{"id":1302,"date":"2019-10-22T06:17:15","date_gmt":"2019-10-22T06:17:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/viralvacationideas.com\/?p=1302"},"modified":"2023-09-08T12:25:10","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T12:25:10","slug":"top-five-places-to-visit-in-and-around-bali","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/viralvacationideas.com\/top-five-places-to-visit-in-and-around-bali\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Five Places to Visit In and Around Bali"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Hindu
Gates to one of the Hindu temples in Bali in Indonesia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Oh Bali, I love you so. I adored everything about my time in Bali and not only does it make me want to go back, it also makes me want to explore even more of what Indonesia has to offer. I loved the food (from the multitude of healthy organic cafe\u2019s, to the super cheap Nasi Goreng), the weather, the scenery, and the friendly people. I even loved the language, which sounded so beautiful and poetic and just flows off the tongue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bali is a fairly sizeable island and there\u2019s loads to do. Many people who go to Bali only stick to one place, and whenever I spoke about Bali to any Australians (for which Bali is a major holiday<\/a> destination) they would just assume you would only visit Kuta, the main holiday destination frequented by barely legal Aussies ready to indulge in the super-strong and super-cheap alcohol, and tell you not to bother. But there is so much more to Bali than this party-town, even though I think Kuta is definitely worth a visit anyway! Here are my top things to do<\/a> in and around Bali.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Ubud<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pura
Balinese temple with lotus pond, Ubud, Indonesia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This was my first destination when I got to Bali. Ubud is pretty central and in the highlands, away from the beaches. It may be a lot wetter than the coast, especially during monsoon season. Ubud is considered the cultural hub of Bali \u2013 this is where you will discover about the art and spirituality of Bali and can learn about Balinese Hinduism through paintings, dance, and other art forms. It\u2019s also crammed full of yoga studios, health cafe\u2019s, and spas. This is not a party town. There are a few nice bars but they are super expensive and attract more of an older expat crowd rather than backpackers. You could chill with a beer while watching a local band perform, but most people come here for the cultural pursuits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"Bali
A Balinese rice farmer goes to work early in the morning near Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I really liked Ubud. I stayed in a hostel called In Da Lodge, which was set in a beautiful garden and was perfect for meeting other backpackers. In Ubud I went to the art museum, which had some incredible balinese artwork, which is also super-trippy! Ubud is also pretty scenic too. You can walk through the incredible emerald green rice paddies, and go to visit a local waterfall, which is absolutely stunning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There were some setbacks to Ubud. It\u2019s very touristy and some of the shops, spas, and restaurants are really expensive. I tried out a yoga class at the famous Yoga Barn, which was an experience I sadly hated. Yet Ubud is still worth a visit as there is loads to see and do<\/a>. Besides yoga, art, and rice paddy walks, you can also go to the Monkey Forest, go white water rafting<\/a>, or wake up super early and trek up Mount Batur, two things I decided not to do!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Sanur<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sunset
Fishing boats at sunset on the beach. Bali<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sanur is a super relaxed beach town<\/a>. It\u2019s close to the airport and to Kuta so is a great base. It\u2019s also the jumping off point to explore Nusa Lembongan. Sanur mainly attracts the package holiday<\/a> crowd, as posh hotels line the beach, but my stay here at a hostel called The Big Pineapple was such a highlight. The beach isn\u2019t the best but I loved chilling round the pool in the hostel. It\u2019s also a great place<\/a> for surfers. Whilst the beach is calm and flat, a boat can take you out to some nearby reefs. I took a class with Rip-Curl School of Surf which was great. Most evenings we headed to a reggae bar down the street, watched the live music, and chilled with some beers. Sanur was full of friendly, welcoming faces and I\u2019d definitely go here again just to stay in that hostel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. Nusa Lembongan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pool
Balinese landscape of pool and blue sky, comfortable resort, Bali, Indonesia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This tiny island off the coast of Bali is something many miss<\/a> off their itinerary, but it is a must see. There are plenty of cheap guesthouses and it is the perfect place to stay<\/a> for a couple of nights, chill, and explore on a moped. The roads are very bumpy and desperately need renovating, but the island itself is so beautiful and quiet.<\/p>

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