Bali is one of the best all-round destinations in the world. It’s got a definite flavour of the exotic, there are a host of adventurous sports to have a go at and plenty of opportunities for uninterrupted relaxation if that’s more your thing.
Added to all of this are stunning natural landscapes, from its picture-perfect beaches to its verdant rainforests. You really couldn’t ask for much more from a holiday destination. We’re going to take you through a few of the attractions in Bali – if you’d like to see a more comprehensive itinerary, click here.
Climbing Mount Agung
Mount Agung is an active volcano and also the highest point on the island, towering some 3,142 m above sea level. Climbing it is a real must for adventurous travellers, as you’ll not only have the incredible views of the rest of Bali from the top, but also the amazing sight of the volcanic crater.
The best time to climb is early in the morning, allowing you to reach the summit in time for a spectacular sunrise. As you come down Mount Agung’s forested slopes, keep an eye out for macaque monkeys and birds of prey.
Exploring Tirta Gangga Water Palace
The Tirta Gangga Water Palace is one of the most beautiful places to get a flavour of Bali’s exotic culture and has been restored to its former glory. There is a selection of fountains and pools, all arranged in a stunning tropical garden, with ornate statues dotted among the plants and water features.
It’s possible to bathe in some of the pools for a small extra charge, giving you the chance to unwind in this exotic setting.
Discovering Balinese culture in Ubud
Ubud is Bali’s capital and a hotbed for culture and art. This is the best place to see some of Bali’s famous craftsmen at work, with these skilled people producing incredible stone carvings, intricate woodwork and interesting pieces of art.
There are plenty of art galleries in Ubud, including the Agung Rai Museum of Art, where you can see a host of pieces by well-known Balinese artists, and the Neka Art Museum, which is home to a vast collection of artworks spread across six pavilions.
Chilling out on the beach
Bali is home to some stunning beaches, as you’d probably expect given that it’s an island in the Indo-Pacific. There are plenty of wonderful resorts where you can enjoy uninterrupted relaxation in the sun if you need some rest after an adventurous week or two.
Of course, there’s plenty to do around Bali’s coast if you’re not ready to stop being active. Surfing is a very popular pastime here and the waves at some of the island’s hotspots are among the best in the world.
Snorkelling is another great thing to have a go at, as the marine life around Bali – and Indonesia as a whole – is some of the most varied and interesting in the world. The extensive coral reefs are teeming with life, giving you yet another glimpse of Bali’s beautiful natural world.
This is just a snapshot of what’s on offer in Bali and, as you can probably tell, there’s a lot to see and do on this island. As there’s so much to discover here, going on an organised tour is worthwhile, as this will mean you don’t have to worry about travelling from place to place.