Beaches. Which ones are better? When is the season? When is the best time to go

18.02.2019 Alexey Glazunov

More than a hundred articles have been written about Bali on our blog - for us it is one of the most favorite places on Earth and that is partly why most of these articles reveal the island from a positive side.

Meanwhile, we periodically receive comments and private messages that Bali is not nearly as ideal as we make it out to be.

It so happens that we concentrate more on positive things (often even unconsciously), so many of the negatives fall out of sight. It’s much easier to live this way, but for bloggers this is not a very good quality, so from time to time we still try to be more objective and take a closer look at the disadvantages too (of which there are also plenty here).

Bali is an island with character, it is quite contrasting, there are many different conjectures and stereotypes about it, and unlike the almost ideal Thailand, which almost everyone loves, after Bali some tourists spit and swear that they will never set foot here again. The other part, despite not all the disadvantages, considers it ideal and falls in love with the island irrevocably!

With this article we decided to put everything in its place and talk about the pros and cons of Bali.

Cons of Bali

Traffic and driving style. For us, this is perhaps the most significant disadvantage - there is chaos on the roads, especially in the southern part of the island.

A cocktail of an incredible number of motorbikes, narrow roads and reckless driving results in traffic jams and turns moving from point A to point B into real torture. ⠀

At the same time, sometimes it’s worth turning aside onto a secondary street and the traffic instantly disappears.

Mediocre beaches. We've said it many times and we'll say it again, Bali is not for a beach holiday. There are no “bounty” beaches here and most of them either have shallow waves, big waves, no infrastructure, or are very crowded. There are exceptions, but they are few, and it is not a fact that you will be able to settle next to them. ⠀

High humidity. The humidity level here rarely drops below 80%, so the heat on the island is quite difficult to bear. In addition to this, things take a long time to dry, mold on your favorite clothes and lenses. ⠀

Dangerous sun. Being in the sun during the daytime here is tantamount to suicide. Skin, especially one unaccustomed to the sun, burns instantly and can burn several times during your vacation. ⠀

Rain season. Unlike most resorts around the world, winter is not the season here. Hot, humid and a lot of rain. Moreover, the rains can be quite prolonged, so if you are going to Bali to celebrate the New Year, be prepared for the fact that you may have to ride your bike ankle-deep in water.

Also, the rainy season means very dirty beaches and a lot of garbage on the ocean. ⠀

Expensive seafood. Surprisingly, despite the fact that Bali is surrounded on all sides by water, seafood here is quite expensive. ⠀

At the same time, as soon as you move away from the coast, they disappear, almost completely.

Lack of public transport. If you are used to using buses, trains, tuk-tuks, jeepneys, songthaews and other public vehicles, then you will be disappointed here, there is nothing like this and without your own transport (or using a taxi) it will be very difficult here. ⠀

Taxi mafia. Taxis here, at the same time, are quite expensive by Asian standards, and in addition, local taxi drivers are actively fighting with cheap Uber and Hornbeam, even to the point of using physical force, which significantly reduces their number and makes life difficult for visitors.

Growing crime situation. Recently, cases of attacks on tourists have become more frequent - they rip off handbags and chains, snatch phones, push them off bikes, and break into houses and villas. It is worth noting that this mainly occurs at night and in the south of Bali. ⠀

Tasteless local cuisine. Dishes prepared in warungs (local cafes) are often heavily fried, fatty and spicy. In tourist places this is easier, but if you move a little to the side, only two dishes will be waiting for you on the menu - mi goreng and nasi goreng (fried noodles and fried rice).

There are literally a couple of dishes that we like, but in general, the cuisine here is not very expressive and few people like it except the Balinese themselves. ⠀

High prices in restaurants. If we focus on the average level, then costs for cafes and restaurants here will be higher than in Thailand.

If you are used to good restaurants, you will hardly notice the difference,

and if you want to eat cheap, then see the previous paragraph. ⠀

Fraud with bank cards. In Bali, cases of skimming are very common, when some time after you have withdrawn money from an ATM, additional charges occur from your card. You need to choose an ATM very carefully so as not to become a victim of scammers. ⠀

Calculation. In small stores, they may give incorrect change or sell extra items. In the exchanger you can easily see professional tricks with money that look impressive, but are not cheap.

We have heard about this many times, but have never encountered it, perhaps because we most often shop at large supermarkets, do not change currency and rarely visit the crime-ridden south of the island. ⠀

High level of corruption. The police often specially organize raids in order to extract treasured dollars from tourists.

However, if everything is in order with your documents, you are not violating anything, then most likely there will be no problems.

Slow Internet connection. In general, the situation is noticeably improving, fiber optics are being laid in many places and the speed is becoming stable (we have 10 Mbit/s at home), but often it is still quite slow on the island.

Dirt and trash. Despite the fact that the Balinese themselves are very clean, neat and tidy,

The roads and beaches, especially during the rainy season, can be quite dirty.

Either it’s the visiting Indonesians from other islands, or their culture, which, accustomed to organic waste, has not had time to adapt to the huge amount of plastic and other inorganic waste.

Active and diverse fauna. This is not so much a minus, but rather a fairly common point for Asia.

There is a huge number of all those who fly, crawl and jump - insects, frogs, lizards, geckos, snakes, scorpions, etc. in the overwhelming majority they are not dangerous, but if you are not used to them they can be, at a minimum, annoying. There are also quite a lot of stray dogs here, which, again, are usually not aggressive, but love to bark and jump out onto the road in front of the bike.

Cataclysms. Bali is located in an earthquake-prone region, so it shakes periodically. Earthquakes are usually not strong and do not happen very often, but anything can happen. There are also several volcanoes here, in particular the active Batur. It does not pose a serious danger, but for example, in the early 2000s, there was a small release of ash that reached 300 meters in height.

No sidewalks. In some places they occur, but in general, it is better not to count on them. Even where there are, they can be filled with bikes, be half broken, etc. As a result, it is quite difficult to parade here in a long dress with heels, as well as to walk with a stroller if you are traveling with a small child. Locals here, in general, rarely travel on foot - whenever possible they get on a bike, even if they need to travel 100 meters.

A large number of tourists. Especially Chinese, and every year there are more and more of them. Popular attractions (such as the Tanah Lot or Uluwatu temples) are simply crowded during the day. A life hack for those who are not lazy - come early in the morning, when it opens, then you have a chance to walk around almost alone.

Taxes in restaurants. Most cafes and restaurants here do not include taxes and service fees, usually 15-21%. Judging by the fact that in some establishments the amount is already included, there is no uniform rule or law on this matter, so this can be considered a trick by the owners in order to make the price visually lower. Tax information is usually listed at the bottom of the menu, but it also happens (infrequently) that this is reported after the fact.

Paid parking. Quite often near beaches or attractions, local residents charge money for parking. Most often they give you a ticket, but it happens that they just collect it. The cost is small, usually $0.15-0.4 per bike and about $1 per car, but many people really don’t like it, so let’s write it down =)

There is no direct flight. Well, another disadvantage is that getting to Bali is quite long and difficult. There are no direct flights; as a rule, flights from Moscow have two connections, and if you do not live in the capital, then add one more. Sometimes you can choose a flight with one transfer, but it will be significantly more expensive.

Pros of Bali

Large selection of vegetables and tropical fruits, especially in August/September, and also in winter.

Dragonfruits, grapes, mangosteens, vani, marquise, durians, vani, rambutans, longans - all this can be found in Bali in certain seasons,

and pineapples, papayas, bananas, watermelons, herrings, tangerines, strawberries, and young coconuts grow here all year round.

Amazing nature. There is an ocean and volcanoes here,

rocks and mountain lakes, jungles, rice terraces and waterfalls –

Such diversity on one island is quite difficult to find anywhere else.

The nature here is not only diverse, but also very photogenic,

a real paradise for photographers

and lovers of beautiful views.

Picturesque ocean. Despite the fact that we classified a beach holiday as a disadvantage, the ocean itself is very impressive, especially if you look at it from the outside.

A large number of tourist attractions. There is diving, snorkeling, rafting,

safari park, elephant park, water park, bird park, cultural park, etc.

Surfing. It’s worth highlighting as a separate item, because it’s really cool here. There are waves all the time, all year round, there are many spots for both beginners and professionals - it’s not for nothing that a huge number of Australians who know a lot about it come here to surf. And besides, all this is very cheap here.

There are also many surf schools with Russian and Russian-speaking instructors, so the language barrier will not become an obstacle between you and the ocean.

A huge number of attractions. In Bali there is no question of what to do with your time,

rather the opposite - “how to cram all this into your short vacation.”

Compactness. All the joys of life from the previous two points are located in a relatively small area, the distance from the southernmost to the northernmost point is ~120 km.

Unique culture and religion. Daily religious rituals and offerings in themselves already cause delight for many, and there are also many colorful holidays (Nyepi, Galungan, Kuningan), impressive cremations,

and a thousand more different ceremonies,

when local residents in their costumes carry offerings to the gods and demons -

it all looks fascinating.

Friendly local people. The Balinese are very friendly, helpful and, in our opinion, smile much more than the same Thais from the “land of smiles”. Of course, in the tourist epicenters you will most likely be seen as a source of income, but a little out of the way they are really cool and sincere.

Wonderful architecture. Carved windows, doors, facades of houses, beautiful temples in picturesque places, stylish cafes and restaurants -

The Balinese have hands that grow from where they need to be, they are quite hardworking and this immediately catches your eye, literally as soon as you step off the plane.

Wide choice of accommodation. Here you can easily rent a simple room in a guesthouse for $15, or rent a luxury villa for several hundred dollars a day.

There are no problems with both daily and long-term rentals.

A civilized contingent of Russian tourists. Due to the significant distance and small number of “all inclusive”, the public here is, for the most part, quite decent. Although anything can happen, of course =)

Good selection of cafes and restaurants. Despite the fact that we wrote down local food as a disadvantage, it is difficult to die of hunger in Bali - here you can find almost any cuisine,

various directions and specializations,

including organic, vegetarian, etc.

Many restaurants are very stylish

atmospheric,

or just looking cool.

Good selection of yoga schools. Many people go to Bali (and especially to Ubud) to get involved in yoga, and everything is really good here - there are many schools, studios and private teachers,

both with classical directions and with more refined ones - for example, roll and release, yoga on rope x, acro-yoga, etc.

“Gods! Perfume! Demons! “I am all yours,” we mentally shout, as soon as we see from the window of the airplane cabin an approaching piece of land in the shape of a heart: the plane is landing. The mystical island of “Thousand Temples”... Bali Airport is easily recognizable by the surfboards on the baggage conveyors and the familiar aroma of incense in the offering baskets on the way to Duty Free. Everything invites you to experience this mysterious energy of this far from simple ancient island.

For some, Bali is a paradise on Earth, embodying all the ideas of an easy life, full of affordable pleasures for every taste: beach parties, three hundred and sixty-five days of summer, downshifting, traveling along dazzling coastlines, volcanoes, rice terraces... For others - a place of spiritual practices, yoga, tantra, meditation. A point of cleansing and rebooting in the spirit of “Eat. Pray. Love." For others, these are the best surf spots all year round and unforgettable diving. Everyone comes to Bali with different expectations and budgets, but no one leaves the same.

Even after becoming one of the most popular resorts in the world, Bali does not lose its exoticism and strong connection with the traditions of the ancient Hindus who landed here before our era.

For me, Bali is a second home. And I would like to talk about this.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by crowds of taxi drivers eager to take you anywhere in Bali. They all expect trade that will captivate the Asian soul (a matter of honor). Get ready that the price initially set can be safely reduced by three times, and at the same time everyone will be happy with the deal. Unfortunately, well-known online taxi ordering services (Uber, GoJek, Grab taxi) do not operate at the airport and are not allowed access here. Therefore, you can book a trip directly with the driver or at the taxi service desk.

By bus

If you really want to save a lot of money, then you can take a Sarbajita bus from Jakarta (or from another large city in Java or Lombok) and spend about 24 hours on the road for only 25 USD.

You can choose the comfort of VIP-class, business, executive or economy; of course, the entire cabin is air-conditioned and modern. Tickets can be purchased at local tourist shops. If you are traveling in economy class, it is better to be light, because sometimes there is no luggage compartment At the same time, be prepared that your neighbors will freely smoke non-stop and play the guitar the whole way. This is the Asian fun of hours of driving along the narrow roads of Java, so famous for its crazy traffic.

You can find such buses at any international station and happily get to Bus terminal Ubung Denpasar, the administrative center of Bali, from where you can easily take a taxi to the hotel.

By car

Traveling by car is a great adventurous decision. You can transport it by ferry to the port of Gilimanuk in northwestern Bali for a modest fee of about 15 USD. This is how we had a great time traveling around East Java on a small carimun.

By ferry

Even if you choose to travel by bus, you will have to travel part of the way by ferry, and this is a real tourist life hack. Initiation as a traveler.

In Java there is the port of Ketapang (that's where we need to go), close to which there is a bus station and a train station with connections to Probolinggo (for Bromo), Yogyakarta, Malang, Bandung, as well as the capital of the country. Ferries from this port to Bali run every 15 minutes, and the journey takes just over half an hour.

I hasten to warn you: ferries and boats in Indonesia have not gained a reliable reputation, and if you have already entered this “slippery” path of the tourist-hiker, get ready for crowded and often dirty cabins and... novice captains.

However, the road to the port of Gilimanuk on the island of Bali has many bonuses, ranging from the price (about 7 USD) to the ability to transport mopeds and bicycles for a small surcharge. Gilimanuk Port in northern Bali is not known for its spectacular attractions, so you can catch a local taxi to go to your hotel.

Visa

A visa to Bali is a topic of discussion and heated discussion on forums for freelancers, tour operators and independent travelers. However, everything is simple.

If you have serious plans for a one-way trip, then before leaving you should take care of a tourist or social visa, which will be valid for 6 months. The difference is that for a social visa at the Indonesian consulate in Moscow you will be asked for a letter from your sponsor, an Indonesian citizen, and presumably your beloved friend, inviting you to visit your homeland. In Bali, such “friends” can easily be found for a small fee of 15 USD at special visa agencies for expats. Tourist visas, according to the innovation, can now also be extended if the same agencies are already on site to help with a sponsorship letter.

There are also easier ways to obtain a visa: a free stamp upon arrival at the airport, and the country is open to you for the next 30 days. And if your plans are a little longer, you can pay 35 USD and stay on the island for 60 days, extending your visa after 1 month of stay.

I, like many people living on the island, choose a social visa, flying out of the country every 6 months to a city where there is an Indonesian embassy, ​​combining a pleasant trip with a useful necessity. During these three days you can enjoy the city of the future, Singapore, or take a cruise to the islands around Kota Kinabalu, you can walk along the streets of George Town in Penang or look at the city from the high-rise buildings of Kuala Lumpur.

Clue:

Bali - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow − 5

Kazan − 5

Samara − 4

Ekaterinburg − 3

Novosibirsk − 1

Vladivostok 2

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Bali - weather by month

Clue:

Bali - weather by month

Conditional areas. Descriptions and features

When it comes to the question of where it is better to live in Bali, there are so many people, so many opinions, and from everyone you can hear completely opposite reviews about the same place. For each stage of my stay on the island, I chose different areas to live. In Bali, you can rent an apartment or book a hotel room or an entire bungalow. After reading my recommendations and deciding on a place, you can look for an option convenient for you or on.

• You don't know anything about Bali but want to hang out, drink Bintang and catch your first wave? your choice. There is never a dull moment here: active nightlife, shops, surf schools - every meter is suitable for tourists.
• Do you love fashionable restaurants, beach clubs, atmospheric cafes, glamorous society and is this what you expect from your vacation? And this is what the island can offer. Seminyak. However, be prepared that you won’t find that same Eat spirit in either Kuta or Seminyak. Pray. Love, the locals cleverly changed it to Eat. Pay. Leave.
• Looking for a balance between fun and enjoying the rice terraces and already know how to surf? Then you will love Canggu and its surroundings - Petitengen, Umalas, Kerobokan. Just like in Kuta and Seminyak, life here is in full swing, but at a completely different rhythm. Beaches with black volcanic sand, surf spots for intermediate-level lovers, houses with rice terraces outside the window, supermarkets, breakfasts in hipster cafes... But the most important thing that makes Canggu special is the people: designers, freelance artists, musicians. This is why Changu is dear to me, it’s so easy to find like-minded people here.
• Or perhaps you are an experienced surfer or just love beautiful beaches. Then only the Bukit Peninsula. Many years ago, this small island was joined by mangrove forests to Bali, and it still has its own microclimate. For real waves, people come to Padang-Padang, Uluwatu, Dreamland, Bingin, Green Bowl, Balangan... Each of the fifteen beaches of the peninsula is no more than 15 minutes by scooter. 15 minutes and every day you can enjoy rocky shores, snow-white sand, turquoise ocean, fantastic sunsets.
• The best places to relax with small children are and Jimbaran. Here are the calmest beaches and comfortable infrastructure. known as one big resort. Our compatriots very often choose this area for an all-inclusive holiday. By the way, you can compare offers and prices for such a vacation.
• Are you a diver? Then head east: to Karangasem and Amed. We come to these places with a group of friends to snorkel and dive to the bottom (there are Russian diving schools). These are new lands on the tourist map of Bali. Bali Agha live here - the indigenous Balinese, who have carefully observed the traditions of “Agama Hindu Dharma” from time immemorial. Villages untouched by modern civilization. There is no need to linger here for long, the road invites you to continue your journey north to Singaraja, an even more secluded area where time stands still. At dawn here in Lovina, you can see pink dolphins swimming in schools close to the shore.
• Did your spiritual path and search for enlightenment bring you to Bali? Then you are in the heart of the island, in. Retreats, yoga and meditation studios, wellness centers, restaurants that please the eyes of nutritionists... And, of course, the air is saturated with art. Probably the soul of Bali is somewhere here. It’s not for nothing that the island is said to be located in a “place of power.”

Main attractions. What to see

The incomprehensibility of the island is that even long-livers, expats and Indonesians, never cease to discover more and more new places and secret spots. Even famous landscapes appear in different colors every time.

Centuries ago, the ancient islanders created an inexplicable culture, endowed every corner of the island with magic, and we are still solving their mysteries...

Top 5

If you're in Bali, your must list should definitely include time for:

Beaches. Which ones are better

Black volcanic sand... garbage beaches... three-meter waves... If this is not what you came to Bali for, then this is for you:

Temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

An island of thousands of temples of unique architecture, once born under the influence of Hinduism, animism and mushroom culture... Just as it is impossible to visit everything, it is also impossible to miss the most magical of them:

• Pura Tirta Empul. One of the most sacred places in Bali. According to legend, the god Indra struck the earth and opened the source of immortality. Today there are baths for ablutions. Each of the 15 fountains has its own name and a special ritual purpose: spiritual cleansing, cleansing from evil, antidote, etc. It is located in the center of the island, in the Tempaxiring district.
• Pura Luhur Lempuyang. Fabulous celestial temple. The lovers climb 1,700 steps to cement their union high above the ground. The name of this temple is translated as “dizziness,” and, indeed, one’s head can be turned not only by the painful ascent, but also by the insane happiness of contemplating beauty.
• Pura Goa Lawah. At sunset you can watch a monstrously beautiful sight: flocks of bats fly out of the caves. According to legend, the cave is also home to the dragon Basuki. Many people also come here to cleanse themselves on the nearby beach after the cremation ceremony of the dead.
• Pura Tanah Lot. A water temple known for its spectacular sunset views. Built on a rock in the middle of the sea, Tanah Lot is cut off from land at high tide and this is what makes it so attractive to visitors. By the way, you can read a note about him on our website.
• Pura Luhur Uluwatu. The waves of the Indian Ocean wash over the coast, and you are standing on a cliff. This is Uluwatu, famous for its pre-sunset kecak dances, mischievous monkeys, gardens and observation decks overlooking the entire Bukit Peninsula.

It is very important to come to church with your knees covered. This is not only a requirement of the banjars standing at the entrance, but also a tribute to the people receiving you. “Exposed legs are unclean,” say the Balinese.

Ticket prices usually do not exceed 30,000 IDR (less than 2 USD), and often simply invite you to make a voluntary donation to maintain the temple.

Tanakh Lot

Food. What to try

Although Indonesians are proud of their national cuisine, frankly speaking, gastronomic pleasure is not worth coming to Indonesia for. However, of course, there is something to pamper yourself here.

As in all Asian countries, almost no dish here is complete without rice. Local residents always touchingly ask me what I had for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And they are sincerely surprised not to hear about rice. For them, a dish without it is not food. Nasi campur, Nasi goreng, Nasi ayam, Nasi uduk - have you already guessed how “Nasi” is translated?

In addition, there is a huge abundance of seafood and fish markets. Restaurants for vegans, vegetarians, raw foodists, mouse eaters... and “tasty eaters”. The main thing is not to enter dubious-looking warungs - you may encounter things worse than monosodium glutamate.

The abundance of fruits here pleasantly pleases the Russian eye: bananas, papaya, mangosteens, mangoes, rose apples, sirsak, rambutans, dragon fruit, snake fruit - simply the happiness of raw foodists. You can learn more about fruits in other articles. Here I just want to note that you should be careful with your choice, chemicals have reached this country, so out of habit you can get poisoned by a sweet, delicious, aromatic watermelon.

Safety. What to watch out for

The main rule: do not swim behind the buoys. Both figuratively and literally.

• Ocean. This is an all-powerful element that takes away not only surfers and sailors, but also simply swimmers who, through carelessness, went too far and could not get out of the abyss of the sucking current. Tourists die every year. For this reason, you should only swim before sunset and in areas marked with flags, where lifeguards can see you.
• Tales. The ambience of high-speed driving, the freedom given by the touch of the wind, the whistling of wheels on night roads... It’s not worth neglecting a helmet. Even if you are confident in your own dexterity, no one guarantees the abilities of others. Girls should not ride alone in the dark if they don’t want to be thrown off their bike because of a European wallet. Distressed workers from Java and Lombok come to the island. You shouldn’t provoke them with naked bodies and iPhones carelessly sticking out of your pockets.
• Alcohol. In dubious establishments, drugs can be mixed into cocktails, which can cause loss of reason and memory. The victims find themselves beaten the next day in their robbed villa.
• Payment cards. You should choose a cash withdrawal terminal extremely carefully. Some terminals at popular tourist destinations have built-in readers. This was also observed in minimarkets. Today you withdrew money at Eco Beach, and tomorrow somewhere in Lombok in a five-star hotel the card will instantly be reset. The police, of course, will listen to you and allow you to fill out a statement, but as soon as you close the door, they humbly state among themselves: “karma.”

Bali should not be branded as a den of criminals; it is a very peaceful island for those who are careful in their actions.

Things to do

I have mentioned numerous opportunities for surfing, diving and beach holidays in other sections.

Taxi. What features exist

In Bali we use mobile services which are very cheap but not allowed everywhere. In some areas, the banjaris (village council) bans these taxis and even blocks online apps to curb competition.

Transport rental

Renting a scooter costs about 50 USD per month, renting a passenger car costs about 150–200 USD. It is, of course, easier to get around on a scooter: the island is increasingly crowded with traffic, which causes traffic jams. Finding a local renter is not difficult; the main thing is to have an international driving license, which the police will definitely ask you one day on the road. If previously it was possible to pay off with a tiny fine (starting from 4 USD), now any bribes are excluded: police officers simply take away documents for transport until the owner buys them back. You can search for international companies providing car rental services in Bali and check the cost, for example, on booking sites! Don't overpay. This !

Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!

Anything to add?

• Tours for the New Year Worldwide
• Last minute tours Worldwide

Search for flights to Bali

Districts of Bali

The main party center of Bali, a place where life is in full swing regardless of whether the sun is hot or the moon is shining, is the “sweet couple” of Kuta and Seminyak. The format of recreation here is very similar: here and there there are round-the-clock parties, megawatts of light and sound, busy streets with bars and restaurants. However, Kuta, with its democracy, simplicity and cheap alcohol, is especially attractive to young people. In addition to fans of parties and having fun at night parties, numerous fans of conquering the waves come to Kuta: the conditions for surfing here are simply ideal. Accordingly, the surrounding area is full of rental shops, schools and private surf instructors.

Guides in Bali

Entertainment and attractions

Ubud is considered the cultural capital of the island. The city is inhabited mainly by artists, craftsmen and dancers. Every evening, performances are held in all temples - you can see the Kecak, Barong, Legong dances and the Wayang Kulit puppet theater.

A corner of pristine nature and unearthly beauty is hidden in the Bali Barat National Park on the western tip of the island. It is home to representatives of equatorial savanna, mangrove and deciduous forests, and its coastal waters contain 110 species of corals. On the territory of the Botanical Garden, in addition to the pleasure of contemplating luxurious plants, you can get a dose of adrenaline. There is the Bali Tritop adventure park with a network of cable cars, bungees and suspension bridges.

Bali for children

The children's entertainment program on the island is no less intense than that for adults. Safari parks provide a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the animal world and get to know its inhabitants better. Any child will love the prospect of spending the whole day with elephants - feeding them, bathing them and even drawing. Bali Waterbom is considered one of the largest water parks in Asia. It is located in the center of Kuta and is surrounded by 4 hectares of tropical gardens. Spend a day in the ocean - this opportunity is provided on floating pontoon beach clubs near the islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. They are equipped with a system of water slides and pools, there are opportunities for snorkeling and diving, children's animation and restaurants - everything for a family holiday.

In the Monkey Forest in Ubud, kids can watch the monkeys (but be careful, the tailed ones can play and attack a person), admire the flying beauties in the butterfly park, and swim with sea turtles on Gili Island. And by the way, Kuta surf centers start putting beginners on the board from the age of 5.

A real pirate ship is moored to the beach of the Nusa Dua resort. The ship's crew is constantly looking for cabin boys over the age of 4 years. While classes are going on at the sea wolf school, parents of young pirates can find something to do in a restaurant. The Pony Club riding center invites young riders from 3 years old not only to ride small horses, but also to take care of them. Bali Treetop Adventure Park will especially appeal to teenagers - there are all the conditions for conquering the jungle on bungees, ziplines and other equipment.

Schoolchildren will benefit from visiting the Green School in Sibang near Ubud. This jungle campus operates without any harmful impact on the environment. The buildings are made of bamboo, energy is from solar panels, sewerage and water supply are with the highest degree of purification. Representatives of different cultures and nationalities receive education there, including learning how to respect nature.

• Which resorts in Indonesia are suitable for families with children November

December

Eternal summer reigns in Bali. You can swim, sunbathe and practice water sports here all year round. Thanks to the equatorial monsoon climate, instead of winter, the island experiences a rainy season - from November to March there are downpours at night and in the morning. Most often they are fleeting and by lunchtime there is no trace of precipitation left. If the rainy weather lasts, then in just a few hours you can reach the neighboring islands, where the weather is usually sunny. The most comfortable time in Bali is from May to October - when it is warm, dry and clear, and the southeast wind brings pleasant freshness. The peak of the dry season occurs in the calendar summer; in the evenings it becomes a little cooler.

There are several dozen beaches in Bali. Some of them are popular, others are considered “secret”, that is, little known among tourists. There are almost no “paradise” beaches. Those who like to lie on a sun lounger with a cocktail in their hands, occasionally venturing into the calm surface of the ocean, will have a hard time.

One of the most popular is the beach - a youth party resort in Bali. This is a real mecca for surfers. Constant waves, the absence of corals at the bottom and developed infrastructure have turned Kuta Beach into the most densely populated vacation spot on the island. After Kuta, Seminyak beach begins. Everything here is almost the same as at the neighboring beach, but more “respectable”. The waves are constant, but not so strong. You can rent a sun lounger, an umbrella and have a snack in local cafes. Those who do not consider themselves surfers and come to Bali for relaxation should pay attention to the beach in. The ocean is much calmer here. The ebb and flow of the tides are not noticeable. The beach is covered with the purest white sand. This area is home to novice surfers and just swimming enthusiasts. Another calm beach on the island is Sanur. White sand, crystal blue water, no waves all year round... What else do you need for a lazy holiday and good diving?

Hotels

There are a great variety of hotels in Bali. These include well-known global chains and affordable guesthouses with amenities on the same floor. And given that many people come to Bali to live, renting villas and bungalows is common on the island. It is by settling for a month or more in a real Balinese house that you can feel the life of the island and plunge into the colorful and unique way of life of the local population. The cost of bungalows and villas on the island is low, such housing is especially beneficial for companies of 4 or more people.

Most of the hotels in Bali have 4 and 5 stars. As a rule, these are low-rise (building buildings taller than palm trees is prohibited by law), neat residential buildings with a garden and a swimming pool. The service here is good, the staff is polite and helpful. Tipping is not accepted. At the same time, Bali has one of the highest hotel fees in the world - 21%. It is either already included in the room price, or is paid by tourists separately. It is better to clarify this question immediately when booking a hotel.

Attractions

Tanah Lot Temple is often depicted on postcards from Bali. Its name translates as “Land and Sea”, and it is located right on a steep cliff. It is believed that the temple was built by one priest in the 15th century, who lived here alone, and, feeling that the place was sacred, ordered the construction of a temple here. The place is very exotic and atmospheric.

Besakih Temple is another favorite tourist spot. For the Balinese, this is the holy of holies. The temple is located on the most revered Mount Agung, the abode of all gods. They pray on the mountain and even go to bed with their heads facing it. Besakih Temple is called the mother of all temples on the island. It is also Bali's largest religious complex. Here you can see how sacred rituals and ceremonies of offering to the gods take place. When you come here, you understand how devout the Balinese are and how much their faith means to them.

The Bedugul area is home to the magnificent Bali Botanical Garden. A place that captivates with its beauty. There are often fogs here, and the garden is surrounded by huge strawberry plantations. On 57 and a half hectares of the slope of Mount Pohon, there are about 650 species of trees, 400 species of orchids, 104 species of cacti, as well as bamboo, roses and much more. There are about two thousand different plants in total. When planning a tour to Bali with children, add the botanical garden to your list of must-see places. Little ones can run around barefoot here while parents relax on the grass and watch the wedding ceremonies of Balinese couples.

The water palaces of Ujung and Tirta Ganga are some of the most beautiful structures on the island. They were built by the last Raja of Bali - Karangasem, using Dutch architects. It turned out not only beautiful, but also useful. The palace complexes serve as an irrigation basin for the surrounding fields. Arriving here, you will see magnificent ensembles of water labyrinths, fountains and palace buildings of extraordinary architecture.

It’s worth a trip to the village of Butulan to see how the very stone statues that are found everywhere in Bali are created. Images of gods and ordinary people guard houses and temples, and greet you at the entrance to shops and beaches. They all come from Butulan, the center of stone carving. Craftsmen here work tirelessly, creating more and more mythological characters. Any statue can be bought.

To see how rice grows in Bali, you need to go to the Ubud area. The famous Tegallalang Rice Terraces are located here. Rice grows very quickly, in 3 months, so the appearance of the local landscapes is constantly changing. First, the undulating terraces on the hillsides are filled with water, then green shoots emerge from the water. Soon the plantations turn entirely emerald, and when harvest time comes, the fields take on a golden hue. Interestingly, even after harvesting the rice, there is still something to see on the terraces. The Balinese bring domestic ducks here to eat the remaining grains. The spectacle is very interesting.

Kitchen

Bali has a unique cuisine, but almost all tourists like it. The dishes are not spicy, as in Thailand, and the Balinese also use a lot of seasonings. The famous combination of 8 spices is used: coriander, cumin, cloves, white and black pepper, nutmeg, candle nut and sesame. All dishes are based on rice and, unlike other provinces of Indonesia where Islam is practiced, in Bali they eat pork.

To get acquainted with Balinese national cuisine, we recommend trying the famous Babi Guling dish. This is suckling pig, which is marinated in herbs for a long time, and then roasted on a spit for several hours. Meat is served with vegetables and sauce. Advice: if you decide to try Babi Guling, go to the cafe before lunch. The piglets are cooked in the morning, and after they are finished, the cafes (warungs) close.

Another national dish of Bali is betutu. It takes at least 24 hours to prepare. Chicken or duck is marinated, then fried and stewed with spices. The most tender betuta is served with rice and a special sauce made from coconut oil, onions and chili peppers.

For dessert you can try martabak. Simply put, it is a thick pancake filled with chocolate, bananas and nuts. The most pleasant way to enjoy the dish is to wash it down with traditional hot tea or coffee.

Souvenirs

There are a lot of craftsmen in Bali. They pass on their crafts from generation to generation, whole villages and even cities doing a certain thing. Going to the villages of Mas and Kemenuh, you will find a huge number of wood carving workshops. The Balinese make both figurines and furniture from wood. Moreover, it is so skillful that if you buy a wooden souvenir as a souvenir, you will admire the talent of the master for a long time.

The small village of Cheluk in Bali is famous for its jewelry production. It is called the silver heart of the island. Silver products are created here in a unique national style. Those interested are also shown the process of making rings and earrings. Jewelry in Bali is of very good quality and is inexpensive.

An excellent souvenir would be batik, which is skillfully created in the city of Gianyar. There are as many as 40 fabric factories here. Craftswomen apply designs on cotton fabric with special paint. Balinese batik patterns are recognizable: usually they are colored national ornaments, as well as mythological characters and gods.

It is also common to bring healthy food from Bali. Spirulina algae, goji berries, chia seeds and black rice - there is plenty of this on the island. Superfood is inexpensive, so you can buy it for yourself or as a gift. You can complete your shopping in Bali with organic cosmetics, buying natural oils, soaps, Ayurvedic creams and shampoos, as well as toothpastes and much more. It is based on natural ingredients that have been used in Bali for hundreds of years: honey, cinnamon, ginger, sandalwood, jasmine and aloe. Cunning merchants claim that all miracle jars are charged with longevity and prosperity.

The next city after Kuta and Legian is considered an elite beach resort with a calmer atmosphere and fewer tourists. More details in the article Seminyak

Geography and landscape Bali is located 3 km east of Java, and approximately 8 degrees south of the equator. The width of the island from east to west is approximately 153 km, the length from north to south is about 112 km. The total area is 5780 km², the population density is about 750 people/km². Most of the coastline is fringed by sloping seashore, with the exception of areas of mangrove forest in the southeast and high cliffs in part of the Bukit Peninsula. Beaches in the south, as a rule, have white and gray sand; in the north and west, black sand predominates (but there are exceptions). The most popular southern beaches are not always clean, especially during the rainy season, when rivers flow into the sea and currents throw a lot of plastic garbage onto the coast. Bali is located in an area of ​​high seismic activity with several active volcanoes. The most active volcanoes are Agung and Batur. The volcanic chain extends across the center of the island from west to east. This mountain range is surrounded by northern and southern plains. The southern plains are where most of Bali's rice is grown, and beautiful terraced rice fields dominate the region's landscape. The highest peak is Mount Agung (3031 m), it is important in the Balinese religion and is considered the holiest place on the island. Products of volcanic activity have covered much of the island and contributed to the formation of fertile lands, and the high mountain ranges on the western side receive large amounts of precipitation. In addition to rice, the island also grows coffee, vegetables and fruits, and raises pigs and cattle. The longest river is Ayung, about 75 km long. Bali has no major waterways, the Ho River is navigable for small sampan boats. Three small islands lie in close proximity to the southeast: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. These islands are separated from Bali by the Badung Strait. Population The island's population is 4,220,000, 85% of whom practice the Balinese version of Hinduism. The system of social organization is similar to the Indian caste system and has four classes: Shudras are peasants who make up approximately 93% of the island's population; Vaishyas - a caste of traders and administrative officials; kshatriyas - a caste of warriors and nobility; Brahmins (or Brahmins) are priests. There is no fifth caste (untouchables), as in India, in Bali. The color of the castes corresponds to the outer clothing of the Balinese: black is worn by the Shudras, yellow by the Vaishyas, red by the Kshatriyas and white by the Brahmins. Inter-caste marriages are allowed, making it possible to move from one caste to another. Today, the traditions of the caste system are preserved more in religious rituals. Differences in the economic functions of members of different castes are gradually being erased; Balinese can achieve a higher status through education, economic success and authority in society. That is, the caste system on the island is not as strict as in India. Most Balinese are peasants, but the structure is changing as tourism and the associated souvenir production, trade and service industries develop. Peasants grow rice, spices, fruits, and raise livestock. Rice is the main agricultural crop of the island of Bali. How to get there By plane Flights with one stop These flights fly from Moscow to Bali with one transit stop. The most popular options: How to buy tickets The best option is to look for tickets on aggregator sites. Such sites show ticket prices for different airlines. That is, it will be possible to compare and choose the cheapest or most convenient ticket. Of these aggregate sites, AviaSales.ru (www.aviasales.ru) has the best reputation. You can view and purchase tickets immediately on their website. The highest prices for air tickets are during the peak tourist season - summer, New Year, Catholic Christmas. To save money, book tickets 3-4 months in advance. Bali Airport Most tourists in Bali arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport (www.baliairport.com), often called Denpasar International Airport. Despite the misleading name, the airport is actually located in Tuban between Kuta and Jimbaran, approximately 13 km from Denpasar. As the main access point to Bali, it is Indonesia's second busiest international airport after Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. The airport has 17 aircraft landing gates: 14 in the international terminal and 3 in the domestic terminal. The domestic terminal is located in an old building, the international terminal is located in a modern L-shaped terminal. Buses from the airport rarely go, we do not recommend using them. Combination train-bus option from Jakarta While in Jakarta, you can get to Bali using a combined train-bus option. To do this you need: Step 1: By train from Jakarta to Subaraya, then transfer to train from Surabaya to Banyuwangi. Step 2: Banyuwangi Railway Station is 100 meters from Ketapang Ferry Terminal. From Ketapang, ferries depart every 20 minutes around the clock to Gilimanuk (a port town in the western part of Bali). The ferry crossing takes 30-45 minutes. Things to do Surfing. The best beaches for surfing are in the south and east of Bali. Vacationers can take advantage of training courses, equipment rental, trips to other places on the island, and a package of “accommodation and surfing” services. All surf operators are covered in the articles Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Medewi and Changgu. Diving mainly concentrated in the east of the island and Bali Barat National Park in the west. The sunken transport ship in Tulamben (20-30 meters from the shore) and the reefs around Menjangan Island in Bali Barat National Park are very popular. Almost half of the island's diving centers are located in Sanur. The best season for diving is from April to October. If interested, more details in the articles Sanur, Padang Bai, Pemeturan, Candidasa and Bali Barat National Park. Rafting. Rafting in Bali is organized on two rivers: Ayung near Ubud and Telaga Waja in the foothills of Mount Agung (a few kilometers north of the city of Bangli). Tours are organized by several rafting companies, the most popular of which is Sobek (www.balisobek.com). Each rafting takes about 2 hours and covers a route of approximately 13 km. The best rafting is during the rainy season, during the dry season from June to September the water level in the rivers drops significantly Cycling. Many tour companies offer cycling excursions around Ubud and trips to the mountainous Kintamani region to the volcano and Lake Batur. From the slopes of Mount Batur, tour participants begin their descent on bicycles towards Ubud. More details in the article Ubud. In addition to Ubud, interesting cycling tours are offered by Bali Rides in Sanur, GP Bali Tour in Kuta, Infinity Mountainbiking in Canggu. Elephant rides. Elephant rides are offered at Bali Elephant Camp near Ubud. They also organize elephant rides in combination with rafting on the Ayung River, visits to Tanah Lot Temple, Ubud Royal Palace and other excursions. Details in the article Ubud. Overcoming obstacles between trees at a height of 2 to 20 meters. Seven obstacle courses from Bali Treetop Adventure Park (www.balitreetop.com) at Bedugul Botanical Garden. The 72 obstacles include hanging bridges, spider webs, bungee jumps, flying swings and so on. More details in the article Bedugul. Hiking. Introductory walks through the rice terraces and countryside are offered by several companies in Ubud and Tabanan. Wildlife can be seen on the trails of Bali Barat National Park. In Bali Barat National Park you can see the rare Balinese starling - the only bird that lives in natural conditions only on the island of Bali. Bedugul Botanical Garden(www.kebunrayabali.com) is located near the beautiful Bratan Lake and Ulun Danu Temple. The garden features all the plants of Bali. There are more than 1,100 species of plants, there is a cactus garden, an orchid park, and a bamboo forest. More details in the article Bedugul. Horseback riding. Bali Horse Adventure (www.balihorseadventure.com) and Bali Equestrian Center ( www.baliequestriancentre.com) organize horse riding lessons for adults and children and several tour options. All of them are located in Canggu. Mangrove Information Center(Mangrove Information Centre) occupies 600 hectares of territory and attracts people with a special interest in nature. All walks on boardwalks, the opportunity to observe dozens of bird species. The information center is located near Sanur. Dancing. Dancing in Bali is an integral part of religious ceremonies and processions. With the development of tourism, Balinese dances began to be demonstrated to foreign tourists. Recommends watching the performance of Balinese dance groups in Ubud. Water parks. Waterbom Bali (http://waterbom-bali.com) and Circus Waterpark Bali (www.circuswaterpark.com) are located 1.5 km apart near Kuta. Standard for water parks are slides, slides, artificial waves, rivers, and so on. Spa centers. The best spa centers on the island are located in the southern beach resorts. They offer standard spa treatments: massage, aromatherapy, body scrubs with essential oils, foot reflexology, detoxification, etc. Many good and inexpensive spa centers are located in Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Sanur and Ubud. Yoga. Balinese yoga studios are briefly described in the articles Ubud, Lovina, Sanur, Canggu. Temples of Bali The word pura in Balinese means Hindu temple. Pura are predominantly concentrated on the island of Bali, where Hinduism is the dominant religion on the island. But many of these temples operate in other regions of Indonesia, where a significant number of Balinese live. Due to the large number of temples (about 20,000), Bali is often called the “Island of a Thousand Pura”. More details in the article Temples of Bali Religion In contrast to Indonesia's Muslim majority, 83.5% of Bali's population practices the Balinese version of Hinduism. Other religious minorities are represented by Islamic (13.3%), Christian (1.7%), and Buddhist (0.5%) communities. Hinduism came to the island in the first centuries of our century. When Islam became the dominant religion on the island of Java (16th century), Bali became a refuge for many Hindus. Although the vast majority of the island's population is Hindu, the variety of religion practiced here is unique in the world. Balinese Hinduism diverged from the mainstream more than 500 years ago, and is now quite different from India. Balinese religion has a vast pantheon of gods. The highest deity of the Balinese religion is Sang Hyang Tunggal (“primal god”), also called Tintya. All other deities are only His incarnations. For example, Brahma (creator), Vishnu (keeper of balance) and Shiva (destroyer) are not 3 different gods, but three faces of the One God. Religion plays a dominant role in the life of the Balinese; everything else is secondary. For them, life revolves around the temple and, along with family values, are the most important factors determining their lifestyle. Balinese Hinduism combines elements of Indian Hinduism and the animist traditions of the island's indigenous population. The Balinese believe that the gods are present in everything. A stone, wood, dagger or cloth can be a potential habitat for spirits, and their energy can be directed for good or evil. The Balinese have no doubt that various deities are constantly watching over them and therefore try to live a righteous life. Every morning begins with a small donation to the gods with a canang sari. By leaving donations, Balinese ask for good luck in everyday affairs and give thanks in advance for the day that has not yet been lived. Even evil spirits will become kinder if they are “fed with donations” in time. To maintain harmony in their own soul and world, they appease good and evil spirits, without making any distinction between them. Offerings are found everywhere: in temples, every home, on the streets, shops, cars. The religion of Bali is famous for its rituals and ceremonies, the goal of which is to achieve harmony between the world of people and the world of gods. Culture Bali is an island of Hindu religion and culture in the most populous Muslim country in the world. Bali is famous for painting, sculpture, gamelan music and dance. Painting, sculpture, and music were traditionally the domain of men, and women directed all their creative energy to generous donations to the gods. During religious festivals, colorful pyramids of flowers, fruits and other offerings are presented with such love and reverence that they can only be offered to higher beings. But Balinese art does not exclusively serve religion. More details in the article Bali culture Bali Crafts and What to Buy Balinese cuisine Festivals While in Bali, one cannot help but pay attention to the numerous processions and religious rituals to which the Balinese devote their entire lives. Residents of the island celebrate many holidays, the most important of which are listed below. Odalan or "Birthday" of the temple. Throughout the year, every temple in Bali celebrates odalan, a festival marking the anniversary of the founding of the temple and the “inhabitation of it by the gods.” These festivals last from several days to a week, the longer the odalan lasts, the more impressive the celebrations. The temples are beautifully decorated with flowers, palm leaves and have curved bamboo poles installed around them. Women in colorful robes carry offerings to the temple, where they are blessed by priests to the sound of silver bells. After the donation, the festive part of the festival begins: vendors sell snacks, wayang theater actors and barong dancers enliven the picture of fun and give it a festive atmosphere. The birthday of Bali's holiest temple, Pura Besakih (eka dasa rudra), is celebrated once every hundred years. The last time it was celebrated was in 1979. Melasti(Melasti). Three days before the Balinese New Year, Melasti is celebrated - a festival of purification and expulsion of evil spirits. From early morning, Balinese dressed in white flock to rivers, lakes and beaches. They carry ceremonial umbrellas, offerings, and sacred statues. Thus begins the cleansing ritual: believers pray, priests bless the water and wash the brought statues, songs and the ringing of ritual bells are heard everywhere. For three days, carnival processions and other special events take place on the streets. On the third day of the holiday, at noon, the parades of demons “oh-oh” begin. Made from papier-mâché and polystyrene foam, the huge monsters parade down the main streets of towns and villages, accompanied by local musicians, drawing crowds of curious tourists and locals. All these processions are accompanied by the roar of fireworks, the sounds of drums, the beating of pans and pots, and the shouts of participants and passers-by. This is how they drive out evil spirits with the help of noise and shouting. Find out in advance which square or street the solemn procession will take place in order to fully feel the flavor of this holiday. Once again, this procession begins at noon one day before the celebration of Nyepi - the Balinese New Year. Nyepi(Nyepi). Every spring, at the beginning of the New Lunar Year (late March or early April), Nyepi is celebrated - the Saka New Year according to the Hindu calendar, when the entire island is plunged into silence. On the day of Nyepi celebration, absolutely everything on the island is closed from 6 am to 6 am the next day. Devout Balinese believe that on this day evil spirits appear on the island. To prevent them from stopping here, the Balinese maintain absolute silence. Evil spirits believe that the island is uninhabited and leave it. Therefore, on a day of silence on the island, you cannot light a fire or turn on the lights, work, leave your house, travel or have fun. Although Nyepi is primarily a Hindu holiday, non-Hindu residents of the island must also observe Silence Day out of respect for their fellow citizens. Even tourists observe it; yes, they can do whatever they want in their hotels, but no one is allowed to stay on the beaches or streets, all seaports and Bali's only airport remain closed for 24 hours. The only exceptions to the rule are fire departments, ambulance services, and volunteer peace officers who patrol the streets and enforce the above rules. Since the exact date of Nyepi celebrations is confirmed at the end of each year, flights can be booked as usual. Once a holiday date has been set and you have a ticket booked for that day, the airline will change the departure date accordingly. Galungan(Galungan) - a holiday in honor of the creator of the Universe. The festival symbolizes the victory of the forces of good (dharma) over the destructive forces of evil (adharma). An important festival for Balinese Hindus, it lasts 10 days and ends with another holiday called Kuningan. Galungan is considered an important family holiday; all relatives try to get together and spend the holidays together, visiting their friends and neighbors. According to traditions, during the Galungan celebration the gods visit the island of Bali. At their arrival, penjors are placed near each house - tall bamboo poles with a curved top, decorated with ribbons of palm leaves and rice stalks. The start of Galungan celebrations always falls on Wednesday. On this day people do not work all over the island; they hold ceremonies and make donations in every family temple. Galungan is celebrated twice a year approximately every six months. The Galungan celebration dates are listed below: December 17 - December 27, 2014 July 15 - July 25, 2015 February 10 - February 20, 2016 September 7 - September 17, 2016 April 5 - April 15, 2017 November 1 - November 11, 2017 May 30 - June 9, 2018 December 26 - January 9, 2019 July 22 - August 3, 2019 February 19 - February 29, 2020 September 16 - September 26, 2020 April 14 - April 24, 2021 Non-religious holidays and festivals Bull racing. In Bali, bull racing takes place from July to October. Competitors drive a team of two bulls harnessed to wooden carts. Whose team reaches the finish line first becomes the winner. More details in Medevi's article. Celebration of the end of the rice harvest Celebrated throughout Bali from May 1st to June 30th. Festival-goers are invited to partake in the festivities and sample local cuisine prepared in honor of Dewi Sri, the goddess of rice, fertility, prosperity and good fortune. On this festival, farmers give thanks to Dewi Sri for the bountiful rice harvest. Small statues made of rice straw are installed throughout the fields and villages. Indonesian Independence Day They celebrate August 17th, the day the country achieved independence from the Dutch. Weather and best time to visit Bali is located very close to the equator; its pleasant tropical climate attracts millions of tourists to the island. The average temperature all year round is about +30 °C, humidity is about 85%. But the central mountainous region of the island tends to be cooler and rainier than the southern coastal areas. At night, temperatures in high mountain areas can drop to +15 °C. The rainy season usually lasts from October to March, the dry season from April to September. But rain is likely in the dry season, or vice versa, sunny weather in the rainy season. The two seasons are neither distinct nor entirely predictable. Even during the rainy season, the Bukit Peninsula receives significantly less rainfall than any other place on the island. Even during the dry season, frequent rain and thunderstorms are possible in the western mountainous regions of Agung and Kintamani. During the dry season (April-September), Bali receives the largest number of tourists. The peak tourist season falls on Catholic Christmas, New Year, July and August. Many Australians visit during the school holidays in early April, late June and late September, and many Indonesian tourists visit the island during national holidays. Helpful information When visiting temples and meeting local residents, always adhere to established local traditions and norms of behavior. To do this, use the following tips Behave modestly. The Balinese are much more conservative than most European tourists. They condemn it when young girls and boys hug and kiss, especially near Balinese temples. Cloth. When visiting a Balinese temple, your shoulders and upper arms should be covered with clothing. Before entering a Balinese temple, men and women must: Wear a sarong to cover your legs; tie a belt around your waist. Typically, a sarong and belt are available for use for a small fee at the entrance to most temples. It is advisable to buy them on the market from the first days of your stay on the island and not overpay “businessmen”. Don't extend your left hand to touch something or convey something. This precaution is mainly related to hygiene. Balinese people traditionally do not use toilet paper. Instead of paper, they wash themselves with water, using their left hand. That is, the left hand is considered unclean and therefore you cannot touch other people or, especially, transfer something. The exception is when you use both hands to convey something, it is considered a sign of respect. Don't use your index finger to call someone. If you need to attract attention, wave your palm. Don't touch a Balinese's head with your hands. The soul is supposed to be in the head, so people with their hands should not disturb it. You can’t even touch the heads of Balinese children with your hands. Don't step on donations(canang sari) on the street. Every morning, the Balinese leave small baskets of donations on the streets of the island's towns and villages. Stepping on a kanang sari is considered offensive to any Balinese. Do not interfere with religious processions. Religious processions in Bali occur quite often. If you are driving behind a religious procession on a narrow road, do not honk or draw attention to yourself. Under no circumstances should you walk ahead of the praying Balinese. Video about Bali