Bali is famous for its iridescent green rice terraces, ancient temples, and relaxing beaches, but it has much more to offer. The island also has lush volcanic mountains, serene waterfalls and a unique spiritual culture that can be experienced through dance, music and food.
The best time to visit Bali is during March/April and September/October, when the rice terraces are at their most vibrant. However, the island can be visited year-round.
Getting around: There are taxis all over the island that operate on a meter system. It is recommended to hire a driver for your trip to get around the more remote areas of the island.
Scuba diving: If you’re a certified diver, you can explore the magnificent reefs off of Bali. The island’s underwater world is home to more than 1,800 species, including sharks, manta rays and coral gardens.
Beaches: The beaches on Bali are pristine and the water is crystal clear. The most popular ones include Dreamland Beach, Padang Padang Beach (where scenes from Eat, Pray, Love were filmed), and Uluwatu Beach.
Cultural activities: The Balinese have a rich, diverse culture that is celebrated with music, dance and drama. Many festivals are held throughout the year, determined by the Balinese pawukon calendar, such as Nyepi, which is observed with a day of silence and the parade of sculptures of Ogoh-ogoh monsters to scare away evil spirits.
This eye-pleasing temple complex and holy mountain spring is a national cultural heritage site and the legendary setting of a traditional tale of good versus evil. Located in Manukaya village in central Bali, Tirta Empul translates as ‘holy water spring’ and consists of several purification baths, pools and fish ponds that flow to the Tukad Pakerisan River.