Bali Tourism Guide

Introduction

A tropical state of mind awaits you in Bali. With its breezy beaches, swaying palm trees and quirky beach shacks, the agenda of Bali tourism is to simply do nothing but chill out. Of course, its volcanic mountains, seashores dotted with coral reefs and iconic rice paddies will surely tempt you to feel active. And as for the vibrant nightlife, suffice to know that sleep will be the farthest thing on your mind. The Balinese population will surely win you over with their broad smiles and their ready warmth, so you never feel out of place. Fact is, Bali tourism is a vacation that you want to keep going back to, even when copious amounts of work stare you in the face. This is an island like no other. 

History of Bali 

Bali’s history was marked by the arrival of the Europeans in the 16th century. The Europeans arrived soon after the migration of people and cultures from various parts of Asia. Traces of the Stone Age can be found as early as 250,000 years ago. The earliest traces of human existence and exhibits of bones as old as 4,000 years are preserved at the Museum of Manusia Purbakala Gilimanuk. These artefacts declare the beginning of the Bronze age in Bali before 300 BC. Legends say that Hinduism was embraced by the island in 7th century AD. The earliest records were inscriptions on a stone pillar in Santur, going way back to the 9th century. By this time, the Balinese were deeply rooted in their rich cultural and artistic traditions. Today, Bali is the only surviving Hindu island in the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. If you wish to know more about Bali’s history, a local Bali tour guide will certainly enlighten you with some tales of the past. 

5 facts you probably didn’t know about Bali

1. The coffee connoisseurs out there are in for a treat! Bali is home to the most atypical coffee bean - Kopi Luwak. However, be prepared to loosen your purse strings since Luwak is the world’s most expensive coffee.
2. Beaches in Bali are not your usual golden stretches of sand but covered with blankets of black instead. Hence, do not forget to include Lovina beach in your Bali city tour itinerary if you wish to witness black sand from the cold lava of the Mt Agung volcano.
3. Since Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, the tourism industry is the bread and butter of more than 80% of the island’s population. 
4. While New Year celebrations are synonymous with cheers, countdowns and endless chatter; the Balinese New Year starts with a Day of Silence.
5. Babies are little angels and Bali takes this statement way too seriously. Bali babies are not allowed to touch the ground and are carried everywhere, the first few months of their lives. 

People of Bali 

Gentle faces and kind eyes characterize the people in Bali. The Balinese are fun, friendly and fierce. They stride with pride, since they belong to the only Hindu island in the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. As you walk past them, you will notice that they are not the ones to stop and stare. People in Bali are curious and love to start a conversation. They will ask about your whereabouts and tickle you with their sense of humour. They are easy going, laid back and might bombard with you a lot of questions, but that’s only because they want to get to know you better. We recommend you dedicate a full day in Bali just getting to know the locals!

Language of Bali

The native language of Bali is identified as Balinese. Bali or Balinese is spoken by around 3.3 million people. Since this tropical paradise attracts tourism from countries all over the world, the English language is commonplace in areas like Ubud, Sanur and Seminyak. The hotel and restaurant staff in Bali can communicate in this language while the locals manage speaking broken English. A major highlight of your Bali tourism experience will be signboards with quirky translations that will certainly make you chuckle! Note that tour guides usually charge extra if they know more than just English. 

Weather of Bali 

Bali is gifted with a tropical climate throughout the year. However, the best time to visit this island is during the months of May, June and September. This time of the year coincides with the best weather, when it is not as humid but drier and last-minute bookings are also possible. If you are in the mood for an adventure tour in Bali, you can engage in activities such as snorkeling and diving. 

Currency in Bali

Bali trades in the currency of Indonesian Rupiah where 1 IDR= 0.0051 INR (Indian Rupee). Note that ATMs can be found everywhere in Bali. However, do carry cash with you if you plan to travel to remote areas to make your Bali trip hassle-free. If you are looking for an estimation of the amount of cash you will need to carry, note that Rs 30,000-35,000 should be enough for a seven-day trip. While tipping in Bali is appreciated, it is not necessary. If you are worried about exchanging currency for your Bali trip, your travel guide SOTC shall arrange the same for you. 

How to reach Bali 

For obvious reasons, the easiest way to travel Bali from India is by air. The Ngurah Rai International Airport in South Bali is well connected to major international airports across the country. The distance between India and Bali is approximately 5829 kms with a duration of 9 hours to reach the destination. International airlines that take you to Bali are Emirates, Dragonair, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines. Nonstop flights are available from Mumbai to Bali via Garuda Indonesia airlines. If you are travelling from other major cities, keep in mind that you will only find connecting flights to this tourist destination. However, you can also take a flight from India to Singapore and then head to Bali by air. Your travel guide, SOTC will make sure to provide you with the ultimate Bali tour package just the way you would like. If you don’t want to burn a hole in your pocket, plan your visit in Bali during the low tourist season. 

Sightseeing in Bali

Bali is known for its breezy beaches with the omnipresence of the sweet summer air that constantly caresses your face. However, there is more to Bali than just its beaches. If you are looking for things to do in Bali, there are a plenty of sightseeing tour options in store for you. Bali is dotted with ancient temples, quaint villages and sloping rice terraces. If you are a history enthusiast, visit the Uluwatu Temple perched atop monumental seaside cliffs in South Kuta. This Balinese Hindu sea temple is deemed to be one of Bali’s spiritual pillars. Milky white foam laps against the cliffs where this majestic temple stands tall. ‘Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink’, this is what you will be reminded of as you stand at the edge of this temple overlooking blankets of emerald blue waters. You will be awestruck by Bali’s dense, green forests that are also home to hundreds of playful monkeys. Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest to say hello the mischievous monkeys of Bali! People visit this spot simply to enjoy the many sounds of nature, the fresh cool air and of course the company of notorious monkeys. If you are curious about the way of life of the Balinese along with their cultures and customs, visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Take in the crisp village air as you saunter along sloping rice paddies and converse with the locals. These terraced rice fields are one of the most frequented tourist attractions in Bali.  

Activities in Bali

This golden island in Indonesia offers you a list of things to do with your family. Bali’s buzzing street markets, thriving wildlife and thrilling watersports are some of the things to do and explore, to name a few. If you are an adventure enthusiast, Bali does not fall short of things to do to get your adrenalin pumping. Try surfing amidst gentle waves in Kuta Beach. If you are a novice or a beginner, you can always sign up for a surf lesson. Otherwise, relax on the cushiony sands as you sip on a light, cold beverage. Indulge in scuba diving in Amed, a quiet village on the black sand coast in East Bali. If you are longing for an authentic Balinese experience, this is the place to be. Experience a day in the lives of Balinese fishermen as you hop on to a traditional wooden sailboat and embark on a boat ride to reach your diving site. 

Would you rather witness the exquisite sunrise from Mount Batur in silence as you ponder over life? This, however, comes at a price. A hike to Mount Batur proves to be extremely rewarding. An adventurous hike in the dark awaits you if you wish to watch the sunrise at the summit. Mount Batur is a volcano and has been every adventure seeker’s and nature- lover’s favourite sunrise spot since years. This adventure spot is hence a classic in all Bali holiday packages.

Shopping in Bali

If you are looking to take back some Balinese souvenirs and essentials, head to the bustling streets of Canggu village laden with boutiques and surf shops from Saturday to Sunday till 5 pm. Look out for the open-air weekend bazaar that comprises Balinese mementos, luxurious leather goods and quirky jewelry. You can also feast on hot pizzas, rich smoothies and lip-smacking burgers to fuel yourself up. If you are looking for handmade soups and jams, head to Kou Bali and Kou cuisine in Ubud that comprises natural soaps and aromatic bath salts. Marvel at the cutesy soaps as small as marshmallows and wrapped like candies! Head to Kou cuisine and to take back home some fresh handmade jam with exotic flavours such as milk caramel or an intriguing combination of pineapple and guava! 

Nightlife in Bali 

Bali’s nightlife is electric with an infectious air of anticipation all around. Party into the wee hours of the night or simply chill as you watch the sunset at quirky beach shacks and bars. Life after dark in Bali is one big party! Head to Kuta, Legian and Seminyak reputed to be the hub of nightlife in Bali with their rooftop bars, rows of nightclubs and pubs. If you are not a party person and wish to spend a quiet night with your significant other, head to the areas of Nusa Dua, Ubud or Sanur. Nightlife in this tropical paradise is hence one of the major highlights of all Bali honeymoon packages. If you wish to shop till you drop, visit the wealth of night markets in Bali better known as pasar malam or pasar senggol. Markets in Sanur, Kereneng, Gianyar and Badung satiate your late-night food cravings, selling local food, titbits at some surprisingly low prices. Want to witness a traditional Balinese dance performance after a late dinner? Watch lively dance troupes donning intricately designed costumes narrate a story with their moves. Be it local folktales or ancient Hindu epics, Bali has many stories to tell.