Travel to Bali

Travel to Bali

Bali is an enchanting island, noted for its cultural and spiritual riches, natural beauty and friendly people. The island is a tropical paradise that continues to attract tourists despite the terrorist attacks of 2002 and 2005. Tourism has yet to recover after these attacks, but Bali still offers visitors stunning scenery, soaring volcanoes and cultural riches. Inland rice paddies dot the hillsides, while the warm blue ocean attracts divers, surfers and sunbathers.

Transportation to Bali

Ngurah Rai is Balis airport, situated nine miles to the southwest of Denpasar. Flights from North America and Europe have connections to the island through Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei, Hong Kong and Japan, and direct flights are also available from Australasia. AirAsia also offer daily budget flights to Denpasar from Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta, while Mandala Airlines has frequent services from Taipei and Hong Kong.

Its possible to arrive in Bali by bus and ferry. Direct bus services are available from all major cities on Java as well as Lombok, and the ferry is then used to cross over to the island. Its an economical way to travel, and the ferry fare is included in the bus fare, though transit times can be lengthy.

What to see

Many tourists go directly to the beach areas of Kuta, Sanur, Jimbaran and Nusa Dua. Kuta is renowned for its remarkable sunsets, excellent surfing and vibrant nightlife, while Nusa Dua attracts those looking for a quieter holiday. In Denpasar, the capital of Bali, tourists can explore the Pasar Badung traditional market, Pura Jagatnatha temple, Bird Market and also the Bali Provincial State Museum, to get an insight into Balis cultural heritage.

The Water Temple, or Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, is well worth a visit. Its an important Hindu-Buddhist temple that was established in the 1800s, and is dedicated to the goddess of water. Pilgrimages and ceremonies are held here, and its one of the most photographed features of the island.

Daytrips

Moving to the north out of Denpasar, you will come across several villages noted for their craftsmen and the Bali Bird Park, which is a delightful treat of tropical birds and komodo dragons. Ensure you make a stop at Lovina Beach, near the northern tip of the island, which is famed for its sunsets, snorkelling and diving.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, or Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana, is a dense jungle that is inhabited by long-tailed monkeys, and it has a number of temples that are worth visiting. Its a great outing for those who would like to experience the local wildlife and the beauty of a tropical jungle. Many visitors will also want to visit the soaring volcanic cone of Gunung Batur. Its one of the most spectacular sights on the island, and its possible to climb Batur in the early morning to see the sun rise above the tropical island.

Activities and leisure

In Bali, theres a wide diversity of activities to keep you occupied. For those interested in the cultural heritage of the island, there are traditional performances and dancing as well as numerous temples. Meanwhile, sports enthusiasts can indulge in surfing, diving, mountain biking, volcano climbing, tennis and golf. More sedate activities include shopping, sightseeing and relaxing on the beach. Kuta offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants, pubs and clubs, and is especially popular among travellers. However, if youd rather relax and avoid the crowds, you can visit Jimbaran Bay or Sanur Beach and enjoy some excellent seafood in the presence of a spectacular sunset.

Safety issues

Bali is a fairly safe place, even after sunset. Violent crime is not common, but pickpockets are a nuisance on the island. Its important to exercise caution with regard to your belongings, especially in crowded streets. If you are staying at a reliable hotel, you should also make use of the safety deposit box, and minimise the amount of valuables that you are carrying.

Drivers are also notorious on the island, so you should be very careful when crossing the road. A number of accidents involving motorcycles also occur, so its sensible to take out adequate travel insurance when travelling to Bali, and ensure that your insurance policy covers for any sporting activities that you plan to be involved in.