Crowned the world’s favorite destination by TripAdvisor in 2017, Bali not only bears this title well, it is deserving of it. The island meets and surpasses all the desirable aspects of a holiday; beautiful nature, exotic culture, quiet spiritual corners perfect for those seeking solitude, beaches, and luxury hotels.
Some say its many temples are the reason it is known as an island of gods, but the consensus is that the Bali experience as a whole gives the island that name. Here are five reasons why.
The Beaches.
Bali has numerous picturesque beaches and it is only matter of taking your pick. There are five main beach districts; Seminyak, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Uluwatu, and Sanur. Within some of these main beach districts, adventurous travelers can always discover intimate hidden beaches perfect for snorkeling or sun tanning.
Another key attraction particular to Bali beaches is that aside from the normal white sand beaches, there are black beaches. These beaches are known as East Bali beaches because they are found on the Eastern side of Bali. The beaches are black and volcanic because they lie in the shadow of Mount Agung which erupted in 1963.
Tulamben beach, for instance, is covered with large smooth stones. As a result, it might not be ideal for sun tanning but tourists flock the beach for the purpose of diving. In essence, Bali beaches have something for everyone, depending on your activity of choice, you can find a beach that offers it.
Exotic Culture and Heritage.
Mention Bali and the first thing that pops to mind is the exotic culture. The Balinese culture is a mixture of the Balinese Hindu-Buddhist religion and the Balinese traditional customs.
Bali has over 20,000 temples and no matter how remote the village, one can always find a beautiful temple. Spirituality is an intrinsic part of the Balinese people and therefore, the ceremonies, the songs, the art, the dances, and theatre are to the Balinese people an actual way of life and not just shows put on for the sake of tourists.
Wayang Kulit, also known as shadow play theatre is especially popular. It is a kind of theatre where puppets made of leather and often supported by shaped buffalo horns are used to tell stories often drawn from Hindu epics.
The Luxurious Hotels, Restaurants, and Spas.
Breathtaking views, luxury features, hospitality and top-notchfacilities. These characteristics describe most of the hotels in 5 star hotels Bali. The hotels also offer extra delicious food.
It is often joked that if you are preparing to visit Bali, then be mentally prepared because a little weight gain is unavoidable. Delicious seafood, spices, organic vegetables, tropical fruits and talented chefs hailing from all over the world. All the major Asian and European cuisine are represented and because the competition is so high, good food is almost always a guarantee.
Warungs, family-owned restaurants also serve delicious food and are popular amongst those looking for cheaper options. The thing is, whatever your budget, you can always find good food in Bali.
The Rice Paddies
Most say that you have not really seen Bali unless you have seenthe rice grow. Rice fields in Bali are everywhere, utilizing the same method of agriculture that has been in use for over 2000 years. With the help of simple tools, the Balinese people carve the terraced rice fields by hand.
Watching the sunrise or sunset over a scenic rice field or taking a hike through the fields is not just a suggestion it is a necessity. The wild beauty and rich history are a sight to behold.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces located in Ubad, for instance, employ an irrigation system known as Subak. It is said the system was passed down from a holy man known as Rsi Markandeya who lived in the 8th century. How cool is that? Nature lovers will definitely love touring any among the numerous rice paddies in Bali.
Nature
A big part of the Bali experience is the nature. Bali is packed with natural wonders ranging from active volcanoes, waterfalls, highlands, lakes, and mountains. Though it is a small island, a single visit is simply not enough for anyone to discover or see all the natural attractions.
The West Bali National Park, for example, features Mangrove swamps, Savannahs, and Rainforests. A sort of tiny heaven for nature lovers.
On the other hand, the Batukaru Mountain and Temple located not far from Jatiluwih is a magnificent temple complex in the middle of a cool rain forest. The Temple boasts of a holy water source that is fed by natural springs and many travel here for a chance to have contact with this holy water.
The Temple also has multiple shrines, complete with tiered roofs and very old sculptures that are covered with green moss and are a sight to behold.
These are just two examples of popular natural attractions but in reality, the list is endless. Waterfalls especially are also quite popular amongst many tourists. Most therefore, just pick a few natural attractions among the many to visit.
Ultimately, Bali is Unique Because It Has Something for Everyone.
Tourists destinations abound, but the reason Bali’s popularity has never once ceased is that it offers something for everyone. Even the most eccentric or choosy travelers have found at least one thing about Bali they have appreciated.
Affordability, for instance, $75 is equal to 1,000,000 Indonesian Rupiah. Therefore, compared to other key tourist’s destination sites like Rome or London, Bali is quite affordable.
The weather also makes Bali a very attractive destination. Located roughly 8 degrees south of the equator, the weather is warm and humid all year around. There are only two seasons, the hot season and the rainy season. Perfect weather for beach activities and exploration.
It is impossible to list all the reasons Bali is an ideal travel destination. But the above five reasons are a good place to start and they should at least convince you to give Bali a consideration.
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