Vacation in Bali: capital, food, beaches

In recent years, the Indonesian island of Bali has become one of the most popular resorts in the world. This tropical island attracts beach lovers, active pastime fans, and fans of exploring amazing cultures.

The best place to start exploring Bali is from the island’s largest city, Denpasar. Its streets are a chaotic mixture of ancient orange-tiled houses and modern buildings, with numerous temples in between. The most interesting from an architectural point of view is the Pura Jagatnath Temple, dedicated to the god Sangyang Vidi. He represents the entire nation. This is a small but very bright and colorful sanctuary, created in a unique Indonesian style.

However, the most interesting temples are located outside the capital. Thus, one of the most significant and sacred of them is located in the northwest of the most party city of the island - Kuta. Puro Tanah Lot Temple was built on the coast, probably in the 16th century.

In addition, in Bali you can find entire villages of skilled craftsmen who pass on their craft from generation to generation. You can see unique objects created using various wood carving techniques in the villages of Mas and Kemenuh. It is also worth visiting the village of Butulan to learn how stone statues of mythological characters are made. They guard houses and temples and greet visitors at store entrances and on beaches.

What do they eat in Bali?

Balinese cuisine is unique and distinctive - the result of a combination of traditions from many tribes and peoples of Indonesia. Colorful food is guaranteed to you. All dishes are based on rice - it tops the food list in Bali. For example, the national dish nasi goreng consists of a variable set of foods fried with it: vegetables, eggs, chicken or shrimp. Among the meat options, they offer pepes - meat seasoned and cut into pieces, wrapped in a banana leaf and grilled, or suckling pigs roasted with spices on a spit.

Among the desserts, Bubur Injin stands out. It contains black rice, pandan leaves, palm sugar, banana and coconut milk. This is the perfect beach food option. So don't miss the opportunity to try Balinese food.

Natural resources

Where do animals live in Bali? In the center of the island there is a reserve where you can watch monkeys in their natural habitat. Thus, hundreds of Balinese long-tailed macaques live in the Ubud forest. They are not afraid of people and can even be quite aggressive.

Another interesting option is climbing Batur. This is not just a mountain, but an active volcano, its height is almost 1700 meters. It will take 2-3 hours to climb, but the time spent is compensated by magnificent panoramic views of the island.

There are interesting places not only at the top, but also at the bottom of the island. Suluban Cave is one of the most mesmerizing places in Bali. The thousand-year-old Goa Gajah temple is hidden in them. At the entrance you are greeted by stone figures of animals and demons, and inside there are niches for meditation, ancient statues with offerings, and a sacred bath for ablution before spiritual practices.

Beach holiday

One of the most famous resorts in Bali is Kuta Beach. This is a paradise for surfers and the party center of the entire island. Seminyak and Legian are no less popular. The waves there are strong and constant; if you wish, you can rent a sun lounger and an umbrella, or go to a cafe or local restaurant. But a calm, warm ocean can be found on the beach in Jimbaran. It has all the hallmarks of a paradise: white sand, clear water and vibrant vegetation.

Please note that the Balinese currency is the Indonesian Rupiah.