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Best of Bali: Top 12 Things to See and Do in Bali

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Padang-Padang-Bali-Indonesia, Indonesia Travel guide
Photo by Russell Pike

As tends to happen with most world-famous destinations, there’s a lot of divided opinion when it comes to Bali travel. Some say that the famed island destination is overrated – crowded and full of tourist traps to be avoided. Others count Bali amongst the must-visit destinations of the world.

So which is truth? It all comes down to how you experience this lovely little paradise. Here’s our list of the Best of Bali, in the form of the top 10 things to see and do that will make you fall in love with this beautiful island.

Bali Must-Do #1. Explore the Temples of Bali

Bali is known as the “island of a thousand temples.” You probably won’t have time to see them all, but no trip to Bali is complete without visiting a few. Check out our Bali travel tips for proper temple-visiting etiquette and get to exploring!

Here are a few of the most noteworthy temples:Besakih Temple (Mother Temple)Besakih Temple, BaliAway from the busy throngs and crowds of the south and central Bali, there lies the beautiful and yet-off-the-beaten-path region of eastern Bali. East Bali is a paradise for nature lovers with abundant rainforests, rice terraces, mountains, active volcanoes, and spectacular diving spots, but a huge reason for coming here is to visit the Besakih Temple.
This collection of temples is considered one of the most important temples in Bali and is thought to be over 1000 years old. You can find them in the village of Besakih, close to Mount Agung. When Mount Agung erupted in 1963, killing 1700 people, the lava flows missed the temple by just a few meters – an event that’s still seen as a miracle and a sign from the gods.

Pura Tanah Lot (Tanah Lot Temple)

Tanah Lot TempleTanah Lot is quite possibly the most famous of Bali’s temples and without a doubt, one of the most photographed of the island’s many temples. Perched on a rock just off the coast of the island, the view of the temple is spectacular, especially at sunset.

Tanah Lot means “Land in the Middle of the Sea,” which it is at high tide. Try to get to the lovely place during low tide for the experience of walking across the water to the temple.

Pura Luhur (Uluwatu) Temple

Uluwatu Temple, BaliAbsolutely striking, Pura Luhur is a Balinese Sea Temple at Uluwatu, Bali. As one of Bali’s ‘directional temples,’ it sits atop a large, rugged limestone cliff in all its dramatic grandeur, guarding Bali against evil spirits from the southwest.

Built in the 11th century, Pura Luhur is one of the most spectacular temples in Bali, as well as the most accessible for most Bali travelers. It’s located in the Bukit Peninsula of South Bali, which is a short 30-minute cab ride from the touristy area of Kuta Beach.

Climb to the top – 70 meters above the Indian Ocean – for absolutely striking views all around.

Bali Must-See #2. Watch Dolphins Play off the Coast of North Bali

Head to the town of Lovina on Bali’s beautiful northern coast to find yourself in a totally different Bali: quiet black sand beaches and a slow, traditional pace of life. This little town is one of the best spots in the world to see dolphins playing in nature.

Lovina beach dolphins

There are several dolphin sighting boat trips that take off around dawn to seek out schools of dolphins gleefully jumping through the beautiful seas off Bali’s northern coast.

Bali Must-See #3. Catch a Performance of Wayang Kulit

Wayang Kulit, or the ancient shadow plays, of Bali is a show not to be missed. Designated a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, this shadow puppet theater is absolutely enchanting, full of ancient sounds from unique instruments not found anywhere else.

wayang kulit

Accompanying dance interpretations include spiritual and dramatic storytelling elements that you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Nothing in the world looks or sounds quite like a performance of Wayang Kulit – get thee to one of these shows.

Fun fact: It’s clear the Balinese are masters in art, theater, and handicrafts…yet there is no word for ‘art’ in Balinese!

Bali Must-Do #4. Soak in the Healing Waters of Tirta Empul

A Balinese temple in its own class, Tirta Empul is famous for the sacred spring that feeds the temple, providing holy water for priests and bathing for Balinese people who believe that a dip in its healing waters can bring good fortune and health.

tirta empul temple

Legend has it that the god Indra created the spring Tampaksiring as an antidote to a poisonous spring created by an evil demon king. In reality, Tirta Empul was built around 962 AD at a site where there happened to be a large water spring.

We prefer the former story 🙂

Bali Must-Do #5. Explore the Beaches of Bali

From the party hardy beaches of Kuta to the the private beaches of Nusa Dua to the quiet black sand beaches of Lovina, there is a lot of beach hopping to be done in Bali.

Photo by Russell Pike
Photo by Russell Pike

Given the volcanic nature of Bali, black sand is the norm here but you can still find plenty of beaches in the south with fine, white sand. It can be a challenge, however, finding a beach that has the right balance of lots of beauty, a lack of crowds, and calm, swimmable waters.

In general, beaches that are pretty, safe for swimming and relatively quiet are located around Jimbaran Bay and Nusa Dua in the south. Virtually all of the north coast beaches are safe for swimming and quiet.

Bali Must-Do #6. Climb Atop a Volcanic Mountain

Had your fill of soaking up the sun and ready for some action? Take a trek up to the top of one of Bali’s volcanic mountains. At the northeastern regions of Bali, hikers can trek to the top of Mount Batur where they’ll be rewarded with views into the crater and the crystal clear waters of Lake Batur.

Mount Agung at Sunrise

For hardcore trekkers, East Bali also offers the chance to climb the majestic Mount Agung. The trek takes around 8 to 10 hours, typically starting around 1 in the morning and reaching the top in time to catch a stunning sunrise with spectacular view of Bali all-around.

Bali Must-Do #7. Indulge in a Spa Treatment

With a huge variety of spa treatments available amidst stunning scenery, Bali is absolute paradise for spa lovers. Relax at one of the countless spa retreats and pamper yourself with the Balinese lulur body scrub, which is traditionally performed before weddings.

Bali_massage

If you’ve just returned from an arduous mountain trek, perhaps you’ll want to try Balinese massage, an oil massage involving long, soothing, Swedish-style strokes. You can follow up the massage with a decadent body scrub and even yogurt body mask.  Go ahead and splurge – the whole treatment will only cost you around 150,000 IDR ($15 USD) at a local spa.

Bali Must-See #8. Experience a Local Balinese Funeral Ceremony

Going to a funeral may not be on the top of your list of things to do on vacation, but if you’re lucky enough to be invited to witness one a Balinese cremation ceremony – GO!

It is one of the most spectacular events you’ll ever witness. This ceremony, known as Ngaben, has its origins in Hinduism but differs considerably from the practices in India.  The idea behind the cremation is that the body must be burned to set the soul free from worldly ties and to start a new life in the afterlife.

Bali Hindu funeral ceremony

The whole village will take part in the elaborate funeral processions when the body of the deceased is carried to the cremation place, a beautifully colorful temple-like structure called Wadah, and the body is shaken and turned along the way to make sure the soul doesn’t find its way back home.

Click here for a great, personal experience of a Hindu cremation ceremony.

 

Bali Must-See #9. The Rich Green Rice Paddies of Bali

Away from the coast, Bali’s landscape gives way to lush verdant rice paddies that are a must-see while in Bali. In some areas, the paddies transform into dramatic sculpted terraces with intricate designs that can be stared at for hours.

jatiluwih rice paddies

The most beautiful rice paddies can be found in East Bali around Tirta Gangga as well as on the center of the island around Ubud. As for rice paddies that must not be missed – plan a trip to the Jatiluih Rice Terraces. They are absolutely stunning, vividly green, and cover every surface in rich, luscious green.

The best part? There are hardly any tourists here – you’ll get a glimpse of rural Bali in all its natural, serene glory.

Bali Must-Do #10. Try a Cup of Kopi Luwak

Most commonly known as the “most expensive coffee in the world,” Kopi Luwak hails from Indonesia – if you’re in Bali, this is a great place to give it a try.

kopi luwak

What makes this coffee so special? Well, the coffee beans are eaten, partly digested and then excreted by the Common palm civet. The internal digestion – only the soft outer part of the coffee bean is digested – apparently adds a unique flavor to the beans, removing the bitter flavor and giving the coffee a deep, flavorful taste that is unparalleled in any other coffee.

This is a definite must-try…if you can get over its unique making process.

To get a glimpse of how the world-famous Kopi Luwak is made – and see the stars in this coffee-making process (i.e. the civet cats themselves) – take a trip to Bali Pulina to tour the expansive coffee plantation there and have a mind-blowing coffee experience. It’s just 7-kilometers from Ubud…

Bali Must-Do #11. Enjoy Art, Culture, Health and Wellness in Ubud

Speaking of Ubud…this lush, green town at the heart of Bali is a must-visit. The central part of Bali is also the cultural heart and you’ll have the opportunity to experience plenty of traditional Bali culture here with dance shows, concerts and kecak fire shows every night of the week.

Ubud is also a famed arts and crafts hub with countless artists’ workshops, galleries, and stores where you can pick up exquisite Balinese art and handicrafts.

shopping in Ubud

Another huge reason to go to Ubud is for its reputation as a center of health, wellness and spirituality. The town is home to several top-notch yoga and meditation retreats with world-class yoga instructors and health nuts will be ecstatic at the wide range of health and wellness foods readily available in these parts.

Check out the local fresh market selling a huge variety of local fruits, vegetables and even edible flowers!

bali_fresh_market

Bali Must-Do #12. Explore Bali Underwater

There’s a lot to see in Bali and much of it is underwater. Bali has some of the best dive spots in all of Indonesia – explore the well-protected Marine National Park in northwest Bali to swim with colorful fish in crystal clear waters or head to northeast Bali to the popular dive spots around Tulamben. Check out wreck diving in Amed in northeast Bali of if you have a few days, check out diving in the Gili Islands for a chance to swim with sea turtles, reef sharks, and stingrays! (read more about Gili Islands)

Make sure you have travel insurance and enjoy the heck out of this paradise while you’re here! Happy traveling!

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Top 10 Bali Travel Tips for the Bali First-Timer

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Kuta Beach, Indonesia Travel guide

As the most visited island in all of Indonesia, Bali has a very developed tourist industry and is very first-timer friendly. This famed Island of the Gods, covered in lush green landscapes, fringed with spectacular beaches and populated by friendly, beautiful inhabitants offers something for every traveler and amongst the world-class surfing, diving, and the range of cultural, historical and archaeological attractions, your stay in paradise is sure to be wonderful.

Bali beaches, Indonesia Travel Guide

That being said, traveling to a foreign land usually comes with unexpected surprises – some welcome and some not – and it’s best to be prepared. Here are the best Bali travel tips to ensure your stay here is nothing short of delightful!

Check out our Bali Travel Guide for basic Bali travel information and tips!

Bali Travel Tip #1. Know Where You Should Stay in Bali

It’s all about location, location, location. There’s no doubt about it – where you stay can make or break your vacation here. The most wonderful thing about Bali is that it offers a wide range of lifestyle and experiences depending on where you stay. If you want to party, the Kuta area of southern Bali is for you. Want something more upscale? Try Seminyak.

Bali map, Indonesia Travel guide

If it’s spirituality and wellness you’re after, you’ll want to head toward Ubud. Seeking serenity away from the beach crowds? The north coast of Bali is perfect. Traveling with family and safety your primary concern? The top-security resorts of Nusa Dua is your spot.

Make sure you choose a spot in Bali that corresponds to the type of vacation you’re looking for. Check out our area guide to Bali for an in-depth description of Bali’s various regions!

Bali Travel Tip #2. Getting in and Getting Around

Bring cash with you on your flight into Bali – you’ll need $25 USD per person for entry visas to be paid on arrival at Denpasar airport. Older $100 bills often won’t cut it – they only accept post-1997 $100 notes.

As for getting around Bali once you’re there – keep in mind that public transportation is pretty much non-existent here. Unless you plan on staying in the taxi-frequented areas of southern Bali, the best method of getting around is to rent a car or hire a car with a driver. To drive yourself, you’ll need a valid International Driver’s License, which you can easily pick up from your home country before you get here.

Also, it’s a good idea to get your IDL endorsed by the local police in Indonesia once you arrive. Most street cops are unaware of this, but the IDL is not actually legal without the Indonesian Police endorsement stamp. You most likely won’t need this, but it is possible to be legally implicated in the rare case of an accident or an insurance claim if the endorsement is not done. Considering all it takes to get an endorsement is around 15,000 IDR ($1.50 USD) and a walk to a local police station – you might as well take this extra precaution. It’s always better safe than sorry.

Remember to bring cash on your return flight out of Bali – there’s an exit tax of 150,000 IDR ($15 USD) per person.

Bali Travel Tip #3. Money Matters

The cheapest means of exchanging money while traveling is to withdraw money straight from your debit card while abroad.

Travel tip: For US residents, the best bank for international travel is without a doubt – Charles Schwab Bank. You can sign up for a checking account/debit card with them easily and you’ll be able to withdraw money from that debit card from anywhere in the world without incurring any ATM transaction fees.

If you’re looking to exchange money in Bali, use only authorized money changers with proper offices and always ask for a receipt. Our recommendation is PT Central Kuta and they have several outlets where you can exchange money – the rates are often better than at formal banks.

Don’t bother with the smaller currency exchange offices in shops – their advertised rates are nowhere near the rates you’ll actually get after dubious “commission” charges and the like.

Bali Travel Tip #4. Stay Clean

Outside the highly touristy regions of Kuta-Legian-Seminyak, you might find yourself frequenting more local-type restrooms, which usually don’t supply toilet paper. Bring toilet wipes with you!

Also, small restrooms out in the middle of nowhere don’t typically provide hand soap. Hand sanitizers are fantastic on-the-go soap replacements. Opt for an anti-bacterial, alcohol-based one and use it religiously.

There’s no need to pack either of these – you can pick both up from the shops and supermarkets around Bali.

Bali Travel Tip #5. Mind Your Manners

Nobody wants to be purposely rude, but in a foreign country where you’re unfamiliar with local customs and beliefs, it’s surprisingly easy to give offense without intending to. Take these precautions to make sure you don’t come off as a jerk while in Bali:

  • Don’t touch or give anything with your left hand. The Balinese traditionally don’t use toilet paper, using water to wash up instead. The left hand usually does the washing up and thus is considered “polluted” and should never be use to touch other people or give someone something.
  • Don’t point. This is usually considered rude in a lot of countries so many of you are already used to not doing this. If you need to beckon to someone, it’s best to use your whole hand.
  • Don’t intentionally step on offerings in the street. The Balinese put out canang sari every morning as an offering to the Creator. These little packages of woven palm leaves and filled with flowers, herbs, snacks and incense are everywhere. You’ll probably step in a few by mistake, but never purposely walk over one – it can be deeply offensive to any Balinese who witnesses it.
  • Don’t touch heads. The Balinese believe the soul resides in the head – making it off limits for people to touch.
  • Respect religious processions. This one is a no-brainer and sometimes requires patience, especially if you’re visiting Bali during high holy days like Nyepi. If you’re stuck behind a religious procession, take a deep breath and prepare to wait for it to pass – honking your horn or shouting for people to move is a very big no-no.
  • Temple manners…When visiting temples, there are a set of rules you should remember. First of all – dress modestly in shirts that cover shoulders, upper arms, and legs. Also, women who are menstruating, or people who have bleeding wounds, are considered impure and not allowed to enter the temples. Also, avoid using flash photography inside temples and never, under any circumstances, walk in front on praying Balinese.

Bali Travel Tip #6. Avoid Bali Belly

Many travelers experience an upset stomach at some point in their travels – not just in Bali – and this is generally from the changes in diet and activities. It’ll usually pass without much discomfort.

Bali Belly, on the other hand, is distinctly uncomfortable and will significantly put a damper on your vacation. Take the necessary precautions to make sure you avoid getting a case of Bali Belly during your stay in paradise:

  • Do NOT drink tap water. Go with bottled water only and avoid drinks with ice. Note: It’s important to stay hydrated in a tropical place like Bali so always make sure you have bottled water with you.
  • Brush your teeth with bottled water to be on the safe side.
  • Always clean hands before meals – use a hand sanitizer if the water in the bathrooms seems suspect.

Also, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Prepare in advance for any digestive upsets by stocking up on some charcoal tablets before your trip. You can take them as soon as you feel “off” to flush your system of whatever it’s acquired. We recommend Nature’s Way’s Activated Charcoal.

Another good prevention method is to start taking Probiotic tablets a week before your Bali trip and continue taking them throughout. We recommend New Chapter’s Probiotic – it’s totally milk-free and great for keeping your tummy health in check.

For a family with kids, the best Bali belly prevention method is some yummy raspberry juice – with at least 25% to 35% real juice. Mix it with around 25% raspberry cordial and 75% bottled water. Drink it throughout your trip!

Bali Travel Tip #7. Beach Safety

Bali’s beaches are beautiful and among the island’s top attractions, but they also pose a few risks. The most obvious – and common – is sunburn. As an island close to the equator, the sun here can be searing. Don’t forget to apply high-SPF sunscreen at all times and re-apply whenever you get out of the water. Another sun-related danger you should watch out for is sunstroke. This is a fairly common occurrence in the tropics and a lot of people mistake it for Bali Belly as some of the symptoms are similar. It can be easily avoided by making sure you stay in the shade and do your sun-baking in increments.

Kuta Beach, Indonesia Travel guide

Another beach safety concern is the water. The beaches on the southwestern part of Bali are known for dangerous rip tides and strong undertows. Dangerous beaches are marked with red flags – do not swim in these, they have strong currents that can sweep you out to sea.

Lastly, tsunamis are a danger with a very small possibility but a big risk. Ask your hotel about tsunami evacuation procedures or just find accommodations at least 150 feet above sea level and at least 2 miles inland. .

Bali Travel Tip #8. Getting Around Persistent Touts

Even more than Bali Belly, the potential dangers of Bali’s beaches, or the crowded roads, the number one most-cited annoyance of travelers to Bali are the incessantly persistent street hawkers and touts around the tourist centers of the island.

The good news is that this is usually only a problem in the heavily touristy areas like the southern parts of the island and central Ubud. If you’re staying in one of these areas and struggling with very persistent touts, the best way to keep it from ruining your vacation is to be polite but firm and carry on doing whatever you were doing.

Avoid the handshake – they’ll offer their hand and you might feel rude declining a handshake, but once you accept their offer of a handshake, you’re not going to get away easily – and definitely do not ask how much anything is.

The touts can be terribly annoying, but remember that they are people just trying to make a living any way they can and give them a brief smile and a firm “NO” and then busily continue on your way. Another helpful phrase is “Saya tidak punya uang” (I have no money).

Bali Travel Tip #9. Drugs and Alcohol

There’s a good chance you’ll be approached by seemingly harmless men on the street looking to sell you drugs like marijuana, ecstasy, and cocaine. Keep in mind that in many cases, these men are working with undercover police and once you agree to buy drugs, may arrest you in hope of a bribe or even worse – lengthy sentences in dilapidated Indonesian prisons.

You may also run into a few ads for magic mushrooms, especially around Kuta. Indonesian law is a bit unclear when it comes to shrooms, but considering that the whole country has been harsh on cracking down on drugs since 2004, it’s not worth the risk.

Avoid Bali’s drug scene at all costs.

As for alcohol, stick to what you know. Locally made spirits have caused casualties and even some fatalities in recent years, mostly due to methanol being used by locals as a cheap way of topping up their stock. Be very careful with locally-produced alcohol, especially Arak, and stick to alcohol brands that you know when ordering at bars or purchasing at minimarts or the like. If your drink tastes off, send it back.

Bali Travel Tip #10. Make Sure Your Travel Insurance is Current

Bali is generally safe to travel, but traveling, in general, comes with risks that you want to make sure you’re covered for. Travel insurance is a must.

And a few more tips to keep in mind…

Bag Helpers. When arriving in Bali, you may be approached by people dressed like airport officials who offer to take your bags for you and walk you through customs. Only accept this if you’re willing to give them a “tip” for their services.

Monkey Business. Monkeys are cute, but they’re also crazy. Be careful with your belongings around the monkeys that occupy many of Bali’s temples – they are very, very good at stealing things like glasses, cameras and handbags. Leave anything you don’t want to gift to the monkeys in the car. Also, there are people selling bananas you can give to these monkeys. Our recommendation is don’t buy the bananas. It’s one of those things that seem like a good idea…until you have a full-grown monkey clawing his way up your body to get at those bananas.

Timeshare Scams. Timeshare scams are commonplace in Bali. You might be approached by a friendly street canvasser or even cold-called at your hotel – even if the caller knows your name and nationality, just remember that they were probably tipped-off by someone who saw your data and politely declines their offer for a “prize” or a “holiday you’ve won.”

If you go along with them, you’ll be subjected to a very long, high-pressure sales presentation and if you actually buy the “holiday club” product – just know that timeshare is a completely unregulated industry in Indonesia.

Be Traffic Cautious. When people think of the dangers of visiting Bali, the first thing that comes to most minds is terrorism. Yet, the sad fact is that Bali’s roads are statistically far more dangerous than bombs. The traffic can be bad in touristy parts of Bali where foot traffic and street traffic commingle in a constant, hectic dance. There are hardly walkable sidewalks around the highly foot-trafficked areas of Kuta beach in southern Bali and combined with the lack of road rules, the chance of accidents is high.

Rabies. There have been a few recorded cases of rabies in Bali – avoid contact with dogs, cats, monkeys and other animals known to carry rabies. If bitten seek immediate medical attention.


Many of these tips may sound severe, but don’t let it put you off of Bali! Thousands of people travel to Bali every month and have a beautiful time, not coming across any of the potential hazards of this lovely island.
Keep the tips in mind, make sure you have travel insurance and enjoy the heck out of this paradise while you’re here! Happy traveling!

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An Area Guide to Bali, Indonesia

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Candidasa Beach, Indonesia Travel guide, Places other than Bali

Say Bali and most people think paradise. The island boasts stunning sunsets, sculpted rice terraces, temples on every corner, and an enthralling landscape full of lush jungles and blissful beaches.

Bali beaches

But the true beauty of this world-renowned island lies in the fact that Bali is an island paradise with many different faces.

Bali has a tendency to attract a wide range of travelers seeking a variety of experiences – the wonderful thing is that Bali offers something for everyone. The island is a surfer’s paradise and you can spend a few blissful weeks here on an oceanfront villa watching the waves roll in when you’re not riding them. But it could also be the spiritual seeker’s paradise, a beautiful island retreat on which to practice yoga and meditation in solitude while feasting on a diet of raw fruits and veggies.

bali_fresh_market

For some, Bali is a perpetual party in paradise. Spring breakers and party goers will find a treasure trove of wild nights to be had near or on the island’s beautiful beaches. But this same party island also offers romance and serenity for honeymoon couples looking to get away from it all as well as family-friendly fun and accommodations for parents with children.

A truly versatile paradise, there are many different Balis depending on who you are and what you’re seeking. Peruse through the area guide below to see which Bali jibes with you!

Check out this post for more Bali information and travel tips.

South Bali

South Bali is by far the most visited part of the island and the majority of the tourism industry is focused here. The infamous Kuta Beach is the most popular destination in southern Bali and draws huge crowds of mostly party-seeking tourists.

Kuta's Jalan Legian at sunset.
Kuta’s Jalan Legian at sunset.

Southern Bali is the spot you head to find low-to-middle budget accommodations, hordes of cafes and restaurants bustling with people, crowds of young tourists rushing to and from bars and beaches, and shops galore.

Although generally popular with tourists, all of south Bali is not the same.

South Bali map

Kuta:

The most well-known area in Bali, Kuta has been a popular stop on the classic backpacking route in Southeast Asia since the 80s. Originally discovered as a surfing paradise, Kuta’s long and broad Indian Ocean beach front still attracts some surfers but its visitors today are mostly young travelers from Australia in Kuta for its notorious party scene.

Kuta Beach

Kuta’s five-kilometer-long sandy beach is arguably the best beachfront in Bali, but it also tends to be full of sunbathers as well as beach vendors pushing massages, souvenirs, hair braiding, etc. This is undoubtedly Kuta’s biggest drawback – it is very touristy. The entire Kuta Beach area is full of often aggressive street hawkers and touts and loud tourists. That being said, Kuta’s biggest drawback is also its greatest advantage – the development of the tourism industry means a huge range of budget accommodations as well as a fantastic range of restaurants and shops.

Legian:

Located halfway between Kuta and Seminyak, Legian is a beachfront town that functions as a sort of “quieter Kuta.” Close to the touristy Kuta, Legian offers the same easy access to shops, bars, and nightlife but in a more relaxed and less chaotic setting. You can still find the low prices of Kuta here without most of the hassle, making Legian an increasingly popular place with travelers who want to party, shop, and mingle – without living in the middle of the hustle and bustle.

Seminyak:

As you move north from Kuta to Legian and then to Seminyak, it becomes progressively quieter and less frenetic. Seminyak is yet another beach town in south Bali but it distinguishes itself with more upmarket, luxury accommodations and high-end restaurants, bars, and shops.

Seminyak, Bali

The atmosphere is distinctly more sophisticated and laid-back than Kuta, making it a popular choice for the gliterrati wanting to hit up the swanky establishments in the area, honeymoon couples who prefer the solace within close proximity to the hustle and bustle, shoppers looking to peruse the high-end spas and boutique shops of Seminyak, as well as the more upscale party crowd.

Jimbaran:

To the south of Kuta lies Jimbaran, home to several world-class 5-star beach resorts and high-end villas that have resulted in Jimbaran acquiring nicknames such as the “Beverly Hills of Bali” or “Millionaire’s Row.” Unlike its neighbor, Kuta, Jimbaran offers very little in the way of budget accommodations, although you can find a few moderate, mid-market hotels here.

Jimbaran Bali

Jimbaran has a lovely white sand beach that’s safe for swimming as well as some great seafood restaurants on the beach that are ideal spots to enjoy stunning sunsets while grilling delectably fresh seafood. There is pretty much no night life here, but it has the advantage of being close to Kuta and Seminyak for when you want to pain the town red.

Bukit Peninsula:

The Bukit Peninsula is the southernmost point of Bali and covers the area south of Jimbaran and west of Nusa Dua. Also originally popularized by surfers, the Bukit remains one of Bali’s top surfing spots with numerous small, cheap bugalows close to the main surf points at Uluwatu, Padang-Padang, Bingin, and Suluban.

Bukit Peninsula, Southern Bali

An area with some of the most beautiful beaches on Bali – including Balangan Beach – and the famous cliff-hanging temple at Uluwatu, the Bukit Peninsula is a very popular tourist destination in Bali and has recently seen massive development in the form of high-end villas and resorts.

It’s decidedly more quiet than the more popular tourist areas to the north – Kuta and Seminyak – but is close enough (30-minute cab ride to Kuta Beach) for travelers who’d prefer to stay near beautiful, less-crowded beaches but be within reasonable distance to shopping and nightlife.

Nusa Dua:

A peninsula in South Bali that is well-known as a high-end tourist enclave, Nusa Dua is a very safe, very clean area with a host of luxury hotels, the most popular golf course on the island, one of the best museums in Bali, and pristine, barely populated and well-maintained beaches with calm waters perfect for swimming.

Nusa Dua, Bali

The Nusa Dua area is mostly only accessible to the guests of the luxury hotels and with three manned gates, everyone who enters the enclave is subject to a security search. As such, Nusa Dua tends to attract families with children and individuals concerned for safety after the terrorist incidents of 2002 and 2005.

Sanur:

North of Nusa Dua and east of Kuta, Sanur is Bali’s oldest upscale resort area and a mature beach-side town. Although close to Kuta, Sanur has an entirely different feel – more quiet and relaxed – and it tends to appeal mostly to middle-aged and older families.

Similar to Kuta, Sanur has an abundance of restaurants and accommodation. Prices tend to be more expensive than Kuta but cheaper than Seminyak.

Central Bali

The central part of the island is also the cultural heart of Bali. Although less than an hour’s drive from the party town of Kuta, central Bali offers an entirely different world for travelers.

Ubud:

A town in central Bali that offers a thriving tourist scene that is far, far removed from the drunken bikini scene in Kuta. The name of the tourism game here is culture and visitors will find plenty of traditional Bali culture here with dance shows, concerts, and kecak fire shows presented every night of the week. Ubud is also a famous arts and crafts hub and with plentiful artists’ workshops and galleries, you’ll find amazing examples of Balinese art and handicrafts around the shops of Ubud.

Ubud, Bali

As the part of Bali where “Eat, Pray, Love” was filmed, Ubud has garnered a new reputation as a sort of spiritual center. Travelers can now seek solace in newly-built yoga and mediation retreats set amidst the iconic images of Bali’s lush rice terraces and beautiful Hindu temples.

yoga in bali

Bedugul:

This lovely area covering the central highlands of Bali is the go-to place for nature lovers. The focal point of the area centers around the three crater lakes of Bratan, Buyan, and Tamblingan as well as the nearby botanical gardens.

With mountains to hike and bike, the most photographed temple on the island, impressive waterfalls to explore, beautifully manicured botanical gardens, and lush green rice terraces so spectacular they were nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site,  the Bedugul area is sought by travelers for its pristine natural beauty.

Bali, Indonesia

Situated in the mountain range of central Bali, it tends to be chilly here so prepare to dress accordingly during your stay here.

North Bali

The coastal area of north Bali is so far removed from the hectic pace of south Bali, it almost seems like a different island. In Dutch colonial days, north Bali was home to the capital of the island (the town of Singaraja) and touches of that history still remain today with the noticeably wide boulevards and the occasional old house that’s managed to retain the large gardens typical of Dutch architecture.

That atmosphere of the old capital city combined with the quiet black sand beaches of north Bali gives it a feel different from any other part of the island.

Lovina:

This is the place you come to get away from it all – Lovina offers a whole stretch of coast fringed by quiet black sand beaches ideal for swimming, diving, snorkeling, and dolphin watching. The slow, traditional pace of life in the quiet town of Lovina offers a glimpse into Balinese life that is hard to find elsewhere on this bustling tourism-driven island.

Lovina beach dolphins

Still, not all is quiet reflection in Lovina – the area boasts an abundance of cafes providing loud, live music and a vibrant night-life that is a world apart from the rowdy, ready-to-party crowds of Kuta.

East Bali

East Bali offers a pleasant break from the busy tourist crowds of the south and central Bali – most of the tourist trails on the eastern coast of Bali are pleasantly spared from huge crowds although, with the completion of new roads from south Bali, it won’t be like this for long.

The eastern coast is popular with nature lovers and travelers more interested in sight-seeing and exploration than lying on the beach. There’s plenty to discover in these parts: rainforests, rice terraces, mountains, upland plains, active volcanoes, spectacular diving spots, and ornate temples. The major attractions are the majestic Mount Agung volcano and the Besakih temple, known as the Mother Temple of Bali and the most important temple on the entirety of the island. These sights can be seen while staying on the relaxed coastal towns of East Bali.

mount agung, bali

Of course, you don’t have to miss out on the beach lazing here, too – there are beautiful volcanic-sand beaches to indulge on. Not to mention the popular seaside resort towns of southeastern Bali and the ferries you can catch to the paradise beaches of the Gili Islands and Lombok from here. (read more about Gili Islands Bali).

East Bali is a pretty large region and there are a few lovely places you can stay while you’re here:

Amed:

Amed is a long coastal strip of fishing villages with stunning scenery and black volcanic sand beaches, some with beautiful views of Mount Agung, Bali’s highest volcano.

Amed, Bali beach
Amed beach with a view of Mount Agung at sunset

The area is the most recent tourist development in Bali and as such, the pace of life here remains peaceful and slow. It’s the perfect place to experience the life of the local Balinese who make a living from fishing and salt-making. As for tourists, the majority of travelers here are divers looking to dive the USS Liberty wreck at nearby Tulamben, as well as a number of awesome dive spots nearby.

Amed is also a preferred base of people looking to visit or climb nearby Mount Agung.

Candidasa:

A beautiful stretch of coastline with a laid-back and relaxing feel, Candidasa is quickly becoming an east Bali favorite. More and more visitors show up in town for the tranquil atmosphere and easy access to nearby sights such as the mighty Mount Agung and the most famous Bali Aga (original Balinese) village.

Candidasa-Beach-2

Candidasa is not much for beaches but it is situated at the center of all the famous dive sites of Bali, making it a must-visit for divers.

Tirta Gangga:

Tirta Gangga literally means “water from the Ganges” and this little village in East Bali is a revered site for the Hindu Balinese. Located just 20 minutes from the more popular coastal towns of Candidasa and Amed, this lovely village is home to some of the best trekking in Bali, absolutely stunning rural landscapes full of picturesque rice terraces, and the Tirta Gangga water palace, a lovely maze of pools and fountains surround by a lush garden and stone carvings and statues.

Tirta Gangga, Bali
The accommodations here are mostly budget and backpacker-oriented, but you can stay at a more upscale resort at Candidasa, which is only about 20 minutes away.

Padang Bai:

Most travelers only know of Padang Bai as the place to catch a boat to the Gili Islands or Lombok, but few suspect that this charming little place offers much in its own right.

Padang Bai, Bali

It’s a small town with a backpacker feel to it – intimate and relaxed, with everything close enough to explore on foot. The town holds a few beautiful beaches with great snorkeling, some temples to enjoy, and fresh seafood that’s worth staying a few days to enjoy before heading off for the more popular waters of Gili and Lombok.

West Bali

The westernmost reaches of Bali is the least populated and least visited region of the entire island. The majority of west Bali is dominated by the West Bali National Park and a huge area of the protected reserve, most of which is completely uninhabited.

Much like the rest of the beautiful island, there are beaches in the western region but they are of a very different nature than the ones you’ll find on the popular southern parts of the island. The seas off West Bali’s northern coast offers excellent diving and snorkeling and the waters off West Bali’s southern coast are wilder, making them popular with intrepid surfers.

Pemutaran:

A small fishing village on the northwestern coast of Bali, this laid-back town is becoming increasingly popular with visitors. It’s in close proximity to Lovina (see above, under North Bali) as well as West Bali National Park which contributes to its popularity, but a huge draw of Pemutaran is simply the beauty of the village itself.

Pemutaran is home to the largest artificial Biorock reef project in the world and there is a real spirit of marine conservation in this area, drawing underwater enthusiasts from around the world.

pemutaran-lovina

The Pemuteran Bay also has the largest area of shallow reefs in Bali and without the strong currents and waves that characterize other coastal areas of Bali, it’s the ideal spot for snorkelers and divers to relax and enjoy a few awesome underwater spots such as the Temple Garden where you can explore an underwater temple with statues of Buddha and Ganesha covered in cleaning shrimps.

Medewi:

This is a tiny, remote village in one of the least visited area of Bali. As a surfing hotspot, it’s sought by surfers from far and wide and most travelers you’ll find here are die-hard surfers who are here for that reason and that reason alone.

West Bali

For non-surfers, Medewi offers a glimpse into what Bali was like before the growth of mass tourism in the 1970s and is a wonderful place to relax away from it all.

West Bali National Park:

As the only national park on the entire island of Bali, the West Bali National Park is definitely worth a visit. It’s located at the most north-westerly point of Bali and accounts for around 10% of Bali’s total land area.

west-bali-national-park-7

There is a lot to be explored in this region – the habitat is varied with rainforest, dry savanna, acacia scrub, lowland forests, and dense mangroves. There are also several long-extinct volcanoes in the area whose majestic peaks add to the beautiful backdrop of the park. The beaches and offshore coral reef around the national park are protected as well and make a spectacular diving destination.

Bird watchers will be very happy here – around 160 species of birds have been recorded in the park, including the near-extinct Bali Starling.

bali starling birds

Other animal lovers will have the chance to see Banteng (a species of wild cattle from which Bali cows descended), Java Ruse, Mutjac deer, Wild boar, and Leopard cats.

Make sure you have travel insurance and enjoy the heck out of this paradise while you’re here! Happy traveling!

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Bali, Indonesia: The Island of the Gods

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Island of gods

Of all the 17,508 islands in the Indonesian archipelago, Bali is – without a doubt – the most popular. In fact, 80% of all international visitors to Indonesia visit Bali, island of gods, and Bali alone.

Bali, Indonesia

It’s no wonder why – the famed Island of the Gods’ beautiful landscape rich with lush rice terraces, volcanic hillsides, and spectacular beaches combined with its friendly, hospitable people and a magnificently visual culture infused with spirituality makes the little island a special kind of paradise on earth.

The best thing about Bali is that it offers something for everyone – from world-class surfing and diving spots for water sports enthusiasts to picturesque beaches where beach bums can spend countless hours lounging on. Culture junkies and health nuts are taken care of as well, with Bali’s numerous cultural, historical and archaeological attractions and wealth of health, wellness and spirituality retreats.

island of gods, Bali

Bali also offers an enormous range of accommodations and dining options with something for everyone from young backpackers to the super-rich. Although heavily traveled, it’s still as easy to find peace and quiet on the beautiful island as it is to mingle in crowded bars and parties.

Bali Information & Fast Facts

Situated just 2 kilometers from the eastern tip of the island of Java, Bali is Indonesia’s most popular destination. This world-famous island is home to around 4 million inhabitants who are overwhelmingly Hindu in a largely Muslim Indonesia.

Every aspect of Balinese life is suffused with religion and you’ll see evidence of this almost as soon as you step off the plane – tiny offerings called canang sari are ubiquitous. These leaf trays hold everything from flowers to cookies to cigarettes and coffee and are set with burning incense sticks and present in homes, restaurants, and even on the streets of Bali. Be careful not to step on one on purpose – the Balinese believe it’ll give you bad luck!

island of gods, bali, canang

Although pretty much everyone in Bali speaks Indonesia lingua franca, Bahasa Indonesia, the primary language in Bali is Balinese. Balinese is a difficult language, but learn to say a few words and you’ll be warmly received by the locals for your effort. But without Balinese or Bahasa Indonesia skills, foreigners will be able to get around Bali quite easily. English is widely spoken by the hospitality workers and hawkers especially in southern Bali and in other tourist-y areas of the island.

Best Time to Visit Bali, Island of gods

Bali – like all of Indonesia – has just two distinct seasons: the wet season and the rainy season. But in Bali, the difference between the two seasons is minimal, with the dry season (April to September) being just a tad hotter and a tad drier than the wet season (October to March).

Monsoon season in Bali starts around October and continues to March but the rains come fast and leave just as quickly so you can expect clear blue skies and plenty of sun during this time. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, varying between 20-33? C (68-93? F) year-round. Keep in mind that Bali can get quite cool during nights, especially at higher elevations, so bring a sweater or jacket for the evenings.

rain in Bali

A big consideration when choosing the best time to visit Bali is the tourist season. Bali can get pretty crowded during its peak tourist months of August and September and again at Christmas and New Year. Outside these peak seasons, Bali can be surprisingly quiet and you can find great discounts on accommodations.

How to Get to Bali

Bali is very easy to get to. Simply catch a flight to Bali’s Denpasar International Airport which is Indonesia’s 3rd busiest international airport with frequent flights to and from major Indonesian destinations like Jakarta and Surabaya, as well as international destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore Hong Kong, Australia and more.

How to Get Around Bali

Bali is a pretty large island with less-than-ideal sidewalks which means you’ll need more than your feet to access much of the island.

The most popular option for travelers in southern Bali is the metered taxis which are very common in southern Bali. The fare starts at 5,000 IDR ($0.50) and goes up 5,000/km after the first two kilometers. Trips to outside of southern Bali will incur an extra charge of 30% since the driver often has to make the trip back to south Bali with an empty cab.

If you want to travel outside of southern Bali and don’t want to figure out the public bus schedules, your best option is to rent a motorbike or car. The motorbike should really only be an option if you plan to drive it outside of southern Bali – the traffic in southern Bali combined with the lack of formal traffic rules, there’s an increased risk of accidents here. On the other hand, a motorbike is a wonderful way to see Bali outside of the tourist enclaves of south Bali.

You can rent a motorbike for between 40,000 – 100,000 IDR ($4 – $10 USD) per day.

Another option is to rent a car – either self-drive or with a driver. To rent just the car, you should expect to pay between 90,000 to 250,000 IDR ($9 to $25 USD) per day, depending on the condition and model of the car.

For a car with a driver, expect to pay between 300,000 to 600,000 ($30 – $60 USD) per day (around 10 hours). Whereas this is the priciest option of getting around Bali, it is a great choice, especially for first-time visitors, since the drivers usually speak English and can act as informal tour guides, recommending good destinations and restaurants.  Also, it’ll end up costing less than a taxi if you’re planning on getting to the further reaches of the island. When you negotiate prices for a car and driver, make sure the price includes petrol and the driver!

Keep in mind that driving in Bali is on the left-hand side!

Things to See and Do in Bali

There is simply too much to see and do in Bali to do it justice in this tiny section. Check out our Best of Bali guide for the top things to see and do in Bali!

What to Eat in Bali

Expect the same range of dining options as most world-class cities in Bali. The island is brimming with cozy cafes and swanky restaurants offering everything from local delicacies to international flavors from all over the world.

Island of Gods, Bali Travel Tips

First and foremost, traveling in Bali is considered safe but it’s always recommended to travel with travel insurance. Bali’s popularity is not without its flip sides – many places in southern Bali, especially Kuta, can be very congested with party-goers and touts. The street hawkers will usually leave you alone when you ask them to, but some are persistent and can follow and pester you in the hopes of eventually bothering you enough so that you buy something to get them to go away. Do NOT do this – buying something will just encourage other, equally persistent touts to keep pestering you.

The monkey forest at Ubud is worth visiting, but keep in mind that the monkeys there are rather fierce. There will be people selling bananas at the entry and you’re free to buy the bananas, but you may become the target of some aggressive, banana-hungry monkeys as soon as you wander in.

island of gods ,bali-monkey-attack-cropped

Locally made spirits have caused casualties and even some fatalities in recent years, mostly due to methanol being used by locals as a cheap way of topping up their stock. Be very careful with locally-produced alcohol, especially Arak, and stick to alcohol brands that you know when ordering at bars or purchasing at minimarts or the like. If your drink tastes off, send it back.

Also, drink spiking has been reported several times for both sexes. Never leave your drinks unattended.

Keep the tips in mind, make sure you have travel insurance and enjoy the heck out of this paradise while you’re here! Happy traveling!

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Indonesia Travel Musts: Flores, Nusa Tenggara

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Spider Web Rice Fields in Flores, Indonesia, Indonesia Travel guide, Place other than Bali

Flores island Indonesia

The beautiful Flores Island in Indonesia gets its name from the Portuguese word for ‘flower’ and the island more than lives up to its name.

Just an hour’s flight from the internationally-acclaimed Bali, Flores is an island still shrouded in relative obscurity. It’s a wonder why – this beautiful island is a truly fascinating destination with a wealth of sights to see and wonders to explore. Here you can swim in pristine lakes and waterfalls, dive at any of the 50 spectacular dive sites, explore mysterious caves, and go kayaking among craggy coasts and mangrove shores.

As for beaches, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Flores is home to black, white, and even pink sand beaches. Tired of sand? There are blue pebble beaches here, too.

Flores island Indonesia, flores beaches

As for the backdrop, you’ll have your choice of wide open horizons, beaches with a majestic mountainous backdrop, or beaches surrounded by lush jungles. The best part? Most of these beaches are untouched and pristine with crystal clear waters lapping at the shores.

The island is also one of the only places on earth – outside of Komodo Island – where you can see Komodo dragons in the wild. In fact, the west coast of Flores is part of Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Flores Island Indonesia, Komodo-5_small

There’s no doubt about it – Flores has a lot to offer.  But our absolute favorite thing about Flores Island is the unique charm of its many treasures. From the mysterious tri-colored lakes of Mt. Kelimutu to the intricate spider web rice fields, the island boasts an almost other-worldly appeal that must be experienced to be understood.

Yes, we know Indonesia is huge. Yes, it has over 17,000 islands. You probably can’t see them all, but if you crave beauty and adventure with a dose of wonder – put Flores at the top of your list.

Flores Indonesia Information

Situated in the province of East Nusa Tenggara, Flores is a long island with a fascinating terrain, diverse flora and fauna, and a diverse population of nearly 2 million inhabitants. The island is located in the volcanic zone that extends from Sumatra across Java and Bali to the Banda Sea and Flores is currently home to 14 active volcanoes. A chain of volcanoes – mostly inactive – stretch the entire length of this 450km-long island, creating an intimidating terrain of complicated V-shaped valleys and knife-sharp ridges that made this area near impenetrable until recently.

flores_island, Indonesia

The heavily fragmented terrain of Flores contributed to the separation of the island into many distinct ethnic groups as well as the underdevelopment of the tourist industry, although the latter is fast changing.

Thanks to the diversity of the island’s inhabitants, you’ll find many languages spoken around Flores. At least six separate languages are identifiable in central Flores alone.

What unites the majority of the Flores people is their religion – the island’s inhabitants are almost entirely Roman Catholic Christians, which is a rarity in a mostly Muslim country. The prominence of Catholicism on the island can be attributed to its colonization by Portugal in the 16th century. Although several centuries ago, the Portuguese influence on Flores was big and the island’s annual Holy Week festivals are now a major tourist attraction.

Flores Island Indonesia, flores-holy-week

Speaking of tourist attractions, the beautiful island of Flores is quickly becoming Indonesia’s “next big thing,” thanks to much-improved infrastructure on the island. A 750-km highway now runs the length of Flores from Labuhanbajo in the west to Larantuka in the east. As long as you don’t travel during the rainy season with its risk of landslides and blocked roads, you’ll be able to tour the island’s fascinating landscape punctuated by volcanic cones, coastal waters fringed with nature reserves and a marine park, as well as its diverse cultures with ancient traditional that have survived throughout centuries.

Best Time to Visit Flores Indonesia

Indonesia has two distinct seasons: a dry season and a wet season. Being a huge country, a good rule of thumb while traveling in Indonesia is that the more east you go, the longer the dry season tends to be.

This is good news for travelers to Flores since it’s at the most easterly end of Indonesia and has a long dry season that stretches from April to November. The wet season typically runs from December to March.

The extent of rainfall during the wet season differs depending on which region of Flores you’ll be visiting. The northern parts of Flores – especially the northeastern region – is the driest with very little rainfall. There’s sometimes no rainy season in the northern regions and travel here is okay year-round. On the other hand, western Flores can get very heavy rains so it’s best to avoid that area during the wet season.

How to Get to Flores island

Flores is home to several airports, but its main airport – Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport – is located at Maumere. There are daily flights to and from Bali, Lombok, Timor here.

How to Get Around Flores

Flores has a public transportation option in the form of bemos, which are small vans with seats that face each other. It’s not the most comfortable ride – no air conditioner, open windows on dusty rows, and chickens being allowed along with paying passengers.

That being said, it is a really fun way to travel around the island of Flores and it’ll get you to all the main towns.

Things to See in Flores

There is an endless array of things to see and do in Flores from natural wonders to cultural treasures. Here, we’ve listed the absolute must-see and must-do things while in Flores:

Tri-Colored Lakes at Mt. Kelimutu

The most famous tourist attraction in Flores is Mt. Kelimutu, a volcano containing three differently-colored lakes. These crater lakes are in the caldera of a volcano and fed by a volcanic gas source, resulting in highly acidic water.

Depending on the oxidation state of the lake, the waters of the lakes change color on an irregular, almost whimsical, basis and can range from bright red through green and blue.

Flores island Indonesia, Colored Lakes, Mt Kelimutu

Learn more about the beautiful tri-colored lakes at Mt. Kelimutu.

Spider Web Rice Fields

Head toward Ruteng, a pleasantly cool town located up in the western hills. Around 17km west of Ruteng lies an even smaller town named Cancar – you’ll have the most amazing view over spectacularly intricate spider web rice fields from the Cara Villa in Cancar.

Flores Island, Indonesia Spider Web Rice Fields in Flores, Indonesia

Experience Traditional Flores Culture

Head over to Bajawa, a city in the centeral Ngada region of Flores, to experience traditional Flores culture. More than any other area of Flores, the Ngada region has retained its traditions and rituals despite the influence of Catholicism.

In the town of Bajawa, you’ll be greeted with cool mountain air and the sight of traditional villages. All the villages have ngadhu shrines with carved tree-trunk bases and bhaga (miniature houses) in the village center.

Flores island Indoesia, Bajawa Flores

The ngadhu and bhaga symbolize male and female tribal ancestors, respectively, who are thought to live in the shrines. Slightly south from Bajawa, the town of Bena is home to interesting megalithic stones as well as the host of the wekk-long Reba festival (late December) during which the local people dance around the village in traditional ikats and sing to reconcile humans and nature.

See Komodo Dragons in the Wild

The west coast of Flores is one of the few places – other than Komodo island – where you can see Komodo dragons in the wild. It’s a part of Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Apart from the Komodo dragons – you’ll also find numerous bird species at the Komodo National Park, including sunbirds, egrets, quail, and exotic mound-building megapodes. There’s also an array of other land animals, including horses, wild pigs, flying foxes, and a variety of snakes.

In the waters of the park, there live diverse and abundant marine life, including turtles, giant clams, dolphins, and even whale sharks.

Things to Do in Flores Indonesia

Snorkel and Dive

The waters of the Komodo National Park offers some of the best diving in the world. You’ll find a rich variety of cetaceans, including whale sharks, marlin, tuna, whales and dolphins. There is also an abundance of colorful corals and reefs as well as a variety of giant clams, turtles, and fish.

Flores island , Indonesia, komodo national park diving

The town of Labuan Bajo lies on the western tip of Flores and makes an ideal jump-off point to explore the waters of the Komodo National Park.

Further into the island, off the north-central part of Flores, are the beautiful coral gardens of the Riung 17 Islands. This area is actually a national conservation area and marine park that consists of more than 20 islands. This area is fantastic for diving as it encompasses a rich coral reef ecosystem with almost 30 different species of coral and plenty of exciting underwater animals including dolphins and whales.

Flores Indonesia, Riung 17 islands

A little further east into the island of Flores, there is another spectacular dive and snorkel spot at Maumere. In fact, there are around 40 wonderful dive spots in the marine gardens in the Bay of Maumere to be explored.

Flores Travel Tips

Flores has reported cases of Malaria. Take Malaria prevention pills and make sure to bring mosquito repellant with you and protect yourself from mosquito bites during your stay in Flores. Take extra caution by wearing long sleeves when in the lowland areas.

And as always – never travel without travel insurance.

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Things to See and Do While Island Hopping the Gili Islands

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gili islands travel guide, Indonesia Travel guide, Place other than Bali

The beautiful white sand-lined beaches and clear turquoise-tinted waters of the Gili Islands have been tempting travelers for decades. This lovely cluster of three islands is now a firm fixture on the Banana Pancake Trail and a must-visit for anyone traveling to Indonesia.

Click here for a  full guide on how to get to Gili Islands and travel tips and info.

gili islands travel guide

While the most popular activity on any of the Gilis is plain, old-fashioned relaxation, there’s plenty else to see and do while here. Read on to find out more about things to see and do on each of the gorgeous Gili Islands.

Gili Trawangan

By looking at Gili Trawangan today, one would hardly guess that the beautiful island was settled just 50 years ago. Travelers only began arriving in the 1980s but the white-sand beaches and colorful coral reefs of Gili T quickly gained international repute and is now dubbed the “Ibiza of Southeast Asia.”

gili trawangan

Today, Gili Trawangan boasts a range of lounge bars, hip hotels, cosmopolitan restaurants, reggae joints, and beach parties galore. The island is famous as a party place and the party-inclined will find endless options from swanky upscale lounges to the more wild and woolly bars around Gili Trawangan’s main strip. Drugs are widely available here and range from magic mushrooms and marijuana to the harder drugs like cocaine and even methamphetamine.

But Gili T is not all drugs, sex, and rock and roll – the island offers a range of other activities that are every bit worth visiting the island for, such as…

Dive

diving gili trawanganDiving is fast overtaking partying as Gili T’s most popular activity and that’s no surprise considering the fantastic dive spots scattered around Gili Trawangan. Sea turtles are abundant here, thanks to the island’s conservation efforts, and divers will also have the chance to swim with eels, white-tip reef sharks, stingrays, pigmy seahorses, and among a kaleidoscope of colorful fish.

There are also some great muck diving sites for macro photographers, a Japanese wreck for deep diving and bio rock artificial reefs which may interest environmental enthusiasts.

Note: Visibility is not great around December and January when it tends to rain heavily around the Gilis – if you’re coming for diving, avoid these months.

Learn to Free Dive

freedive gili islandsDiving is wonderful – imagine how great it’d be without all the cumbersome scuba equipment.

Gili Trawangan has a freediving school where you can learn breathing techniques that’ll allow you to dive deep with just a single breath.

 

Snorkel

snorkel gili islandsFor those who prefer to stay near the surface of the water, Gili T offers fantastic snorkeling options. You can rent masks and fins off pretty much any beach, but instead of setting out yourself, it’s best to book a snorkeling trip. The currents are strong even near the shore and you’ll spend most of your energy fighting the currents before you reach the best snorkel spots.

A snorkeling trip, on the other hand, will pick you up around 10 AM in the morning and take you to 3 – 4 of the best snorkel spots around the Gilis.

Sea Kayak

kayak gili islandsA great way to explore the islands is to go on a sea kayaking trip.

Sign up for a day trip with Karma Kayak on the north beach of Gili T – you just might luck out and end up paddling alongside sea turtles or manta rays.

 

Visit the Turtle Sanctuary

gili turtle sanctuaryThe Gilis have been called the ‘turtle capital of the world’ and you’ll find that this is not an overstatement thanks to the islands’ conservation efforts. Green and loggerhead turtles are common around the waters of the Gilis.

You can see them both in the water and visit them out of the water by swinging by the turtle sanctuary where you can check out baby turtles in their pools and learn more about these awesome creatures.

Catch the Sunrise…and the Sunset

sunrise gili islandsAlthough you can’t beat Gili Air for sunrises and sunsets, Gili Trawangan’s are also quite superb.

Sit on the beach and watch the sunrise over Lombok’s Mt. Rinjani and then get yourself to the west side of the island (either to another beach or to the low-lying hill at the southern center of the island)  to watch the sun set over Bali’s Mt. Agung.

Explore the Island on Horseback

horseback on beach, gili islandsPretty much the entire perimeter of Gili T can be walked along the beach – or explored on horseback. Gili T is the only Gili Island on which you can ride horseback on the beach so this goes on the must-do list.

There is only one stable called Stud Stables and they have experienced guides who will take you on a relaxed, scenic horseback ride through the island for around $25 USD per hour.

It’s best if you have some experience with horses beforehand.

Take the Party on a Boat

party boat gili islandsGili T is home to the Gilis’ only party boat – the boat rid starts at 3 PM and tours around the 3 Gili Islands, stopping over at Gili Air for a swim and a snorkel before watching the sunset over the water toward Bali.

Dinner is served on the boat on the way back to Gili Trawangan and the party continues all the way back.

Surf

surf gili trawanganMost people head to Bali for the surfing, but you can catch some decent waves on Gili T as well. The locals regularly surf off the south end of the island.

 

 

Unwind at a Yoga Retreat

yoga gili trawanganAmidst the partying and the diving, a small but strong yoga community exists on Gili T.

You’ll find dedicated yoga centers here that offer both yoga classes as well as longer, more comprehensive yoga retreats.

 

Beach Lazing

gili trawangan beachIn between the sunrise and the sunset lies our most recommended thing to do while on Gili Trawangan – just laze around.  This “party island” offers so much in terms of natural beauty to enjoy.

The beaches are soft and powdery white, the water a beautiful clear blue, and the warm island climate perfect to just lie on the beach and laze.

Gili Meno

Gili Meno has the lovely distinction as the least touristy Gili Island. It’s the smallest of the Gilis and the crowds flocking to Gili Trawangan and Gili Air haven’t quite made their way over to this middle island so far.

Gili Meno

It’s the perfect getaway spot for honeymooners, families, and people who are looking for a genuine beach-side retreat. The accommodation, dining, and especially the partying options are more limited than on the other Gilis but Gili Meno does have some of the best beaches of the three Gilis and it offers something not many island retreats can these days: peace and quiet.

Still, there’s plenty to see and do for anyone intent on exploring the beauty of this middle island. Here are a few suggestions…

Dive

diving gili islandsSea turtles are abundant in the waters around the Gilis, thanks to the islands’ conservation efforts, and divers will also have the chance to swim with eels, white-tip reef sharks, stingrays, pigmy seahorses, and among a kaleidoscope of colorful fish.

There are over 25 fantastic dive spots scattered around the Gilis and Gili Meno is very close to some awesome dive spots. Make sure to check out:

  • Meno Wall: This one is a must-dive spot – make sure you sign up for the night diving. The Meno Wall runs from 5 meters down to 16 meters with a second wall running a bit deeper. You’ll see a bunch of sea critters here from lobsters, huge sponge crabs, Spanish dancers, baby cuttlefish, Scorpionfish, and sleeping turtles.
  • Meno Bounty (aka Jubblies): On the south-west side of Gili Meno, there’s a 30-meter long sunken platform covered in hard and soft corals. It’s an ideal dive spot to watch Scorpionfish, Stonefish, and Juvenile Batfish, among others.
  • Mirkos (aka Secret Reef): Mirkos is a really long sea mound stretching nearly the whole length of the island. This is a wonderful deep dive with beautiful coral.

Note: Visibility is not great around December and January when it tends to rain heavily around the Gilis – if you’re coming for diving, avoid these months.

Snorkel

snorkel gili menoFor those who prefer to stay near the surface of the water, Gili Meno has several great snorkeling spots. The waters around Gili Meno are calmer than around Gili T and you can rent masks and fins from pretty much any cafe or hotel and head off to explore underwater.

The best places to snorkel is off the beach in front of the Good Heart Cafe on the northwestern shore as well as the west coast of Gili Meno. The east coast is not so recommended due to boat traffic.

Visit the Turtle Sanctuary

gili meno turtle sanctuaryThe Gilis have been called the ‘turtle capital of the world’ and you’ll find that this is not an overstatement thanks to the islands’ conservation efforts.

Green and loggerhead turtles are common around the waters of the Gilis. You can see them both in the water and visit them out of the water by swinging by the turtle sanctuary where you can check out baby turtles in their pools and learn more about these awesome creatures.

Check out the Bird Sanctuary

gili meno bird sanctuaryThere’s a bird sanctuary located in the center of Gili Meno where you could spend a few hours ooh-ing and aah-ing over the beautifully exotic birds in a pristine landscaped environment.

You’ll spot macaws, flamingos, pelicans, cockatoos, eagles, parrots, and a whole lot more – including a crocodile, some deer, and a kangaroo. Random, yea?

Take a Leisurely Stroll

gili meno beachThe coastal path of Gili Meno is a particularly beautiful walk and not to be missed. It’ll only take you a little over an hour to walk the entire island.

 

 

Laze on the Beach

gili meno beachGili Meno has the best beaches of all the Gilis – they’re beautiful, uncrowded, and the horizon seems to stretch to infinity.

By far the most popular thing to do on this peaceful island is just sitting back and relax.

 

Gili Air

Gili Air is the Gili Island closest to Lombok and the only Gili with an indigenous population of around 2,000 inhabitants. Gili Air has been styled as the more sophisticated of the Gilis and traditionally the domain of families and couples wanting a quiet island escape in stylish beach bungalows amidst beautifully lush settings.

gili_air

The most popular activity on Gili Air is hanging out by the beautiful beaches, but there’s plenty else to do in between relaxation such as…

Dive

diving gili trawanganThere are over 25 excellent dive spots scattered around the Gilis. Sea turtles are abundant here, thanks to the island’s conservation efforts, and divers will also have the chance to swim with eels, white-tip reef sharks, stingrays, pigmy seahorses, and among a kaleidoscope of colorful fish.

There are also some great muck diving sites for macro photographers, a Japanese wreck for deep diving and bio rock artificial reefs which may interest environmental enthusiasts.

Note: Visibility is not great around December and January, when it tends to rain heavily around the Gilis – if you’re coming for diving, avoid these months.

Snorkel

snorkel gili airFor those who prefer to stay near the surface of the water, Gili Air has several great snorkeling spots. The waters around Gili Air are calmer than around Gili T and you can rent masks and fins from pretty much any cafe or hotel and head off to explore underwater. The waters are crystal clear – to the point where you can see where the coral starts and ends.

Gili Air’s east side is the best for both swimming and snorkeling and conveniently, it’s also where the majority of accommodation is.

Surf

Surf Gili AirGili Air isn’t exactly known on the global surf scene but for skilled and experienced surfers, the island offers a few great surf spots as well as a fantastic surf shop – Ozzy’s Surf Shop – where you can check out the conditions and get the scoop on the best surf spots around the island.

 

Yoga

gili islands yogaGili Air has a great yoga and meditation center – H2O Yoga and Meditation Center – which offers twice-daily yoga classes as well as yoga teacher training and yoga and meditation retreats.

 

 

Take a Stroll Around the Island

gili air beachYou can walk around Gili Air in around an hour – it’s a beautiful walk and highly recommended.

 

 

Catch the Sunrise…and the Sunset

Gili AirThis is a must-see on Gili Air – the sunrise and sunsets here are things of legend.

Sit on the beach and watch the sunrise over Lombok’s Mt. Rinjani and then get yourself to the west side of the island to watch the sunset over Bali’s Mt. Agung.

 

Do Absolutely Nothing

gili islands beachThis is by far our favorite activity. There are no cars to interrupt your reverie and a range of bungalow-style accommodations with verandas that overlook the ocean that you can hang out on all day.

Hammocks are nice, too.

 


There’s plenty to see and do on the Gili Islands, but they’re also a short distance from a number of other awesome destinations to explore!

Check out:

And wherever you roam, make sure your travels are safe and covered with travel insurance.

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Destination Paradise: Gili Islands, Indonesia

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Gili Islands, Indonesia Travel guide, Place other than Bali

The Gili Islands are a cluster of three small islands located just off the northwest tip of Lombok, Indonesia.

Gili Islands

This archipelago of islands only recently came to the attention of the wider world in the 1980s and 1990s but is now officially Lombok’s most popular tourist destination and a firm fixture on the Banana Pancake trail.

Despite their increasing popularity, the islands are still very relaxed and laid-back with countless little beach-side cafes, restaurants and bars to sample and lounge in.

Gili Trawangan

There are no motorized vehicles allowed on the island so your stay here will be undisturbed by honking horns or the bustle of traffic. Still, times are changing and every year brings a new array of glamor options to the Gili Islands – especially the island of Gili Trawangan – so head over now to indulge in the remote island experience that is becoming more and more rare by the day.

Gili Islands Fun Fact:

  • Gili means “small island” in Sasak (the native language of Lombok) – making the name Gili Islands something like “small island islands.” Rather silly, but the name stuck and is now universally used.

A Closer Look at the Gili Islands

The three small islands making up the Gili Islands get lumped together time and time again, but take a closer look and each has its own distinct vibe.

In order from Bali to Lombok, the islands are Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. Locally, the islands are known Tiga Gila (“three Gilis”) or Kepulauan Gili (Gili Islands).

Gili Islands Map

Gili Trawangan: Sun, Sand, and Sex

Gili Trawangan, also known as Gili T, is the largest and the most developed of the three Gili Islands. It’s the easiest island to travel to since there are countless guesthouses, hotels, resorts, bars, and restaurants catering to the tourist crowds. This makes it popular among budget travelers as well as the “party crowd.”

gili trawangan party

In fact, Gili T has a burgeoning party scene – a more wild and woolly one nearby the boat landing where all the beach bars and pubs are as well as a more refined, laidback party scene around the northern tip of the island with more secluded beach shacks and bars.

Drugs are also commonplace on Gili T – you’ll come across plenty of dealers offering marijuana and coke and signposts advertising magic mushrooms are not uncommon. Keep in mind that pot and coke are very illegal in Indonesia and although the local authorities are known to turn a blind eye, it is not a risk worth taking.

Gili Meno: The Middle Child

In typical middle child fashion, Gili Meno is the most attention-deprived of the Gilis. The tourist industry is not as developed here as on the other Gilis, and you’ll find a smaller range of accommodations, restaurants, and bars to choose from here.

That being said – the relative lack of tourists to Gili Meno makes it the perfect place for travelers looking for a beautiful, serene island retreat.

Gili Meno

The smallest of the three Gili Islands, Gili Meno is surrounded by clear blue water that stretch to infinity. The waters are calm and safe for swimming – great for families with kids – and the white sand beaches are quiet and clean. Although just a short boat ride from Gili T, the crowds, drugs, and partying hasn’t made its way over to Gili Meno. What you will be able to do is plenty of snorkeling and plain old relaxation – Gili Meno is perfect for that.

Gili Air: The Sophisticated Sister

Gili Air is the closest Gili to Lombok and has distinguished itself amongst the Gilis as the more sophisticated of the three Gilis. Here, you’ll find beautifully stylish beach bungalows shaded by palm trees and set amidst lush green landscape.

It’s also the only Gili with an indigenous population, which gives the island more of a “home” vibe. You can still find a party scene here, but the scene is more upmarket than Gili T and the crowd is a bit more grown up.

Gili Air

Gili Air boasts a stunning sunrise and sunset – those times alone make this island worth visiting, on top of everything else it has to offer.

For a more detailed guide to the Gili Islands, check out our guide of Things to See and Do While Island Hopping the Gili Islands!

 

Best Time to Visit the Gili Islands

The Gili Islands are dry and hot during the days and cool at night for most of the year. It get rainy during the wet season which lasts from November to April, but the rain comes and goes and won’t totally ruin your island experience.

Keep in mind that the peak tourist season for the Gili Islands are from July to August and again in December and January. Sneaking in a visit around May to June or from September to October is a great way to get wonderful weather and avoid the crowds and higher prices of peak season.

[contentblock id=2 img=gcb.png]

How to Get to the Gili Islands

There are no airports in any of the 3 Gili Islands. To get to the Gilis, you’ll have to travel by sea from either Lombok to Gili or from Bali to Gili.

Lombok –> Gili

Lombok is closer to the Gilis than Bali is and many travelers choose to fly into Lombok’s Mataram airport before heading toward Gili. Lombok’s Mataram airport is only a 45-minute flight from Bali’s Denpasar and is a great option if you’re prone to seasickness.

You have 3 options of getting to the Gili Islands from Lombok:

1. Easiest: The easiest way to get to the Gilis from Lombok is to go to the nearest travel agent, taxi desk or tour guide and book a package that includes a shuttle car + boat ride to any of the Gili Islands. The package will cost you between 50,000 – 75,000 IDR ($50-$75 USD) which is a great value especially if there are two of you.

Note: Make sure you negotiate and confirm all the details for the trip – i.e. that the package includes the boat price and that you won’t have to pay extra for other passengers. Also, check what kind of boat you’ll be taking (should be a private boat) and where it will be departing from (Teluk Nare is best – only 30 minutes to the Gilis).

2. Cheapest: The cheapest way to get to the Gili Islands from Lombok is to get yourself to Bangsal Harbor (an hour away from Lombok’s Mataram airport) where the public ferry costs 10,000 IDR ($1) and leaves whenever there are sufficient people. The ferry will take you to any one of the three Gili Islands from Lombok, but does not offer service between the Gili Islands themselves.

Note: This option is the cheapest, but it also comes with long waits and dealing with a lot of hawkers. It may not be worth the hassle for the cheaper price. Also, if there are too many people aboard the boat, just wait for the next one unless you are a strong swimmer and like a bit of excitement.

3. Most Convenient: If you want to travel at you own pace and don’t mind paying a little extra, you can charter a boat directly from Senggigi to take you across to the Gili Islands. To do this, either ask a travel agent or simply head to the beach behind the Santosa Hotel in central Senggigi where you’ll be solicited by boat operators galore.

The chartered boat ride should not cost more than 500,000 IDR ($50 USD) and you can bargain hard for a lower price.

Note: Some of the boats are very basic so make sure to check the safety equipment yourself and insist on life vests.

Bali –> Gili

Once you have flown into Bali’s Denpasar Airport, a fast boat service is the quickest and most direct way to get to the Gili Islands from Bali. There are numerous direct boat services serving the Bali –> Gili –> Lombok route and a few also pass by Nusa Lembongan en-route.

You can catch a boat to Gili every day from Serangan Harbor in South Bali (30-minutes from Kuta) and from Padang Bai East Bali (90-minutes from Kuta).

The boat ride takes around 2.5 hours to the Gili Islands.

How to Get Around the Gili Islands

First of all – the Gili Islands appear a lot closer than they actually are. It may look as though you can swim across from one to another, but this is not a good idea – the currents are very strong and some have died to try.

The better option of traveling between the Gili Islands is to try and catch one of the infrequently scheduled KoperasiIsland Hopping Boats or just charter a boat to take you across. Don’t bother with travel agents – simply buy tickets from the ticket offices on each island where the boats depart.

As for getting around the Gili Islands – your options are by foot, bicycle (cidomo), or horse-drawn carts as there are no motorized vehicles allowed on the islands.

Gili Trawangan

A ride on a horse-drawn cart costs around 20,000 – 50,000 IDR ($2 – $5 USD) per person and is a fun ride, but considering that each of the Gili Islands are only a few km in diameter, it’s quite comfortable getting around on foot. In fact, you can walk around the islands in around 90 minutes.

Things to See and Do on the Gili Islands

The biggest draw of the Gili Islands is the tropical, remote island experience they offer without having to sacrifice the Western creature comforts most of us are accustomed to.

The best sights to see while visiting the Gilis are sunrise and sunset and the best activities are exploring the seas via snorkeling, diving, as well as good old-fashioned beach-lazing.

But once you’ve had your share of sun, sand, and sea, there’s still a bit of fun to be had. Check out our post on Things to See and Do While Island Hopping the Gili Islands for a detailed guide to the Gilis!

What to Eat on the Gili Islands

Your dining options depend on the Gili Island you’re on, but in general, restaurants and cafes tend to be more concentrated on the beach fronts and the most activity is found on the east side of each island.

Gili Trawangan has hordes of cafes and restaurants of all sizes price ranges and you’ll be able to dine on anything from local fare to international cuisine.

Gili Air also has a range of options and there are more and more restaurants opening up that offer western cuisine.

Gili Meno, on the other hand, is more basic but you can still get oven-baked pizza as well as a range of local cuisine.

Note: Upscale restaurants tend to charge a “fee and tax” that can range from 5% to 25% or more – be sure to check the fine print on the menu if you’re on a budget.

Gili Island Travel Tips

Money: Gili Trawangan currently has 4 ATM machines – 2 at the Hotel Villa Ombak resort and 2 near the main beach area. They’re all available 24 hours a day. Gili Air also has one ATM machine available. Gili Meno does not have any ATMs so make sure you withdraw money on Bali or Lombok before heading over.

Internet: For those of us who still needed to remain connected while on vacay – Internet cafes are commonplace on the Gilis but the connection is very, very slow. Free WiFi is available in restaurants and bars, but also usually slow. For faster Internet connection, opt for a USB modem stick with a Telkomsel Flash SIM card.

Drinking: Locally made spirits have caused casualties and even some fatalities in recent years, mostly due to methanol being used by locals as a cheap way of topping up their stock. Be very careful with locally-produced alcohol, especially Arak, and stick to alcohol brands that you know. If your drink tastes off, send it back.

Also, drink spiking has been reported several times for both sexes. Never leave your drinks unattended.

Drugs: Drugs are available on the Gili Islands, particularly on Gili Trawangan. Magic mushrooms are pretty much ubiquitous and not illegal here, but they can be very strong and psychologically distressing for some people so please exercise caution.

You’ll also come across plenty of dealers on Gili T offering marijuana and some harder drugs, like cocaine or methamphetamine. These substances are highly illegal in Indonesia and there have been a number of high profile drug busts followed by serious prison sentences. Gili Air and Gili Meno are regularly patrolled by undercover police agents and there are around five police units on Gili Trawangan so don’t do anything you don’t want to spend a lifetime in some dilapidated Indonesian prison for.

Jellyfish: Especially around July and August, the waters around the Gilis become quite popular with small, but annoying, jellyfish. The stings from these tiny jellyfish can be painful, albeit harmless, so prepare to wear a wetsuit.

Bluebottle jellyfish are less common, but also more harmful. You can spot them from their long, bright blue tentacles – if you get stung by one, it’ll hurt like hell and can even cause respiratory problems. The tentacles must be immediately removed (make sure your hands are covered) and the area rinsed in sea water. Afterwards, the affected area must be immersed in hot, hot water (as hot as you can stand) for at least 20 minutes.

Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are a fact of life in most tropical islands, and the Gilis are no exception. Luckily, there’s no Malaria here but there have been cases of Dengue Fever, mostly during the rainy season. Get your shots before you come and bring mosquito repellant from your home country since the mosquitoes tend to get immune to the local repellants.

Crime: Crime is mostly limited to opportunistic petty theft – keep an eye on your belongings and make sure you exercise basic precautions like locking your door at night. There are no police on Gili Air and Gili Meno and a very small police unit on Gili Trawangan so if you face larger crime problems, you’ll need to head over to the mainland (Lombok) to do make a police report.

Health: All three of the Gili Islands have no hospitals – only small, simple medical clinics. If any serious medical problems arise, you’ll have to get back to Lombok or Bali as quickly as possible. It is highly recommended that you have travel insurance while traveling to the Gilis – there is nothing worse than being stuck with a bill for emergency transport and medical services after what was supposed to be a fun vacation.

Keep the tips in mind, make sure you have travel insurance and enjoy the heck out of this paradise while you’re here! Happy traveling!

Lastly – keep in mind that the Gilis may feel like Bali, but the locals here are Muslim and the customs here differ. Please respect their community and beliefs by never sunbathing nude or topless and covering up when away from the beach.

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Makassar, Indonesia: Your Gateway to Southern Sulawesi

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paotere harbor, Indonesia Travel guide, Place other than Bali

Makassar, also known as Ujung Pandang, is the capital of South Sulawesi and the largest city on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Home to over 1 million inhabitants, Makassar is a bustling city thick with traffic, the strong scent of street food, and the chaos characteristic of most major cities.

Makassar, Sulawesi

The metropolis of Makassar has served as the gateway to eastern Indonesia for centuries and remains a thriving port and transportation hub even today, with the Makassar airport serving frequent international and domestic flights. The city is the perfect springboard to exploring southern Sulawesi and beyond. As such, most travelers come to Makassar for shopping and eating before heading off to their ultimate destinations in the more remote corners of Sulawesi.

Makassar is particularly popular with snorkelers and divers since it faces a group of approximately 50 islands known as the Spermonde Archipelago and fantastic spots for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Although Makassar is mostly known as a transportation hub on the way to somewhere a little more exotic, the city’s inhabitants are friendly and the food here is down-right delicious. Whether you choose to stop over for a day or two or stay for a couple of days, you’ll find plenty here to see and do!

Best Time to Visit Makassar

The wet season in Makassar stretches from around November to April. Typically, July, August, and September are the driest months and the best time to visit Makassar.

How to Get to Makassar

The easiest way to get to Makassar – and the rest of Southern Sulawesi – is to catch a flight into Makassar’s Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport.

The airport is located 20 km from the city and has flights to and from Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Bali, as well as a number of major domestic destinations in Sumatra, Kalimantan, Papua and Java. There are also international flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

How to Get Around Makassar

Makassar has a few transportation options. The most popular among locals is the angkot (mini-buses) known in Makassar as pete-pete. The route of these pete-petes is denoted by the letter on the windshield. By asking locals for help, you should be able to take a pete-pete to where you need to go.

Another option is the becak, or bicycle trishaw, which will typically cost around 3,000 – 10,000 IDR ($0.30 – $1 USD) for a trip around town.

Taxis are also common in Makassar – feel free to take any of them, they all have the same fares and use meters.

Things to See and Do in Makassar

Fort Rotterdam

Fort Rotterdam was once an ancient Gowanese fort dating back to 1545 and is now Makassar’s main tourist attraction. The fort failed to keep out the Dutch during the Dutch colonial times and then was rebuilt in Dutch style after the Treaty of Bungaya. As one of the few well-preserved examples of Dutch colonial architecture, Fort Rotterdam is well worth a visit.

Paotere Harbor

This picturesque harbor is home to beautifully colorful traditional pinisi schooners in all their natural glory. Not to mention the miles and miles of sea, glistening sun, balmy sea breezes, and the deliciously enticing smell of seafood smoking away at the barbeque…

paotere harbor

Visit at sunrise.

Pantai Losari (Losari Beach)

Losari beach is a long stretch of waterfront in the middle of the city with a beautiful sunset view. Spend a few hours wandering around the boardwalk where food stalls are set up every night selling everything from grilled young bananas to spiced cashews.

Balla Lompoa (Palace of Gowa Kingdom)

The Museum Balla Lompoa is the former royal palace of the King of Gowa and is not free to visitors. Balla Lompoa translates literally to ‘big house’ in the Makassarese language and like the typical traditional Makassarese houses, this beautiful big house is built on stilts.

Inside, you’ll find the main hall laid out as it might have been for royal functions of the past. The museum holds an assortment of royal relics, weapons, tool and ritual paraphernalia to give you a glimpse of the grandeur of the former Gowa kingdom.

Visitors can even dress up in royal Gowanese costumes for photo-taking.

Island Hop the Spermonde Archipelago

Makassar faces a group of approximately 50 islands known as the Spermonde Archipelago and is the perfect base for exploring these small islands. The islands offer abundant corals, a range of marine life and some of the largest wrecks off the Sulawesi coast, as well as interesting village life and historical sites.

spermonde archipelago

The most distant islands in the Spermonde Archipelago edge onto the continental shelf, so snorkelers should be aware of steep drop-offs and stay near land. This area also is populated by hammerhead sharks, which may be a threat to people, as well as rays, barracudas, blacktip sharks, large tuna and grouper, and sea turtles.

For more information on the nearby islands, check out this site.

Visit the Prehistoric Park in Leang-Leang

This is a little out of the way from Makassar – around 40 kilometers away – but it is definitely worth the trip. The Prehistoric Park is home to hundreds of prehistoric caves and at Leang-Leang, you’ll have the very rare opportunity to see cave paintings that are thought to be 5,000 years old and tell the story of the inhabitants who occupied the cave in prehistoric times.

Prehistoric Park Leang-leang

A fascinating scene not to be missed, it’s definitely worth the trip out from Makassar. You can also see the waterfalls where the naturalist Alfred Wallace collected butterflies on the way to the Prehistoric Park.

Where to Go Nearby

Tana Toraja, the ‘Land of the Heavenly Kings’ and a beautifully scenic town known for its spectacular burial rites and sites is a must-see in Sulawesi. From Makassar, Tana Toraja is an 8-10 hour bus ride away.

Makassar Travel Tips

Makassar is a major city and like with any big city, you should exercise caution against petty crime. Avoid drawing attention to yourself with flashy jewellery and keep an eye on your belongings at all times.

The water in Makassar is not safe to drink unless it’s boiled and purified. When eating at street vendors – or buying drinks – make sure you order bottled water as some of the water might not be boiled nor purified.

And as always – always travel with travel insurance. 

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Yogyakarta, Indonesia

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Yogyakarta travel, Indonesia Travel guide, Place other than Bali

Yogyakarta – also known as Jogjakarta – is a thriving townhome to 500,000 inhabitants and the most popular tourist destination on Java island, Indonesia. The city is named after the Indian city of Ayodha from the Ramayana epic and translates to ‘A city that is fit to prosper,’ with Yogya meaning ‘suitable, fit, proper’ and Karta meaning ‘prosperous, flourishing.’

 Yogyakarta travel

True to its name, Yogyakarta is renowned as a center of classical Javanese fine art and culture as well as a thriving tourist destination due to its proximity to the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan.

Yogyakarta Fun Facts:

  • The city of Yogyakarta is only one of five districts within the semi-autonomous “Yogyakarta Special Region.” This special status is thanks to the Sultanate of Hamengkubuwono, which has ruled the area since 1749 and through the difficult times of occupation and revolution.
  • Yogyakarta was the revolutionary capital city of the republic from 1946 to 1949 when Jakarta was still occupied by the Dutch. Thanks to this, the Indonesian central government recognized the Sultan of Yogyakarta as the appointed governor of the region and it remains the only position that is not elected directly by the people.
  • The Indonesian central government has tried to weaken the sultan’s power by calling for direct election for the governor, however the present Sultan Hamengkubuwono X was chosen by an overwhelming majority.

Best Time to Visit Yogyakarta

There are two distinct seasons in Yogyakarta: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season generally stretches from October to March, but the rainfall is heaviest during December through February and it is best to avoid travel during those months.

There is very little rain from June through September and those are the best months to visit the city.

As a tropical city located close to the equator, Yogyakarta enjoys warm weather year-round, which remains steady in the high 80s or low 90s (Fahrenheit).

How to Get to Yogyakarta

The easiest way to get to Yogyakarta is to catch a flight to Yogyakarta’s Adisucipto International Airport, which is located around 8 km east of town. The airport has frequent flights to and from Bali, Jakarta, as well as other major cities in Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi.

There are also flights to and from international destinations such as Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

How to Get Around Yogyakarta

It’s really easy to get around the city of Yogyakarta and you have a few options at hand to choose from.

The cheapest option, of course, is to walk. You can pick up an English map at the airport and the train station, as well as from the Tourism Authority’s offices next to Hotel Mutiara on Jl. Malioboro.

Another option is to take a taxi. Most of the taxis in Yogyakarta are metered and start at 5,500 IDR ($0.55 USD).  Most trips around town center should cost no more than 15,000 IDR ($1.50). After dark, the minimum taxi fare is 10,000 IDR ($1 USD).

For those comfortable with haggling, becaks (bicycle rickshaws) and andongs (horse-pulled carts) offer more transportation options.

get around yogyakarta

If you want to see the city on your own, Yogyakarta has several car and motorbike rental agencies just outside Tugu Station near Jalan Pasir Kembang. A motorbike can be rented for around 40,000 IDR ($4 USD) for 24 hours and cars will cost around 350,000 IDR ($35 USD) for 24 hours.

Popular Attractions Around Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a beautiful city, but a large part of its popularity is due to its close proximity to other popular destinations.

Here are a few must-see places while visiting Yogyakarta:

Borobudur

Borobudur is a gargantuan Buddhist temple complex and an absolute must-see attraction in Java. It’s located just 40 kilometers northwest of Yogyakarta, set in a fertile valley between two rivers and two volcanoes.

borodudur indonesia
Borobudur, Java, Indonesia

Prambanan

This UNESCO heritage-listed temple complex is home to some 224 individual Hindu temples and located just 15 kilometers from Yogyakarta. Prambanan is often overshadowed by Borobudur, but it is a fascinating place in its own right and a must-visit attraction in Java.

Prambanan
Prambana, Java, Indonesia

Parangtritis Beach

Parangtritis beach is definitely worth a day trip is you’re craving some fresh sea air and wide open horizons after a few days of shopping and temple viewing. This black volcanic sand beach has a spectacular sunset and is a beautiful place to spend a few quiet hours flying kites or riding horseback through the small village near the beach.

Parangtritis Beach

Please note that this beach is absolutely NOT for swimming – the strong currents have claimed several lives – and also not a good place for sunbathing as the locals are conservative and tend to enjoy the beach fully-clothed.

Also keep in mind that you should always travel as part of a larger group when going to or from Parangtritis beach. There are very few police stations or posts on the long stretch between Yogyakarta and the beach and there have been known to be motorcycle thieves on the road.

Things to See in Yogyakarta

Despite being a relatively small city, Yogyakarta has a lot to offer from heritage building and monuments to beaches, markets, cultural performances, and archeological and religious sights.

Here are some of the must-see attractions of Yogyakarta:

Kraton Ngayogyakarta

The number one must-see attraction in Yogyakarta is Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono’s palace. The Kraton, or Sultan’s Palace, has been at the heart of civic life for the people of Yogyakarta since the mid 1700s. It is still the current home for Yogyakarta’a sultan, Hamngkubuwono X, so most areas are off limits but you can still tour much of the grounds and maybe get lucky and catch a show or two while you’re there.

Much of the other attractions are also located within spitting distance from the Kraton, such as…

Taman Sari (Water Palace)

The water palace stands like an oasis in the middle of the city. The beautiful European-styled complex was built in the 1750s and is adorned with Javanese motifs and hosts several bathing pools, canals, as well as rooms used for leisure and relaxation by the Sultan and his family.

Pasar Burung (Bird Market)

Birds play a significant role in Javanese culture and most homes have at least one as a pet. If you’re in Yogyakarta, Pasar Burung is definitely worth a visit – check out the rows and rows of wooden traditional bird cages for sale.

Candi Sambisari (Sambisari Temple)

Situated close to the airport, Sambisari is a small temple built around the 9th century to adore the Shiva gods. It was only recently discovered – in the 60s – buried under tons of ash. It is now a beautifully preserved and well-maintained temple that offers an uncrowded, quiet space for visitors to look around.

Things to Do in Yogyakarta

Play Street Chess Outside the Sultan’s Palace

At slow, quiet intervals during the day, becak drivers will play chess on the street with large wooden sets. You can find them around the end of Malioboro Street near the Kraton complex. There’s no need to accept or offer any bets on the game(s) – it’s a great way to simply get to know the locals and pass some time.

Play a Game of Masangin

At the Sultan’s Square, you can play this game that involves blindfolding the participant and having him or her walk straight to pass two ancient ficus trees. It’s easier said than done.

See Wayang Kulit

Wayang Kulit, the Javanese shadow play, is accompanied with gamelan orchestra and performed every night at Museum Sonobudoyo. Tickets cost around $2 USD and is not to be missed.

Shop at Malioboro

Yogyakarta offers a variety of curios for the interested shopper. You’ll find timeless pieces among batik, traditional wayang puppets, sculpture, ceramics, silverware, and countless handicrafts from everywhere in Indonesia. The most popular place to do this is Malioboro, a well-known shopping promenade measuring around 2 km in length, full of shops and street stalls.

Malioboro Street, Yogyakarta

What to Eat in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta’s dishes are known for their sweetness, although it’s fast-changing thanks to the influence from immigrants and travelers constantly moving into and through Yogyakarta. You’ll find a range of flavors to try in this city from sweet to spicy to absolutely fiery.

The local dishes are unique and definitely worth trying. Don’t miss…

  • Gudeg: A curry of jackfruit, chicken and egg served with rice. This is the most famous local dish and not particularly appetizing looking, but absolutely delicious.
  • Kipo: Bite-size snacks made of green colored tapioca dough filled with sweetened grated coconut. Yum.

Yogyakarta Travel Tips

Like any other large city, Yogyakarta has its share of petty crime. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times and watch out for pickpocketing and scams.

The gallery scam is a popular scam where someone will approach you and tell you about a government art center with great prices. They’ll spend a few hours telling you about how batik is made but this is ultimately a scam to manipulate you into buying over-priced art. Kindly decline their offers and you’ll be fine.

Also take precaution when walking in the city as it can get crowded and traffic is brutal.

And as always – never travel without travel insurance.

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Sulawesi Travel Musts: Witness the Burial Rites and Sites of Tana Toraja

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Tana Toraja Burial Site, Indonesia Travel guide, Place other than Bali

Tana Toraja literally translates to ‘Toraja land’ and is nicknamed the ‘Land of the Heavenly Kings.’ It is located in a highland region in the southern region of the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia.

A trip to Tana Toraja is like being transported to a magical land of beauty and culture. You’ll meet with sweeping, elaborately-painted houses with boat-shaped roofs lining intricately terraced rice paddies.

Toraja houses
Traditional Tongkonan houses in Tana Toraja

The beautiful town is surrounded by picturesque mountains on all sides and still vibrantly alive with traditional culture. Amidst this stunning scenery exists a very unique culture.

Interestingly, life in Toraja revolves around death and the inhabitants of this mystical region spend their days earning the money they need to send away their dead properly. Although Tana Toraja’s inhabitants are mostly devout Christians, they’ve combined this religious belief with their own blend of magic and mysticism, creating a strange yet captivating culture of spectacular burial rites and eerily beautiful burial sites set amidst a landscape of lush rice terraces, tall limestones and misty mountains.

The People and Culture of Tana Toraja

The Toraja people are an ethnic group indigenous to the mountain region of South Sulawesi. There are currently around 650,000 Torajan people, of which 450,000 live in Tana Toraja, giving it the name ‘Land of Toraja.’ TorajanBefore the 20th century, Torajans lived in autonomous villages, where they practised animist beliefs known as Aluk To Dolo (translated to ‘Way of the Ancestors’) and remained relatively untouched by the outside world.

Beginning in the early 1900s, Dutch missionaries began to convert the Toraja people to Christianity. Thanks to the following influences of Christianity and tourism, the Toraja way of life has changed significantly from an agrarian culture steeped in animist beliefs of a largely Christian society. Still, the Toraja people have managed to maintain their traditional beliefs and way of life and blend it with their current beliefs, producing a unique culture of Christianity and animism.

Traces of the Toraja’s old beliefs are most visible during their funeral festivities and burial customs, for which visitors from all over the world come to Tana Toraja to witness.

The Burial Rites of Tana Toraja

Amidst the lush green rice fields and majestic, misty mountains of Tana Toraja, traditional Tongkonan houses stand proudly. These intricately-decorated houses with upward-sloping roofs are at the center of all Aluk to dolo rites (the Torajan religion before Christianity), in particular, the spectacular burial rites for which Tana Toraja is well known.

Tana Toraja house

Tana Toraja is most well-known for their elaborate funeral rituals. Death in Tana Toraja is bigger than life and the funeral is considered the most important event in a person’s life, as it is the starting point for the soul to make its way into the afterlife.

This makes death a complicated affair in Tana Toraha. Torajanas do not believe death to be a sudden, abrupt event but a gradual process toward Puya (the land of souls, or the afterlife). It is thought that this process takes many years and for the deceased to be able to make his or her way into the afterlife, many elaborate and expensive arrangements must be made for the burial, known as the Rambu Solok ceremony.

The deceased is not thought to be officially dead until the Rambu Solok ceremony is performed to purify the spirit of the dead and accordingly, the deceased is referred to as to mamma (sleeping person) or to to masaki (sick person) until the commencement of the all-important funeral rites.

Until the family has saved enough money to make all the funeral arrangements – which typically takes a few years – the deceased is bathed, given formaldehyde, wrapped in several layers of cloth and kept under the tongkonan house. Food and drinks are placed near the corpse and the soul of the deceased is thought to linger around the village until the completion of the funeral ceremony, when it can finally begin its journey to Puya (the afterlife).

Tana Toraja Funeral Ceremony

The funeral, as the most important ceremony intended to allow the deceased easy transition to the afterlife, requires significant funds as well as time to ensure that all family members – no matter where they are in the world – can attend. The funeral ceremony can last up to a week and during that time, ritual dances and buffalo fights are held. There is also the ritual slaughter of buffaloes and pigs, which are thought to help the spirits of the dead journey safely into the spirit world.

Once the family is ready, the burial ceremony is performed for the deceased. The coffin will contain any possessions the deceased is thought to need in the afterlife. There are three methods of burial, depending on the status of the deceased. The wealthy are buried in a cave grave or a stone grave carved out of a rocky cliff, with a wood-carved effigy, known as a Tau tau, carved in their image and guarding the burial site.

Others are buried inside hollow trees or in a bamboo frame hanging from a cliff. The coffins of babies and children are also hung from ropes on a cliff or from a tree.

These burial sites are as elaborate as the burial rites and dot the picturesque landscape of Tana Toraja. The burial grounds of Tana Toraja has been nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage Center’s list of sites.

Tana Toraja Burial Site

Best Time to Visit Tana Toraja

Most burial ceremonies are held after the harvest season, which makes June to October the best time to visit Tana Toraja. The peak season is July and August and the hotel prices and availability reflect this.

How to Get to Tana Toraja

There are currently no flights into Tana Toraja. In order to get to Tana Toraja, you’ll have to fly into Makassar’s Hasanuddin International Airport.

From Makassar, you can catch a bus to Tana Toraja, which is an 8-10 hour journey to Tana Toraja and costs around 70,000 IDR ($7 USD) for a non-air-conditioned bus and up to 150,000 IDR ($15 USD) for an air-conditioned bus. You have the option of the morning and overnight buses.

How to Get Around Tana Toraja

There are minivans called bemo or mikrolet that you can take to get around town. It costs around 2,000 IDR ($0.20 USD) for short rides and up to 10,000 IDR ($1 USD) for longer rides.

Things to See and Do in Tana Toraja

Experience a Funeral Ceremony

By far the most popular reason for visiting Tana Toraja is the opportunity to attend one of the spectacularly elaborate – and rather gruesome – funeral ceremonies. Locals are welcoming to foreigners who want to attend and you’ll have the chance to be a part of an unforgettable cultural event.

Funerals have an entrance fee of 20,000 IDR ($2 USD) and are public events. Avoid offers by guides, telling you that they are private or difficult to access.

Visit the Burial Sites

Set amidst the beautiful landscape of Tana Toraja, there are fascinating burial sites you can check out. Be sure to see Kete Kesu (tombs of kings), Lemo (hanging graves), Londa (cliff graves), and Suaya and Sangala (baby graves in trees).

For a great guide of burial sites, check out UNESCO’s World Heritage Center.

Visit the Pasar Bolu

The Pasar Bolu is the traditional market – be sure to go there the days they sell water buffalo and pigs for the upcoming funeral ceremonies.

Note: Most hotels in the Tana Toraja region will pressure you to hire a local guide for 250,000 – 30,000 IDR ($25 – $35 USD) a day. Whereas it is possible to visit most of the famous sites and funerals on your own, it’s advisable to take the hotels’ offer and hire a guide as they can provide a lot of insight into the local practices and customs and make your visit to the burial sites a lot more enlightening.

Tana Toraja Travel Tips

There have been reports of night thieves that board the night bus from Makassar to Tana Toraja and steal travelers’ belongings so be sure you keep your possessions near and keep an eye on them at all times.

Funerals have an entrance fee of 20,000 IDR ($2 USD) and are public events. Avoid offers by guides, telling you that they are private or difficult to access.

And as always – never travel without travel insurance. 

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