages situated 600 meters above sea level
in Tabanan regency, on the way towards Jatiluwih. The drive from Kuta to there takes around
an hour. The village is surrounded by wonderful nature, including some very beautiful rice
terraces. The land is very fertile and many plantations, such as durian, coffee, clove, rambutan
and mangosteen, thrive there.
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The magnificent view of the rice paddies with Mount Batukaru as a backdrop has already
started to draw tourists to the area. Rice field trekking is the main activity in which to indulge
in, as it will not just give you a chance to enjoy the beauty of the rice terraces but also the rest
of the unspoiled nature. Don't miss the chance to visit a group of monkeys at Mekori Forest or
the waterfalls Sing Sing , Sing Sing Sade and Bemben .
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The best time for a rice field trek at Belimbing is early morning or late afternoon on a clear day.
During the rainy season the whole village is sometimes covered in fog.
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Pupuan
If you continue your journey from Belimbing by driving 1 more hour northwards on Jl. Antosari,
you will reach Pupuan village. There each rice paddy has a uniting seam, which both connects
and separates them. Over the years the slopes in the area have turned into amazingly beautiful
rice terraces, and eventually joined by coffee plantations and orchards. Off the main road you
can find tropical forest with waterfalls and even a hidden temple.
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The farmers here share an intimate relationship with nature: At harvest time the farmers cut
the rice paddies with a traditional equipment called anggapan (a traditional knife). Standing in
rows, they sing while they collect the harvest. Such an amazing experience to be able to
witness it! The rice fields in Pupuan are best enjoyed on a clear day either early in the morning
or late in the afternoon. When it's rainy, the fog can obscure the whole village.
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Central Bali
Tegallalang
The emeraldgreen rice terraces in the river gorge north of Tegallalang village (sometimes also
spelled as Tegalalang), around 9 kilometres from Ubud centre, are photographywise probably
the most famous rice fields in Bali. The cool and breezy area has a vista that spreads out in
front of you in the form of rice terraces all over the slopes across the timeless valley. From Kuta
it is just a 1,5 hour drive away and the location is easy to find.
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Which brings me to the one minor drawback Tegallalang has. Compared to some of the other
rice fields in Bali, Tegallalang has become very touristy. The area is now complete with parking
and entrance fees and stalls selling everything from food to souvenirs. You can book a tour with
one of the many companies offering rice field tours or take a walk on your own. By wandering a
bit further along the tracks after reaching the "top" of the valley you will reach the next valley
which has better views and fewer crowds. The best times to visit are early morning and late
afternoon, as it can get really hot during the day.
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Ubud and neighbouring villages
Ubud and the neighbouring villages, which lie in the middle of the subak irrigation system, are
in general a heaven for those who appreciate the beauty greenery of the rolling rice terraces.
Only 30 minutes to 1 hour away from Kuta, they are easily accessible. Doing organized tours
around the surrounding areas of some of the upscale resorts might sometimes be the best way
to go, but if you feel confident armed with just a map and some instructions from people in the
know, there's nothing to stop you going for a rice field trek on your own. If you are not that
keen on walking, you can hire a bicycle instead. Either one of these options might lead you to
rice fields only a few lucky other have passed through before.
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Payangan rice terrace
Just west of Ubud, Sayan village is little more than a ridge. Views of a luscious ravine and
manicured terraces have attracted many expats to choose Sayan as their new home. The steps
from the rice fields lead down to a river where you can go for a swim. Payangan village is
another one of Ubud's neighbouring villages known for its extraordinary rice terraces that step
down to the river Ayung below. There are beautiful rice fields also around Pujung and
Penestanan villages. Campuhan Ridge Walk in the village of Campuhan is a popular trail
taking you past not only plenty of rice paddies but also jungle and rivers.
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Campuhan Ridge Walk
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East Bali
Tirta Gangga
Tirta Gangga is a popular side trip from the nearby coastal towns of Amed and Candidasa , a 2
hour drive from Kuta. The name Tirta Gangga literally means "Water of the Ganges", and the
site is extremely respected by the Balinese Hindus. The name actually refers to the Royal
water palace but it is widely used to refer to the general area surrounding the palace,
including some particularly stunning rice terraces. The postcard pictures you've seen of Bali rice
paddies are usually photographs of Tirta Gangga. Although the rice terraces are not as steep as
in some of the other areas, they are nonetheless magnificent.
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The hiking around Tirta Gangga rice paddies is excellent. The treks suit all fitness levels, and
it's easy to take a stroll on your own through any wellbeaten track. Alternatively you can join
any of the guided rice field treks (guides can be easily arranged at the water palace or your
hotel), where you'll learn more about how rice is grown while admiring admiring the
surroundings. A guided hike normally includes visiting cascading rice paddies, climbing up and
down hillsides full of crop and walking through numerous villages.
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The best time to visit the area are early mornings and late afternoons, as especially the area
around the water palace gets really crowded during the days.
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Sidemen
Sidemen is a beautiful valley in Karangasem regency, that is blessed with fertile land. It is a 1,5
hour drive from Kuta through winding roads and beautiful landscapes with Mount Agung as
the backdrop. Sidemen is still considered as the old Bali, unaffected by the influx of tourism.
Everywhere you look you see hundreds of shades of green: Rice terraces, palm trees, mossy
river beds and real village life.
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You can't really avoid trekking through the rice fields as you are pretty much surrounded by
them. The hiking trails take you along rice terraces and hills, through the valleys of river Unda
and many coffee and cocoa plantations. It is best to bring a guide with you to get a great
insight on how daily life takes place in Sidemen. If you'd prefer a bigger challenge, there is a
trail taking you all the way from Sidemen to Padang Bai. It is a 6hour hike for which a guide is
necessary.
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The best time to go trekking here would be really early morning, around sunrise time, so you'll
be back before it gets really hot.
Summary
The best time to visit the rice fields is in general early morning or late afternoon
during dry season
Good shoes are always a wise move, as is bringing an umbrella or a raincoat if it's
rainy season
If you want to hike through the rice fields, hiring a guide is recommended but not
always necessary
When encountering local villagers and farmers, donations are always highly
appreciated
Don't take anything, except for photos, and leave only footprints
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Activities
We have already listed some activities in each of the areas of Bali, but here you can find a
comprehensive list on the best activities in Bali.
1. Learn how to surf
Which place may be more appropriate than Bali? You could become the new king of the waves
you should definitely make use of this chance!
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2. Get your diving license
Bali offers a fascinating underwater world. From rare kinds of fish in all sizes, forms and colours
to colourful coral reefs and sunken shipwrecks you will find all of this here. You haven’t done
your diving license yet? You will have the opportunity to get your Open Water Diver license as
well as many others here and the prices are almost unbeatable!
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3. Climb a volcano
In Bali you’ll find two active volcanoes: Mount Batur and Mount Agung. With its 3.031m, Mount
Agung also is the highest mountain of the island. From the top of it you will have a unique view
of the surrounding landscape. But also Mount Batur can compete with that: With its 1.717m
and a fantastic view of the Batur lake it’s almost as beautiful as Mount Agung. You should
definitely join the sunrise trekking you will rarely see such beauty again!
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4. Go visit Gili Islands
A short 1,5 hours Speed boat ride away you will find another little paradise, the Gili Islands. No
matter whether you are looking for relaxation or great parties here you’ll find whatever you’re
looking for! Be patient, we’ll give you further information on these gems later in the book.
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5. Go whitewater rafting
Not all activities are both funny and helpful for strengthening the bond between people as much
as rafting. Whether you like to go with your friends or family a rafting tour through the
Balinese jungle is definitely worth a try! And it’s still great fun after the second or third time.
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6. Join a sailing trip to Komodo Island
You want to see and experience as much as possible? A Komodo trip is the perfect option for
you! Apart from many little islands located east of Bali you’ll see beautiful, almost untouched
nature and the famous Komodo dragons. And of course you’ll get a lot of chances to go
snorkeling at beautiful reefs, party with your boat mates and much more. Read more
information later on in the book.
7. Do a scooter trip through Bali
Go to Lovina, see the dolphins at sunrise, go swimming in the hot springs, visit the famous
water temple in Bedugul, go swimming under great waterfalls there are so many things to do
in Bali!
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8. Do a cycling tour/Hash Run
Of course you’ll pass many small villages during your scooter trip but you’ll never experience
life and culture of the people as good as during a cycling tour! You’ll also have much more time
to admire Bali’s beautiful landscape while you just cross it with your bike. A Must Do in Bali! If
cycling is not your cup of tea, why not do a Hash run instead. The awesome Hash House
Harriers organize a fun run or walk through the jungle, rice fields and villages of Ubud almost
every weekend and afterwards you get to attend super fun activities!.
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9. Play paintball
For sure many of you have already played Paintball but on a field lined with palm trees? A
highlight you should definitely not miss!
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10. Visit the Waterbom Park in Kuta
Centrally located in Kuta, you’ll find the biggest waterpark in Asia. You won’t get bored of all
the amazing water slides spread around the park!
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11. Ride an elephant
The Elephant Back Safari that leads your through Bali Zoo tropical zoo panorama where you’ll
hear the screech of the gibbons mingled with birdsong from the aviary. After visiting the same
bathing pool and elephant habitat you’ll return via a picturesque route through their lush jungle
gardens with a view of several animal domains along the way.
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12. Go parasailing
Why not go flying high up in the air on a parachute pulled by a boat. We recommend you to
book in advance from a reputable agency as the street guides might bring you to companies
that have no insurance or even license to operate.
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13. Try wakeboarding or water skiing
These both are fun and fast activities for those craving some thrilling action. 15 minutes of
doing one feels like you’ve exercised for hours, and the best part is the feeling of reward when
you finally get the hang of it.
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14. Whole family water fun
Taking a ride on a banana boat or a flying fish gets everyone excited. During these marine
activities you can enjoy the warm and blue ocean water of Tanjung Benoa, South Bali. These
are definitely some of the most perfect yet affordable choices to be experienced with a family or
a group of friends that you should not miss.
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15. Hop on a quad
Join a 1 to 1,5 hour trek crossing rivers and small paths on your quad or ATV while enjoying the
sights of a tropical jungle with its waterfalls and plantations.
PRICELIST for the activities
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Adventures away from Bali
Gili Islands
Many travellers choose to visit the three small and beautiful islands of Gili Trawangan, Gili Air
and Gili Meno located just off the coast of Lombok. Let us prove why you should be one of
them.
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The most popular island is Gili Trawangan , also known as the party island. Far away from the
hectic lifestyle of Bali, here you have the possibility to chill on whitesand beaches alone or
together with your friends or family, explore the island by bicycle or by the local horse carriage
cidomo (scooters and cars are not allowed on the Gilis), go snorkeling and watching the turtles
make their way through the reef, and enjoy some great parties in the evenings while meeting
people from many cultures. On the east coast of the island, where the speedboats are landing,
you will find so many options to please every party taste. Hotels and homestays are lined by
bars, restaurants and clubs. Also divers and anyone wanting to learn it will find their joy: There
are plenty of diving schools offering budgetfriendly fun dives and courses all around the Gilis.
Also romantic things to do can be found here: In the south of the island you can find the sunset
point with its famous swing in the sea close to the beach. You shouldn’t miss out on the chance
of taking pictures here whilst enjoying the sun set behind Mount Agung in all hues of red and
orange. Here you can relax and drink some cocktails before you join the amazing nightlife!
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You have already done enough partying in Bali or are just looking for some rest and relaxation?
Then Gili Air might be the perfect choice for you! It offers a similar range of activities as Gili
Trawangan but it’s a lot less quiet and partyoriented so you can simply concentrate on relaxing
and spending your days with diving and snorkeling or chilling at the great whitesand beaches.
In the evening you can enjoy the beautiful sunsets with a tasty cocktail in your hand.
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Gili Meno is the smallest of the three islands and by far the most peaceful and
underdeveloped one. Many couples choose this island to spend their honeymoon there. This
island is the best choice if you like to have romantic times with your boyfriend or girlfriend. No
matter if you like to relax on the wonderful beaches or laze around in a hammock and read a
good book for sure you’ll find relaxation here. And of course you’ll have the opportunity to go
diving and snorkeling here, too, and there is a little bird park in the middle of the island so you
won’t get bored.
The dining scene is predominantly local cafes and warungs serving tasty grilled fish as the dusk
approaches.
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To get to the Gilis, there are several options you can choose from. If you are planning to see
Lombok first you can take a flight from Bali to there and then cross over to Gili Islands by the
local public boats or fishing boats. If you like to save money you may also go to Padang Bai
harbour by scooter and take the local ferry from Bali to Lombok and then proceed to the Gilis.
Anyway, the fastest and easiest option you can choose is a speed boat from Bali to Gilis. The
pickup from your accommodation is free for most areas and you’ll be taken to Padang Bai
harbour by car or a small bus. There you’ll receive your tickets and after just a 1,5h boat ride
you’ll be on the Gili Islands! We have spent a lot of time negotiating the best studentbudget
prices and the booking from our website is very easy:
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Komodo Trip
How does a sailing trip to visit the famous Komodo dragons sound? With the itinerary planned
by us, u get to experience a lot more than that: beautiful empty islands, snorkelling or diving in
clear blue seas and lots more:
Day 1 : Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan)
The cruise starts from Gili Trawangan at 5 pm. During the night the ship sails to Moyo island.
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Day 2 : Moyo, Satonda
The ship arrives at Moyo early in the morning. You will have the opportunity to dive at the reefs
offshore from Labuan Haji (depending on the number of divers). Then you will stop at a small
harbor of an unspoiled traditional village. The local people will then guide the group to a
beautiful pool and small waterfall where you are able swim in the clean, clear water. After lunch
you will continue the trip to the east. The ship will sail to Komodo overnight.
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Day 3 : Komodo, Crystal Rock, Banta Island
You will arrive at the at Komodo National Park in the morning. One of the most splendid sites in
the park is Gili Lawa: a beautiful bay with crystal clear water and white sandy beaches. Some of
the best dive sites are located around the island. Here the group will spend the day, going on 3
dives or just snorkelling. We will anchor at a quiet place to spend the night.
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Day 4 : Rinca, Kanawa
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At dawn you will go to the Ranger Station on Rinca Island. You will go on a 2hour guided walk
in the national park. There you will be able to see the famous Komodo dragons and if you are
lucky you may see some deers, monkeys, and even wild buffalos as well. During the day you
will have the chance to go on two more dives with the chance of seeing mantas. Overnight you
will stay at Gili Lawa Darat.
Day 5 : Labuan Bajo (Flores)
The remaining time before or after your trip:
There are a lot of things to do and see in Flores (ie Kelimutu Lake). That’s why you should
spend a few extra days in Flores.
As you will arrive or depart from Gili Trawangan you should also consider spending a few days
on this island. You can take a speedboat from Padang Bai for 1,5hrs or take the ferry to
Lombok and afterwards go from there to the Gilis with a public boat.
Attention: Due to unexpected weather conditions, it may be that the trip is changed or canceled
on a short notice. Also, the end of the trips may differentiate a little, depending on the boat you
choose.
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