The 5 best things to do in Bali
Oh, Bali… Beautiful Bali. How I adore you.
I love you like I love a plate of starchy food (and I am a girl who is serious about my carbs).
I love you like I love finding $5 in the pocket of my jeans during a long overdue spring cleaning session.
I love you like I love hearing my favourite old-school hip hop track during a mediocre Top 40 set at the club (To the windoooooow, to the wall!).
Ahem. I digress.
What I mean to say is that Bali is a land of mystical wonder. The beaches, wildlife, and landscapes are complemented by an enchanting culture and a cornucopia of mouth-watering cuisine.
In other words, you should go.
And I need to go back. Ever since I returned to Hong Kong at the beginning of January, I’ve been thinking that I need to revisit what is probably the most popular island in the 17,000-strong Indonesian archipelago. You see, I spent 12 days in Bali a few years ago and it stole my heart.
Alas, time constraints probably will not allow me to make it back to Bali before I head back to a life in New York City at the end of June. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t go in my place!
So, in the interest of helping you plan your trip (so generous, I am! teehee), here are a few of my suggestions for things to do when you get there, as well as a few photos that’ll make you book your trip faster than can say “Where my credit card at?”
Chill on the beach in Seminyak
The long expanses of sand and surf in Seminyak have long been said to comprise the best beaches in all of Bali. On my last trip, Liebling and I spent a fair amount of time here, reading (him) and working on a tan (me, ha!) as the waves quietly lapped at the shore. If lying around isn’t quite your thing, the trendy restaurants found all along the beach are a great place to relax with a Bin Tang beer (Indonesia’s national brew) and a flavourful nasi goreng.
Be wowed by the views at Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple, known more formally as the Pura Luhur Uluwatu, is thought to be one of the six holiest places of worship on the island. Whatever your religion, the location can’t be beat: perched atop a cliff 70 meters above sea level, it’s the perfect place to ponder life’s biggest questions, achieve spiritual balance, or simply snap an epic picture for your Facebook or Instagram. My only advice? Be prepared to see monkeys. Lots and lots of monkeys. shudder
Ride a scooter around Nusa Lembongan
Well, Lembongan isn’t technically a part of Bali, but we’re not going to worry ourselves with petty little details, are we?! Situated a 30 minute boat ride off the east coast of the “mainland”, Nusa Lembongan is a tiny paradise ripe for discovery. As there are very few cars on the island, getting around via scooter is a deliciously relaxing experience; and zipping along Lembongan’s rugged terrain and stunning coastline is a great way to satisfy the explorer that lurks within.
Hike the rice terraces in Ubud (and get your Eat, Pray, Love on)
Now, you all know I wasn’t a huge fan of Ubud, but even I have to admit that the city’s rice terraces are a sight to behold. Ubud is also an art lover’s paradise, with craft market upon craft market selling Balinese textiles just aching to find their way into your suitcase. For those hoping to go full Elizabeth Gilbert in her Eat, Pray, Love days, a number of retreats and meditation centers in town will help you regain your spiritual stability and sense of self.
Surf and party in Kuta
For those interested in more, er, carnal pursuits, Kuta is right up your alley. This resort area was one of Bali’s first tourism developments and remains a premier destination for the party crowd (“single and ready to mingle” is a way of life out there). After a big night out, practice your boarding skills with surf lessons on the beach the next morning (or afternoon– you probably won’t be able to get out of bed after a night of Kuta partying). So if you’re looking for a good time and loads of inebriated Australians, Kuta is the place to be!
