Get to Know Bali
This is a feature from Issue 9 of Charitable Traveller. Click to read more from this issue.
What's it all about?
Dubbed ‘the island of the gods’, Bali is one of the smaller land masses in Indonesia’s vast archipelago, but its top tourism hub. With its surf-flecked beaches, lush rice terraces and unique culture, Bali attracts party animals, thrill-seekers, romantics, spiritual types, culture vultures and art lovers alike.
Ancient CULTURE
Indonesia has the world’s largest Muslim population, but Bali is mainly Hindu. The island was also influenced by Buddhism and its religion is very different to the Technicolour Hinduism you may have seen in India. All over Bali, you’ll see canang sari, religious offerings which sit outside every house or place of work – a tiny palm leaf basket carefully filled with a beautifully presented combination of flowers and food. Immerse yourself in Balinese culture by visiting some of its intricately-carved stone temples (there are 20,000), watching theatrical dances with dazzling costumes, or discovering its rich arts and crafts scene.
underwater love
Scuba divers and snorkellers, prepare to be enthralled by coral gardens and vivid reefs. Highlights include great chances to see the weird and wonderful mola mola, the largest bony fish in the world (up to 14 metres from face to tail), and the Liberty wreck, a torpedoed U.S. Army ship now home to barracudas.
Surf's up
Surfers think that Bali is swell. Despite its diminutive size, there are around 60 breaks. Waves here cater for total beginners up to world-leading pros. If you want to join (or watch) the latter, head to the Padang Padang break, known as the ‘Balinese pipeline’ for its long and fast barrelling waves. And if you want to learn you’re in luck, there are scores of schools and surf camps.
Take a wander around the Bali Botanical Garden, home to a giant banyan tree and a bamboo forest
relax to the max
The pervasive vibe in Bali is relaxed. The laid-back surfer culture on the beaches and yogi lifestyle inland contribute to this but it really comes from the locals. They have an unhurried attitude and deeply spiritual culture – shrines are so ubiquitous that the air is perfumed with incense.
Bali is a unique island because the resorts inland are just as appealing as those on the coast. The Hanging Gardens of Bali in Ubud has an extraordinary infinity pool clinging to a hill smothered in orchids and bamboo, dropping into a green abyss with river and temple views. The Ubud area is also renowned for its spas and wellness retreats.
Don’t forget the beach though. Amankila resort’s thatched umbrellas sit on sparkling black-sand where waiters clad in white linen will attend to your cocktail needs. Bali beaches range from the buzzing bar-heavy Kuta to secluded Gunung Payung, a virgin stretch of white sand hugged by tall cliffs.
Hit the turf as well as the surf
Hiking is the ultimate way to appreciate Bali’s natural beauty. The highest point on the island is the sacred peak of Gunung Agung, an active volcano reached via a challenging six-hour hike but worth it for the views, which include the neighbouring island Lombok. Gentler walks include the Campuhan Ridge, with views of river gorges and tropical forest. There are also many cycling trails, and you can white water raft on the Ayung River.
The must-see sights...
TEGALALANG RICE TERRACES
These sculptured and impossibly green rice paddies curve and cascade around the natural hills and are dotted with palm trees.
UBUD MONKEY FOREST
A holy site, this forest is home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques who are also considered sacred. Watch out for thieving monkey hands as you explore moss-covered temples.
ULAN DANU BERATAN
The thatched 11-storey temple floats serenely on the west side of Beratan Lake.
ULUWATU TEMPLE
Staring out at the ocean, this cliff-top pagoda is a beautiful place to watch the sunset.
This is a feature from Issue 9 of Charitable Traveller. Click to read more from this issue.
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