Bali has well over 4 million residents, of whom are 90% Hindu, and the remainders are Muslim and Christians. Bali is a very safe and special vacation destination island for those who love beaches, diving, waves, culture and nature. Mainly two types of tourists visit the island. One group is attracted to its beautiful white beaches on the touristy coastal towns, the other group goes for soaking up a bit of Balinese culture. But no matter where you go, there’s an abundance of temples, artist villages and natural spas all over the island. But in particularly the gorgeous environment that Balinese people consider the reflection of the heavens.
The northern part of Bali is less crowded and touristy than to the south. In this part of Bali the traces of the Dutch occupation are also the most noticeable. The Dutch founded their colonial capital in the city of Singaraja. You can still see this because of all the old offices and country houses in the city. The city is spaciously built and many Arabic and Chinese influences can be seen.
Sightseeing in north Bali
Almost all villas, hotels and apartments are situated directly on the black sandy beaches. Here you also go swimming, snorkeling and diving. Boat trips. Diving courses. Dolphin watching/spotting. Golf course Bali Handara. Botanical Garden. Tracking. Mountain biking. Nature walks. Mountaineering. Painting classes. Cooking classes. Spa/massage / wellness. Supermarkets.
Markets in the evening and morning. Cozy restaurants. Little shops. Rice fields. Temples. Waterfalls. Hot springs. Coffee brewery.
Eastern Bali was once a region with three principalities: Klungklung, Bangli and Karangasem. Hence there are many ancient temples and palaces to be found in this area. But the primary feature of Eastern Bali is perhaps the volcano, the Gunung Agung. A little bit more west and you can find the Gunung Batur, a volcano with a crater lake. The main tourist sites are considered Klungklung, Candi Dasa, Amed and Tulamben. The latter two are mostly known for their beautiful diving locations.
Sightseeing in east Bali
You’ll find beaches here (you’re able to walk along the beach for hours!). Swimming, snorkeling (there’s coral reefs in front of the villas) and diving. Diving courses (6 diving schools nearby, even Dutch ones). Silver shops with workshops. Volcano tracking. Bicycle trips. Moped rentals (uninsured, at your own risk). Supermarkets within walking distance. Bookshops. Fishing with local fishing boat (jukung ). Fishing on a professional fishing boat, including marlin, sharks, etc. Speedboat to the Gili’s (you can also stay overnight on these tropical islands).Walking through the rice fields. Visit temples. Visit markets. Rafting (day trip).
When it comes to tourism, southern Bali is perhaps the most developed part of this island. Here you’ll find the most beautiful beaches of the island. There’s Kuta, Tuban, Legian and Seminyak on the east coast. In the most southern part are the coastal towns of Jimbaran and Nusa Dua. On the east coast are the more peaceful resorts of Sanur and Tanjung Benoa. The waves of the sea on the southern coast are substantial, which makes it a very popular spot for surfers.
Sightseeing in south Bali
You’ll find beaches. Temples. Trackings . Hikes. Surfing / Kitesurfing. Diving. Rafting. Golf. Dance shows. Rice fields. Restaurants. Going out. Shops. Markets. Museums. Bird Park. Elephant Park.
Taman Nasional Bali Barat
In the west of Bali you will find the Taman Nasional Bali Barat. This is a national park that was founded by the Dutch in 1941. The intention is to protect nature reserves and endangered species of Bali in this way. The park is only accessible on foot. You can take beautiful nature walks and enjoy mangrove forests, swamps, reefs and countless species of animals.
The Bali starling is almost extinct, but in the park people try to save the Bali starling
Sightseeing in west Bali
Taman Nasional Bali Barat
In the west of Bali you will find the Taman Nasional Bali Barat. This is a national park that was founded by the Dutch in 1941. The intention is to protect nature reserves and endangered species of Bali in this way. The park is only accessible on foot. You can take beautiful nature walks and enjoy mangrove forests, swamps, reefs and countless species of animals.
The Bali starling is almost extinct, but in the park people try to save the Bali starling from serving
Pemuteran
At the northwestern tip of Bali, just off the coast, lies the Menjangan Island. This island is ideally suited for diving trips. There are eight good diving locations, each with its own underwater world. It is not possible to spend the night on Menjangan Island.
Pemuteran is a coastal town on the north coast of Bali. There are some very beautiful coral reefs in the sea and tourism is growing fast here. It is also a good base for travelers who want to visit Menjangan Island. There are various hot springs close to Pemuteran. Around the town of Pupuan you will find the most beautiful rice terraces in Bali. Many spices are also grown here. It is therefore also called the vegetable garden of Bali.
Central Bali is famous for its many crafts, handicrafts and dancing. The most influential village is Ubud. Ubud is the artistic heart of Bali. There are many hotels which makes it also a very suitable location for exploring central Bali. Here you will find many historic villages, temples and monuments. The landscape is hilly and is crossed by many rivers. In conjunction with the quintessential rice terraces it forms a beautiful scene. This landscape lends itself well for wild water rafting. The most beautiful artist villages are Celuk, Mas, Batuan and of course Ubud itself. To the north of Ubud you’ll find Kintamani, from where you’ll have a beautiful view and can see the Gunung Batur volcano.
Sightseeing in central Bali
You can raft here. Rice fields. Monkey Forest . Dance shows. Painting. Sculpture. Silver and woodworking. Museums. Bike tours. Hiking tours. Temples. Elephant cave Waterfalls. Shops Restaurants Bird Park. Elephant Park.
Ubud also special for yoga. There are a lot of yoga centra’s
Lombok is an island to the east of Bali. It is comparable in size, but not as touristy as Bali. Ideal for anyone who’s looking to relax. Also on Lombok you will find beautiful untouched nature, a large volcano and bright white beaches. Tourism has not yet really been developed in Lombok. Most hotels and resorts are in Senggigi in the north west.
Sightseeing on Java
