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.
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.
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.
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.
