Bali is a tropical hideaway in Indonesia that combines sugar-sand beaches, lush surroundings and exotic cultures in one enchanting setting. Its dense forests are home to an array of colourful wildlife, and its verdant mountainous terrain hosts vast plantations growing coffee, bananas and cocoa beans. Known as the ‘Island of the Gods,’ this captivating island boasts an imposing cluster of Hindu temples and religious sites, oozing peace and serenity, from the majestic waterfront temples to a mountaintop temple complex.
The gateway to Bali’s eclectic offerings is Benoa — a small yet bustling cruise port that has transformed from a sleepy fishing village into a popular back-packing hotspot. From Benoa, you can easily reach vibrant Kuta, dubbed as the ‘party capital of Bali,’ where most of the action and electric nightlife happens! Just north of Kuta is Seminyak, a stylish region brimming with lavish spas and high-end shopping boutiques. Nusa Dua is another upscale resort area for indulging in luxury and comfort — a hotbed for opulent accommodations, exclusive golf courses and fine dining restaurants. And, if it’s stunning sunsets and world-class surfing spots that you’re after, Uluwatu is the idyllic escape for you, with dramatic cliffs and a laid-back atmosphere that add to its many charms!
The Indonesian locals are proud of this paradise and once you’ve visited, it’s not hard to see why! Wondering how to enhance your cruise holiday experience, when your ship calls at Benoa for a pre- or post-cruise stay? We’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Bali, so keep reading to find out more…
Kuta Beach
1. Ride the waves at Kuta Beach
Set in a former fishing village, Kuta Beach is a three-mile stretch of paradise for surfers and sunbathers alike. The powdery expanse lined with 5-star hotels and resorts, restaurants and bars, is bursting with life and action. Although the beach is famed for its thriving nightlife and incredible sunsets, daytime is just as exciting with its dynamic surfing scene and active watersports. The calm waters and small waves make Kuta Beach a perfect surfing spot for beginners and less experienced surfers. The most consistent and crowded peak is called the Halfway Kuta. There’s also a plethora of surf schools along the beach, so non-surfers can easily learn the basics of riding the waves!
Kecak Fire Dance Uluwatu Temple cliffside
2. Watch the Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple
Spectacular cultural performances, scenic sunsets and spiritual heritage — the Uluwatu Temple offers an amazing fusion of all of these! Perched high on the edge of a 230-foot cliff overlooking the turquoise blue waters below, nothing compares to the immaculate sunset views from this Hindu structure. The daily Kecak Fire Dance is also held around sundown, on the sunken centrepiece stage of a clifftop amphitheatre. So you can watch Bali’s iconic art dance show, featuring fire and vocal performances, as you witness the orange gold hues dominate the horizon in the background! The performance revolves around two lovers that were separated, then finally reunited after the setting sun.
Nusa Dua Beach
3. Get a taste of luxury in Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is known as a prestigious area in Bali, home to many 5-star hotels and resorts and fine-dining restaurants. Fans of sun and sea are also drawn to its beautiful beaches, with colourful fisherman's boats adorning the sandy shores. Art and antique enthusiasts will be delighted to visit the Pasifika Museum — an art museum boasting an impressive collection of over 600 permanently exhibited Asia-Pacific artworks, including historical artefacts, antiques and paintings. Nestled in the heart of secluded Nusa Dua, close to the cruise port, the museum makes a perfect stop for a day tour in Bali. Make the most of your tour and elevate your experience by joining educational programs and art classes, guided by local artists.
Tanah Lot
4. Chase the beautiful sunset at Tanah Lot
Situated on a beach outcrop, Tanah Lot is a group of three temples built to worship the sea God. Tanah Lot translates to ‘Land in the Sea,’ a perfect name for its idyllic rocky islet setting. The complex also features leisure facilities, including restaurants, shops and a cultural park, alongside the religious landmarks. At Tanah Lot, you can seek spiritual bliss inside the shrine, catch the traditional dance performances and chase the breathtaking sunsets over the ocean. The magnificent silhouette of this Balinese temple against the slowly dipping sun into the ocean, complemented by the crashing waves and the dramatic colours of the sky, is truly a feast for the eyes and a fantastic backdrop for photos!
Nusa Dua Water Blow
5. Snap photos at Nusa Dua Water Blow
The Water Blow site in Nusa Dua is a natural blowhole on a high cliff that displays a spectacle of nature taking its course — witness the mind-boggling phenomenon of powerful waves constantly crashing against the towering rock formation. The best time to see the water show is in July or August, when the tide is high and sometimes reaches 30-metres. An arch that reads ‘Water Blow’ greets you at the entrance and the paved footpath leads you to the site. There are also stone slab cautions with inscriptions scattered along the way. A wooden observation deck built on stone and bordered by guardrails is a vantage point for observing the massive tide blows through the jagged limestone edges of the cliff.
'Gate of Heaven' at the Lempuyang Temple
6. Enter the ‘Gate of Heaven’ at the Lempuyang Temple
Bali’s legendary Gate of Heaven welcomes you at the Lempuyang Temple — an old and sacred Hindu temple that sits on the lush hills of Karangasem. Its idyllic location set against the mighty Mount Agung and the breezy atmosphere above the clouds, urged the tourists and locals to collectively call it the ‘Gate of Heaven.’ This picturesque spot has been made even more popular by the perfectly-timed shots of subjects positioned between the gates at sunrise or sunset, creating an illusion of clear waters in front of them that reflects the majestic scenery. The opposite side of the Gate of Heaven is equally as gorgeous, highlighting a flight of steps adorned by intricate carvings and landscaped greenery that lead you to the top — in exaggeration, it’s a stairway to heaven!
7. Meet mischievous macaques in Ubud
Macaques roam around freely in a monkey forest in the heart of Ubud! So if you have ample time to spend in Bali, why not travel north to Ubud and hang out with these creatures for a unique experience? The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a combined nature reserve and temple complex, home to over a thousand grey long-tailed macaques monkeys and three striking temples, surrounded by teeming jungle growths and vines. Interact with the mischievous monkeys or simply marvel at them as they jump from tree to tree and swing along the vines. If you wish to escape the surge of crowds, you can opt to meet monkeys in the nearby 35-acre Sangeh Monkey Forest.
Nasi Campur
8. Sample a local Balinese dish
Sampling the tantalising Balinise cuisine specialities is an unmissable experience in Bali. With its predominantly Hindu population, Bali is where you can eat pork dishes you won’t usually find elsewhere in Indonesia. One of the most famous and must-try dishes here is Babi Guiling, a roasted suckling pig that’s marinated with a variety of local spices, while Betutu is its slow-cooked alternative that uses chicken or duck. Sate Lilit, the Balinese variation of ‘satay’, where the minced meat is wrapped around lemongrass skewers unlike the common skewered meat, is another delicacy worth trying. From fine dining restaurants to streetside stalls, every foodie will surely be spoilt for choice!
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
9. Explore the Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The UNESCO-listed Tegallalang Rice Terraces is one of the most awe-inspiring spots in Bali, drawing lots of nature lovers for a calming nature break. The best time to explore this World Heritage Site is in the morning during sunrise or late afternoon when the sun is about to set. Walk or cycle through the quaint villages and rice paddies and immerse yourself in the vast green rolling hills that take much of Ubud’s postcard-perfect landscape. The beautifully landscaped cascading rice field is located in a valley, overlooking panoramic views over the terraces and the lush green surroundings. Don’t miss out on tasting the authentic local coffee freshly sourced from the plantation whilst here!
Balinese spa
10. Unwind with a Balinese spa in Seminyak
What better way to relax and call a timeout from adventures than to reward yourself with a Balinese spa? Seminyak has no shortage of quality spas where you can pamper yourself. Whether you want to get your nails done, relax in a flower bath, or feel rejuvenated with a facial, you’ll have plenty of choices! Bodyworks is one of the most recognised day spas in the resort town, delivering all the standard spa menu items to its guests since 1994. Meanwhile, the go-to place for glamming up is the Shampoo Lounge, an original full-service beauty salon for a spa goodness galore! Be sure to book an appointment in advance for a hassle-free session.
Tick Off Your Bali Bucket List
Bali is an excellent holiday destination in Indonesia that caters to every type of traveller — a beachgoers’ haven, a nature enthusiast’s escape, a culture vulture’s mecca, an adventure seeker’s oasis and foodie’s haven! From visiting exotic temples and delightful museums to basking on sun-drenched beaches and awe-inspiring rice terraces, the Bali bucket list is a collection of epic moments and experiences that are sure to cure your wanderlust!
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