the bali itineraries - your essential bali travel guide

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THE BALI ITINERARIES e essential Bali travel guide for all types of traveller

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Page 1: The Bali Itineraries - Your Essential Bali Travel Guide

THE BALI ITINERARIES�e essential Bali travel guide

for all types of traveller

Page 2: The Bali Itineraries - Your Essential Bali Travel Guide

Born in the UK, Kerri has always had a thirst for

adventure and has climbed volcanoes in Indonesia,

gone diving in Malaysia, risked the Korean DMZ, and

taken her camera to the dizzying peaks of Germany’s

highest mountain.

She has contributed to many online luxury travel

magazines including Luxury Travels, Just Luxe, and

Luxury Accommodations. She eagerly plans her next

exciting escapade, poised to write about all she sees.

In partnership:

About the author

�e Legian Baliwww.thelegianbali.com

Kingsland Linassiwww.kingslandlinassi.com

Kerri Butcher CONTENTS

Culture Vulture

�e Foodie

Mind & Body

�e Adventurer

�e Shopaholic

3.

7.

11.

15.

19.

Page 3: The Bali Itineraries - Your Essential Bali Travel Guide

CULTURE VULTURE�e Balinese culture and way of life has a way of getting under the skin of visitors, and once you’ve caught the Bali bug, you’re guaranteed to want to come back for more.

With a wealth of temples and historical sites to explore, keeping the culture vulture within you at bay couldn’t be simpler as you get to grips with the island’s rich culture and local way of life.

SEE

Tegalalang is one of the most recognised symbols of Bali the world over. Just 30 minutes north of Ubud, the majestic emerald green rice terraces fall from tier to tier creating a striking image of natural beauty. Take a wander through the paddies, talk to the farmers, enjoy your surroundings and soak up the silence and fresh air of Central Bali.

Start your day at Tanah Lot, Tabanan, otherwise known as the ‘temple by the sea’. �is unique Balinese place of worship stands boldly upon a deeply worn rock formation in the sea where venomous snakes are said to guard the temple, warding o� intruders and evil spirits. Popular at sunset, this 16th century marvel is one of Bali’s must see temples.

No trip to Bali is complete without a visit to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple located in the shores of Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul (1.5 hours from Ubud). Built in 1663, this beautifully crafted temple appears to be floating upon water, making it one of Bali’s most picture-perfect spots.

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Page 4: The Bali Itineraries - Your Essential Bali Travel Guide

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DO

Arrive and explore Pura Uluwatu Temple at around 4:00pm and stick around for the Kecak Fire Dance, beginning at 6pm. Elegantly perched upon a black rock cli�, the temple itself is nothing short of spectacular, a�ording sweeping ocean vistas. �is the best backdrop to a traditional Balinese dance performance on the entire island.

Traditionally in Balinese culture, the intricate wood carvings handcrafted in villages are used to decorate temples and homes around the island. Talk to local craftsmen to learn the secrets behind this age old art passed from generation to generation.

Join a downhill cycling tour in Ubud to get up close and personal with Balinese culture. Children will stand poised by the side of the road eager to high five you as you breeze through quiet villages beneath canopies of coconut trees and surrounded by rice paddies. �e trip will allow you to enter a traditional Balinese compound to absorb the Balinese way of living, as well as the traditions that still stand strong in families and communities.

Many of Bali’s most visited museums and art galleries can be found in Ubud. �e Museum Puri Lukisan is located in the town centre and houses Bali’s only fine art collection of over 150 paintings and 62 sculptures. When in Denpasar, take the time to visit Bali Provincial Public Museum, where you’ll find a huge collection of Balinese artefacts ranging from ancient inscriptions to once buried agricultural tools.

EAT & DRINK

When it comes to dining, Bali Asli sits at the top of our list. Advocates of all things Balinese, from cuisine to culture, the aim is to never exploit Bali or its people and to produce mouth-watering dishes along the way.

�e majority of produce is grown in the restaurant’s garden and is cooked in the traditional Balinese way on wood-fired, mud brick stoves to ignite those authentic and traditional flavours. For a culturally authentic meal born from a desire to support the local community, head to Bali Asli in Ubud.

When visiting Hindu temples, be sure to cover

your knees and shoulders. Many temples will

lend you a sarong or sash for the occasion.

When travelling to Monkey Forest, pick up

a bunch of bananas to feed the monkeys

en route!

Visit Tanah Lot during low tide for your best

chance at staying dry when navigating the

cross-water route to the temple.

TIPS

Page 5: The Bali Itineraries - Your Essential Bali Travel Guide

THE FOODIETaking pinches of influence from regional, Chinese and Indian dishes, Balinese cuisine is wholly unique. For the foodie a visit to the island can only be described as a mouth-watering food quest waiting

to happen, with inexpensive, fresh and flavoursome food everywhere you go. From warungs to fine dining, here’s how to make the most of Bali’s edible o�erings when on your travels.

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EXPERIENCE

If life is a seafood lottery, you’ve just won the jackpot. �e fish markets of Jimbaran are a haven for foodies, renowned for dishing up the freshest seafood on the island. Wander the markets, meet the fishermen, enjoy the buzz and top it all o� with a palate pleasing experience at one of the swanky fine dining establishments on the beachfront accompanied by the sunset. If you want to keep things casual, you’re able to have any fish purchased from the vendors grilled at the market for a small fee. Meals don’t come fresher than this.

Wake up early and begin your day overlooking the majesty of Mount Batur as the sun rises upon the island of the gods. Wake yourself up with a strong cup of Balinese co�ee and enjoy Indonesian classics such as nasi/mie goreng (fried rice/noodles with mixed vegetables, seafood or meat) or a simple pisang goreng (traditional banana fritter), accompanied by a backdrop like no other.

As a fully-fledged foodie you’ll be acquainted with the quality and rich taste of Balinese co�ee, but there’s sure to be a part of you that yearns to try the infamous luwak co�ee. A cup could set you back as much as $100 in Europe, but enjoy a quick cup set at the heart of a Balinese co�ee plantation and it will only set you back $5. �e co�ee gets its distinct flavour from the civet cat who happily digests the co�ee bean before parting ways with it to become a delicious cup of co�ee. Explore the plantations enriched with the scent of vanilla, cocoa pods, herbs and spices to learn about the methods of production.

Page 6: The Bali Itineraries - Your Essential Bali Travel Guide

Image source: Betelnut Café

TRY

You may be a foodie, but there’s lots to be learnt about the Balinese way of preparing and cooking those zesty Indonesian dishes you know and love. What better way to understand a country’s cuisine than by trying your hand at making it yourself? You’ll spend the morning down at the local market picking up your ingredients where you’ll be tempted to try some culinary obscurities on the way. Balinese fare plays on the use of zingy spices in abundance blended with fresh vegetables, meat and fish that’s cooked in a traditional way. From spring rolls to chicken rendang, whatever you cook, you’ll have a recipe or two to impress back home. Try Caraway Cooking in Ubud for a fun and interactive experience.

Pull up a chair at the local warung and get in amongst the locals for a bite to eat. �ese small, family owned businesses are a foodie’s paradise, serving up family recipes accompanied by a whole lot of heart and soul. For your first culinary adventure, order either nasi goreng (fried rice) or mie goreng (fried noodles); two staples in Indonesian culture. When in Seminyak, visit Bambuku at the end of Sunset Road, open from 11am to 4pm, or if in Ubud, enjoy the walk through the rice fields to Sweet Orange Warung.

Locavore is one of our top picks for stays in Ubud. �e chefs support the town’s farming community by sourcing local ingredients and turning them into flavour sensations. �eir 7 course tasting menu is a great introduction to Balinese cuisine as it shows o� the best bits with flare. Make sure you book online at least a week in advance as the restaurant will be fully booked with hungry punters on most evenings.

DRINK

For a unique beachfront bar experience, make your way to Potato Head when in Seminyak. �is beachfront venue has fast gained popularity for pre-dinner cocktails as they can be enjoyed from the breadth of an expansive infinity pool. For a laid back, sunset experience overlooking the golden sands and aqua ocean, try Ku De Ta. �eir award-winning mixologists have a cocktail on hand to tantalise your taste buds.

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Although tipping is not mandatory, it’s always

nice to show your appreciation for a good meal

or service. Round up to the nearest 10 thousand

rupiah if you’re not sure.

�ere are plenty of ATMs in major streets, but

not in small villages. Most small warungs (small

street-side cafes) accept only cash.

Eat at Bebek Bengil in Ubud and try the Dirty

Duck Diner’s signature smoked duck.

Eat at La Lucciola in at Petitenget beach for

Mediterranean inspired flavours. Don’t miss the

pan seared coral trout.

TIPS

Page 7: The Bali Itineraries - Your Essential Bali Travel Guide

MIND & BODYBali has become somewhat of a hub for yogis around the world, serving as a place to gather and enjoy this ancient form of exercise that has e�ortlessly been bringing communities and globe-trotters together for years.

Wherever you go on the island, there will be unique hot spots to enjoy yoga or even just a traditional Balinese massage. Here’s how we think you should relax on the island of the gods.

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VISIT

Take a trip to the more secluded northern part of the island to visit Lovina. �e area is far away from the bustle of Kuta and its neighbouring areas, making for a peaceful environment in which to relax the body and mind. Lovina is home to a beautiful black sand beach that’s famous for its dolphins. Hours could be lost with a cocktail in hand watching the fisherman going to and fro from the harbour. For a low-key experience around fewer tourists, Lovina is the place to lay your hat amid a tropical green landscape of rolling hills.

Spend a few hours soaking in the soothing waters of Air Panas, the hot springs of Banjar. Located just 5km south of Lovina, these centuries old hot springs are said to have therapeutic qualities due to the sulphur present in the water. A beautiful, tiered structure surrounded by lush tropical plants - these hot springs should feature on the itinerary of anybody looking to escape and relax.

Page 8: The Bali Itineraries - Your Essential Bali Travel Guide

Hire a driver. It’s an affordable luxury to have an

air conditioned ride waiting for you when you

want to escape the heat.

Stay at a luxury hotel with on-site spa and

wellness facilities which includes steam and

sauna rooms, cold and warm whirls baths and

health club.

TIPS

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DO

Amongst all the travelling and adventure, make time to squeeze in a yoga class at one of the famous Ubud yoga studios. Ubud has become the epicentre of yoga on the island due to its jungle-clad setting that o�ers complete serenity amongst nature. Yoga Barn and Intuitive Flow are two well-known institutions in which enthusiasts can flex the body and mind when in town, o�ering daily yoga classes surrounded by striking green rice paddies.

Book yourself onto a Sunset BBQ Catamaran Cruise for an evening of low-key entertainment. Dabble ina cocktail or two as you cruise slowly around the tranquil waters of Serangan Bay and Turtle Island with the breeze blowing gently through your hair.

TRY

Choose from ocean views or rice paddy vistas and book in for a traditional Balinese style massage when on the island. Designed to relax both the body and mind, the ancient technique focuses on massage, acupressure, reflexology and aromatherapy, all combined into one soothing session. Tense and knotted muscles become a thing of the past and achy feet will become a distant memory as you enjoy the benefits of the Balinese healing traditions and wellness therapies. After indulging in a bit of you time, head to one of the many wellness centres and relax in the plunge pools and steam rooms for the full spa experience. Try ‘�e Spa’ at �e Legian Bali for those oceanfront views, surrounded by verdant landscaped gardens.

If you’re worried about keeping your adrenaline levels in check when on your travels, why not take a break to learn the basics of Balinese dance under the watchful eye of a professional teacher? A million miles away from the moves you’ve been pulling on the dancefloor back home, this ancient form of dance focuses on movement of the fingers, hands, head and eyes. It’s expressive, dynamic and culturally authentic- you’ll be throwing those Balinese-inspired dance moves at weddings, parties and festivals before you know it.

Page 9: The Bali Itineraries - Your Essential Bali Travel Guide

THE ADVENTURER�ere’s plenty of adventure to be had on the island of the gods, where

surf's always up. From surfboards to silver service, Bali is an island with something for even the most discerning of travellers.

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EXPERIENCE

Bali boasts ideal conditions for surfing all year round. Both the Kuta and Legian areas sport the relaxed, care-free vibe that lives peacefully alongside flip flops, surfers and bleach blonde hair. Surf shops line the streets and Bintang, the island’s favourite beer, flows on tap. �e beaches are packed full of surf schools and confident surfers o�ering independent lessons. It’s also a safe area for beginners to ride the waves for the very first time as the beaches are never empty. Once you’ve got a handle on the basics, head up the coast of Medewi or Keramas for a more secluded surfing experience.

Bali is recognised around the globe as home to some of the best dive sites in the world. When in Bali, learn to dive for the internationally recognised PADI qualification. �e waters here are a tropical paradise for divers, as rich and vibrant marine life is present around all corners of the island. From sunken ship wrecks to colourful coral, Bali’s seabed is nothing short of spectacular. If diving isn’t for you, even snorkelling in the shallows will reveal a snapshot of just how colourful Bali’s watery depths can be. For a great starter dive (or snorkel), visit the US Liberty wreck o� the coast of Tulamben.

Page 10: The Bali Itineraries - Your Essential Bali Travel Guide

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VISIT

Waterbom Park in Tuban/Kuta sits pretty at the top of the list of the best water parks in Asia as well as #3 in the entire world. If that isn’t enough to tempt you through the doors, how does thirteen adrenaline inducing, speed-centric rides sound?

Book with a recognised tour group that follows

health and safety protocol.

Now is the time to do your PADI. �e cost

weighs in at just a fraction of what you can

expect to pay for a PADI course in the west.

TIPSDO

White water rafting on the Ayung River is the ultimate day out for the adventure junkie. Situated just one hour away from most tourist spots, the river is a grade II-III, 33-rapid strong river escapade set amongst rice paddies and lush rainforest. Perfect for beginners and pros alike, you’ll flow through the heart of Bali’s countryside accompanied by a professional guide who will ensure it’s as fun as it is frantic.

Take the two-hour trek to the peak of Mount Batur at sunrise for epic island views that reach as far as neighbouring Lombok island. �e volcano itself is hailed as sacred and is in fact still active, only adding to the adventure. �e surrounding crater and lake appear all the more spectacular when joined by the rising sun – a must do for the active traveller in search of a challenge.

Gitgit Waterfall sits in northern Bali just 11 kilometres from the peaceful coastal town of Singaraja. Nothing cries adventure like being suspended above a fast flowing 40-metre-high waterfall; a true test of physical endurance and agility. Canyoning is fast becoming the world’s must-try outdoor activity as it combines cli� jumping, swimming and rock climbing with natural, fast flowing slides.

Page 11: The Bali Itineraries - Your Essential Bali Travel Guide

Image source: Asia Web Direct

THE SHOPAHOLICServing as a mecca for unique handcrafted homeware that you’ll be hard pressed to find back home, as well as fashion that’s as fresh as the local seafood, Bali is a shopaholic’s dream.

From bustling local markets where you’ll need to sharpen your haggling skills, to sleek mega malls housing the world’s most famous brands, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in Bali and probably so much more- get ready to check in an extra suitcase at the airport.

VISIT

If you are a chic surfer, coastal Kuta is the place to pick up your big name branded surf gear and custom boards for a fraction of the cost you’d pay back home. Nestled in amongst the boutiques along the buzzing Kuta strip are an abundance of surf shops housing all your favourite brands. From discount flip flops to slick sarongs – this is the place to come and make sure that when surf's up, you’re looking on point.

To add a one-of-a-kind souvenir to the mantel piece back home, make the journey to Batubulan Village, an art village situated just north of the Denpasar area. Although famous for both paintings and woodcarvings, it’s the stone carvings that keep a steady flow of visitors heading their way.

Seminyak is your go-to for designer threads. Take a walk along Jalan Laksmana to explore the sundry of boutiques that line the street, many of which are owned by global designers who have set up shop in Bali. It’s also where you’ll find Bali’s finest organic silks, cottons and stunning handmade jewellery mixed in among those familiar surf shops. For a low-key shopping experience in contrast to neighbouring Kuta’s shopping-fuelled commotion, don your most comfortable shoes and head to Seminyak’s strip.

Image source: Travel Shopa

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Page 12: The Bali Itineraries - Your Essential Bali Travel Guide

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EXPLORE

�e Sukawati Art Market is regarded as Bali’s most notorious market and has been operating for longer than any other on the island. �is gargantuan two story gem is the ideal place to pick up handmade Balinese homewares, art, clothing and accessories for yourself or gifts for friends back home. From sculptures to paintings, jam-packed within is a true reflection of what the Balinese shopping experience has to o�er all in one place. Haggle with the vendors and grab yourself a bargain. �e market is located just 20 minutes from Denpasar.

�e Ubud Art Market isn’t to the same scale as Sukawati, but still o�ers a wealth of treasures to be discovered and relished by the art enthusiast. Located opposite Puri Saren Royal Ubud Palace, this is the place to come for handmade Balinese goods such as sarongs, silk scarves, woven baskets and uniquely Balinese homewares such as shell chandeliers and driftwood mirrors. For those laidback evenings in Ubud, explore the night markets and sample some street food as you stroll.

DO

Take a break and enjoy a bite to eat somewhere that’s equally as fabulous as the morning of dedicated shopping you’ve just enjoyed. Enjoy a European bistro style meal at Sip, located on Jalan Seminyak. From the service to the décor, this is a restaurant where attention to detail goes a long way. Cast your eyes upon what is perhaps one of Bali’s most expansive wine lists, with wines ranging from $40 to $700 in price. Wine aside, their French-inspired cuisine is worth waiting for.

After a long day on your feet, either head to the spa at the legian bali or the beach bar at the legian bali for some beach-inspired cocktails or afternoon tea. With firm favourites such as the Ancient Balinese massage on o�er and a refreshing cold plunge pool, spacious sauna and steam rooms all to be enjoyed at your leisure, it’s the ideal place to unwind after a day of retail therapy.

To escape the Kuta heat, make your way to

one of the many mega malls for well-known

international brands and eateries.

Be respectful when haggling, but know that

the lowest price given will be the one offered

to you as you walk away.

TIPS

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Image source: Asia Web Direct

Page 13: The Bali Itineraries - Your Essential Bali Travel Guide

In partnership:

�e Legian Baliwww.thelegianbali.com

Kingsland Linassiwww.kingslandlinassi.com