Share Top 5 Things to do In Bali, Indonesia
Now the first thing that will probably spring to mind when you think of top things to do in Bali is surfing. Unless your on holiday and are only spending time in Bail then there are better places in Indonesia to learn to surf (and a lot cheaper!). This is the top 5 things that I highly recommend for you in Bali, Indonesia. What would your top 5 be for Bali? Comments are open below.
Check out the blog I wrote from my 10 days in Bali, it has everything we did in detail.
1 – Take a Cycle Tour
We organised our cycle tour through our guest house. They are quite cheap and you will get breakfast and lunch included with the price. Organise it while in Ubud and you will take an hours minibus ride north to the start. After a buffet breakfast, you will be taken to a small coffee plantation and have the opportunity to learn about the worlds rarest coffee, Kopi Luwak.
You will then get onto your bicycles and ride around the local area. Don’t worry it’s all downhill! You go through rice paddies and through the coconut forrest before stopping off at a local community. You see how a family lives in rural Bali. How they eat and what they do when there is a death in the family!
You cycle about 25KM downhill until you reach the bottom. It is then a choice, cycle 10KM back uphill to lunch, or jump in the waiting minibus… we decided as young, fit people we would cycle. By the time you get back for your buffet lunch you will be ready to take on some great food. Do the extra 10KM, you will get your monies worth from the buffet for sure!
2 – Architecture
One of the 1st things I noticed about Bali was it’s stunning architecture. All of the buildings have so much character and depth. It is such a welcome change from the rest of Asia. By far my favorite place to admire this architecture was Ubud. Each individual home has it’s own temple for the family. The whole design of the houses is based around respect to their gods and to their elders.
Carved wood and stone are the main attributes to architecture in Bali. If you head just north of Ubud you can find many local shops making the elements for the homes. It’s very interesting to see them actually being made.
3 – Explore the north on Moto’s
Hire out some moto’s and go and explore. The rural north is amazing on bicycle, but on moto’s it’s another world. The roads are beautiful, winding through the rice paddies and up to the 4th highest point on the island, Gunung Catur. After a brief stop to admire the view carry on round to GitGit waterfall.
Take in the roads and views along the way. This is definitely the way to see Bali. So much fun and such a stunning part of the world.
4 – Craft Shops in Ubud
It’s such a refreshing change to see items being sold that are actually worthwhile buying. The craft shops of Ubud are a great place to pick up souvenirs to take home with you. Unluckily for me I still had a month left of my travels so could not carry around much from there. If I get the chance to go back I’m sure that there will be a different outcome.
There are craft shops, jewelry shops and plenty of art to take in. Just don’t forget to stop off at the cafes for a milkshake and some great food. Bagels, burgers and the chicken are amongst the best western food. It is more expensive to eat western though so try the Warung’s for the cheap and tasty local food!
5 – Night out in Kuta
If there is one thing that Kuta is good for, it’s a good party. After a long day on the beach you deserve a beer or two! Try the local bars, most of which are Auzzie bars with pool tables and sports coverage. If you make it past the early evening then the place to head is to the Sky Garden.
At the top of Jalan Poppies 2 you will find the Sky Garden. 5 floors of different music, drinks and fun. Try the Heineken garden at the right time and it’s as much as you can drink for about 50,000 Rupiah. It is a lot of fun in there, just try not to drink too much Heineken!
So there you have it, my Top 5 for Bali, Indonesia. If you have any questions or comments please use the comment form below. Enjoy your time in Bali, I certainly did!