Except for rich cultural landmarks, beautiful landscapes, and natural wonders, Bali is a small island full of surprises and unique adventures that could fill your bucket list in express time.
Have you ever wanted to try something completely different, even crazy to think about? Look no further, here is a list of 10 most incredible experiences to have in Bali.
//1// Watch sunrise on top of the volcano
There are not many experiences that can compare to watching sunrise on top of an active volcano. Mt. Batur is one of Bali’s sacred mountains standing at 1770 meters. The hike starts at 2 am (yikes!) and takes around 2,5 hours. It is pretty tough, taking into account that you are still a half asleep zombie under the pressure of time. But it definitely is one of the most beautiful views that you can get of Bali and neighbor island. On the top, you will have breakfast, but don’t get too excited – it is just a pancake, a banana, and one boiled egg. There are also cute and friendly monkeys that live in the bushes and come out if you want to share some food with them. You can read my whole experience here.
//2// Get wet in a temple
Tirta Empul, also known as the Holy Water Temple, is a place of worship for the Hindus. It is a popular belief that bathing in this spring will bring good fortune and health. Also, it is very refreshing on a hot summer day.
Try the purification bathing ritual yourself by entering clear water pond and dipping your head under the water springs. Learn more about Indonesia with this list of interesting facts!
//3// Walk around the rice fields
If there were one thing about Bali that is not to be missed, it would be rice fields. Lush, green terraces extending on the horizon is a must see! There are many rice fields in rural areas of Bali. One of the most popular ones is Tegalalang, while one of the biggest ones is the Jatiluwih. I highly recommend that you visit the Jatiluwih rice fields as the place is way less crowded and touristy.
//4// Try Luwak coffee
Not sure how to explain this so that I will go straight to the point. Kopi Luwak is a coffee made from poop! No kidding! Moreover, it is one of the most expensive coffees in the World. Whaaat? I was quite reluctant to try this coffee, not only because of its creation process but also because I was feeling sorry for the poor Luwak (civet cat) who live in captivity at the coffee plantation. Anyway, if you decide to try it, go to Bali Pulina – a coffee place with incredible views over rice terraces. They let you try 8 different coffee and tea types completely for free. If you would like to have a cup of the famous Luwak Coffee, it will cost you about 4 US dollars (50k rupee).
//5// Get close to the monkeys
The best place to see macaques monkeys is Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest. There are 700 monkeys living there as the guards of the temples situated inside the forest.
You might think: “oh, monkeys are cute!”, but let me set you straight. Monkeys are creatures not to be loved. They might seem cute but the moment after they will be stealing your iPhone, camera, water bottle or anything that you own. I even saw a monkey eating earrings out of woman’s ears!
For 2 nights, I stayed at Champung Sari Hotel, just next to the monkey forest. At first, I was delighted to see monkeys playing happily in the garden. Oh, how naive was I… The moment I decided to eat breakfast on the terrace, I was chased by 3 monkeys and had to quickly make my way back to the room, where I could see through the window how much the monkeys enjoyed my meal…
//6// Watch Balinese traditional dance
Immerse yourself in Balinese culture by taking part in the local dance show. For the best experience, go to Lotus Cafe in Ubud, where every day (except Friday) different dance is performed. I went to Legong dance characterized by intricate finger movements, complicated footwork, expressive gestures and facial expressions. I even got picked from the audience to dance with performers on the stage!
//7// Try new water sports
Bali is the number one surfing spot in South East Asia. It offers beaches for every skill level. If you fancy trying new water sport, why not doing it on Bali? It is really affordable and professional. For the best surfing spots, check out Uluwatu, Kuta, Canggu or Nusa Dua.
//8// Practice yoga at the beach
Reset your mind and body on this spiritual island. What a better way to do it than practicing yoga overlooking the ocean or green rice fields? Bali offers a community of yogi to connect with, as well as peacefulness and privacy of the island.
//9// Pamper yourself in spa
This might have been my favorite thing to do in Bali. Ok, I am just kidding, but seriously, massage and all the beauty treatments are so affordable on the island that it is almost a crime not to pamper yourself after and before a long flight.
//10// Eat everything
Talking about resetting your mind and body, try also to reset your eating habits. Bali is high on healthy food and vegetarian restaurants. It offers delicious food, macrobiotic options, raw eating, vegan and all kind of hipster cafes. Just eat, eat, eat!
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