Bali truly deserves its nickname, the “Island of the Gods!” Of the more than 17,000 islands that make up Indonesia, Bali is the most beloved by luxury travelers around the world. It is not just the tropical golden beaches that entice visitors. Bali is a spiritual place with over 10,000 ornate temples, a tradition of wellness and yoga, a thriving community of traditional artists, theatrical dance performances, and a lush landscape with cascading rice terraces, rivers ripe for rafting and scenic volcanoes.
While the changing influence of tourism has certainly shaped Bali’s development, the Balinese highly value their traditions. Locals still perform the same rituals and devotions as their ancestors, keeping their culture alive and flourishing. Flower offerings and burning incense at the many temples throughout the island infuse the air with a fragrant sense of serenity and positivity.
Balinese cuisine is based on fresh, local produce, herbs, and spices. As you might expect from a tropical island, freshly-caught seafood is a staple. Indonesia’s warm weather allows for farming rice, vegetables, fruits, coffee, and soybeans throughout the year. Tropical fruits are abundant, and visitors enjoy trying jackfruit, rose apple, rambutan, and the infamous durian, which tastes delightful but has a pungent smell. Popular dishes in Bali include curries, rendang, satay, rendang, and nasi goreng (fried rice). Vegetarians and vegans especially like the widely-available, freshly-made tofu and tempeh (made from fermented soy beans).
Bali has many fine-dining restaurants, some with Michelin-starred chefs, mostly found in luxury hotels in the south. Cooking classes are a popular activity throughout the island. Bali has endless night life options as well. Ubud has many laid back bars, while Seminyak, Kuta, Jimbaran and other beach towns pack the dance floors with electrifying club scenes.
Flights land in South Bali, and most visitors head here for a stay at one of the many luxury beach resorts. Visitors looking for relaxation can chill out by the pool, walk along the beaches, or indulge in spa treatments. Those looking for more adventure can choose from surfing, sailing, yachting, snorkeling, SCUBA, kayaking, paddle boarding, dolphin-watching, windsurfing, jet skiing, and parasailing.
Inland in central Bali, is the cultural region of Ubud. You can visit the workshops of artisans who create beautiful paintings and ornate carved wooden sculptures. There are also many galleries, museums, and art markets. Yoga studios and spas are plentiful here as well. The streets of downtown Ubud are lined with boutiques, restaurants, and bars, making for a fun day of shopping and dining. A highlight of Ubud for many is Ubud’s Monkey Forest, home to hundreds of playful and sometimes naughty long-tailed macaques.
Eastern and northern Bali are less-visited than the rest of the island. Visiting these regions is a great way to get away from the crowds to enjoy tranquil beaches, sleepy towns, and dolphin-sight-seeing. The waters off the coasts here also have some of the best diving and snorkeling spots on the island. They are rich in marine biodiversity with pristine coral gardens flourishing with vibrant marine life.
Our travel advisors will work with you to customize the perfect luxury Bali itinerary based on your tastes and interest. Bali has a wide selection of luxury hotels and resorts to suit any style and preference. Below is our recommendations for designing your trip to paradise:
Days 1 to 4: Ubud - Cultural Treasures
Days 5 - 11: Bali - Southern Beaches
Day 12: Depart
1. Visit Ubud - Ubud is considered the cultural center of the island.
2. Tour Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), Yeh Pulu Temple, Tirta Empul Temple, Saraswati Temple and more.
3. Enjoy shopping and dining in Ubud and take a walk through the Monkey Forest.
4. Spend time relaxing on Bali's great beaches
5. Get active with surfing, snorkeling, diving, and more.
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