Those who watched the film "Eat, Pray, Love," have an idea of the beauties of Indonesia. One of the pearls of this country is the island of Bali.
Climate
The weather in Bali is the most favorable for relaxation. It is warm, but not hot - only up to 32 degrees Celsius. Vacationers take into account that there are two weather seasons on the island - the rainy season and the driest season, due to the monsoon winds. In November, they bring rain clouds here, and then it rains periodically until the end of February. In February-March, precipitation intensifies, and then the drought season begins. The rainy period passes here quite painlessly, because everything dries very quickly. And if you just walked along the sidewalk in the water knee-deep, then after 30 minutes the feeling is that there was no rain at all.
In April, dry southeast winds begin to blow the island, and the weather is set clear and cloudless. So if you want to save on vacation - take a ticket to March or February, because at this time you can perfectly swim and sunbathe with fewer tourists. This is a great vacation from the harsh winter. And if you buy tickets in advance, you can also save some money. Fans of hot vacations are best suited for July and August.
Hotels
Where the islands of Bali are, there are many hotels for a wide variety of demand. The Nusa Dua district is one of the most prestigious and expensive, where each hotel is like a palace, and the number of staff per guest is simply incredible. The areas of Kuta and Seminyak are the busiest and noisiest places. Kuta has a lot of youth, surfers, parties and parties. Seminyak is also fun, but it looks more calm and dignified. Sanur district combines all of the above, plus there is also the possibility of family vacations.
All hotels are located on the coast, almost everyone has an indoor and outdoor pool, some have pools with sea water and access to them directly from the room. Each hotel is distinguished by its specificity - a kids club, fun evening performances, spa treatments or a rustic interior. Bali Island It will also welcome guests with cozy private villas or guesthouses - the difference is only in price.
Types of rest
Where is the island of bali - there is the most diverse rest and the opportunity to spend time with benefit for the soul and body. The most common activity is, of course, a beach holiday. As a rule, each hotel has its own beach, it is very well maintained and free for vacationers. Fans of spa treatments will spend unforgettable hours in the hands of skilled professionals. More mobile people will be able to visit a variety of excursions: the island of Bali is rich in ancient architectural monuments that reflect its diverse culture, there are many volcanoes, picturesque natural places. Children and adults will be delighted to visit the local zoo with exotic animals.
Young people will be able to learn to surf and even get to know celebrities. You can go to the mountains or go to the bottom of the sea, feeling like a real diver. And in the evening - hot dances to rhythmic music at a fun party.
Those who like to relax on their own will be offered to rent a bike or a scooter - and you can admire the surroundings while exploring the beautiful island of Bali. You will definitely remember the rest for a long time, and you will want to come again.
Tours during festivals
You can often find another name for this place - “The Island of a Thousand Temples”, because the island of Bali is decorated with more than 20,000 shrines. Religion here is very peculiar, it mixes Hinduism, Buddhism and local Indonesian beliefs, which consist in worshiping the spirits of ancestors and the spirits of nature.
It is wonderful that each temple celebrates its birthday, so you might think that life here is an endless holiday: locals with songs, dances and gifts in the morning move towards the temple to honor its main deity. It all looks very beautiful.
You can also go to the big festivals that this island country holds. Bali Island invites guests to various celebrations.
March 19 - New Year, or the day of silence. On this day, the Balinese do not work, do not turn on the phone and TV, do not talk, do not cook food. Special people are on duty on the street, who can be fined or sent to prison for violation. The date of the holiday may be shifted.
The main holiday that the island of Bali celebrates is Odalan, which lasts 10 days. It is believed that these days all the good gods descend from heaven and have fun with people. The date is determined by the lunar calendar.
From June 17 to July 17, an art festival with carnivals, parades, performances, and restaurateur contests is held in Denpasar.
All August - Jalan Jax Street Fair, which exhibits many small merchandise merchandise
Beaches
It can be said that on all sides the island of Bali is surrounded by beaches. And depending on the coast, the sea can be very different - either waves too big, or too shallow, or the beach is dirty. It is best to describe specific places:
- Lovina - the northern coast. This name unites several beaches (Temukus, Kaliasem, Amturani Peramon, Kalibukbuk, Tukad Mugga). The beaches of volcanic sand are very wide, and when you go out to sea on a boat, you can watch dolphins. Here is a great family vacation.
- Uluwatu is a beach for surfers. It is hidden between the rocks, there are big waves and a good infrastructure for surfing.
- Padang Padang is perhaps one of the best beaches in those places where the islands of Bali are located. The coast is gentle, the sea is clear, the waves are small, which is rare for the island. In addition, the place is very picturesque, although crowded.
- Dreamland is a white sand beach with a clean but turbulent sea. He also waiting for surfers.
- Jimbaran is a long beach stretching for several kilometers. It is famous for its ebbs and flows, as well as an excellent fish market where you can try many local dishes.
- Nusa Dua - a closed place owned by hotels. A calm, relaxed vacation, clean sand and a rather shallow sea.
- Kuta (Kuta) - one of the most popular places. Surf here during the day, and frolic at night at parties.
- Padang Bai - Bias Tugal beach. A wonderful place, hidden from prying eyes and not yet explored by crowds of tourists.
What is fed
And meat, and seafood, and vegetables, and cereals - all this offers the guests of the island of Bali. Reviews of tourists about the quality of food here are the most positive. Most of all are good reviews about a Balinese duck that stews for a long time with herbs and spices (bebek betutu), as well as about fish baked in a banana leaf (pepes ikan).
Where to eat Made's Warung Cafe in the center of Seminyak, on Jalan Raya Seminyak, is the island's oldest cafe. Also worthy of a cafe is Tekor Bali, located on a pedestrian street filled with restaurants and cafes.
For those who do not like a tourist party, you can recommend a restaurant Warung Sobat on Jalan Batu Belig Street - It belongs to a family that adores the island of Bali. The reviews of those who have been here more than once are invariably delighted, especially with regard to a dish of a pig roasted on a spit.
Shopping
Experts say that you need to take a larger suitcase if you are going to the island of Bali. Photos can be brought in the camera, but where will you put things? After all, here you will always find something new here even in the most familiar stores.
Shopping can be done at the resorts - they will always offer products of local craftsmen, clothes and fabrics. And you can go on a focused trip to major stores. For example, in Depansar on the southern part of the island, in the Denpasar Badung Traditional Market, which is open 24 hours a day. Here you can buy silver jewelry, textiles, souvenirs, dishes and much more.
However, the capital of shopping on the island is still considered Seminyak and its two main “streets" - Oberoi street and Seminyak street. An original purchase awaits at Ebiza: shoes and accessories made of python skin. In the shops on these streets you can find silver jewelry, clothes in the style of “street fashion” and more expensive dresses, handmade lace products, as well as interior items.
In the town of Ubud in the main market - silk pashmina, dresses and robes. The quality is good and the prices are much lower.
sights
The main attraction of the island is its magnificent, magnificent views. You can rent a car (you will need international law) and travel around the whole island, admiring its beauties. Organized excursions will lead tourists to luxurious temples, brightly and lovingly decorated with ministers and believers. The temples of Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Besakih amaze with their grandeur.
The Kintamani Volcano is also worth a visit. He is dormant, but very large. In the rhodon springs, popular procedures for the treatment of joints are taken at its foot. In its caldera, you can see Lake Batur - one of the largest volcanic lakes.
Ubud is the center of creativity of local artisans. Around it are villages, in each of which they are engaged in their craft: woodcarving, painting fabrics, making souvenirs.
Safari and marine park - birds and reptiles live here in natural conditions. There are rare animals that are guarded here. Professional artists show shows with trained animals. There is a water park for children.
Gitgit Waterfall is one of the unique places. A very picturesque road leads through rice and clove fields, past villages. Its height is 40 meters, it falls in several cascades.
Souvenirs
A separate theme of the island is souvenirs. Everything is simply impossible to buy, but you can see a lot. In the village of Batubulan sculpt sculptures made of sandstone for temples or home decorations. The figures are so skillfully carved that I can’t believe that the hands of an ordinary person can do this.
Mas Village is a true center of wooden sculpture. Exquisite figures made of black ebony are massive, and those of pantgal are intricate, with lace carvings. There are products from palm trees, from sandalwood and tree roots.
In the village of Pagaten they make ceramic souvenirs - cat figurines, jugs, aromatic lamps, dishes and vases. Variegated colors delight the eye.
This is for local souvenirs. In general, where the islands of Bali are located, you can buy a huge variety of any souvenirs made by real masters of their craft, often right before your eyes. Only one piece of advice - be sure to bargain - politely but persistently.
What to bring from Bali
In addition to souvenirs, as a gift you can bring, for example, shoes or a bag made of python skin - this is exotic. Jewelry lovers should give real Balinese silver gilding bracelets made using special technology.
There are also unique fabrics - batik, painted by local craftsmen. It is made of cotton or silk. Or a fabric songket, woven by hand. Gold and silver threads are woven into it, so the canvas is sparkling.
Art lovers will love the paintings of Balinese artists made with plant colors - they will never fade. Or carved wood panels to decorate the room, as well as various amulets, masks and dolls.
Here is a very good Kopi Luwak coffee. For lovers of tea - jasmine tea, for lovers of alcohol - traditional local vodka Arak. You can bring jamu to a keen spa, a generic name for oils, incense, and herbal mixtures.
They say right: "Get a big suitcase if you go to Bali."