On a Bali Hai…

Think of Bali and a delicious sense of tranquility, paradise and idyllic beaches probably spring to mind. However, Bali’s tourist town of Kuta offers a different inspiration, giving the island an amazing amount of energy. Nearly 3 years after the terrible bombings, the locals and tourists have put the tragedy firmly behind them. Now loud and lively, morning, noon and night, Kuta has an ambience of hustlers, holidaymakers and hell’s angels to make your vacation complete.

Kuta is party heaven for many tourists. Full to the brim with bars, nightclubs and restaurants, if you’re based here you don’t need to leave town! The hotels and massage parlours are also in close vicinity making the well-known Legian Road central for all your holiday needs. Watch out for busy peak time periods when shopping areas can look as busy as Umeda on a Saturday afternoon.

The west coast of the island also offers the most irresistible views, including the famous Kuta beach sunset. Embracing some of the most vibrant colours, watch the sun disappear on a peaceful horizon with only the sound of the waves to break your train of thought — and you thought it only existed in the movies.

For those who like watersports, Bali is the place to be. With a
waft of surfer shops everywhere you turn, it’s a surfer’s haven with equipment, accessories and surfer wear at dirt cheap prices. Kuta is very popular with surfers catching the waves from dawn til dusk. If you prefer snorkeling, diving, jetskiing or other watersports, anything is possible with time being your only limitation.

Moving along to the eateries, Bali offers its fair share of delicacies. Food is certainly a reason to go as every meal has a Balinese edge whether it’s the sauce, the presentation or the aroma. Indonesia’s speciality is duck and any spicy curry is recommended. Don’t worry if your palate isn’t too adventurous as western meals are readily available.

If seeing the sights is more your thing, the mountains in the infamous Mount Agung area are Bali’s volcanic highlight. However it has steadily become any tourist’s nightmare. With hideous overcharging and enough rules to make you feel as if you were back at work, it’s worth the visit if you’re not after a beach holiday. But be aware that the costs are nowhere near the rest of Bali’s economic line.

For a bit of culture, head to the cultural capital Ubud. It offers a bit of ‘real Bali’, and is perhaps one of the best places to grab a viewing of traditional Balinese dancing. Ubud is also famous for its art and there is a range of museums to cater for several niches. Also, unearth the magic of Bali’s multi-religious view with ruins of shrines and temples to cater for Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam.

The Elephant Cave north of Ubud offers the most nostalgia with its carved stone statues and workmanship that stands amazing for its era. For a bit of furry fun, head towards Monkey Forest for some monkey madness. The monkeys are native to Bali and also have a cheeky and confident attitude. The forest features a waterfall and shrine where people come to pray everyday and it’s a tranquil getaway if you’ve been partying for a few days.

Religion itself is very apparent in many places around Bali but attitudes are adapted for tourists. However, try to be considerate by dressing appropriately when visiting religious sites. Men need to wear pants and women need to cover their legs and shoulders. Also look out for the offerings to gods (which are usually square-shaped folded leaves filled with food, incense and flowers) that are placed on the sidewalks. Try not to step on them when you’re walking back to your hotel!

This doesn’t affect your status as a tourist, however. You don’t need to be religious to drink the local brew and it comes available in both bottles and on tap. Check out Bintang and Bali Hai, the leading beer names in bars and convenience stores. Although Bintang is more widely available, it’s not as tasty as Bali Hai (in my opinion). Whatever choice you make, be sure to take advantage of the dozens of happy hours which vary from bar to bar. You can get a big glass of draft for only 50 yen! Watch out for the imported brands of beer and snacks as they can be in line with western prices but often aren’t priced. Be sure to find out the prices before making your purchase.

Bali has so much to offer and is an excellent choice for a quick getaway or beach and surfing holiday. The tourist island continues to grow stronger despite its recent troubles and is now more popular than it has ever been. Whatever your reasons for delving into the Indian Ocean climes, make sure you reach your own Bali Hai.

Text & Photos: Naheen Madarbakus