Top 10 quintessential Bali experiences

There's something very calming about Bali. Spectacular beaches, therapeutic underwater life, soothing green rice fields, and a gentle culture and people; the essence of the Balinese is paradaisical. There's so much for everyone to do in Bali; not a wonder it is equally favoured for family holidays, girlie getaways, adventure activities and honeymoon retreats! Here is a listing of some of these quintessential Balinese experiences to truly appreciate everything that this precious Indonesian island has to offer!

Indulge in a blissful Balinese massage

Spend a few happy hours being bathed, pampered, scrubbed, massaged and perfumed in lavish surroundings. The Balinese massage will leave you with a feeling of serenity and well-being. All this at a price so reasonable that you wouldn’t mind going in for repeats.

Experience everyday life with a homestay

Wondering how to experience local life in Bali? There are several families that offer basic rooms where you can experience the laid-back lifestyle, culinary fare and the genuine hospitality of the local families.

Diving and snorkeling in Nusa Penida

Sign up with a dive operator for a diving or snorkeling trip to Nusa Penida. The water here is crystal clear and you'll have the opportunity to spot Mola-Mola, silver tip sharks, manta rays turtles and beautiful corals. There are several great diving spots to choose from including Malibu Point, Crystal Bay, Lembongan Bay, Manta Point and Blue Corner; pick and choose to your heart’s delight.

Yoga on the beach

Join one of the yoga classes for a yoga session against the backdrop of waves and a spell of serenity on a spectacular beach. In Sanur, you'll find a few excellent studios that offer yoga classes and healthy treats.

Surfing

Bali is the epicenter of surfing in Indonesia and all surf trips to the island usually start on Kuta beach, known for its soft sandy beach breaks for beginners, peaky waves for advanced surfers and its array of surf schools. Bukit Peninsula is another excellent spot, known for offering the best waves on the island. The island attracts surfers from around the world due to the range of choices it offers.

Balinese dance

The Balinese dance requires methodical precision that takes years to achieve. Spend an evening enjoying one of the most beautiful dances in the world, choreographed minutely and displaying a hypnotic grace and rich storytelling that will leave you spellbound. And if you’re up to it, why not have a go under the patient guidance of a lovely Balinese dancer!

Explore the Jatiluwih rice fields

Whether you decide to bike, drive or walk, you'll have endless terrain to explore in the fertile land of the Jatiluwih. The rice terraces are elegant, timelessly beautiful and a visual art that never fail to mesmerize.

Fresh seafood in Jimbaran

For an indulgent evening out, visit the seafood grills of Jimabran where you will find massive platters of fresh seafood served up with refreshing drinks. The view of the sun setting over the ocean only makes this experience better.

Hike the Rinjani Volcano

The second-highest volcano of Indonesia, Gunung Rinjani stands dominating the north of the island. Hiking up this volcano does require a lot of physical strength and stamina, an experienced local Bali guide and a lot of planning but when you reach high up the rim, there is a breathtaking view of the crater lake and the active, smoking Gunung Baru below that more than makes up for the effort involved. 

Get in touch with your spiritual side at Pura Luhur Ula Watu

Pura Luhur Ula Watu is one of the holiest temples in Bali. Perched high up on magnificent cliffs, the temple dates back to the 11^th century. Along the limestone precipice you will find a collection of ancient shrines where you will not only experience peace and tranquility but will also have the opportunity to enjoy a spectacular sunset dance performance.

Credits:Bali-Indonesiaby Camila SayuriCC BY-SA;Climbing Journal Mount Rinjani Packageby Trekking RinjaniCC BY; Squid-Jimbaran Bay by Annie MoleCC BY;Jatiluwih Rice FieldsbyDamien Halleux RadermeckerCC BY-SA;Legong-Balinese dancebyw sulistioCC BY;Nusa lembongan cliffbyJimmy McIntyreCC BY-SA;Paschimottanasanaby John SpadeCC BY; Scuba diving Bali by Ilse Reijs and Jan-Noud HuttenCC BY;Beach at Grand-Mirage, Baliby Donald ManCC BY;https://flic.kr/p/51qiYS(Bernard Wee,CC BY-NC-ND 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/pv1kJ8 (Farley Roland Endeman, CC BY-ND 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/adaRCh (Oceana, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)