If you have ever felt the need to cleanse yourself, Bali is your bet. The temples, the paddy fields, the beaches, the surf, the nightlife, Bali offers diverse experiences for any type of traveller and, it only gets better with its spas, scuba diving at the coral reefs, lesser known islands, private cruise dinners and much more.
Even the Balinese culture is just as mesmerizing. Whether it be the local Legong dance or the colourful Kuta Carnival, Bali is a destination that goes deeper than the beauty of its landscape. A Balinese holiday is a daydream, every weary traveller indulges in, while he is trying to lead a normal life in between his vacations.
Getting Around
Cabs are easily available and one of the best options to go from one spot to another. You can also rent motorcycles, vintage or otherwise. Rented cars might not be available on Nusa Lembongan but there’s local transport available on the island that more than compensates for it. Getting around isn’t much trouble, though a scenic Bali demands that you explore some of it on foot too.
Kuta adds the crazy to every Bali Itinerary. It has the best beaches of the island, the wackiest restaurants, hotels and some of the most eccentric activities.
Kuta can be enjoyed from the air, with a helicopter ride and under the water with the coolest submarine ride. And just when you thought you couldn’t have more fun, the parties and music at its rooftop bars will sweep you off your feet. Kuta is a perfect dive in into the Balinese energy and includes the crème de la crème of the things to do in Bali.
Things To Do In Kuta:
1) Take a Submarine Ride or Walk on the Seabed
Get an exclusive view of the crystal waters of Bali and its thriving habitat. Odyssey Submarines can arrange a brilliant underwater tour for you, but if you want to get a little more up, close and personal go for Seawalker Bali.
2) Enjoy a Romantic Sunset at the Uluwatu Sea Temple
Picture credit: Jake Rice
3) Make your own Fragrance at L’atelier Perfumes and Creations
Some of the best perfumes in the world are made of Indonesian extracts and aromas. The workshops at L’atelier Perfumes and Creations give you a chance to create an amazing fragrance of your own!
4) Ride the Waves
Kuta has a string of beautiful beaches and waves that are perfect for pro and new surfers. Get some practice and lessons Odysseys Surf School or the Pro Surf School.
Picture credit: momo
Best Rated Places to Stay in Kuta
1) Marriott Autograph Collection The Stones Hotel: Rs. 11,000
2) Pool Villa: Rs.9,500
3) Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana Hotel: Rs. 7,000
Best Rated Places to Eat in Kuta
1) Potato Head Beach Club: Situated a little towards the north of Kuta, Potato Head is one of the most happening things to do in Bali. The Beach Club is perfect for a lazy day either by the pool of by the ocean sipping some custom made cocktails. Its restaurants are an absolute treat with some of the best Balinese cuisine and fresh sea food. Potato Head is enjoyed best after sunset with live DJs and a bar menu you can’t get enough of.
2) Bumbu Bali: Its Bamboo setting exemplifies the taste of its traditional Indonesian flavor. Conceptualized and created in tune with a local home courtyard, the restaurant serves exactly what it promises – delicacies that are created from local ingredients and recipes. This award-winning restaurant is the meal you’d been searching for in Bali.
3) Waka Floating Restaurant: Sunset dinner cruises are a must in Bali. The restaurant company picks you up from different points and provides extensive menu with an ambiance of a romantic solitude on the deck. Prior booking is recommended.
Places to Visit in Bali: Day Trip to Nusa Lembongan (Day 3)
Picture credit: Jimmy McIntyre
This island off the southern coast of Bali is intimate yet extensively luxurious. It is one of the rare yet coveted things to do in Bali. The amazement begins with the lovely cruise to the island and extends to boutique hotels and romantic restaurants. The island is also a surfers dream come true. It is almost like being deserted with a fabulous view and an even better cocktail menu. A perfect wrap to your Bali itinerary. The island is perfect for a day trip with cruises departing from Kuta and Sanur which is 30-mins away from Kuta.
Luxury Things to do in Nusa Lembongan
1) Cruise to the Island
Getting to the island is as much fun with exclusive luxury cruises from Bali Hai and Palau Luxury Charters.
Picture credit: Andrew Priest
2) Kayak through its Mangrove Forests
Picture credit: carol mitchell
3) Visit a Seaweed Farm
Picture credit: Aussie Assault
Best Places to Eat in Nusa Lembongan
1) The Deck Café and Bar: One can never get bored of an ocean view. This shack bar by the beach is a step away from Indonesian cuisine into some Western delights. If nothing else, the cocktail menu will surely keep you busy.
2) Hai Bar & Grill: A lively bar menu juxtaposed against its multi-cuisine food menu, makes it a perfect post sunset hangout. Get some freshly prepared seafood on the docks.
3) Sukanusa Bar & Restaurant: Sea-side bamboo huts are a common site here and Sukanusa outdoes most on the island with its lovely pastel décor and some fine Indonesian dishes.
Places to Visit in Bali: Ubud (Day 4&5)
Picture credit: Richard Vignola
Featured in the popular novel and movie “Eat, Pray, Love,” Ubud’s beauty far exceeds its reputation. After the massive success of the movie, it has risen to one of the top things to do in Bali, but yet managed to retain its distant and raw charm. These highlands covered with rice paddy steppes are nature’s cradle, a luxurious rejuvenation that will leave you feeling almost new. Ubud is a detox on your Bali itinerary. Everything here is inspired by the comfort of nature, its cuisine is prepared with organic ingredients, hotels and houses are crafted with local woods, and some of Asia’s best spas impress you with their natural healing techniques. Get lost in the enchanting Indonesian rainforests.
Luxury Things to do in Ubud
1) Get Home a Balinese Art Piece
Ubud is also an art and culture capital, with local artists creating masterpieces that worth the dime and time. Find the traditional at Adipati Soeryo Art Gallery and the modern at Reservo Art Gallery and everything in between at Oxel Art Painting.
Picture credit: Steel Wool
2) Take a plunge at the Tegenungan Waterfall
Picture credit:Tony Frantz
3) Block some Spa Time
An absolute must, if you need a modern therapies head to Spa at Maya or the DaLa Spa. For more indigenous and traditional massages opt for Kush Ayurvedic Rejuvenation or Bodyworks Center.
Picture credit: roaming-the-planet
4) A Spiritual Escapade to the Water Temple (Pura Taman Saraswati)
Picture credit: Dan Nguyen
Amazing Places to Stay in Ubud
1) Kupu Kupu Barong Villas & Spa by L'Occitane: Rs. 11,000
2) Alam Ubud Culture Villa And Residence: Rs. 9600
3) Honeymoon Villa: Rs. 8500
Best Rated Places to Eat in Ubud
1) Mozaic: Award-winning French fusion cuisine with a romantic pavilion setting and four lavish tasting menu with surprises in store for you. Mozaic is premium dining for the gourmet lovers.
2) Swept Away: A riverside lit with candles, this restaurant can inspire a fairytale. Its wooden terrace gives a surreal view of the river and the cool breeze is the perfect appetizer. The dining experience here truly reflects in the name. If you are looking for romantic things to do in Bali, this should surely feature in your list.
3) Sari Organik: Dine amidst the luscious green paddy fields with a menu that is good for your body. A perfect lunch spot after a healing day at the spa, the dishes here are prepared from organic ingredients. Eat guilt-free!
All prices are approximate and as updated on 12 March 2016.
Kuta is a surfer's paradise and the party lover's favourite stop in Bali. Everything about Kuta is out of the ordinary, be it the ornate bars and restaurants or the scenic views. A lazy day by the beach and a crazy night at the beach bar, Kuta is an experience over just a destination.
This beautiful island off the coast of Bali is a romantic adventure. With a luxury cruise, it will swwep you off the mainland to show you the richness and beauty of the local culture. The island is a secluded yet an encompassing experience with some great culinary delights and even better views.
Ubud takes you away from the beaches to the highlands, without leaving behind any Balinese beauty. Its paddy covered hills will grab your attention just like its sand covered beaches. Ubud is where you will meet the locals, away from the tourist-infused districts. A complete Eat, Pray, Love experience.