{"id":936,"date":"2015-07-21T13:41:28","date_gmt":"2015-07-21T17:41:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/?p=936"},"modified":"2015-07-21T13:41:28","modified_gmt":"2015-07-21T17:41:28","slug":"10-things-i-love-about-bali","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/10-things-i-love-about-bali\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Things I Love About Bali"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"p1\">Paradise is a word that often gets kicked around when talking about Bali, and for good reason. It\u2019s no doubt that the Island of the Gods is one of the top vacation destinations in the world, as people flock here to relax on the beach, experience the culture, partake in countless adventures, or just party the night away. There\u2019s a lot to love about Bali &#8211; I love it so much I\u2019m heading back for a year to study Indonesian starting this fall. To give you a glimpse into what makes this island such a special place, here are ten things I love about Bali:<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: center\">1. The Landscapes<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_941\" style=\"width: 610px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter post-item__attachment\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0295.jpg\" aria-label=\"DSC 0295\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-941\" class=\"size-full wp-image-941\"  alt=\"Yep, this is still Bali.\" width=\"600\" height=\"402\" \/ src=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0295.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0295.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0295-350x235.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-941\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Yep, this is still Bali.<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\">Bali may be famous for its beaches, but there\u2019s a lot more to this island\u2019s natural beauty than sand and salt water. People are often surprised to hear that Bali also has gorgeous terraced rice paddies, towering volcanoes, wonderful lakes, and so much more. Sure, the beaches are nice and all, but I much prefer taking in some of the other landscapes across the island. Take a day or two off from the usual vacation routine and get out there to see some of this stunning island.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: center\">2. Cultural Performances<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_944\" style=\"width: 610px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter post-item__attachment\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0766.jpg\" aria-label=\"DSC 0766\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-944\" class=\"size-full wp-image-944\"  alt=\"A kecak performance in Ubud.\" width=\"600\" height=\"402\" \/ src=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0766.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0766.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0766-350x235.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-944\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A kecak performance in Ubud.<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\">In the island\u2019s cultural heart &#8211; the town of Ubud &#8211; you can catch a different cultural performance every night of the week. Those interested in Balinese music, dance, and art should definitely plan for at least 3-4 nights here to check out a few of the shows. Although these shows are put on specifically for tourists these days, they still represent an integral part of the island\u2019s culture, and you can really feel the energy flowing in the space &#8211; the performers still put their heart and soul into the shows, and being a part of them is a great cultural experience.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: center\">3. Getting Lost<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_942\" style=\"width: 610px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter post-item__attachment\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0309.jpg\" aria-label=\"DSC 0309\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-942\" class=\"size-full wp-image-942\"  alt=\"Sample some coffee when you get lost.\" width=\"600\" height=\"402\" \/ src=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0309.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0309.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0309-350x235.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-942\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sample some coffee when you get lost.<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\">Some people like to know exactly where they\u2019re going at every moment in their trip, especially in a foreign land. I\u2019ll admit that I\u2019m usually one of those people as well; I get angered and frustrated when we get lost or waste time on our travels. Bali is an exception, though. One of my favorite things to do there is just get on a motorbike and go. Sometimes you just end up meandering through the island\u2019s many villages, sometimes you discover a great viewpoint, or sometimes you end up exploring a coffee farm and chatting with the owner for a few hours. There\u2019s much more to Bali than the tourist hot spots, so hit the road and get lost for a while to see more of it.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: center\">4. Fun in the Water<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_945\" style=\"width: 610px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter post-item__attachment\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/G0124383.jpg\" aria-label=\"G0124383\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-945\" class=\"size-full wp-image-945\"  alt=\"Snorkeling is one of many options in the water here.\" width=\"600\" height=\"331\" \/ src=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/G0124383.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/G0124383.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/G0124383-350x193.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-945\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Snorkeling is one of many options in the water here.<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\">Perhaps the main draw to Bali is all of the fun one can have on, in, or under the water here. The island is famed as one of the best surfing destinations in the world, and there are waves here suitable for surfers of all levels and ages. In addition, there\u2019s also world class snorkeling and scuba diving readily available. Add to that boogie boarding, kayaking, rafting, or just relaxing by the beach, and you\u2019ve got tons of fun in the water up for grabs in Bali.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: center\">5. The Places You Can Stay<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_946\" style=\"width: 610px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter post-item__attachment\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/Malaysia-and-Indonesia-248.jpg\" aria-label=\"Malaysia And Indonesia 248\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-946\" class=\"wp-image-946 size-full\"  alt=\"Rent out a whole house and don't break the bank!\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" \/ src=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/Malaysia-and-Indonesia-248.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/Malaysia-and-Indonesia-248.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/Malaysia-and-Indonesia-248-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/Malaysia-and-Indonesia-248-350x350.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-946\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rent out a whole house and don&#8217;t break the bank!<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\">No matter what kind of traveler you are, you can find a great place to lay your head in Bali. Whether you\u2019re a backpacking surfer looking for a cheap dorm room and friends to party with or a filthy rich couple on your honeymoon seeking 5-star amenities, Bali has something for you. Here you\u2019ll find: hostels, guest houses, home stays, hotels of all shapes and sizes, and even \u201cglamping,\u201d to name a few. Thanks to sites like Air BNB, you can now find even more cool places to call home on Bali. Just last year, I rented a private house in the rice fields outside of Ubud with a private pool. I won\u2019t spill the beans but I will tell you it cost me well under $100\/night.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: center\">6. Babi Guling<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_943\" style=\"width: 610px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter post-item__attachment\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0348.jpg\" aria-label=\"DSC 0348\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-943\" class=\"size-full wp-image-943\"  alt=\"Mmmm... babi guling.\" width=\"600\" height=\"402\" \/ src=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0348.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0348.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0348-350x235.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-943\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mmmm&#8230; babi guling.<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\">There\u2019s excellent food to be found all over the Island of the Gods, but one dish in particular deserves to be on this list &#8211; babi guling &#8211; roast suckling pig. In a predominantly Muslim country, it\u2019s not exactly easy to get your pork fix. On the majority Hindu island of Bali, however, this is a different story. Far and away the most famous dish on the island, this delicious plate of all things pig is hard to beat. At most places, you\u2019ll get a sampling of the meat and crispy, golden brown skin, plus potatoes or rice and a few other sides for just $3-4. If you\u2019re throwing a party, you can even buy a whole one!<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: center\">7. Monkey Business<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_939\" style=\"width: 610px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter post-item__attachment\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0152.jpg\" aria-label=\"DSC 0152\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-939\" class=\"size-full wp-image-939\"  alt=\"The temple is the monkey's house.\" width=\"600\" height=\"402\" \/ src=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0152.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0152.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0152-350x235.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-939\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The temple is the monkey&#8217;s house.<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\">In some parts of Bali, you\u2019d be forgiven for thinking that the island belonged to monkeys. Indeed, our distant primate relatives make their presence felt at many locations across the island. They basically watch over their own temple in the northern town of Pemuteran, they\u2019ve got a whole forest named after them in Ubud, and they also dominate the temple of Uluwatu at the very southern point of the island. They\u2019re friendly for the most part &#8211; just don\u2019t agitate them or carry food, as they will find it and do their best to get it from you.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: center\">8. Nightlife<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_937\" style=\"width: 610px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter post-item__attachment\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/Bali-046.jpg\" aria-label=\"Bali 046\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-937\" class=\"size-full wp-image-937\"  alt=\"Fruity cocktails with friends to start the night.\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" \/ src=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/Bali-046.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/Bali-046.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/Bali-046-350x263.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-937\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fruity cocktails with friends to start the night.<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\">Although it\u2019s not known as a place to party nearly as much as other SE Asia destinations (Bangkok, Saigon, Vang Vieng), Bali does boast an incredible night life scene. There\u2019s no shortage of options after the sun goes down here, whether you\u2019re looking for cheap beers and a loud, raucous atmosphere, or craft cocktails accompanied by smooth jazz, you\u2019re sure to find a way to entertain yourself in Bali. Of course, the southern part of the island is far and away the busiest and most lively place after dark. Ubud also has plenty of options for nighttime fun, and most of the diving towns around the island also have a few bars where you can enjoy a cold one and chat with fellow travelers.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: center\">9. The 3 \u201cOther\u201d Islands<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_940\" style=\"width: 610px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter post-item__attachment\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0233.jpg\" aria-label=\"DSC 0233\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-940\" class=\"size-full wp-image-940\"  alt=\"Chill out on Nusa Lembongan.\" width=\"600\" height=\"402\" \/ src=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0233.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0233.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0233-350x235.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-940\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chill out on Nusa Lembongan.<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\">A lot of people aren\u2019t aware of the fact that Bali is actually more than one island &#8211; there are three much smaller islands off the main one\u2019s southeast coast that don\u2019t get a whole lot of attention. Just a 30-minute speedboat ride away, these islands make for a great vacation from your vacation. That may sound a bit silly, but staying in the south of Bali can be a bit draining and frustrating at times &#8211; the endless touts, the motorbike traffic, the huge crowds of tourists. Cruise over to Nusa Lembongan to get away from it all, where you\u2019ll find one small dirt road, no cars, and a much more laid-back atmosphere.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: center\">10. The People<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_938\" style=\"width: 610px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter post-item__attachment\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0119.jpg\" aria-label=\"DSC 0119\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-938\" class=\"size-full wp-image-938\"  alt=\"One of the countless friendly people we've met in Bali.\" width=\"600\" height=\"402\" \/ src=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0119.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0119.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/DSC_0119-350x235.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-938\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">One of the countless friendly people we&#8217;ve met in Bali.<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\">As you can clearly see, there\u2019s lots to love about Bali. I\u2019ve gone and saved the best for last here, as the people of Bali are without a doubt the greatest thing about the island. Sure, sometimes the touts can get a bit pushy and obnoxious in the touristy areas, but you have to keep in mind that this is how they make a living. Get out of the southern part of the island, and you\u2019ll find that most people in Bali are incredibly friendly and personable, and are always up for a chat. Through our visits there, we\u2019ve met so many lovely locals in all corners of the island. Remember that you\u2019re visiting their home, so treat it with respect and care. The Balinese people are some of the most hospitable in the world, so thank them for it!<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">\n<p class=\"p1\">What do YOU love about Bali? Feel free to leave your comments here, as I&#8217;m sure there are a few things I forgot! Keep an eye on the blog as we&#8217;ll have tons more stories, photos, and videos from the Island of the Gods in the months to come.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<img width=\"350\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/Malaysia-and-Indonesia-248-350x350.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image tmp-hide-img\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/Malaysia-and-Indonesia-248-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/Malaysia-and-Indonesia-248-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2015\/07\/Malaysia-and-Indonesia-248.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><p>Paradise is a word that often gets kicked around when talking about Bali, and for good reason. It\u2019s no doubt that the Island of the Gods is one of the top vacation destinations in the world, as people flock here to relax on the beach, experience the culture, partake in countless adventures, or just party&hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"post-item__readmore\"><a class=\"btn btn--md\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/10-things-i-love-about-bali\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":55,"featured_media":946,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[390657,392876,393864,10453,392299,391627,391359,392011,375332,393224,391137,315406,392533,393476,391777,390834],"class_list":["post-936","post","type-post","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-10-things-i-love-about-bali","tag-babi-guling","tag-backpacking-in-bali","tag-bali","tag-bali-beaches","tag-bali-culture","tag-bali-landscapes","tag-bali-water-sports","tag-balinese-culture","tag-balinese-food","tag-fall-in-love-with-bali","tag-indonesia","tag-nusa-lembongan","tag-travel-in-bali","tag-ubud","tag-what-to-love-about-bali"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/936","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/55"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=936"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/936\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":948,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/936\/revisions\/948"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/946"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=936"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=936"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/indonesian\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=936"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}