Indonesia is located between the Indian and Pacific oceans and is the biggest island country in the world, made up of thousands of islands. There are over 263 million people living in Indonesia but Bali is the top tourist destination. People flock to this province because of the tropical weather, picturesque views, and the serenity of nature.
If you’ve never considered visiting Bali, here are 6 reasons why you should, ASAP!
Gorgeous Scenery
Bali is perfect for those who crave an aesthetic fix while abroad. The beaches are absolutely stunning with shorelines to patch. Head to Seminyak Beach for hiking or Padang Padang Beach for epic views. Keramas Beach is amazing for its black volcanic sands. With beaches like these, you’ll never run out of beautiful sun, sand, and sea to take in.
Visit Any Time Of The Year For Hot Weather
While most places have a cold season, Bali is consistency hot, with an average temperature of 82 degrees-Fahrenheit. The only thing you’ll have to consider is if you want to visit during the dry or wet season.
If you want to travel during the dry season, May and September would be the best times. However, if you don’t mind humidity, traveling between January and March will land you the best deals on hotels and excursion packages.
Balinese Art And Culture
A top reason to visit Bali is to see their culture first-hand. Balinese dance performances tell the stories of their culture through the movement of the dancer’s hands, feet, and face. You’ll also be able to listen to traditional Balinese music.
Festivals you should definitely plan to attend are the Balinese New Year, Ubud Food Festival, Bali Art Festival, Bali Kite Festival, Bali Spirit Festival or Odalan (village temple festival).
You’ll be able to take home parts of Balinese art and culture through purchasing handmade silver jewelry, wood sculptures, paintings, weaved crafts or Batik prints.
Locally-Sourced Coffee
Indonesia is a huge exporter of coffee with coffee production occurring in Kintamani, located between two active volcanoes. Coffee is grown in Bali by local farmers but it is referred to as “The most expensive coffee in the world”, Luwak coffee. The beans are brewed from coffee cherries that makes its way through the digestive tract of a cat-like animal called a civet.
You can generally get amazing locally-sourced coffee in any cafe throughout Bali.
Hike An Active Volcano
Hire a reputable tour guide and head to Mount Batur, an active volcano (erupting every few years) where you can hike a 5,633-foot peak. The hike will take approximately two hours and is the perfect location to catch sunrise views.
If you’re not up for hiking, another option would be to visit a local village like Penelokan in Kintamani.
Since natural disasters do occur in Indonesia, it’s recommended to check travel advisories prior to hiking.
The Island Of A Thousand Temples
Be sure to wear a sarong while taking a bicycle tour, with a tour guide (of course), where you’ll riding through villages and seeing many temples. You’ll be able to leave offerings at the temples of items such as flowers, candy, incense, and cigarettes.
Notable temples are Tanah Lot, Ulun Danu, Gunung Lebah and Goa Lawah.
You’ll also observe Balinese Hindu temples all around Bali.