There are many reasons to visit Bali at least once in a lifetime.
This small volcanic island between Lombok and Java offers everything you could wish for when travelling. You can enjoy the gorgeous long beaches and sunsets, visit a multitude of temples, walk the rice fields, try surfing or yoga, dive with the turtles, learn to cook Balinese specialities, climb the top of a volcano, or dive under a waterfall, to mention but a few things…
Tourism is booming
Everything on this island is in the service of tourism, and as a guest and tourist,
I felt comfortable and welcome everywhere
Ubud is a must-see, as the centre of Balinese artistic and cultural life. Walk the downtown to the Monkey Forest, a bargain at the market, and have lunch at the Batan Waru cafe (one of the oldest restaurants in Ubud). My personal favourite was a visit to Canggu and Candi Dassa, both a bit further from the overly noisy or overly crowded Kuta or Nusa Dua. Here, the locals outnumber the tourists. I spent my days surfing on the beach, relaxing in yoga classes and savouring the seafood delicacies in various warungs (Balinese local restaurants.
The main means of transport are taxis and scooters. The people are genial and kind, and I had no unpleasant experiences in the month I spent there, but one should be careful in exchange offices (especially the unofficial ones), and with the so-called ‘Bali belly’ when choosing food. I would also recommend an excursion to the Gili Islands, especially for scuba diving and the nightlife.
There are many reasons to visit Bali.
Petra Maštrović
