Even before it was made famous by Elizabeth Gilbert in her book, Eat, Pray, Love, beautiful Bali had always held a special allure to travelers. This tiny island in Indonesia is full of natural beauty and welcoming charm. Known as the island of the gods, Bali is a popular spot for surfers chasing after the perfect wave, luxury travelers looking for the perfect beach resort, and even artists seeking out the perfect creative retreat. No matter what type of traveler you are, there is something for everyone in beautiful Bali.
LeafCanoer, ladyd, recently shared her tips on Bali in her leaf, “Bali Miracles.” Highlights of her leaf include exploring rice paddies in Ubud, visiting the island’s many temples, and sampling the local seafood in Jimbaran. Bali is a great choice for any type of traveler.
The Luxury Traveler
Luxurious beach resorts line the coasts of Bali, where white sands are as common as the motorcycles that zoom along the roads or the Bintang beers that are served at the restaurants. In Bali, luxury travelers can have their pick of resorts, including brand names like Four Seasons, Marriot, Westin, and Sheraton. In addition to the abundance of resorts, there is also an abundance of shopping opportunities in Bali, from the brand name stores around Kuta Square, to the famous goldsmiths and silversmiths in Celuk Village.
The Budget Traveler
On the other end of the spectrum, if you’re the type of traveler who wants to minimize spending, there are plenty of cheap lodging and eating options for you. Indonesia’s currency, the rupiah, is relatively weak compared to the dollar, which makes the cost of living in the country quite inexpensive. Guest houses are a popular accommodation option for budget travelers, but there are also cheap hotels and hostels that you can choose from. As for food, you’ll find that places that serve local cuisine will be much cheaper than those that serve Western style food.
The Adventure Traveler
The island of Bali is full of natural wonders, and as such, there is a plethora of outdoor activities available for the adventurous traveler. Since the 70’s, Bali has been known as one of the surfing capitals of the world. Besides surfing, there are plenty of other water activities to choose from, including snorkeling and scuba diving. On land, adventure travelers can take their pick from hiking, biking, and exploring the island’s many volcanoes and caves. After a long day of adventuring, you can also take some time to unwind at any of the yoga retreats that can be found throughout the island.
The Cultural Traveler
Bali is a unique oasis of Hinduism in a country that is predominantly Muslim. Balinese culture centers around music, dance, and temple worship. Travelers who love learning about local culture will enjoy visiting the many temples that dot the island and are used on a daily basis by the Balinese. There are also plenty of opportunities to catch a dance performance or a shadow puppet show. These shows are often accompanied by a percussion ensemble known as a gamelan. The city of Ubud is known as the cultural center of Bali, and is a must-see for anyone who really wants to get to know the culture of Bali.
The Family Traveler
Bali is not just a place for adults. There are plenty of activities geared towards kids throughout the island. In the Kuta area, the new water park, Waterbom, is a popular place for families who come to visit Bali. Many of the tourist activities in Bali are kid-friendly, and the hotels on the island are actually quite accommodating to traveling families. Kids especially love visiting the Monkey Forest in Ubud. There is also the Bali Safari and Marine Park, that includes both a safari and an aquarium, and the Bali Tree Top, which features zip line circuits for all ages.
No matter what your travel style is, Bali is the ideal place to spend your next island vacation. There is truly something for everyone in Bali.
To see more of ladyd’s leaf about beautiful Bali, or to read up on other tropical destinations, download the LeafCanoe app.