Bali has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the last few years. This island is considered the island of the Gods, and according to local beliefs, Bali is the heart of planet Earth. The goals for which tourists come here are different for everyone: some just want to visit this Instagram location for the trendy photos, others are attracted by the local temples, and opportunities for surfing, or for yoga.
No matter how small the island may seem at first glance, there is everything here for different types of recreation, you just need to find the suitable location. Somehow, Bali has spots for both hardcore partygoers and those who want to spend time alone in meditation.
Entering Bali
In Bali, a fairly simple visa can be obtained either in advance online or upon arrival. All you need to do is check if your country is on the list of countries for which this option is available. For entering Bali, you need:
- All Indonesia declaration.This declaration can be completed on the website (https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id/) 72 hours before departure, after which you will receive a QR code.
- Visa application. If you’re on holiday, you’d generally apply for a visa on arrival (VOA), valid for 30 days (https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/).
- Tourist fee. All travellers have to pay this fee to support the nature and development of Bali (https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/).
All forms can be filled out online, which will significantly save you time at the airport.
Getting around bali
The main rule to remember in Bali is that there is no public transportation in the traditional sense.
However, you won’t have any problems getting around here, as there are the moto taxi services Gojeck and Grab. You can also order a regular car through these services. But most travelers prefer to rent a bike on their own, which will open up opportunities for freedom of movement, allowing you to explore the island at your own pace at any time.
Travel hack: If you’re used to riding a bike, choose it instead of the car. It’s not only because of the price, but also because of the terrible traffic jam. It may take hours to get from one place to another by car, while the bike is much more maneuverable.
Where to go in Bali: Overview of areas
Bali may seem small, but it has many districts, and each of these districts has its own vibe:
• Kuta. Kuta is as close as possible to the airport, so all tourists spend at least one day here before departure. There is a wide coastline 5 kilometers long. However, the area is very touristy and is unlikely to allow you to feel the beauty of nature. In the evening, the active party life begins here, but during the day, you can go surfing here, as the waves on the beach are very soft, rent a sun lounger, or just stroll along the narrow streets to feel the vibe.
• Seminyak. Seminyak is more expensive and upscale than Kuta. Luxury villas, spas, and beach clubs are easy to find here. The beach here is very similar to Kuta, but much more peaceful.
• Canggu. The area is extremely popular among expats who have lived on the island for years. It has a highly developed infrastructure and offers accommodations for any request, from budget to VIP. Additionally, there are several surf spots for all levels. If you come to Canggu, visit the famous water temple Tanah Lot, which is one of the 9 most important temples of the Balinese religion.
• Bukit (Uluwatu). Bukit is home to the most beautiful beaches such as Dreamland, Padang Padang, Uluwatu, and Pandawa. A must-see is the Uluwatu Temple, located on a forty-meter-high cliff. Be sure to buy a ticket that includes the evening Kecak dance. Also, be careful with the monkeys here, they snatch literally everything from your hands. Bukit attracts experienced surfers because most of the surf spots are reef breaks, with a sharp reef on the bottom.
• Sanur. The place is characterized by a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. There are famous dive centers in Bali, where you can get a certificate.
•Ubud. In Ubud, there is a particularly relaxed hipster atmosphere. There are many art galleries and small shops owned by artists from all over the world. It’s always much cooler in Ubud than on the coast. Nature captivates you with its incredible, vibrant colors. It’s here that you can fully experience the soul of the island.
• Amed. People mostly come here for diving. The sea is calm and suitable for snorkeling. In addition, the place is ideal for visiting the Agung volcano. It’s very quiet and peaceful here, but the way to the airport is rather complicated.
• Nusa Dua. This is the island’s most elite district, with 5-star hotels, spas, and upscale restaurants.
Nusa Dua boasts the cleanest beaches in Bali, with a perfectly sloping entrance.
•Jimbaran. The beach is one of Bali’s most picturesque and vibrant areas, renowned for its long sandy shore and seafood restaurants serving traditional Balinese grilled seafood.
These are just the key areas that may be easily reached, but no one can stop you from creating your own Bali map.
General tips for traveling in Bali
To ensure your first holiday in Bali brings you only the most positive impressions, use these simple tips:
• Take care of your safety. Always keep your money and documents in a safe box in your room. Take a minimum amount of cash with you and try not to hold your phone in public places. Always keep track of your belongings.
• Think carefully about your first aid kit in Bali since it’s easy to get food poisoning. There’s even such a thing as Bali belly. Even though local pharmacies offer a larger number of medications that we are accustomed to, it is recommended to have the medications that you are used to with you.
• Use sunscreens with high SPF as the sun is very strong and you may get into trouble for a few days, staying at home after a short walk daytime in the open sun.
These tips are quite common for exotic countries, but they may save you a lot of time and nerves if you don’t have to figure out the consequences.
How to get the most out of your stay
In order to fully enjoy Bali and understand it, it is recommended not to stay in just one place. Of course, if you are looking for a package holiday and want to relax on a honeymoon or with children, then perhaps staying in one high-quality hotel will suit you. However, if you are free, it is recommended to take a bike and travel around the island in order to form your own impression of it, spending several days in each place.
If you are traveling with a backpack, you can move around the island on a bike. You can also choose one base location and explore the surrounding area from there.
Of course, you can save time and see the maximum number of places in a short period if you take advantage of ready-made tours. However, you need to be prepared for the fact that you will be traveling in a crowd of other tourists. You are unlikely to be able to feel the atmosphere, but at the same time, you will be able to take the maximum number of beautiful photos in the best locations.
Takeaways
Anyone who has visited Bali at least once knows that it is either a one time trip or a lifelong love. Many people return here again and again, but with an understanding of which places they like the most.
Bali is impossible to encompass in one short guide. There are so many details and little things that make up the overall picture of the island that you just have to experience it for yourself. As it says, you shouldn’t be in Bali, but rather be part of Bali.
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See more about exotic travel in Asia here in Dispatches’ archives.
Galyna Rogovska is a travel expert with extensive experience in content creation. She is an enthusiastic globetrotter who has visited 25-plus countries, and an explorer with a passion for adventure.
