Bali is the most popular destinations for visitors to Indonesia. The tropical hideaway manages to be an adventurer seeker's paradise and a spiritual sanctuary, with landscapes that include rocky coastal cliffs, coral reefs within aquamarine oceans, steep volcanic mountains and emerald-green rice paddy fields.
Just how do you live, eat and breathe Bali? Here are our recommendations:
Places to Know
1. Mrs Sippy is a Sydney bar export, home to Bali's largest saltwater pool. It is located in the heart of Seminyak. What makes Mrs Sippy's pool stand out from all the other Bali pool clubs is the five-metre jump tower where you can jump if you dare.
They'll serve you swish fruity cocktails on day beds to a soundtrack of international DJs and house music in Mrs Sippy pool.
2. Bali Swing is an adults' playground. 15 oversized swings will flutter you over incredible panoramic views, including the main attraction swing and an extreme, adrenaline pumping swing that pushes you even higher into the sky. The Bali Swing is located just about a 30 minute drive from Ubud.
3. Kelly's Warung is a stripped back local's spot on Bingin Beach. While looking at the lovely view of the beautiful sea, have some Indonesian chicken satay and a smoothie and nasi goreng or fried rice comes packed with veggies and an egg on top.
4. Nusa Penida Island is one utterly beautiful little island to visit. It is the biggest of the three Nusa Islands just off from mainland Bali.
What to Eat
Bali is the ultimate food paradise. From traditional Balinese restaurants to cool cafe joints and not forgetting authentic street food, you don't have to spend too much.
1. Balinese love their pork very much. Babi Guling is a combination of crispy pork skin, pork blood sausage, pork roll, and fried pork meat. Ibu Oka serves up some of the island's best babi guling. Just be sure to be there early before having it all sold out.
2. They serve crackers in Bali and the crackers are freshly deep-fried in-house. You'll be amazed by the interesting variety of crackers they have here - soy, prawn, rice flower and potato.
3. The cold brew in the boutique coffee joint Revolver Espresso is smooth and strong. The menu offers a wide selection of blended flavoured espressos such as caramel, vanilla, and chocolate mint.
Things to Do
1. Diving
The areas of East Bali Tulamben and Amed are well known for great dive spots as well as snorkelling.
2. Watch the sun rise over a volcano
Mount Batur is so special for us travellers to see. Make the trek to the edge of the crater for a unique vista across the island.
3. Explore the Hindu Temple on a volcano
Pura Besakih Temple is Bali's largest Hindu temple perched on Mount Agung. There are around 23 temples that make up the site.
4. Shopping
From exquisite designer wear to Kopi Luwak coffee, Bali's got something for everyone. Street shopping has now become synonymous with Bali.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
