The ABC’s of Bali

What is there to do in Bali you might ask?

bali panorama

Find out with our island-style ABC guide that covers everything from where to go and what to know about Bali, A-Z!

A for Agung

The highest point on the island of Bali (3,031 meters above sea level) and the 5th tallest volcano in all of Indonesia, Mount Agung is home to the largest and most sacred temple in Bali, Besakih. Feeling up for a trek? Book a guide and prepare to depart in the early morning for the stunning sunrise views of Bali’s land and ocean below.

B for Bukit beaches
nyang nyang

The Bukit peninsula is the place to get your dose of white sand beach in Bali. And Nusa Dua isn’t the only one. Did you read our Bukit beach guide?

C for Currency

Welcome to Bali, you are now a millionaire! In Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) that is. Don’t get too excited, 1 million IDR is the mere equivalent of $87 USD currently. But it sure is fun pretending!

Villa Bukit Segara

D for Dream villas
Staying at a villa with your own private pool and chef is a unique experience you must try! Check out our Bali villas– our collection consists of unique selections from all around the island and we would be happy to help you find the one that is best for you (< yes, my boss made me write that).


E for Essential items to pack

Don’t leave home without the following (careful, a few trespassers might have joined the list…): shades, flip flops, an international driving license, an oxygen tank, a Mexican hat, a CD of Michael Jackson, a camera, a battery for your camera, a memory card for your camera, a selfie stick for your camera, a lens cleaner for your camera, a Hello Kitty case for your camera, a second camera in case the first one breaks…

F for Food! pasar cart

Coconut rice, steamed noodles, crunchy tempe, savory spices- the food options and combinations of ingredients are endless on the Island of the Gods! Whether you’re daring enough to sample street cart cooking or prefer somewhere a bit more refined, Bali offers delicious and unique cuisine for every type of traveler. See 5 signature Balinese dishes you can’t miss.

G for Gili

A two hour speedboat ride from Bali, the idyllic Gili Islands are situated just off of Lombok’s northwest coast. Three islands in total- Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air- our treasure map will happily guide you there.

ubud ceremony parade

H for Hinduism

Witness Bali’s unique Hindu culture through their many rituals still prevalent in everyday life: daily offerings, ceremonial parades, temple prayers…

photo (6)

Visitors are more than welcome to participate in such cultural activities, just remember the modest dress etiquette when entering a local temple: knees and shoulders covered for both men and women, preferably with a sarong and scarf around the waist. Most temples will have these items for you upon arrival.

I for Indonesia

While many don’t know that Bali is part of Indonesia, we should also acknowledge that Bali isn’t the only island of the archipelago to deserve a visit! Our favorites: Java volcanoes, Lake Toba, Sulawesi, Flores, Lombok…

J for Jimbaran seafood

Feast on the freshest seafood on the island while watching the sun set on Jimbaran Bay. For the best baked clams, prawns and grilled fish, opt for Menega Cafe (get there before sunset to grab a table; there are crowds for a reason).

K for Kopi
bali coffee

Oh did I say kopi? Excuse my Bahasa, I meant coffee (coffee=kopi in Indonesian). See what’s brewing in Bali from the many island coffee plantations and cafes to enjoy the local grinds.

L for Latitude

8 is roughly the latitude of Bali. Yes, the auspicious 8! Coincidence? I don’t think so… Good thing it makes for a warm and tropical climate with only two weather options: rainy (October-April) or not rainy (May-September).

M for Motorbikes

Ditch the car’s AC and breeze around Bali by scooter. As the most popular mode of transportation, they are cheap to rent and a great way to see the sights (and not get stuck in traffic!).

Nusa LembonganN for Nusa Lembongan (not to mention Nusa Ceningan & Nusa Penida!)

Have you heard about those “other” Balinese islands? A short 30 minute boat ride from Bali’s east coast, life instantly seems to slow down. A place where white sand coasts, clear aqua ocean, seaweed farming, prime surfing and scuba diving dominate, these 3 islands off the southeast coast of Bali are the perfect weekend getaway from the mainland.

O for Only in Bali…

offerings…will you find daily offerings giving thanks for the richness of life. Because Balinese Hinduism is based on the balance between the spirits, human beings and our natural surroundings, these small offering baskets you see everywhere (canang sari) usually contain rice and flowers in a gesture of gratitude for what has been given to us on earth.

P for Petitenget

Known for its ever-evolving status as the home of Bali’s newest beach clubs, restaurants, bars and boutique shops, Petitenget has certainly proven itself as a small locale with much to see and do. The quaint ‘Jalan Petitenget’ and Petitenget Beach offer such attractions as Potato Head, Ku De Ta, the WooBar at the W Retreat and Seminyak Square.

Q for Quiet day

Did you know that for one day, Bali is silent? No noise, no cars, no work, nothing. This is one of Bali’s most unique traditions: Nyepi.

rice paddies

R for Rice paddies

Be ready to awe at the vast and vivid rice paddies that sprawl across Bali’s landscape (and eat lots of rice too!). A central part of the Balinese culture and economy dating back to the 11th century, these manicured fields really are as spectacular as their iconic photographs portray them to be. If you’re lucky you will get a glimpse of the women harvesting the rice by hand every 3 months.

S for Sea activities

If 70% of the earth is covered in water, then what are we doing on land still? The ocean is calling your name! Lucky for you, Bali’s sea life is especially active, boasting some of the best surfing, scuba diving and snorkeling in the world.

T for Textiles

Traditional Balinese textiles have amazed many around the world for centuries now. Famous for the Ikat and Batik artistry specifically, this beautiful fabric is central to religious ceremonies as well as to identifying the wealth and status of the wearer. Plus, the colorful designs of the fabric make for unique treasure to bring back home.

U for Ubudmonkeys

Looking for Bali’s artistic, cultural and wellbeing center? Ubud’s multitude of art galleries, organic cafes, yoga retreats, rice terraces, jungle vistas and curious monkeys will have you asking yourself if you ever have to leave this majestic place.

V for Visa

Fortunately, Bali issues tourist visas upon arrival at the airport to visitors from over 50 countries. This tourist visa is good for up to 30 days and can be paid for with $30 USD (or the equivalent) when you arrive at the airport.

pandawa beach wedding

W for Wedding

Don’t tell anyone but we’re working on a new project to help you plan the perfect Bali wedding

X for eXtreme water slides

Voted the best waterpark in all of Asia by Travelers’ Choice, Waterbom is a seriously rad time for everyone of all ages. Water slides ranging from moderate to eXtreme, a lazy river for leisurely floating, a sunken pool bar and various food shacks are just a few of the park’s many attractions that make this Kuta oasis so popular year after year.

Y for Yoga

Ommm… No matter the level of skill or experience, there is a yoga class for everyone in Bali. With many studios, workshops and retreats offered on the island, this is the perfect place to lay back, breathe deep and get in touch with your inner yogi.

Z for Ziplining

Get your adrenaline pumping by flying from tree to tree through the forest at Bali Treetop Adventure Park. For adults and kids alike there are 6 main zip lines, jumps and nets for you to swing like Tarzan through the Bali Botanical Gardens.

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