With a landscape of rugged volcanoes, pristine beaches, and picturesque rice terraces, Bali has enchanted adventurers of all stripes for decades. Thrill seekers can take on challenging hikes and water sports, while culture mavens can immerse themselves in enchanting dances, colorful ceremonies, and handcrafted art.
Bali’s spiritual roots are evident in the thousands of temples and shrines throughout the island. These fanciful structures are known as “pura” in the local language and have been a part of everyday life for over 1000 years. Non-practitioners can visit these eye-opening sites, referred to as “watu” by the locals, for an experience that is both spiritual and uplifting.
The stunning, Instagram-famous Tegalagang Rice Terraces are easily accessible from Seminyak and can be a highlight of your trip. Be sure to bring insect repellant, particularly if you’re planning to spend time exploring the lush forests and towering waterfalls of the area.
The famous Balinese smile is more than just a cliche; the people here are truly a generous and genuinely warm people with a sly sense of humor. Upon seeing a bald tourist, you might hear them exclaim ‘bung ujan’, which means that today’s rain has been cancelled; a wonderful way to brighten up anyone’s day! Indonesian is the main language spoken on the island, but English is widely understood, especially in tourist areas. Many locals also speak some Mandarin and Japanese, especially in the north of the island. Getting around Bali is easy, with plenty of taxis and ride-sharing apps to choose from.