Lakshmi Sharath

Six experiences in Bali that you must not miss

Posted: 16 Aug 2016 06:30 PM PDT

Bali must do experiences

Welcome to Bali

Very rarely I tend to visit the same destination more than once. But Bali has been an exception. The island has already beckoned me thrice and I am heading there for the fourth time again, courtesy, the tourism ministry of Indonesia. Every time I am here, I see a different facet of this destination and I am always at a loss for choice when it comes to experiences and activities.

Temples in Bali

From culture to adventure, there is a bit of everything for every kind of traveller. Irrespective of whether you are a luxury traveller or a honeymooner, a solo traveller or a backpacker, an adventurer or a foodie, a culture vulture or a diver, Bali has something for you. From my previous trips, I would recommend six experiences that you must not miss, while I wonder what is in store for me this time.

A carving at Goa Gajah

Go on a temple trail

The temples of Bali have an exotic touch. The colours, the mysticism, the vivid sculptures, the verdant landscape – a visit to a temple is more than just a spiritual experience. Almost every temple is located in a breathtaking vista . Goa Gajah is in a cave, Pura Ulu Watu is on a cliff, the Ubud Monkey temple is inside a forest, Mother Besakih is by the mountains but my favourite Tanah Lot is on the sea. For me the most breathtaking moment was to watch the sunset here. You will just lose yourself in the colours of the sea and the ocean.

Sunset at Tanah Lot temple, bali

Climb a volcano

If you are an adventurous hiker, then go on a three hour climb along Mount Batur in Kintamani and lose yourself in the breathless landscape. Besides the active volcano, the crater lake surrounding it is an ocean of blue. You can also visit the Ulun Danu Batur temple where there are a few hot springs here as well. There are three villages here – Batur, Kintamani and Penelokan, the latter offering some of the most beautiful views of the volcano. The sunrise trek is recommended. But for lazy travellers like me, just getting lost in this landscape is an experience by itself.

Mount Batur in Bali

A culinary class

Sitting in the open, amidst a lush landscape in rustic Bali, surrounded by herb and spice gardens , I was quite excited about this culinary experience. For the record, I rarely even step into the kitchen at home, but I was happy pounding spices together and making a curry. Traditional dishes are on the menu and Ubud is my favourite region in Bali. There is so much for the foodie here. If you are not too much into cooking and you would rather prefer eating then head to Jimbaran for some delicious sea food.

Culinary class in Bali

Dive deep to see the corals

A confession here. I am petrified of water and I was quite nervous when the husband wanted to go diving but I did take a leap into the deep blue sea and lived to tell the tale. Life under the ocean is more than just a breathtaking kaleidoscope of colours. Even if scuba or snorkeling is not in your bucket list, the beaches will beckon you. Take a cruise, go parasailing, jet ski and indulge ! It is undoubtedly one of the Bali must do experiences.

Go scuba diving or enjoy water sports
Pic Courtesy – Limpopo/Shutterstock

Soak in the night life

Who would visit Bali and not feel the pulse of the vibrant night life ? As the sun sets, head to Kuta, Legion and Seminyak and party in some of the hippest, entertaining hot spots in the island. Some of the resorts are perched high up in cliffs overlooking the coast or on the beaches as well. The music vibrates along the shores as you wonder whether you are in the exotic east or in the happening west.

Party in Bali
Courtesy – Komar/Shutterstock.com

Indulge in a luxury private pool villa

While Bali may be an adventurer or a backpacker’s paradise, it is a haven for the luxury traveller with private pool villas set amidst lush greenery or near the beaches. Get away from the noise and clutter and lose yourself in a quiet haven with birds for company. This is strongly recommended as one of Bali must do experiences if you are here on a romantic holiday. And what is exciting is that these villas are affordable and are priced in the range of 130-200 USD a night !

A luxury pool villa in Bali
Courtesy – Patrick Lin/Shutterstock.com

So pack your bags and head to my favourite destination. If you are looking for itineraries to suit your interests then visit Gofro.com and choose any of them . But here is a twist. You can mix and match and choose what you like and drop whatever does not interest you. Personally I prefer customised itineraries with activities that I would like to experience rather than buy a ready made product off the shelf. And Gofro allows you to do that . Everything is customisable – the duration of your trip, the itinerary and the activities. So you can add beaches and night life and drop strenuous hikes if you are in a mood to just chill or add sunsets and cruises and private pool villas if you are looking for a romantic holiday. But If I were you, I will say go for all it ! Visit this Bali itinerary now and customise it to your requirements.