About Bali, some background info
Bali is the Indonesian island between Java and Lombok. It hardly needs any introduction. Bali depends almost completely on tourism, yet also suffers from over-tourism. Denpasar is its metropolitan centre with the international airport. Ubud is the cultural centre. Beaches can be found everywhere, but Kuta and surroundings are very well-known.
Bali has a large majority of Balinese Hindu population, unlike the rest of Indonesia. They believe in more than one God and has the nickname the “island of Gods”. Every community and most houses have their own temple, where offerings are made. There are lots of religious celebrations year-round.
Bali is international. Conferences and large meetings – whether political of business – may be held somewhere on the island. Especially the area around Nusa Dusa in the south is destined for this with more large hotels, resorts and security than elsewhere.
Lots of people will visit Bali for its beaches with surfing and nightlife. Others will more feel like relaxing and wellness. Yet another group will want to see and discover the island with its culture, temples and other sights. Everyone will enjoy the local cuisine, which is really, really nice.
There are temples everywhere, inland as well as at the waterfront. Most famous are probably Tanah Lot, Pura Besakih and Uluwatu temple. There are many and you should definitely visit a few during your visit.
For many people Bali is the ultimate dream. Many celebrate their wedding here. Nice, but be aware that countries like Thailand may have even nicer beaches. You may like to include Balis as part of a larger itinerary for example in combination with Eastern Java, Lombok or Komodo.
Advise: do not visit beaches only!
Ubud, the cultural centre of Bali
Ubud is a must-do place for tourists in Bali. The city and vicinity has great attractions, excellent food and great rural hotels. It is all very walkable. Of course you are not alone here. Traffic jams exist and roads may be congested with no improvement really in sight, because there just isn’t any space.
You can make Ubud your home to visit the area, for example the rice terraces, Monkey Forest, Besakih Temple and Mount Batur volcano.
Beaches
Bali beaches are famous. The southern beaches are white sand, while the north is black sand. On the beach there is a lot of activity like swimming, surfing and massage.
- Kuta, Legian and Seminyak beaches stretch for many kilometres and offer all facilities, from sun bathing to surfing, fine dining and nightlife. These places can be crowded. Fortunately they are cleaned up daily.
- Lovina Beach is a black-sand beach in the far North. It is not really known for swimming and sunbathing, but for dolphins. Large pots appear at the coast every morning and small boats can take you there to see them.
- Sanur Beach in the east is another place for sun pleasure and water fun. It is less crowded than Kuta and probably even more enjoyable. You can also connect from here to Lombok or Nusa Penida.
- Nusa Dusa in the south is a bit special. Here you can find upscale resorts and large hotels with all amenities. Security is tighter. Some beaches are private, most beaches are cleaned every day.
- Nusa Penida is certainly another option. This little island South-East of Bali is famous for its rock formations and excellent snorkeling. There is some accommodation, but variety on the main island is just better.
Travel in Bali, mass-tourism
Bali is one of the best-known travel destinations world-wide. Many people visit the place and arrive either over-land from Java or Lombok, or by air from anywhere in the world. This has led to over-tourism.
The beach area west of Denpasar is very crowded. This includes for example Kuta. Traffic jams are common. Riding a scooter to discover the island can be a challenge. An underground metro from Denpasar to Kuta is planned and should be opened by 2028.
Ubud, the other major tourist destination, also sees its fair share of traffic, each and every day. There is no solution in sight. Traffic outside of the city is fine, but roads are mainly narrow with one lane in each direction.
The south is busy, the north is relatively quiet. A new airport is planned here to open up this area as well. The island depends on tourism and limitations on tourist numbers are unlikely.
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