The Best Travel Guide to Bali (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Overview

Bali The guide was updated: 2024-06-19

Bali's breathtakingly beautiful scenery makes it easy to just settle for the imaginary cliche of the island as a tropical paradise and nothing more. But behind the luxury resorts, picture-perfect rice fields, and idyllic beaches lies a rich culture, steeped in tradition and spirituality, and one of the friendliest and most welcoming places you're likely to find anywhere. Dare to go beyond the comforts of the resort areas to truly explore all the island has to offer and let yourself be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime.

Facts

Population:	4.4 million (2023)
Currency:	Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police: 112 Fire Department: 113 Ambulance: 118
Newspapers:	The Bali Sun: thebalisun.com Jakarta Post: www.thejakartapost.com The Bali Times: www.thebalitimes.com
Opening hours:	Banks, businesses and government offices are generally open Monday to Friday 8am–4pm or 9am–5pm. Many shopping malls remain open until 10pm or later. Street markets generally do not open until around 7pm and remain open as late as midnight. Many smaller shops stay closed from dusk on Friday and Saturday night.

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Section in Bali

Bali is quite simply a tropical paradise with a unique mixture of modern tourist facilities and breathtaking natural wonder, combined with great shopping, beautiful beaches and a rich cultural heritage. Besides spending your day lazing on the unreal beaches, you can also enjoy exceptional diving, snorkeling and wonderful day trips to nearby attractions, like the inland rice fields and cultural expeditions to Ubud.

Seminyak

Seminyak

Seminyak is a stunning resort area to the southeast of Denpasar. It boasts some of the most marvelous beaches on the island, and also offers great shopping, dining venues, and upscale nightlife, making it one of the island's most popular tourist areas.

Waterbom Bali

Waterbom Bali

For a day filled with splashing water slides, tropical parks, and thrilling attractions for the whole family, pay a visit to Waterbom Bali in Kuta. You find all the necessary facilities like towel rental service and locker, plus restaurants, a food court, and a swim-up bar.

Bali Safari and Marine Park

Bali Safari and Marine Park

This park in Gianyar is home to hundreds of amazing animals, representing more than 50 species. The park showcases much of Indonesia’s protected wildlife, including rare and endangered species in their natural surroundings, such as the Sumatran Tiger.

Tirta Gangga

Tirta Gangga

Tirta Gangga, which literally means 'water from the Ganges', is a beautiful former palace belonging to the Royal family of Karangasem, located a few kilometres north of Amlapura. It is famed for its stunning water garden and setting, surrounded by rice fields.

Yoga in Bali

Yoga in Bali

The village of Ubud is known for being an important centre of art and culture. This is also where many of the island's prime yoga schools are located. The Yoga Barn is one of the most popular, offering alternatives for both beginners and more advanced yogis.

Surfing in Bali

Surfing in Bali

The island of Bali is one of the world's prime surfing spots. Here you can find everything from challenging waves for advanced surfers to calmer waters for beginners. Several surf camps and schools also offer different kinds of classes for all levels. One of the best-renowned companies is UP2U Surf School Bali in Kuta.

Traditional Music and Dance

Traditional Music and Dance

No visitor should miss Bali’s many traditional Joged and Legong dances, Barong performances, or excerpts from the great Hindu dance-drama, the Ramayana. Most large hotels stage performances nightly. For Barong, head for the open-air performances held every morning at Batubulan, northeast of the city centre. Wayang kulit shows (a traditional form of puppet theatre) are also performed frequently at many hotels and art centres.

Bali Bird Park

Bali Bird Park

Bali is rich in wildlife, and birds make up a large part of it. At the Bali Bird Park, you can see 250 different species, some of them from other parts of the world. In addition to all the birds, there is also a small collection of reptiles, among them, the legendary Komodo dragon.

Werdhi Budaya Art Centre

Werdhi Budaya Art Centre

This complex of ornate wooden buildings in traditional style exhibits traditional Balinese culture through musical, theatrical and dance performances held in the large amphitheatre. If you're lucky, you might catch the Bali Art Festival held here during your visit.

Cooking Classes in Bali

Cooking Classes in Bali

To understand the culture of a country you have to taste authentic cuisine and experience a meal with locals. The Lobong Bali Cooking Class in Ubud gives you the opportunity to first follow a local family to the market and buy the ingredients, to then together prepare and enjoy a meal. This is a perfect way to meet Balinese people and find out the secrets behind the delicious food.

Bali Pulina Coffee Tours and Recreation

Bali Pulina Coffee Tours and Recreation

Bali Pulina is located just 7 km north of Ubud, surrounded by rice fields and green forests. Take part in tours exploring the coffee plantations and learn how the popular 'Luwak Coffee' is cultivated and processed. Coffee tastings and recreational activities such as zip lining, a swing or an infinity pool are also on offer at Bali Pulina.

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