Indonesia’s most storied island, Bali, has been a symbol of uniquely tropical Asian exotic culture, romance and adventure for centuries. A generation of backpackers and surfers brought Bali’s beaches to ever greater fame, but today, Bali’s being reborn as a bucket list travel destination that’s so much more than beach culture.
Beaches: Surf, Serenity, and Sea Temples
Even Bali’s beaches are more than sand and sun.
- Uluwatu is the surfer’s mecca, where pros chase glassy barrels below a cliff-top temple where Kecak dancers chant at sunset.
- Nusa Dua whispers of calm and barefoot luxury, perfect for paddleboarding or doing nothing at all.
- Amed and Tulamben hide another world beneath the waves: dive to see coral gardens and the hauntingly beautiful USAT Liberty shipwreck, now an underwater reef.
- You can see colorful, outrigger jukung boats with fishermen coming and going at dawn on the beaches of Sanur and Amed.
Ken Seet/ Four Seasons (Traditional Balinese Temple Dance at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay)
Culture: Where Everyday Life is a Ceremony
Bali is a Hindu island in a country that is mostly Muslim, with a spirituality that still encompasses the daily rhythm of life. Offerings of flowers and rice (canang sari) decorate every doorway, and daily routines—like sweeping courtyards or lighting incense—are acts of devotion, creating an atmosphere of quiet magic.
- Balinese temples are open-air, walled designs and feature ornately carved gateways, designed to be in harmony with nature, leading to locations on cliffs, lakes, and mountains.
- The evening Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple, with dozens of bare-chested men performing rhythmic chanting in the open air on a cliff overlooking the ocean during sunset.
- In Ubud, wander through temple courtyards where gamelan orchestras rehearse beside rice terraces. Observe the traditional trance dance called the Sanghyang Jaran, where a dancer in a trance-like state walks through burning coals.
- Time your visit for Galungan or Nyepi Balinese Hindu festivals; Galungan is a vibrant, 10-day celebration of good over evil with ancestor spirits visiting, while Nyepi is a solemn, island-wide "Day of Silence" that marks the Balinese New Year, with decorations including towering penjor bamboo poles swaying over village lanes.
Nature: Rice Terraces, Waterfalls, and Sacred Peaks
Bali’s heart beats in green, and its soul is profoundly connected to its lush natural wonders. Local guides often bless the trail before hikes, a gentle reminder that every mountain is considered a god’s abode.
- The Tegalalang rice terraces near Ubud are a living artwork of irrigation engineering, part of the ancient subak system recognized by UNESCO.
- Hike up Mount Batur for sunrise views over volcanic lakes.
- Chase waterfalls in Sekumpul or Gitgit, where jungle vines and mist blur the edges between myth and reality.
Cuisine: Island Flavors with Ritual Roots
Balinese cuisine tells a story of strong spices and spiritual rituals. Dishes, such as Babi Guling, were, and food offerings are a daily tradition.
- Savor babi guling (roast suckling pig) - historically prepared for special ceremonies and religious feasts - or bebek betutu (slow-cooked duck), even in the authentic environments of a village casual restaurant or even a roadside stall.
- Try lawar, a minced mix of coconut, herbs, and meat, traditionally prepared by hand during temple festivals.
- In the resort village of Canggu on Bali’s south coast, a new culinary wave fuses Balinese ingredients with modern flair—think jackfruit tacos with sambal matah.
Crafts: The Art of Everyday Beauty
Art here isn’t decoration, it’s devotion. Balinese craftsmanship deeply integrates spirituality, natural motifs, and meticulous traditional techniques passed down through generations.
- Visit Celuk for silversmiths, Mas for woodcarving, and Batubulan for stone sculpture.
- Watch artisans carve temple guardians, or paint mythological scenes in Batuan, where every brushstroke is a story.
Pete Seaward/ Four Seasons (Overview of Four Seasons Sayan)
PRACTICAL TIPS:
Where to Stay — From renowned luxury to homey authenticity
- Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (Ubud) – A world-famous sanctuary of floating lily ponds and jungle serenity, where each villa feels cradled by the Ayung River valley.
- Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay is known for traditional Balinese-style villas, many with private pools and options for both relaxation and cultural activities
- Amandari (Ubud) – Modeled after a traditional village, it blends thatched rooftops, stone shrines, and quiet paths scented with jasmine.
- The Bvlgari Resort (Uluwatu) – Sleek Italian design meets Balinese soul on dramatic ocean cliffs, perfect for sunset meditations or moonlit cocktails.
- COMO Shambhala Estate (Payangan) – A wellness retreat where the forest itself feels like therapy.
- Authentic Balinese-style accommodations include eco-lodges, boutique hotels, and resorts that use local materials and traditional architecture
Best Time to Go
- April to October is the island at its brightest: blue skies, calm seas, and golden light perfect for photography and ceremonies.
- June to August offers the clearest weather for surfing and diving.
- The rainy season (November to March) is lush and less crowded.
START YOUR TRIP!
Images 1 and 3: Getty
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