Bali has often been described as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It is often called "The Island of the Gods" and you will soon find out why! This is a real gem with its volcanoes, beautiful lakes, green rice terraces, ancient temples and palaces. This really is some thing to see for himself in his life.
You will be enchanted by the traditional Balinese culture and the extreme friendliness of the people. Sometimes I meet people very disappointed their trip to Bali they say plundered by tourism ... they did not know understand this island and discover in depth. Once one escapes South Island too touristy, Bali remained an authentic island full of beauty and wonder.
This amazing island is also a popular destination for scuba diving with some world class spots like the Liberty wreck in Tulamben or Manta Point where it is possible to see manta rays all year. You can also read my comprehensive guide to diving in Bali.
Bali is ideally located right in the center of Indonesia between the islands of Java and Lombok. This makes it a perfect starting point to explore the Indonesian archipelago.
Where to stay the night?
There is a very wide range of accommodation in Bali. You can find all ranges and budgets. You can either choose a nice hotel with all the comforts and a lovely pool, a guesthouse or more basic bungalows. For budget travelers, there are also dormitories.
It is 10 euros per night for a little ok. Feel free to visit several and negotiate the price. During the high season between December and January, prices tend to soar especially in the tourist part of the island in the south. I personally have never booked a hotel in advance, but hey I used and I knew the island well. It can be helpful especially if you arrive at night to reserve at least the first night in Kuta.
Things to do and excursions in Bali
Bali is a great destination for diving but it's also a really beautiful island, surely one of the finest in the world. There is so much to discover that an exhaustive list is not posible but here are some things to do in Bali:
-Go for a hike or bike on the sacred Agung Volcano
-Hindouhistes visit temples around Ubud, the real center of Balinese Culture
-Explore the beautiful scenery and landscapes such as the waterfalls or the beautiful rice terraces
-Go see a show of Balinese dance, crafts and discover the unique architecture of Bali
-Fancy a flutter! Walk down one of the rivers of Bali rafting or go surf the waves of Kuta!
-Experience the authentic Bali losing you scooter on the back roads of the island, a real treat ...
-Taking a cruise, ride an elephant, enjoy a massage and more!
Note: In some places, you will not find a trash can, so thank you to help keep the place clean and bring with you that you can lay waste to your hotel.
Best time to visit Bali
-The dry season is from April to October I, average temperature of 28 ° C
-The rainy season (monsoon) is the month of November to March, average temperature of 31 ° C
-The peak tourist season is from July to August and December and January
The best time to visit Bali is between April and November.
Health and Safety
There must be no specific vaccine except yellow fever. Malaria is rare in Bali and an anti-malaria treatment is not useful (but hey I'm not a doctor ...). Include a small first aid kit with medications against the alleviates diarrhea and a broad spectrum antibiotic can still be useful if you go to remote places, especially if you continue your journey in Papua Borneo or Sulawesi.
Or Bali is located in the world?
Bali is located in Indonesia between Java Island to the west and the island of Lombok to the east. Its central location is ideal for Indonesia to explore other islands of the Indonesian archipelago.
How to get to Bali?
Bali is a aéroporturaire hub of South East Asia. Airport Denpasar near Kuta is connected by daily direct flights from all over the World and the Indonesian islands (Lombok, Java, Flores, Borneo, Sulawesi, Papua, ...).
Tip: Airport Bali Denpasar airport south of the island. You can also go to Bali from Java by ferry or speedboat from the Gili Islands in Lombok.
Map of Bali
Do I need a visa to Bali?
You need a visa toursime. This visa is evening arrival at the airport in Jakarta or Bali. It is valid for 1 month. If you want to stay longer, you will be out of the Indonesian territory in Singapore or Malaysia for example.
Moving around
Bali is a fairly small island (about 100 km from north to south) and it takes about three hours by car to cross.
You can explore many ways, it depends on how much time you have, your budget and your travel philosophy.
-Rent a car with driver : rent a car with a driver lets go where you want when you want. The driver generally knows very well the island and can take you to his favorite places, make you experience the local life and learn about the real Bali and culture. There are very many small travel agencies in Bali and it is very easy to rent a car for about 20 euros per day all inclusive. feel free to negotiate!
-Scooter and motorcycle: it allows total freedom and for the aventurezux it is easy to rent a motorbike in Kuta and spend several days exploring the island in getting lost on small winding roads in the middle of rice fields and temples. This will have the advantage of making you discover the real Bali and get away quickly touristy places. This is the method that I recommend if you know how to drive a scooter! It will take you through against an international driving permit in addition to your French license and wear a helmet to avoid problems with the police. The rental is very expensive, approximately 2 euros per day. Do not forget a map of Bali because road signs are saying minimum;-).
-Taxi: Taxis are very useful in cities like Kuta but it's not really a good way to see long distances because it means faster expensive!
-Bemo or Bus: public transport is pretty good in Bali but travel times can be long. Prepare for long hours in crowded bus.
-Bike or on foot: If you have time it's probably the best way to discover the island. It is possible to rent bicycles. Around Ubub you can easily wander on back roads and discover temples outside of tourist paths and delightful!
Source: http://blogplongee.fr/travel/bali-indonesie
