Why Go to Bali – The Island of Temples

These days, going to Bali has become a classic of international tourism. It's by far the most visited island in Indonesia, and it's easy to see why. Despite the crowds of holidaymakers who pack it out year-round, its cultural heritage and lush nature remain exceptional. Spiritual Hindu temples, typical of the island, can be found just about everywhere. Travelers can simply admire them or take the time to join the many traditional ritual ceremonies they host. Out in the countryside, the rice terrace landscapes are stunning and will do wonders for your Instagram feed. As for the sea, there's really no need to say more. The area is packed with paradise beaches and diving spots well worth the detour. Most towns are geared toward night owls who love going out to have fun, but there are also quieter spots away from the buzz.

Dance Performance at Pura Luhur Uluwatu

Perched on a cliff 70 meters above the Indian Ocean, Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali's most iconic temples, offering an extraordinary view over the Bukit Peninsula. Simply walking the path around it is a treat for the eyes. Inside the temple, an open-air Kecak dance performance is staged every evening at 6pm. If you're lucky enough to take part, you'll watch a choreographed tale drawn from the legends of the Indian Ramayana as the sun slowly sets over the stage. Dozens of macaques will watch the show alongside you and will try to snatch your phone the moment you look away, so stay alert. A stop in this southern region will also let you enjoy some of Bali's finest beaches, such as Padang Padang, Nyang Nyang, Dreamland, Gunung Payung, and Geger.

Gamelan Concert at Pura Taman Saraswati

Built right in the heart of Ubud in honor of the Hindu goddess of knowledge, literature, and the arts, Pura Taman Saraswati temple is famous for its soothing lotus pond, crossed by a stone footbridge. Unlike Pura Luhur Uluwatu, where the dance is performed a cappella, this religious complex also hosts dancers, but here they move to the rhythm of the gamelan, an ensemble of 100% authentic traditional Indonesian instruments. Wearing a sarong, a long skirt-like garment that covers the legs, is required on site. Don't worry if you don't own one — you can rent one at the entrance. More broadly, Ubud is Bali's artistic capital and offers painting lovers an impressive number of galleries, museums, and other exhibition spaces to explore to your heart's content.

Hiking Mount Batur

If you're hoping to see a volcano on your next trip to Bali, Mount Batur is clearly the best option. Easy to climb with a guide, the ascent takes no more than two hours and can be done at night so you can fully enjoy the sunrise over the moon-like landscape of Kintamani's black lava field. This long stretch of volcanic debris is what remains of the violent eruption that struck in 1963. It can also be explored by jeep, a great alternative for anyone who wants to feel immersed in an end-of-the-world atmosphere without the effort. More athletic travelers can instead take on Mount Agung, a sacred volcano revered by the Balinese located nearby. This one calls for some experience and excellent physical fitness, since this fiery giant's 2,200 meters of elevation gain aren't easy to climb.

A Walk Through the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

The Balinese people were originally farmers, and harmony with nature remains a core part of their philosophy. The Jatiluwih rice terraces are the perfect example of this special connection. There, the various crops are irrigated by an ingenious network of canals and dams managed by the farmers themselves. Rent a bike for the day and ride out among the plots to see for yourself how the locals work the land. Well-marked, well-maintained paths have been specifically laid out to make things easy for visitors. It's an invigorating, safe outing suitable for the whole family, even with young children.

Dolphin Watching in Lovina

Along with Pemuteran, Menjangan, and Amed, Lovina is one of the parts of Bali still spared from mass tourism, making it a peaceful place to go diving, far from the buzz of the south. This town's biggest draw is dolphin watching. Aboard a traditional boat called a jukung, curious explorers set out every morning at dawn for the chance to meet these charming creatures, which are notoriously hard to approach. Just be careful which operator you hire for this outing, as some don't follow the rules in place and pose a real danger to the animals' survival. In particular, it's forbidden to chase dolphins or get closer than 25 meters to them, in order to protect their wellbeing. We can recommend ethical diving centers that will let you experience this unique moment safely and responsibly, so don't hesitate to get in touch.

The Downsides of Bali

Presented on social media as paradise on earth, Bali has unfortunately become a victim of its own success. Millions of tourists flock to the island year-round, making some areas thoroughly overcrowded. If you're after escape and adventure off the beaten track, destinations like Kalimantan, the Moluccas, or Sulawesi are a better fit. On the other hand, if having your next-door neighbor on the same beach as you doesn't bother you, Bali will suit you just fine. On top of that, modernity is also starting to reshape the island, and you'll need to plan your itinerary carefully if you still want to feel like you've truly gotten away.