Bali
Bali is an Indonesian island known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs. The island is home to religious sites such as cliffside Uluwatu Temple. To the south, the beachside city of Kuta has lively bars, while Seminyak, Sanur and Nusa Dua are popular resort towns. The island is also known for its yoga and meditation retreats.
The southern tip is also world-renowned for its prime surfing spots such as Padang Padang and Uluwatu. Further inland is Ubud, a hill town known for its spa treatments, yoga and ecotourism, which may include a trip to a monkey preserve. Ringing the island are coral reefs teeming with sea life, making it a hot spot for scuba diving. You can also get a taste of Balinese culture at a gamelan percussion performance or one of thousands of Hindu temples, which feature intricate sculpture and regular festivals.
Popular Places to Visit
Kuta
Ubud
Denpasar
Kintamani
Lovina Beach
Jimbaran
When to Visit
Peak travel periods include Jul–Aug and mid-Dec–early Jan. The tropical climate is hot and humid year-round, extremely humid during the rainy season (Oct–Mar) and less so in the dry season (Apr–Sep). Balinese New Year, or "Nyepi", (dates vary) is observed with 24 hours of silence and fasting. The religious festivals of Galungan and Kalingang (dates vary) are celebrated with dancing, feasts and elaborately decorated bamboo poles. The Bali Arts Festival (Jun) has traditional dances, music and night markets.