Bali
Bali is the kind of place that changes people. They arrive expecting a tropical beach vacation and leave having had a spiritual experience they did not plan for. This small Indonesian island, roughly the size of Delaware, manages to pack in ancient Hindu temples, terraced rice paddies that look like stairways to the sky, volcanic mountains, world class surfing, some of the best wellness retreats on the planet, and a nightlife and restaurant scene that rivals cities ten times its size.
What makes Bali different from other tropical destinations is the culture. The Balinese practice a unique form of Hinduism that permeates every aspect of daily life. You will see offerings of flowers and incense placed on sidewalks, in doorways, and on dashboards every morning. Temple ceremonies with gamelan music and elaborate processions happen constantly. The island has a spiritual energy that is hard to describe but impossible to miss.
Where to Go
Ubud is the cultural center of Bali, set among rice terraces and jungle in the island’s interior. It is where you will find the Sacred Monkey Forest, the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, and dozens of temples, art galleries, and yoga studios. The restaurant scene in Ubud is exceptional, with a strong focus on organic, farm to table dining.
Seminyak on the southwest coast is the epicenter of Bali’s modern side. Beach clubs like Potato Head and Ku De Ta draw crowds for sunset cocktails and DJ sets. The shopping is excellent, with local designers and boutiques lining the streets. Restaurants range from casual warungs to high end tasting menus.
Uluwatu on the southern Bukit Peninsula is where the dramatic clifftop Uluwatu Temple sits perched above the Indian Ocean. The surf breaks here are legendary, and the cliff bars overlooking the water at sunset are some of the most photogenic spots on the island. Nusa Dua is the resort zone on the southeast coast, with calm lagoon style beaches and large international hotel properties, making it the best fit for families.
For travelers who want to go beyond the tourist circuit, the north coast around Lovina offers black sand beaches and dolphin watching. The east coast town of Amed is a quiet diving and snorkeling destination with views of Mount Agung, Bali’s highest volcano.
Where to Stay
The Mulia in Nusa Dua is one of the most luxurious beachfront resorts in Southeast Asia. COMO Uma Ubud offers intimate, wellness focused luxury in the rice terraces. Alila Villas Uluwatu is a stunning clifftop property with infinity pool villas and panoramic ocean views. For something more affordable but still beautiful, the Bisma Eight in Ubud and The Layar in Seminyak offer designer style at mid range prices.
Private villa rentals are hugely popular in Bali and often deliver more space and value than hotels. A three bedroom villa with a private pool, daily housekeeping, and a cook can run $150 to $400 per night depending on the area.
Food and Drink
Balinese food is bold and aromatic. Babi guling (suckling pig) is the island’s most famous dish, slow roasted with a blend of spices and served with rice, vegetables, and crispy skin. Nasi goreng (fried rice) and mie goreng (fried noodles) are the everyday staples, available at every warung for a couple of dollars. Lawar, a traditional Balinese dish of minced meat mixed with vegetables, coconut, and spices, is worth seeking out.
The international dining scene in Seminyak and Ubud is outstanding. You will find everything from Japanese omakase to Italian trattorias to innovative modern Indonesian cuisine. Prices at even the best restaurants are a fraction of what you would pay in the US or Europe.
Let Us Plan Your Bali Trip
Bali rewards travelers who take the time to experience more than one part of the island. A few days in Ubud for culture and wellness, a few in Seminyak or Uluwatu for beach and nightlife, and perhaps a night or two on the Gili Islands or Nusa Penida for snorkeling and quiet makes for an unforgettable trip. We will help you design the right itinerary and find the best properties at every stop.
