Shopping is seen by some as a chore, for others it is a necessity, and for many, it is an absolute pleasure and the highlight of their week. Whilst this might all apply when at home, when shopping lovers are on holiday, their excitement and passion for shopping goes up to an even higher level.
This is certainly the case when someone visits Bali, for several reasons. First, there are simply thousands of potential shopping outlets ranging from large stores, small shops, market stalls and street sellers peddling their wares. There is also an abundance of different products that are for sale.
These products will include the essentials for when you are holidays such as cold drinks and food. Beyond this you have everything else such as souvenirs, fabrics, clothes, jewellery, art, handicrafts, and ornaments. Much of it will be sold by the very person who has made each item. Whatever you are shopping for in Bali, you will find it, and in terms of the specific shopping trips available to you, here are some who must try when you are visiting Bali.
Pasur Sindu Street Market In Sanur
If you want to buy some local food and ingredients and love the atmosphere created by night shopping, then the Pandur Sindu street market is the place to head for. As well as buying food, you and your party can sit down and enjoy a selection of local dishes when you visit this street market, and all of it is priced very reasonably. Local delicacies include lamb satay, nasi goreng, and bakwan.
When you are planning a trip or a holiday to Bali, one thing that will become obvious very quickly is that you have plenty of choice with regards to which particular part of Bali you can make your base. Such is the diversity across Bali with regards to its scenery, landscape, coastline, accommodation, activities, and attractions, it can seem like a game of Whack-a-Mole sorting through the pros and cons of each of them
Although having lots of choices is a nice problem to have, you ultimately need to make a final decision as to where you are going to stay whilst you are in Bali. It could also be the case that you decide to hedge your bets, and stay in one location for week 1 and another location for week 2.
To try and give you some pointers as to what each of the main destinations within Bali has to offer we have outlined some of their characteristics below. We obviously cannot include every single one, so here are the 5 which we will focus on
Jimbaran
Kuta
Legian
Seminyak
Ubud
You may have noticed we have listed them in alphabetical order so that you can choose purely on your preferences, rather than any favoured order we have.
Out of the seven sea turtle species in the world, six of them inhabit the waters of Indonesia. All of them are either vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. However, local Balinese and tourists are hoping to change that with education, law changes, and the help of the Bali Sea Turtle Society.
Bali faces many problems, including litter, beach erosion, and traffic jams. It also has a struggling sea turtle population that faces threats of its own. For every turtle that comes ashore to lay its eggs, it either becomes food or has its eggs stolen, swept away, crushed by beachgoers, or dug up by dogs.
While turtle killing, catching, or possession has been illegal since 1999, that still doesn’t stop poachers from selling the meat. It is still sold freely in many restaurants as well.
The processing of a turtle for sale is gruesome and inhumane. The turtle is butchered alive to stop the meat from sticking to the shell, and it takes around ten minutes. The butcher will cut off the flippers, separate the shell and meat, then remove the heart – often still beating.
This act of cruelty, coupled with the declining numbers, has meant authorities are cracking down. Raids are catching people in the act, and both smugglers and vendors are getting harsh penalties for selling and possessing turtles.
With centuries of colourful history, Bali has a culture and heritage that is second to none. With influences that are Indian, Dutch, and Japanese, Bali has been stoic enough to preserve its rich culture throughout the years. With a multi-religious mix where Hinduism, Islam and Christianity have served to create a sense of harmony amongst all the islanders, tourists would be able to savour the vast and intricate inheritance that Bali has to offer the outside world. Venture into this island in the sun and experience something that is both physical and spiritual at the same time. You are likely to be forever changed!
One of the most important aspects of this island would be the numerous tourist attractions. There are many places that need to be visited, some of which are religious places of worship while, others are of historical importance. It is a must for any discerning tourist that they visit the Pakerisan Valley, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces and Taman Ayun Temple, which are rightfully classed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Other places of worthy of a visit include Badung Puputan Park in Denpasar where over 3,000 people lost their lives against the Dutch colonialists.
Tourists from around the world love Legian because while it is a small town it has beautiful beaches, great shopping, luxurious hotels and amazing restaurants.
Padma Beach which is in the lower part of Jalan Padma is the one beach in Legian that tourists love the most. The beaches in Legian are a big draw for tourists from everywhere in the world. Tourists love that the beaches in Legian do not have the big crowds like many of the other beaches do in Bali. One of the most popular thing for visitors to do in Legian is to see watch the gorgeous sunset over the sea. Padma Beach is a great place for couples and for families. There are many different types of watersports available and lots of vendors selling food, drinks and souvenirs. What Padma Beach is probably most well known for is the ice cold beer that vendors sell under their umbrellas on the beach.
Whether you plan on relaxing in Bali villas or you want to get out and explore the world, you will soon learn there are some gadgets you just can’t live without. While, of course, you won’t be going too far without a camera to capture all those memorable moments, there are also other gadgets that you should pack for your travels as well. We have included five must-have gadgets for travel below.
Anti-Theft Backpacks
While less necessary if you plan on checking into Bali villas and relax on white sand beaches, anti-theft backpacks are a must-have gadget in densely populated areas. Not everyone is averse to theft, and if you have “tourist” written all over you, you are more at risk. To reduce the risk of being a victim and losing your possessions, an anti-theft backpack can help. They include hidden zips and other safety features to deter would-be thieves.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Catching a bit of shuteye on a long-haul flight is easier said than done, especially if you end up being the lucky one sitting beside an unsettled baby. As long as that baby is not your own, you can mask the sound with noise-cancelling headphones. Put on your favourite tunes, a podcast, or even a movie, and drift off to sleep without even the sound of the food trolley being enough to wake you from your slumber.
Portable Power Bank
There is no denying that smartphones are one of the best inventions ever made, but their battery technology is not quite there yet. Therefore, it’s rare to get a full day’s use out of one battery charge. Rather than be stranded without your phone in an unfamiliar country, carry a portable power bank. Charge it back at the Bali villas or hotel room, then plug your phone in while you traverse the streets.
Nusa Dua is a great place in Bali to go to see beautiful landscapes, eat great food and to soak up a different culture. There are many amazing and elegant villas available in the area that offer all the modern amenities in a beautiful setting.
Pantai Geger is a public beach in Nusa Dua, Bali where tourists can soak up some sun and also enjoy the cultures of the area. The beach is well known for its white sand and warm water. Visitors have a lot of water sports to choose from at this beach which is great for people who want an active holiday. Visitors who want to relax love the massage center on the beach and also love the fact that they can have a drink and take in the sunset with their loved ones at Pantai Geger Beach in Nusa Dua.
Although you don’t need an excuse to go on holiday, it’s nice to know there are many reasons why you should be booking into Bali villas, organising flights and bragging to your friends. Bali is a beautiful destination for a holiday, but are you familiar with all the reasons why?
Sun, Sun, and More Sun
If you love sunshine, beaches, and a tropical climate, then you’ve come to the right place. In Bali, you will be treated to up to 13 hours of daylight – offering more time to spend outdoors taking part in a range of tourist activities.
The Locals
Once you book into your prearranged Bali villas and begin to take a look around, you will be blown away by the hospitality the locals show you. Balinese people are only too happy to throw a smile in your direction, offer helpful tips and hints on what to do while you’re in Bali, and show you nothing but kindness for the duration of your stay.
What’s more, they love to chat. If you have time to spare, strike up a conversation with locals and find out all there is to know about the area.
Many people who holiday at Bali enjoy the theme parks just as much as all the other aspects of this amazing island. After tearing yourself away from the lovely pool at your Bali Villa, it is time to seek the fun and games at some of the best theme parks in the world. There are many different kinds and one of the most popular is the Waterbom Park. Here’s why.
Water Bom Park has an amazing number of slides and rides and they are graded from easy and mellow to scary and dare we say it?– terrifying, especially if you’ve never been on a water slide before. That means there are rides to suit any age group from the younger kids to the older ones. There are 17 different rides so you will have lots of fun. Lazy river slide is one for couples or singles to meander down on tubes while admiring all the beautiful gardens. Nothing scary about that! There are also dining and leisure facilities to make your visit perfect. The entry fee doesn’t cover all the options. Thrill seekers will be glad to know that International safety standards are met.
Circus Water Park, Tuban, is a smaller and cheaper option to the above, which is more suitable for youngsters with plenty of non-scary slides. The dedicated kids area offers lots of fun with mini-train rides, water cannons and fountains. Wave side and speed slider are the two fastest slides that will keep the older kids happy. There are plenty of dining options, a temporary tattoo parlour and a foot reflexology spa. Lockers and towels are optional and incur an additional a fee.
If you have already visited places like Uluwatu, and you love to find hidden gems that most travellers to Bali never know are there, you are in for a treat. Having booked your accommodation from one of the beautiful Bali Villas you will be eager to get out and about to explore the secret getaways of this amazing island paradise.
Even the locals are not very familiar with some of them. That’s because they are mostly in isolated spots that are difficult to get to. But don’t let this stop you; simply take care on the path and use common sense to stay safe.
Here are some of those secret, hidden getaways: –
Angel’s Billabong at Nusa Penida. A large rock pool formed amongst rocky outcrops near the ocean, the ‘floor’ of Angel’s Billabong is so soft it feels like carpet underfoot. Go at low tide so there will be no ocean waves rushing in to drag you out to sea. You can get there by walking half a kilometre from Manta Point. The official address is Banjar Sumpang, Desa Bunga Mekar, Nusa Penida.
If you love jungles and waterfalls go to the Secret Gardens of Sambangan, found in the far northern village of Bali by the same name. The 3-hour trek is worthwhile because the amazing jungle scenery, waterfalls, rock pools and jungle stream are absolute gems and only the locals and a few other intrepid tourists have ever seen them. It is recommended to stay at nearby Lovina and have a guide take you through the jungle.
We read a lot about the best months to go on holiday to Bali. Because it is a tropical climate there, our winter time is the most comfortable time for us to visit, with lower humidity and fewer bugs to pester. The spring and autumn months are also possibilities and if you can avoid school holiday times you stand to get better prices. However, you may want to miss the month of March for a reason that may surprise you.
In March, the Balinese celebrate their New Year’s Day. This is a 6-day celebration, with the third day considered sacrosanct; no business is conducted on that day. This means no taxis or airplanes, no bars, cafes or restaurants, no theme parks or other tourist facilities will be operating. Not only will the streets be deserted, but tourists are expected to stay within the boundaries of their accommodation.
You will be given meals, but that is all. In fact, lights are not allowed and if you are in a hotel, the windows will have to be covered. If you are in Bali at that time, you do have to comply with these traditional regulations. If you leave your accommodation, the police will send you back, albeit ever so politely.
It would not be so bad if you booked a Bali villa to stay in. At least you would have a whole house to relax in. But if you have a hotel room you will have to stay there for the whole day. Not something that sounds like much fun, unless you are an avid reader or crossword fan and came prepared.
Ubud has all what it takes to be the cultural capitol of Bali. With its population of over 30,000 people and location in the very center of the region it definitely stands out. From Ubud you can easily reach almost every point and place on Bali. The name itself for the Ubud is derived from the one sort of grass which can be found on the river’s shore of Campuhan river. This grass is well-known for its medicine and curing effects. It is worth mentioning that the traditional approaches in medicine are highly appreciated on Bali. It is no wonder than one particular curing vegetable is awarded with the honor to give its name to one city.
Once recognized and appreciated for the painters and other art workers who lived and worked in this region, Ubud is now the enriched by the top class luxury hotels. Additionally, the development of fabulous hotels was closely followed by the opening of the numerous high class restaurants, clubs, bars, and shops.
Once a quiet little town with dominant rural elements on its streets, Ubud is now a fully developed modern city which can provide all the features of urban life. On the other side, Ubud was able to preserve some of its genuine style and charm of previous times.
In 2011 more than 2.7 million tourists arrived in Bali. In 2012, those numbers are expected to exceed 3 million, and in 2013, those numbers are expected to continue to climb. The stakeholders are extremely confident that they will be able to increase 2013’s visitors by at least 10% over 2012’s final numbers, even with a global economy that can only be described as gloomy.
Australian tourists continue to make up the largest market sector at nearly 30% of all foreign arrivals. China makes up around 9% and the Japanese tourist market has dropped to around 7% as result of the earthquake and tsunami disaster in 2011 and an economic slump. Stakeholders are not concerned that there will be a drop in US and European tourists even with their gloomy economy.
Bali hosts major conferences, and is still an attractive location for those looking to host such conferences. In addition to a viable destination for business, good marketing by Bali has made it a highly desirable travel destination for weddings and other special occasions, honeymooners, families, and couples.
