Bali is a tropical paradise, full of stunning beaches, ancient temples, delicious cuisine and more. It’s a dream destination for backpackers on a budget, digital nomads and even the most seasoned of travelers.
The island’s main towns are packed with attractions to discover, from kecak dance shows and shadow puppet performances through to cultural festivals and art galleries. The town of Ubud in central Bali is a great place to get into the local culture and enjoy some enchanting Balinese experiences.
A little bit of everything is waiting for you on Bali’s incredibly diverse culinary menu, which ranges from tiny warungs to high-end restaurants and cafés. A delicious meal should cost less than $4 for a simple local dish, while a glass of Bintang beer will set you back around $2.
If you’re looking for some serious meat, the island has more than a few stalls selling babi guling (suckling pig), which is rubbed with turmeric and stuffed with a spice paste made from coriander seeds, lemongrass, lime leaves, salam leaves, chillies, black pepper, garlic and lesser galangal. This isn’t just a snack – it’s a whole meal and requires some patience on your part as you await the pork’s arrival.
Alternatively, you can try a variety of sate, from chicken to fish. Indonesia’s sate is a little different from its Malaysian counterpart – instead of being melded onto a stick, satay is grilled on a barbecue and served with a peanut sauce.