Bali: 10 things to do on the island

The answer is simple: you're in the wrong place!

And here's where those hidden paradise beaches are and what to do on vacation to experience that unique island flavor, read below.

Let's face it, Bali is a big island in Indonesia with a lot of traffic. You won't be able to move quickly from one end to the other, so today we'll talk about the southern and central part of the island.

So, your "to do list" in Bali may look as follows:

1. Enjoy exotic seafood for a nominal fee

Jimbaran beach is famous for seaside fish restaurants. Wooden tables in the sand, white tablecloths, appropriate (not the lowest) price tags - all this is perfect for those tourists who are accustomed to comfort. But if the soul asks for adventure, it is worth a look at the fish market, which is located nearby. All the restaurants in the area choose seafood there. When you see this variety of exotic wildlife, your hand immediately reaches for the camera, but, first of all, it is a joy for gourmets - you can choose what you like and cook your "booty" nearby.

The process is very simple: you choose shrimp, fish, lobsters, seashells, humpback skates (underline), haggle with the seller and then give them to skillful grillers who stand nearby and for a symbolic fee will grill your catch. The cost of cooking does not depend on the type of fish and is determined only by weight. Fresh coconuts, watching the locals and contemplating the sea help to brighten the wait.

Half a kilo of large shrimp and two small fish will cost you about $5, cooking and coconut - $3. Total: $8 for two people for a great dinner.

2. Become a skillful surfer

Bali's beaches are regularly ranked among the world's top surfing spots. If you dream of conquering a wave, why not make your dream come true on this island? The most popular among beginners is the beach of Kuta, which is located near the airport in Denpasar. But you need to remember that those beaches where the waves are ideal for beginners are crowded and can hardly be called "paradise". So, if you see yourself riding the waves on the colorful beaches where the professionals ride, you will have to make serious efforts to master the board in the shortest possible time.

For those travelers who realize that a short vacation may not be enough to fully master a new hobby - surfing, and do not want to sunbathe with crepathy, there is an alternative. We come to Pantai Suluban Uluwatu beach (Blue Point), climb up to the observation decks and enjoy a free show, performed by professional surfers from all over the world, while drinking your favorite cocktail. Colorful views, a brightly colored ship off the shore and good waves are not the only attractions of the place. The ocean entrance is a small stretch of land in the bay, flooded with water about waist-deep. From these rocks, surfers head out into the open waters.

3. Take in the view from the top of the sheer cliffs

In the south of the island is the Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple, which is said to protect the island from evil spirits. The temple is distinctive and interesting, but what really impresses is the mind-blowing ocean view from the top!

Describing in words the beauty of strong waves that crash against steep 100-meter cliffs is probably a thankless task. I suggest to see it with your own eyes and try to remember it in all details. It will be something to remember in winter evenings when returning home.

4. Taste the world's most expensive coffee

Many coffee lovers know that the most expensive coffee in the world is Kopi Luwak, which is produced thanks to the special digestion of Musangs. The process looks like this: the animal had lunch with coffee beans, digested them, coffee lovers came running, quickly cleaned, roasted and let's go tasting.

You can book a hotel in Bali with a discount of up to -65% on the website.

There are many farms in Bali that breed these cute little beasts and are willing to offer a selection of different tasting drinks, including the famous Kopi Luwak, for a small fee ($5-10). Some connoisseurs say that the taste may be different on the farms, because the musangs are deprived of the opportunity to choose the most delicious coffee fruits and eat only what they are given.

5. Live in the jungle of Ubud

Ubud is not called the soul of the island for nothing. The feeling of complete peace and relaxation surrounded by jungle, scenic viewpoints, ancient temples, mountain rivers and, of course, the rich green color of nature. Hotels and guesthouses in Ubud are plentiful. For example, you can stay in the well-known, thanks to the program "Heads and Tails", the hotel "Hanging Gardens" for $1600/day. Or you can study reviews and choose a guesthouse with a jungle view for only $15 per night - for example, Pondok Bali Ubud Guest House, Timo House Ubud or Lotus Villa Ubud.

Besides contemplating nature in Ubud, you can wander around the main streets, find interesting jewelry, clothing and handmade souvenirs in local shops, and try black charcoal ice cream.

6. Visit monkeys

Monkeys are not uncommon in Asia: you'll find the nimble beggars in many crowded places or parks. But in Bali, there is one place where more than 700 of them live in 12.5 hectares of forest. It's called the Monkey Forest. It is a great place to walk in the shade of tropical trees, admire the Balinese style buildings and, of course, a lot of monkeys, which move freely around the territory and are not afraid of tourists.

It should not be forgotten that these are wild animals and a direct look of a person will be perceived as a threat, as posters on the territory of the forest never tire of warning about. All shiny and poorly fixed jewelry, glasses and other things should be hidden and tightly closed backpacks, because monkeys are famous for their talents to free tourists from unnecessary things :).

7. Walk in the rice fields

Rice in Bali, as in most of Asia, is a staple for every family. Accordingly, all available slopes are adapted for farming. A special irrigation system that allows even the hilltops to be irrigated is called Subak and has been inscribed on the UNESCO heritage list. The Jatiluwih rice fields are considered the most interesting and extensive.

The drive to them from Ubud takes at least a few hours, so an alternative option to visit is the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, which are close to the city.

8. Cuddle with elephants

Travelers who have ridden elephants in Thailand or Sri Lanka may say that elephants don't surprise them anymore. But it's impossible not to mention the sanctuary in Bali, which is home to rescued elephants. You can expect: a well-groomed green territory, an interesting show that you can watch up close, demonstration of elephants' strength and skills during performances, the opportunity to ride and, of course, hugs with elephants.

Adult admission: ~ $30

Adult admission with elephant ride: ~ $100.

9. Try natural Balinese cosmetics

While planning a trip to Bali, we noticed rave reviews on local forums about natural Balinese cosmetics. Intrigued, we marked a few spots on the map worth stopping by. One of them was the plantation where By-cosmetics is produced. The company prides itself on the use of exclusively natural ingredients: all products contain only plants collected directly from the plantation. In general, usefulness on usefulness. I chose jars up to 100 ml, which can be carried in hand luggage.

After six months of use, I can add my personal rave review to the number of other connoisseurs of quality products. By the way, they have started to supply their products to CIS countries as well. Other cosmetic firms that are represented in Bali and also deserve attention: Blue Stone Botanicals (a wide range of products), Utama Spice (with excellent body creams), Inspired by Bali (with the famous sunscreen for surfers).

10. Relax and soak up the atmosphere of the island

Bali is a very ambiguous island: some people are crazy about it, while others can't understand what the former are so excited about. Of course, there are things that are not written about in guidebooks: pickpockets on the beaches, cheating currency exchangers, not always clean public beaches, strong waves, underwater currents, etc. But despite all this, Bali annually attracts many tourists who are imbued with the local atmosphere, do not try to resist the realities of the island and just enjoy their vacation, remembering only all the most interesting, colorful and amazing!

Thanks to the bike, it was possible to tour many beaches in the southern part of the island. Here is our version of the top 5 perfect beaches. By perfect we mean: clean, colorful, exotic, necessarily bathable and with azure water :)

1. Thomas beach

A great little known beach for swimming with turquoise water and clean sand. But, of course, not everything is so simple - you can get to it only by overcoming a stepped descent from a high mountain.

It's worth it, as you can swim, sunbathe on the half-empty beach and then grab a bite to eat at one of the several cafes.

2. Padang Padang

This beach became famous thanks to the filming of the movie "Eat, Pray, Love". Remember, after a party at an expat bar, the main character went to the beach with an admirer who invited her to swim naked?

The beach is really very good: sandy, surrounded by rocks, but with one reservation - it is small in area, so you should go there either early in the morning, or in the rain, when there are few tourists. The second option was accidentally tested on ourselves. When we arrived at this beach, it started to drizzle and all the tourists (and there are a lot of them) rushed to the exit and there were only fishermen, local guys sitting under the rocks and playing guitar, and a few brave tourists. So if you are an early bird or the forecast is for warm, summer rain today, you can safely go! Swimming in the rain is unforgettable!

Entrance to the beach is paid (~1$) and is a narrow passage between two rocks.

3. Green bowl beach

Another colorful beach with azure water and, as always, hidden from prying eyes. I wasn't too lazy to do the math: 326 high steps to climb down and up a high mountain to enjoy this beach.

From the peculiarities of the beach: the current in different places changes its direction. If you lie in the water near the shore, you will feel how in an instant the current sharply changes direction and you will be swept away. The second feature of the beach: periodically at 20 meters from the shore, the water goes away and the bottom opens. The third peculiarity: huge and strong waves come to the shore, but crash into the shoal without reaching the target. A great place to appreciate the full force and power of the ocean element.

4. Pantai Pandawa beach

Another colorful beach that is accessed between picturesque cliffs. This time you don't have to climb anywhere: the excellent paved road leads directly to the water. I recommend not to be lazy and drive to the right of the main entrance, there are fewer people there, and the water is still the right azure color.

At the entrance to the water - small shells, you can wear rubber slippers for comfort. There are sun beds on the beach and a number of cafes nearby. Spoiled by tourists, local vendors are reluctant to bargain, unlike other places. Also be on the lookout: despite the close attention, on this beach we had a phone left in an unknown direction.

5. Nikko beach - the one and only beach that is most memorable and is now associated with Bali!

Rent a point: you pass the Hilton Hotel and turn off on a narrow country forest road. Literally after 20 meters leave the bike and further down, to the sea, along the sand quarry on foot. Last year there was an excavator actively working there, so there may be a road. After the descent to the beach, make sure you turn left and go to the end of the beach. There you will see a small separate bay fenced by rocks.

A great place for paradise photos. There are no people, the sea is the most beautiful color I've ever seen and the waves are high. I'm sure this place won't stay hidden for long for most tourists, so hurry up and visit!