Visitors often comment that Bali is unlike anywhere else on earth. The scenery is varied and dramatic, from volcanic mountains and lush fields to sandy beaches and everywhere on the island, the gentle spiritual culture of the Balinese people permeates the service and friendliness offered to travelers. The winner of many travel awards, Bali can satisfy the needs of anyone from sporty backpackers to those seeking a luxury spa retreat. A stay in a best Bali hotel would make for a truly memorable trip.
One of the first things you will notice as you wander around the Balinese streets are the tiny offerings, little leaf trays containing flowers, or food, together with incense and holy water, in the doorways everywhere. The Hindu culture seeps in to every aspect of life on the island and its people are deeply religious. There are statues of the gods and goddesses all over the temples and courtyards on the island. Dance and music are performed regularly. Dancers wear traditional costume and use visual and dramatic poses to tell their stories. Tourists especially enjoy the Barong (lion dance) complete with terrifying masks, Calonarang, the dance to dispel evil spirits or, Legong Keraton, the dance of the divine nymphs.
Festivals also play a large part in Balinese life. Each year around March/April, there is a day of silence, 'Nyepi', when everything on the island closes down and tourists are asked to stay in their rooms, to trick evil spirits into thinking that the island is empty. The day before Nyepi there are spectacular parades. There are also thousands of temples on Bali and each holds a festival twice a year. Galungan is a 10 day festival to celebrate the death of a tyrant which takes place every 210 days and the streets are filled with special offerings.
Some of the main tourist attractions on Bali are among the 20,000 Hindu temples, of which each village will have three (one for birth, one for life and one for death). The most prominent temples are the nine directional ones, situated at points on the island to protect against evil forces. Besakih, the Mother Temple, is the most important and was built on the slopes of Mount Agung. The other eight major temples are built by the coast or on high ground, but those to the south such as Pura Lhur Uluwatu are more easily accessible. No temple is identical to another and the architecture is deeply symbolic. Visitors should remember that the Balinese will expect you to cover yourself when visiting these religious houses, so it is wise to bring along a sarong or sash (or rent one on site).
The beaches around Bali are very popular and there are many opportunities for PADI diving around wrecks and reefs or a little sea fishing. Bali deservedly remains one of the world's most popular surf destinations. As the island is volcanic, the sand is often black. Although it is largely safe to swim (especially on the north beaches), it is worth bearing in mind that the safety markers have been put in place for a reason and it is not safe to swim beyond them.
Further inland, visitors can take a trip to see the lush rice paddies forming stunning terraces across the landscape, particularly to the center and in the east of the island. For those who fancy stretching their legs, it is possible to climb Mount Batur, an active volcano, in around 2 hours. Mount Agung is the largest volcano on the island but has not erupted for nearly 50 years.
Those who are inclined towards the arts will not be disappointed by a visit to Ubud, the center of artistic culture on the island. It is filled with local crafts and artists, shops, workshops and museums. Bali is also a spa-center and the Balinese are experts at providing all manner of relaxing treatments and massages for their guests. There are also several yoga and relaxation retreats all over the island, particularly in Ubud and Seminya and natural hot springs at Lovina or Toya Bunghah.
Those wishing to experience this little bit of paradise will find little problem in finding the best Bali hotel for their needs, with a full suite of amenities ranging from swimming pools, hotel restaurants, hotel bars, concierge services, massage and spa treatments, Room services include wireless connections, broadband, TV and DVD facilities, laundry and complementary toiletries. The Balinese are skilled at creating the best Bali hotel experience for you.
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