BALI – a languid Indonesia vacation

The island of Bali is the original Eden in the archipelago of Indonesia. Lush forests, azure rice fields, smoking volcanoes and stunning beaches make it one of the most beautiful places in the world. No wonder it is the favourite of honeymooners the world over.

Bali is the perfect place for a beach vacation if you’re looking for a break from your hectic urban life, with its laidback pace and friendly locals. Get drenched in cool waves lapping at spectacular beaches and forget all worries. The mornings here echo with prayers from the temples, the streets are strewn with flowers and there’s a light breeze all the time, lifting your spirits, making your tour like none other.

Don’t miss the local cafes and sample the nasi dishes, usually fried rice topped with various ingredients. Bali destinations have it all – Kuta which is ideal for a shoe string vacation (cheap accommodation and cheap beer and a great nightlife!) as well as high-end resorts for accommodation offering tranquility in luxurious settings.

Bali also has an artistic culture inherent in the many galleries at Ubud.

PLACES to VISIT in Bali- Best Destinations

• Kuta: Ideal for a shoe string vacation, Kuta is like Phuket – cheap accommodation, cheap beer and a great nightlife! You can let your hair down here, dancing till the wee hours of the morning, downing bintang – the local brew. Do visit the Kuta beach, Waterbron Park, the Bomb Blast Memorial and the Elephant Cave.
• Ubud: Head to Ubud if you’re looking for a change of scene after the party madness of Kuta. It’s the destination with ‘culture’ with its art galleries and open air cafes. Fringed by lush forests and rivers, Ubud is as beautiful naturally too. Pick some local souvenirs. Don’t miss the famous Balinese dance performed at the Royal palace.

Bali Trip – TRAVEL TIPS

• The rupiah is the basic unit of money (Rp). Values below Rp 50 are rarely seen except as change. In Bali, carry a handful of coins or Rp 100 notes and do not exchange large sums of money.
• Avoid poorly cooked fish, pork or beef as they can give you stomach worms.
• Most major banks have branches in the main tourist centers and provincial capitals, but not in the smaller towns. Make sure you carry enough foreign exchange.
• Theft is common so don’t flash expensive jewellery and watch etc around.

BEST TIME to visit

The best time to visit Bali would be between April to October. You can also plan your Indonesia vacation during December to enjoy the chilly winds that blow in Bali around this time.

BEST WAY to reach

• Air: Bali is well connected to major Indian cities by numerous airlines.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel prices run high from June till September. You can opt to stay in a homestay, which is usually a simple room attached to the owner’s home. Or you can go for the luxury of the five stars, most with their private beaches and exotic interiors.