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Ubud, an inland town, is Bali’s cultural center, made famous by the book Eat, Pray, Love. The Neka Museum is the place to appreciate art by local and international painters in a setting of pavilions and gardens. The Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is a sacred Hindu T-shaped cave with elaborate stone carvings and statuary.
Kuta is Bali’s major seaside resort town, jammed with souvenir shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars and clubs. Its Bali Bomb Memorial is a poignant monument to the over 200 people killed in the 2002 terrorist bombing of two popular nightclubs. About 15 miles outside of Kuta, Uluwatu is an acclaimed surfing area and site of Pura Luhu Uluwatu, an ancient temple set among dramatic seaside cliffs.
Nusa Dua is a master-planned resort area on the southern tip of the island primarily made up of luxury hotels, but also offering Pasifika Museum, which exhibits paintings by Balinese and international artists, as well as artwork from around the Pacific.
North Bali, an area of volcanic mountains and pristine lakes, contains some of the island’s most spectacular scenery and is prime for hiking and horseback riding. Stellar views and agricultural heritage are combined at Munduk Moding Plantation, a 12-acre coffee plantation that offers walking tours and an on-site restaurant.
A quieter alternative to Kuta, Sanur is a seaside resort village on the southeast coast that still retains local Balinese character. Its Bali Safari and Marine Park features safari tours to view white tigers, rhinos and other animals, plus shows with a conservation theme. Museum Le Mayeur displays the works of Belgian painter Adrien Jean Le Mayeur in his former home.
The seaside enclave of Seminyak is filled with trendy boutiques and restaurants. It’s also home to one of Bali’s signature sights, Tanah Lot Temple, a 15th century Hindu temple perched atop a tidal islet. Nightly performances of traditional dance and chanting are presented at the adjacent Surya Mandala Cultural Park.
Kuta Beach is the island’s most popular and developed beach. Echo Beach on the south coast is a secluded place for walking along the black volcanic sands and watching the sunset. Sanur Beach offers lovely views of volcanic Mt. Agung and is a popular surfing spot.
Bali’s best area for snorkeling and diving is on the north side of the island at Talamben Bay, where a sunken ship draws pygmy seahorses and other exotic creatures. Outfitters such as Atlantis International Bali offer excursions.
Batik textiles, clothing, silk scarves, artwork, stone carvings, wooden puppets and silver jewelry are among the many local items for sale all over the island, particularly in towns such as Kuta, Seminyak and Ubud. The Ubud Art Market and Tegallalang, just north of Ubud and known as the “Handicrafts Village,” are especially fun places for browsing and bargaining.
Bali is the place to enjoy local dishes such as grilled seafood on skewers and chicken cooked in banana leaves. In Ubud, a popular spot for Balinese food is Murni’s Warung, which serves black rice pudding, smoked duck curry and other dishes in a hillside setting. For atmosphere, head to Biku in Seminyak, a restaurant serving Indonesian and international dishes in a 150-year-old teak house filled with antique furnishings.
Ubud’s Jalan Monkey Forest is home to dozens of Balinese macaques, long-tailed gray primates that cavort in the trees and dive into a pool. The site also offers paths winding past ancient temples and other historic spots.
Just outside Ubud, Setia House of Masks and Puppets showcases hundreds of the intricately carved and painted puppets that are an important part of religious ceremonies. The puppets are displayed in four traditional wooden houses in grounds with lotus ponds, banyan trees and performance areas.
Bali is one of the few places in the world that produces the world’s most expensive coffee, Kopi Luwak. It’s made from berries eaten and defecated by civets and can cost $50 a cup.
Bali, which is close to the equator, has a hot, tropical climate the year round, with May-September bringing drier weather and lower humidity.
Summer and Christmas holidays draw crowds of tourists, especially from Australia. Winter is the rainy season in Bali, but there are still sunny periods.
Cruise ships typically drop anchor on the south coast of the island near Nusa Dua at Benoa Harbor, with passengers tendered ashore.
If you are not on a shore excursion, taxi and Bemar (private minivan) service is available from the port to Ubud, Nusa Dua, Kuta and other points on the island.
Documents: U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. You will also need a visa, available on arrival for about $25 and usually processed by the cruise ship and charged to your onboard account.
Language: Balinese; English is spoken among people in the hospitality industry.
Currency: The Indonesian rupiah.
Safety: While the Indonesian government has been very effective in preventing large-scale terror attacks by extremists, Bali, like Jakarta, has suffered bombings in the past. Crimes of opportunity, including pickpocketing and robbery, are also known to occur in Indonesia. Cruise passengers should take precautions such as traveling with tour operators vetted by the cruise line, staying in tourist areas, exploring in groups, using only official taxis (ask your cruise line how to get a taxi if you're going to want one) and leaving valuables on the ship. Bali is an incredibly beautiful place and well worth visiting, but precautions are warranted. See Cruiseable's safety tips for cruise passengers.
How about you? Have you been to Bali or are you planning to go? We'd love to hear about your experience or see your photos!
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