Some people say that Bali is overrated as a tourist destination while others rank it as one of the best spots to visit. The answer is dependent upon how one might like to enjoy Bali and the secret lies in Bali’s captivating charms. The place has a lot to offer ranging from stunning beaches, mountains to scenic rice paddies. So, travellers are consistently smitten by the diversity of nature and landscape. Unexpectedly, there is also a deep sense of spirituality attached to the island. What many people would be surprised to discover is that Bali is an Indonesian island. Balinese people are known for their kindness and Balinese Hospitality is very famous for its warmth. Here’s a little travel guide for you

The Bali Mandira Beach Resort and Spa

A file Picture of the Besakih Temple

Bali is home to several tiny shrines and big temple complexes. Most notably, the Besakih Temple is the largest and most important. It is a complex of 22 temples that are situated on the slopes of Mt. Agung. The latter is also Bali's largest volcano!

Bali is hailed for its white sand beaches, crystal clear sea waters for swimming, strong waves for surfing and black sands for sunbathing. In essence it’s a real paradise. In addition to the famous beaches such as the Kuta Beach, Nusa Dua Beach with luxury hotels, Balangan Beach, Geger Beach and Padang-Padang Beach, the tropical island also boasts of a few such secret places that are tucked away in its little corners. One prime example is the Bias Tugal Beach for which one needs to trek through almost 500 meters of a rocky patch! Reward for the hard work: enjoy exploring the beautiful coral reefs as pictured below:

Bali's mouth-watering dishes are made from local herbs and spices. What will surprise you more is that these are traditionally consumed during the colorful Hindu ceremonies.

A Balinese Hindu Wedding Ceremony in Progress

Travellers are advised to try Babi Guling (roasted suckling pig), nasi campur (mixed dishes with rice), satay (grilled skewered meat), or Bebek betutu (smoked duck).

Yummy Babi Guling

Bali is a cool and relaxed place so it is possible to dance in your flipflops or even bare feet apart from the high heels. Young travellers adore the island for its party scene. Include Sky Garden Lounge on your itinerary which is famous for top DJs.

Mirror: the latest nightclub that regularly hosts the best parties and International DJs

Travellers with families can enjoy Balinese Traditional Dances. One of the most famous dances is the kecak dance.

Balinese Traditional Dances

Enjoy the small local boutiques (not the big malls please!) where you can buy a variety of clothing such as the traditional Balinese clothing. The local shopping markets in Ubud are a paradise for shoppers where one can have a hard time deciding what to buy!

Admire those colors at Ubud