Bali Travel Guide
Bali has long been equated with an exotic paradise, a picturesque vision of green rice fields and plantations, soaring volcanoes, cool lakes and rushing rivers, lush forests and palm fringed beaches. It is Indonesia’s number one tourist destination and as a result suffers from commercialisation and overcrowding, but this is confined to a few main areas. The original charm of the ‘Island of the Gods’ and its smiling people is still very much in evidence, especially in the many small rural villages and fascinating places of the fertile interior.
What makes it distinctive from the rest of Indonesia is the belief in a predominantly Hindu faith, incorporating the ancient Indonesian animist conviction that natural objects are inhabited by good or bad spirits into every aspect of local life on the island. It is evident in their ceremonies, daily rituals and attitudes, visible in the offerings of flowers and food that adorn the roadsides, the charms hung inside taxis, and the numerous vibrant festivals that occur throughout the year. It is perceptible in their reverence for the Holy Mountain, the soaring volcanic cone of Gunung Agung, which is the spiritual centre of the Balinese universe. Scattered around the island are thousands of Hindu temples and places of worship. Art is also an integral part of daily life and every village has its artists, from the internationally acclaimed painter to the aspirational young cow herder. Ubud, the cultural centre, with its streets lined with art and crafts shops, also has performances of traditional Balinese dance and music. Art, together with tourism, is an important source of revenue for the island.
With its fine beach, the popular resort of Kuta is the most visited destination, but there are numerous other beach resorts around the island, and many more peaceful settings on the east coast at Candidasa, Sanur and the fishing village of Padang Bai, and on the northern coast at Lovina. There are a number of good diving sites and reef snorkelling close by.
Despite the shock of terrorist bomb attacks in October 2002 and 2005, which were aimed at foreign holiday-makers and killed about 225 people in total, Bali is still the tropical paradise of rich culture and beautiful land- and seascapes that has attracted those in search of an idyllic vacation for so long; however visitors are still advised to contact their foreign office for the latest travel advice before travelling to Indonesia, and Bali in particular.
Kuta
Kuta, just a short drive from the airport in southern Bali, has become the island’s most popular and most crowded resort, blessed as it is with a lovely sweep of golden sand, crashing surf and spectacular sunsets. The natural attractions have now been complemented by the tourist trappings, and Kuta is bursting with hotels, shops, restaurants and energetic nightlife, teeming with touts and vendors offering everything from sarongs and ‘Rolex’ watches to hair-braiding and tattoos. The atmosphere is relaxed, cheerful and friendly, where visitors find it easy to wear a smile and enjoy excellent accommodation with good food. A must for every visitor is a visit to the nearby Temple of Tanah Lot, Bali’s most holy place and a magical experience when viewed at sunset, perched on a wave-lashed rocky islet.
Ubud
Set in the hills north of Denpasar, Ubud is the cultural centre of Bali and the major attractions of the town and its surrounding villages are the art museums and galleries, notably the Neka Museum, containing a huge collection of traditional and modern Balinese paintings. An enormous variety of Balinese art and crafts line the streets and crowd the market place of Ubud, and frequent performances of traditional dance and music, and restaurants offering some of the best food on the island, compel visitors to stay much longer than intended. Ubud is also close to several sites of interest, including the ‘Mother Temple’ of Besakih, majestically situated high on the slopes of the Agung Volcano, and hiking in the scenic Batur region with its volcano and lake are popular excursions.
Lovina
On Bali’s north coast, Lovina resort stretches along several kilometres of black volcanic coastline, encompassing six villages, with Kalibukbuk the established tourist centre. Although the second largest resort outside of the Kuta region, it is not as developed as the south of the island, but it has a rural charm, and guesthouses are prettily situated on the beach or among the rice fields. Ducks, pigs and chickens scratch in the fields and cattle wander along the roads. Colourful Balinese boats take tourists out to see the sociable dolphins, most active at sunrise, and the reef-protected waters provide a calm environment for snorkelling. Situated between the main diving sites on the north coast of Bali, Lovina is a good base for diving excursions. Bali’s only Buddhist monastery, Brahma Vihara Arama, is a few kilometres away and can be combined with a visit to the delightful setting of the Air Panas hot springs at Banjar.
Add comment May 10th, 2006