Bali
Bali is an enchanting island, noted for its cultural and spiritual riches, natural beauty and friendly people. The island is a tropical paradise that continues to offer visitors stunning scenery, soaring volcanoes and cultural riches. Inland rice paddies dot the hillsides, while the warm blue ocean attracts divers, surfers and sunbathers.
Many tourists go directly to the beach areas of Kuta, Sanur, Jimbaran and Nusa Dua. Kuta is renowned for its remarkable sunsets, excellent surfing and vibrant nightlife, while Nusa Dua attracts those looking for a quieter holiday. In Denpasar, the capital of Bali, tourists can explore the Pasar Badung traditional market, Pura Jagatnatha temple, Bird Market and also the Bali Provincial State Museum, to get an insight into Bali’s cultural heritage.
The Water Temple, or Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, is well worth a visit. It’s an important Hindu-Buddhist temple that was established in the 1800s, and is dedicated to the goddess of water. Pilgrimages and ceremonies are held here, and it’s one of the most photographed features of the island.
To the north out of Denpasar, you will come across several villages noted for their craftsmen and the Bali Bird Park, which is a delightful treat of tropical birds and komodo dragons. The sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, or Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana, is a dense jungle that is inhabited by long-tailed monkeys, and it has a number of temples that are worth visiting. It’s a great outing for those who would like to experience the local wildlife and the beauty of a tropical jungle. Many visitors will also want to visit the soaring volcanic cone of Gunung Batur. It’s one of the most spectacular sights on the island, and it’s possible to climb Batur in the early morning to see the sun rise above the tropical island.
In Bali, there’s a wide diversity of activities to keep you occupied. For those interested in the cultural heritage of the island, there are traditional performances and dancing as well as numerous temples. Meanwhile, sports enthusiasts can indulge in surfing, diving, mountain biking, volcano climbing, tennis and golf. Kuta offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants, pubs and clubs, and is especially popular among travellers. However, if you’d rather relax and avoid the crowds, you can visit Jimbaran Bay or Sanur Beach and enjoy some excellent seafood in the presence of a spectacular sunset.
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