There are few places I love more than Bali. Despite all its flaws (and, yes, I’ll admit there’s more than a few), not many destinations on earth have quite the same feel as this popular Indonesian island.
Unsure of whether visiting Bali is the right move for your trip to Asia? Here’s a quick list of some reasons you’ll come to love Bali…
Oh-so tasty food
Compared to Thai or Vietnamese, Balinese food isn’t nearly as well-known. But, damn, it’s sure delicious.
No matter where you are on the island, you’re bound to encounter a yummy dish that fuses flavors in ways you’ve never imagined.
Some dishes you NEED to try out in Bali include:
- Satay: These famous Indonesian grilled meat skewers are an absolute must for any visitor. The Balinese version of satay, sate lilit, is even more exotic than its usual recipe. It consists of various meats marinated in a blend of spices, coconut, and coconut milk for an insanely unique flavor profile. Dip it in the famous Indonesian peanut sauce for an extra kick!
- Babi guling: Pork dishes are quite rare in Indonesia, which makes this Bali special all the more unique. It consists of a suckling pig rubbed and stuffed with various spices like coriander seeds, turmeric, galangal, lemongrass, ginger, and kaffir lime leaves. Wowzers!
- Betutu: Like a poultry version of babi guling, this Balinese favourite involves stuffing a chicken or a duck with various spices. The bird is then wrapped tightly in a banana leaf and slow-grilled to juicy perfection over hot coals for 6 to 7 hours.
Glorious sunsets
Even if you can’t stand the rowdiness of Bali’s southwest coast, there’s no denying that watching an Indian Ocean sunset is something special.
Whether you’re checking it out from Seminyak, Kuta, Canggu or even a lesser-known town like Lovina in the north, enjoying a sundowner in Bali is one of life’s truest pleasures.
For a dash of culture thrown into the mix, watch the sunset from Uluwatu Temple followed by its famous kecak fire dance performance.
Culture galore
Beach vacations aren’t hard to come by; beach vacations with a massive dash of culture are!
One of the most compelling reasons to visit Bali is to get a chance to check out its spiritual & culture side alongside experiencing all the “usual” trappings of an island paradise.
Destinations like Ubud are as soothing for the mind & soul as places like Nusa Dua or Jimbaran are for relaxation. Throughout the entire island, you’ll never have to go far to get face-to-face with compelling temple or historical monument.
Jaw-dropping natural wonders
The natural attractions of Bali don’t end with its coastline. As you travel throughout the island, you’re never far away from beautiful natural scenery.
Everything from waterfall to active volcanoes to hot springs to lakes can end up on your Bali itinerary.
For some truly special displays of nature, check out:
- Lake Beretan: One of Bali’s three famous mountain lakes and home to one of the island’s most iconic emples,Ulun Danu Beratan.
- Gitgit Waterfall: A 35-metre-high waterfall located in North Bali, just a short ride away from Lovina. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali with the added bonus of smaller crowds thanks to its location relatively “far” away (well, at least in Bali terms!) from the island’s most popular destinations.
- Mount Batur: The island’s most famous active volcano that forms the backdrop for many-a Bali postcard. The classic view of Batur from the highlan village of Kintamani will take your breath away.
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces: One of the most spectacular scenes in Bali, these picturesque rice paddies outside of Ubud are a must-see while travelling around the island. Visit during harvest time (usually December to March) to see the fields at their most radiant.