Bali Travel Guide To Exploring Bali

Bali is a well-known island in Southeast Asia. The island is considered a paradise island with a few smaller neighboring islands, such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. and is full of natural beauty, culture, and history. There are so many things to do in Bali so what are the must-dos in Bali?

Bali is known as the island of the Gods for a variety of reasons. If you visit Bali you can enjoy the white sandy beaches that are good for swimming, sunbathing, or kitesurfing. You can also explore the local markets, and temples, go shopping, and enjoy the nightlife and restaurants.

The aim of this Bali Travel Guide is can cover the basic information and things to do in Bali.

Learn More On Bali

• How Much Does Beer Cost in Bali?
• Fun Things To Do in Ubud Bali
• Bali Travel Tips – Reasons NOT to Visit Bali!
• What Are The Must-Dos in Bali?
• Fun Things To Do in Seminyak Bali
• Can You Drink Tap Water in Bali?
• How Much is Scooter Rental in Bali?
• What Can You Not Eat in Bali?

Basics Before Visiting Bali

Getting A Bali Visa

There are 3 types of visas for visitors to Bali. The Visa on Arrival for Bali Indonesia is also referred to as VoA. It’s the main visa for most tourists to enter Indonesia.

It has nothing to do with the newly introduced Free Visa Facility where citizens from more than 140 countries can enter Indonesia for free for tourist purposes if they do not stay longer than 30 days.

The three main visa types for visitors.

Visa in Advance – Visitors can apply for a visa before they arrive in Indonesia. Typically, this is a visitor’s visa, which is valid for 30 or 60 days. Contact your nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate to determine processing fees and times. Note: this is the only way to obtain a 60-day visitor visa, even if you qualify for Visa on Arrival (VOA).

Visa on Arrival – Citizens of most countries may apply for a 30-day visa when they arrive at major airports and harbors. The cost is US$35 be sure to have the exact amount in US currency. VOA renewals for 30 days are possible.

Visa Free – Citizens of most countries can receive a 30-day visa for free upon arrival. But note that this visa cannot be extended.

If need more information on visa requirements or if planning on going to Bali, you can visit their nearest embassy or visit this website.

https://www.bali.com/visa-indonesia-entry-requirements-bali.html

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is cheap and more than likely you will never need to use it but you will have peace of mind if something does happen, you are covered in case of an emergency.

Tipping

As a tourist, you are not expected to tip in Bali. You will notice that hotels, bars, and restaurants charge around 10% tax and 5% service charge on top of the prices quoted.

On the other hand, Bali is still a relatively poor country. It has seen a great increase in prosperity over the last 10 years as your average worker in a bar, restaurant, or hotel still gets paid very low.

Climate

Bali has a tropical climate and stays hot throughout the year will average temperatures ranging from 28º C to 33º C, with little seasonal variation.

The Wet Season is between the months of October to April, while the Dry Season is between the months of November to March.

Where To Stay In Bali?

Bali is reasonably priced but this depends on the standard of the hotel or hostel. A basic hotel room price can start from $10 per night. And a hostel sharing with others can be as low as $5 per night.

Safely, Pickpockets And Scams

Bali is generally a safe place to visit. Anyway, you should always be careful about yourself and your belongings while traveling.

Like any other country, Bali has its scams, bag snatching, and pickpockets. You should be careful. Pickpocketing is a major problem in Bali. Remember to report a crime. Also, the police may try and charge you a reporting fee.

It’s helpful to check the hotel or hostel reviews on booking.com, Agoda, and TripAdvisor before booking it. As there may have been incidents of things being stolen from the hotel. Check that there is a safe and bring your lock.

Denpasar

Denpasar is the capital of Bali. Not many people spend much time in Denpasar. However, it is good for shopping and doing a small bit of exploring.

It may not describe Bali as a tropical paradise but still, this city with its distinct ambiance offers a unique experience to visitors.

Things See And Do In Denpasar

Denpasar has a lot to offer from markets, restaurants, shopping, temples, and museums. Here are a few things to see and do in Denpasar.

Read more about things to do in Denpasar here.

Visit Shark Island

This is a must-visit place for those who like marine adventure. From its name, we can tell that the place is filled with sharks. Here you can interact with the sharks. This a fun place for all ages primarily for kids. So, if you travel with your family this place should not be missed. There is a 3-hour tour that visitors can join.

There are many fun activities done during the tour such as feeding sharks, visiting the turtle conservation nearby, and swimming with the sharks.

There is also an educational center that will be useful for our kids. More importantly, all the activities are safe to do even for visitors who cannot swim.

Visit The Bajra Sandhi Monument

This monument is probably not the top site in Bali but it is worth visiting when you are in Denpasar. It is located right in the hub of Denpasar. You will like the architectural design of the monument because it has some unique characteristics.

It preserves the cultural value of Bali. The monument was built thirty years ago in 1987. Visitors can learn about the history, spirit, and journey of Balinese people in the past through more than thirty dioramas showing historical stories.

This place offers visitors complete facilities such as large parking areas, clean public toilets, food stalls, shuttle buses, and many others.

Enjoy The Bali Provincial State Museum

These days probably many visitors are no longer interested to visit museums because most of them think that these places are boring. The Bali Provincial Public State Museum which is located in the heart of Denpasar is an interesting place to visit especially for those who like to learn about culture, history, and traditions.

The architectural design of the building is also interesting. There are beautiful stone carvings reflecting Balinese history adorning the museum. Outside the museum, there is a tropical garden decorated with statues where visitors can take a short walk enjoying the surroundings.

Read more about things to do in Denpasar here.

Kuta

Kuta is one of the popular spots in Bali mainly cause of its nightlife. Kuta is always crowded with domestic or international tourists.

Things See And Do In Kuta

Kuta has a lot to offer from markets, restaurants, shopping, beaches, and partying. Here are a few things to see and do in Kuta.

Read more about things to do in Kuta here.

Learn To Surf

Surfing is the most obvious as well as an exciting thing to do here. Kuta Beach is quite well-known as a place for surfing. You will see several people riding the waves with their surfing boards.

The waves in this area are quite mild, which is perfect for beginners to try their skills. Have you no skill to surf yet? Don’t let this reason stop you. There is a facility available for people to learn how to surf in Kuta.

Go To Waterbom Bali

Need some more actions going on for your vacation in Kuta Bali? Then come to Waterbom Bali. This is one place you certainly would not want to miss, especially when you are traveling with your kids.

It is one of the largest water parks you can find on the island. In this park, there are plenty of various rides such as Twin Racers, Superbowl, Python, Lazy River, and many more.

The facilities and services here are very complete. If you are hungry, you can go to their cafe, food court, or even pool bar.

Watch The Sunset

Bali is also popular as a spot to view breathtaking sunsets. There are outdoor bars that offer you magnificent scenery of the sea. The view is more outstanding during sunset and you can enjoy it while making yourself in comfort with some tasty drinks.

Giant Sea Turtle Statue

Bali is a good place to learn about sea turtles. And, you can learn about it in the Giant Sea Turtle statue. It is located right beside the office of the Kuta Beach Task Force. The purpose of this facility is to increase the number of sea turtles, which is decreasing from time to time.

Here, you can directly see the process of how the staff takes care of all the sea turtles. It is even possible to witness a sea turtle hatching from the egg. You may also have the opportunity to release the sea turtle babies back into the ocean.

Read more about things to do in Kuta here.

Sanur

Unlike Kuta which is always crowded, Sanur is a lot more peaceful and understated. And, there are plenty of things to do in Sanur with your family and friends.

Things See And Do In Sanur

Sanur has a lot to offer mainly water activities but there are also restaurants, temples, and beaches. Here are a few things to see and do in Sanur.

Read more about things to do in Sanur here.

Relaxing At Sanur Beach

As we have mentioned before, compared to Kuta, Sanur is a lot more peaceful. There are not as many people around the beach. Hence, take the opportunity to relax and enjoy the beautiful ocean view.

Depending on where you choose to stay on the beach, you might find some restaurants nearby to get food and drinks or simply use the toilet.

Swinging At Dream Island Bali

Some of you might have heard about the sea swings in Gili. Now you can enjoy the same thing at Sanur. It is in Mertasari at Dream Island Bali to be exact.

Naturally, the swings are not the only special thing in this place. The beach itself is quite popular for swimming with its beautiful scenery.

Spooky Time At Taman Festival

Do you like something scary? Then try to visit the Taman Festival. This is supposed to be a large recreational park. Unfortunately, the construction was stopped and abandoned.

As time goes by, it is turning into an old building and its condition is getting worse. There is no roof at all and the walls are full of murals. It seems the building can collapse anytime soon.

The local people consider this park a “Ghost Town”. Besides the rumor about ghosts, there is also another story that says there might be one crocodile left in the building.

You might want to stay away from a crocodile cage as well as an old pond filled with black filthy water.

Visit The Blanjong Temple

If you want to do more than relax at the beach, then there is no better spot than Blanjong Temple. At this temple, you will be able to see the Blanjong Pillar. This is the oldest artifact ever known in Bali dating from 914AD.

This pillar is a Sanskrit inscription that has not been translated. It was believed to be a monument of victory fashioned during the first king of Bali, Sri Kesari Warmadewa.

Of course, this pillar is not the only thing to see in the temple. There are other relics as well like the sandstone statues of the Hindu Lord Ganesh and some animals. You may visit this national cultural heritage site on Danau Poso Street.

Read more about things to do in Sanur here.

Ubud

Ubud is a laid-back place full of culture and natural tranquility. Most people visit Ubud to join a yoga class, indulge in a relaxing spa, or walk through rice fields.

Things See And Do In Ubud

However, behind the quiet ambiance and tranquility, there are wonderful things to do in Ubud that you cannot find in other places on the island.

Read more about things to do in Ubud here.

Visit A Few Museums

Ubud is famous for being the capital of the culture of Bali as most art galleries are concentrated in the town. If you are an art lover, a museum visit is something not to be missed.

Here are the lists of the museums to visit in Ubud.

• Museum Rudana – the Rudana Museum has wide collections of vivid traditional paintings and also antique pieces of art. Surrounded by green rice fields, the museum belongs to a Balinese politician named Nyoman Rudana. Besides art exhibitions, the museum also provides a gallery where visitors can buy Balinese artwork.
• Agung Rai Museum of Art – shortened as ARMA, this museum is a combination of a cultural center and a gallery. The place exhibits the work of Anak Agung Gede Rai in one building and in another building displays various kinds of artworks.
• Peruse Neka Art Museum – this museum is considered one of the best museums on the island for having a huge collection of mixed modern arts and ancient pieces.
• Blanco Renaissance Museum – the museum was once in the house and studio of Don Antonio Blanco. You can find a wide array collection of poetry pieces, collages, paintings, and even lithographs. The house tour is also allowed it is one of the best spots for photography in Ubud.
• Museum Puri Lukisan – this museum is one of the best museums of the modern arts scene and non-religious art in Ubud. There are wide ranges of artwork exhibitions that come in English explanations.

Join A Yoga Class

There is nothing better to enjoy Bali’s tranquility than joining a yoga class. There are number of yoga studios you can join whether you are a beginner or an expert. If you want to stay a little bit longer, you can also join a yoga retreat.

Try A Cooking Class

Art and cooking classes are popular activities in Ubud. Art class includes jewelry making, batik making, paintings, and much more. While the cooking class usually includes Balinese cuisine cooking class, Indonesian cuisine, vegetarian food, and even international fusion cuisine.

The cooking class normally includes a market visit and hands-on cooking.

Read more about things to do in Ubud here.

Seminyak

Seminyak is home to high-end accommodations, world-class restaurants, shopping boutiques, beach clubs, and rooftop bars. Located on the same coastline as Kuta Beach, however, Seminyak is less crowded and touristy.

Read more about things to do in Seminyak here.

Things See And Do In Seminyak

There are many reasons to come to Seminyak, especially for the good waves, magical sunset, and also amazing beach clubs, bars, and cafes.

If you are also thinking of visiting Seminyak. Here are a few things to do in Seminyak.

Take Surfing Lessons

Similar to the neighbor Kuta Beach, Seminyak is also famous for its good waves. Many surfers all over the world come to the beach to tame the waves. No worries if you are at the beginner level because there are surfing classes to sign up for.

You are interested in doing a surfing class, you will do it with a professional instructor but expect the price to be a bit expensive. If you do not wish to surf, you can try pedaling which is also a popular activity in Seminyak.

Visit The Pura Petitenget Temple

Most temples or Pura in Bali are open for public visits. The place is great for self-reflection even though you are not Balinese. The quiet ambiance of the Pura gives you time to think about life, count your blessings, and get rid of negativity.

The famous Pura in the Seminyak area are Pura Petitenget and Pura Masceti. If you are lucky, you can also see some ceremonies as well.

Read more about things to do in Seminyak here.

Wrapping Up

Finally, as you can see, there is a good range of things to visit, explore, and discover in Bali. You can sit back and enjoy the golden beaches and the natural beauty of Bali. Or go out exploring the temples, and the rice fields as well as you can enjoy the local food. It’s really up to you to decide what to do in Bali.

I’d love to know if this guide on the Bali Travel Guide Blog To Exploring Bali has helped you. And that’s it for now! Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there are more places of interest worth a visit.

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