Have you ever heard about anyone who does not know about the existence of such a delightful island as Bali? If yes, then this person is some kind of an extraterrestrial. An opinion that Bali is a real paradise on Earth is the most widespread conclusion of those who had the happiness to visit it. If you still have not visited Bali, you may watch the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo Di Caprio starring. Even though the film was not shot in Bali, you will have a chance to see what beautiful sceneries and landscapes you may observe in Bali once you get there. Indonesia has about 17 thousand islands, and Bali as one of them occupies an honorable first place as far as tourism is concerned. Tropics have multiple heavenly destinations; however, for thousands of travelers, this mesmerizing island is truly the best one.
Advantages of Bali
Let us figure out in detail why everyone must visit the island, which even petted tourists consider the top choice among millions of other options. Experienced travelers gladly share all the necessary information that one should know before starting a trip to this paradise. Get comfortable and read on.
Mesmerizing Beaches
Indonesian archipelago in general and Island Bali in particular can boast of the whole list of mind-blowing beaches, and this is one of the most apparent reasons to come there. All beaches are different in charm, and have their own peculiarities — from pleasing white sand and calcareous rocks to diving and adventure water sports. No spoiled tourists can complain that there is a lack of anything when it comes to beaches. There are beaches for every character, mood, and activity, beginning from popular Kuta Beach or glamorous Nusa Dua areas to far-off, inconspicuous beaches for those who prefer to stay away from the crowd. Further, we may have a look at the most popular and advised beaches:
· Kuta Beach. Not too many years ago, this beach used to be a village for fishers who dwelled there with their families, and now, it has grown into a sought-after resort in Bali. Tourists found this place very suitable for surfing. Local infrastructure provides service 24/7 so nobody may feel bored.
· Nusa Dua Beach. This beach is considered the top one in Bali and was designed for elite tourists. The resort comprises upscale service and all required buildings meant for high-end recreation, including shopping malls, spa buildings, golf classes, and so on.
· Suluban Beach. The beach is located in the south part of the Island and is admitted as the most unusual place. The peculiarity is expressed in the fact that the access to the beach goes via the holes in the cliff that detach the beach from the living premises. Surfers call this place the “Blue Dot” due to the magnificent blue color of the local water.
· Sanur Beach. You will choose this beach if you like when the Sun comes up from the water. Located in the east part of the Island, it was designed mostly for tourists who come here with their families and children. The spot is very quiet, bucolic, and peaceful.
· Kelingking Beach. This small beach is placed between two ridges. The way to the beach from a hotel is a bit challenging since it goes from the top of a mountain. The path will not be the best that you have encountered in your life, and surrounding sharp rocks may rip your clothing. However, your efforts will be rewarded — you will reach a fairytale seaside with crystal water, green jungles, and soft white sand.
· Balangan Beach. It is another marvelous place that looks like a gift from Heaven. Located on the southern side of the Island, it suggests an unforgettable feeling that will turn into memories for a lifetime.
· Seminyak Beach. It is also located in the southern part and a bit to the north of prominent Kuta Beach. Less crowded than Kuta, it remains one of the best beaches in the world.
· Padang Padang Beach. Another place in the southern part is preferred by those who like surfing. Delightful coast together with chalky cliffs please the eye. Except for the high waves so beloved by surfers, the area often suggests calm water, which is very convenient for mere swimming.
· Bingin Beach. This is a real Makkah for all fans of surfing. High waves here are a real challenge even for seasoned surfers let alone amateurs. The colorful landscape attracts those who are fond of contemplation. The scenery around makes everyone happy making a traveler forget all troubles.
· Canguu Beach. This location has the same name as a village nearby. One of its distinct features is the color of the sand; it is a mixture of grey and black shades. The beach is about 8 kilometers in length. Part of it is preferred by surfers, and another part with calm water is occupied by those who like swimming.
· Virgin Beach. Located near the forest, it faces the Indian Ocean in the eastern part of Bali. The beach is not crowded and does not bear many signs of human activity. This spot is for those who choose nature instead of civilization. In general, the atmosphere is peaceful and quiet.
· Mengiat Beach. This beach is located within the recreation area of Nusa Dua. Short in distance, about 800 meters, it is known as the ideal place for those who spend vacations with a family.
· Dreamland Beach. Sometimes called New Kuta, it has a stunning coral cover and bright yellow sand accompanied by a coral reef within the Bukit peninsula. The beach is only about 100 meters long and has all the modern buildings required for a high-quality vacation.
· Gunung Payung Beach. The place is located to the south of the capital of the Island Denpasar. The main feature of the beach is that it is deserted to some extent, which is a perfect choice for those who prefer solitude and privacy. The way to the beach is a small challenge — 400 steps lead down from the hill to the beach.
· Atuh Beach. This beach takes its place in the eastern part of Nusa Penida. It is not overcrowded and is featured with high rocks and a mind-blowing view of the ocean. Real fans prefer this beach among the rest of the alternatives.
Spectacular Cultural Environment
Like all people, Balinese citizens have their own culture reflected in dances, music, and architectural preferences. The local public is very open and amiable, and any traveler may easily join any celebration where participation is always welcome. For instance, the kissing festival or ceremonial monster march past on the eve of Silence Day. There are many kinds of celebrations throughout the year.
Picturesque Religious Environment
In general, the people of Bali belong to the Hindu religion. Every house is featured with a small replica of a temple where those who wish may pray whenever they feel like it. Travelers visit the Island not only for the sake of recreation but combine it with tours to temples to feel the spirit of old religious buildings and receive esthetic pleasure. If you still do not have the possibility to become one of them, join the best online casino in the world, play, gamble, win, win again, and go on vacation to Bali.
Non-stopping Journey
Bali offers any adventure that a cockered traveler can picture. Do you like surfing? There are plenty of opportunities for that. Do you want to rent a boat and sail on high waves? Well, you may do that. Are you brave enough to jump from a rock into the ocean? Go ahead. Are you fond of diving? The magnificent underwater world will show you the stuff that you have never seen before.
Incomparable Accommodation
When you look at the top-class buildings, starting from mere hostels and ending with luxurious villas, you understand that the designers and architects who built them let their imaginations run riot and chose the best solutions ever. All infrastructure has been created by experienced professionals with an elaborate approach that takes into account every tiny detail. Travelers will be pleasantly surprised with prices when even a villa may cost like an average hotel room. Delightful infinity pools are kind of icing on the cake and the finishing touch of the whole design.
Dining Establishments
Traditional local cuisine is a real fairytale. The Island is well known for its peculiar touch to food, attracting numerous chefs from abroad for advanced training. Bali can also boast of many other cafes and restaurants with international dishes served — Vietnamese, Greek, Indian, Chinese — a real paradise for all types of gourmets.
Disadvantages of Bali: The Worst Time to Visit the Island
First, we need to clarify that there are no disadvantages in Bali. The certain period of the year that we call “disadvantage” here means that such period is worse in comparison with a period of high season, but this does not make it bad at all.
Every Drawback Has Its Benefits
So, the bad time to visit Bali is considered the rainy period, which starts in November and ends in April. In October, about 10 days of the month, it can be overwhelmed with short but heavy rains. In November, such kind of weather intensifies and reaches the top level in December throughout February. The important feature is that the rains in Bali are not constant, dull, and gloomy. They are spread by even intervals throughout the day, suddenly starting and ending.
The monsoon season is not as scary as one can imagine — visitors still can go out, and rain does not ruin anything, only bringing some inconveniences to those who are not prepared for them.
Find benefits in every disadvantage during monsoon season:
· A rainy period offers less number of visitors, which is nice, especially in places usually overcrowded.
· The prices for air flights and accommodation are substantially lower.
· The cost of pricy villas can be reduced to the level of an average hotel room.
· Get more impression by watching powerful waterfalls (extra rains make them scary), which are not that mighty during a high season.
· In cases when it is raining cats and dogs and you are out, you may always plunge into some café nearby.
Sometimes during rainfalls, the high tide may bring some heaps of garbage to the shore, which will not look pretty. This is quite unusual but still may happen.
The infrastructure beyond the cities leaves much to be desired; therefore, try to listen to the bits of advice of those who are experienced enough — it can be an administrator at the reception, a random police officer, or even a beach boy who gives you a lift on his scooter.
Make sure to have a special repellent against mosquitos since they can be rather annoying.
How to Get Ready for a Low-Season Traveling
Try to be as flexible as you can be. Bali is notorious for having unpredictable weather, with high seasons never mind low ones. Your plans can be easily compromised, and if you can adjust them under new circumstances, it will spare you much time and nerves.
If it happens that you choose a wet season instead of a high one, prepare your backpack accordingly. Your luggage must be waterproof, and the same goes for your outfit. Do not forget an umbrella and your raincoat. Anyway, you may purchase a rain poncho in many shops in Bali — it is easily folded up and does not take up much space in your bag.
Listen to weather reports every day at least for one day in advance. It will give you a slight understanding of what will await you tomorrow, and you will not be caught completely by surprise.
When rain is pouring, keep busy with activities that you do not usually do. Attend some cooking master classes, swim in a pool, try massage, or go to a spa salon.
The Table of the Seasons in Bali
| High Season | May June July August September |
| Low Season | December January February |
| Shoulder Season | March April October November |
