Bali, which is one of the tens of thousands of islands in Indonesia, is called the island of Gods. Full of breathtaking nature, mystical temples, delightful delicacies, and warm-hearted people, the island never bores any of its visitors.
Ubud, the center of arts and culture
Promoted as a town of arts and culture, Ubud is geographically located in the middle of Bali. There are various tourist attractions surrounded by nature such as the Tegallalang Rice Terrace, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and Mount Batur.
If staying in Ubud, try booking an accommodation nearby the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. You might have the chance of a very rare and unbelievable experience of staying in a room where wild monkeys crawl around on your balcony.
Even as a person who does not particularly enjoy hikes on a regular basis, I was still eager to attempt the once-in-a-lifetime hike up an active volcano. With its most recent eruption being in 2000, Mount Batur is most famous for its sunrise from the summit, meaning the hiking journey starts as early as 2 a.m. Climbing the mountain in total darkness while only relying on the flashlight made it harder to reach the peak, but it is truly worth the challenge once you watch the scenic sunrise.
Another thing you cannot miss is food. Aside from authentic Indonesian dishes such as Nasi Goreng or Mi Goreng, while walking down the alleys of Ubud, you might frequently run into taco restaurants. Tacos in Ubud are indescribably delicious, so make sure you try them at least once. What is more, remember to try the local plant-based dishes, as the town is also known as a vegetarians’ heaven.
Gili Trawangan, a dreamy tropical paradise
An hour-long boat trip from the main island will take you to a much smaller yet stunning island, Gili Trawangan. As one of the Gili island triplets along with Gili Meno and Gili Air, the three are called Gili Indah altogether. Scooters, bicycles, and horse-drawn carriages are the only transportation since the island is small enough to look around in an hour by foot. Also famous for the filming site of a South Korean television reality show Youn’s Kitchen, there is no better word to describe the island than paradise.
The most common activity in Gili Trawangan is a half-day boat trip. Departing from Gili Trawangan, the boat takes you around Gili Meno. You can see crystal-clear water and wild marine life during the trip. If the weather allows, you might come across wild turtles even at the shallowest part of the seashore thanks to the intact and transparent beach. While snorkeling, you may watch a glimpse of the debris of abandoned sculptures beneath the island, making the experience much more fascinating.
Gili Trawangan is also labeled as a party island. While streets are serenely beautiful and full of vendors selling food and souvenirs during the day, it is surprisingly vibrant during the night, with live music, parties, and bars everywhere.
Kuta, a surfers’ heaven
Traveling down to the southern part of Bali, there lies another popular tourist mecca, Kuta. Attracting surfers around the world, Kuta boasts one of the best beaches in Bali along with its clean sand and gentle waves. It is especially suitable for beginners, so if interested in surfing, Kuta would be one of your best options.
Every day, from around 6 p.m., everyone in town walks toward the beach to watch the sunset. Kuta shows beautiful sunsets in different ways, no matter how the weather is. On clear and sunny days, the sky turns into a pink-shaded painting, while on cloudy days, the sunset displays a purple staircase made of clouds.
Slightly noisier and more bustling than other places in Bali, the town is busy at all times. There are not only many aesthetic restaurants and cafes but also beach clubs, where you can eat, swim, and chill. If visiting beach clubs, try finding somewhere located right in front of the beach, so that you can enjoy both poolside and the shore at the same time.
Whether it be solo travelers, friends, lovers, or families; Bali, the island of Gods, is a true paradise for everyone