Your ultimate guide to the wonderful island.
Bali, meaning ‘gift’ in ancient Sanskrit, is a beautiful island that offers something for everyone. From mountains, farms and shopping to spas, beaches and yoga retreats, you’ll always have something exciting to do.
Bali has a selection of waterfalls that are fun to visit. For many people the idea of hiking through the jungle to a hidden waterfall and taking a cooling swim is the image of paradise. Everything is preserved and rustic in nature. There are man made steps and bridges made of tree trunks. Locals charge small fees to maintain the reserves.
Once done exploring the waterfalls and natural landscape of Ubud, be sure to book some time at the renowned Bali Zoo where animals’ comfort is paramount. You can have a ride with the jolly elephants as well on a well-worn path scattered with orchids throughout.
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a popular downtown Ubud destination and is home to over 600 macaques monkeys. To make the most of your adventure and avoid the crowds, we recommend going early and taking a guided tour.
Across from the main entrance, the forest’s office accepts donations for a scheme to offset the carbon you created getting to Bali. Get a tree planted for 150,000 Rp.
Elephant Cave is an archaeological site of significant historical value that makes it a special place to visit. Located on the cool western edge of Bedulu Village, six kilometers out of central Ubud, you do not need more than an hour to descend to its relic-filled courtyard and view the rock-wall carvings, a central meditational cave, bathing pools and fountains.
After all your excursions you are bound to be famished, and what better place to dine than Jungle Fish, where you are greeted with smiles and homey comfort. They offer a fusion of Mediterranean cuisine. The spa is just the cherry on top. It overlooks the hill on top of which Jungle Fish is situated.
Many people visit Bali in search for answers, spiritual healing, balance or just plain relaxation. If you read the book (or saw the movie) “Eat Pray Love” then you know about Ketut Liyer, the Balinese Healer who predicted Elizabeth Gilbert’s future.
Almost everyone in Ubud says Cokorda Rai (pronounced Chokorda Rye), is the healer to see. He’s not a palm reader and he doesn’t exclusively do psychic work. His technique seems like a combination of Reiki with acupressure with his unique diagnostic method. He spends about 10-15 minutes per client.
For those looking for a little zen to their adventure, The Yoga Barn is recommended. It was founded for the sole purpose of bringing together community and giving back to the island of Bali.
Bali is known for its fine Luwak coffee. Ask for a coffee and tea tasting while exploring this gem of a place.
Although Ubud has a reputation as a place of relaxation, there are actually a number of activities on offer for thrill seekers. Picture three miniscule desert islands, fringed by white-sand beaches and coconut palms, sitting in a turquoise sea: the Gilis are a vision of paradise. These islets have exploded in popularity, and are booming like nowhere else in Indonesia – speedboats now zip visitors direct from Bali and a hip new hotel opens practically every month.
It’s not hard to understand the Gilis’ unique appeal, for serenity endures (no motorbikes or dogs!) and a green consciousness is growing. Development has been more tasteful than rapacious and there are few concrete eyesores.
Each island has its own special character. Trawangan (universally known as Gili T) is by far the most cosmopolitan, its bar and party scene vibrant and its accommodation and restaurants close to definitive tropical chic. Gili Air has the strongest local character, but also a perfect mix of buzz and languor. Meno is simply a desert-island getaway.
If you’re looking for first class family fun along with luxury then Fairmont is for you. Fairmont Sanur Beach is an all-suite-and-villa resort set amidst lush tropical gardens. The property is perfect for guests looking for a haven to relax and unwind.
Personalized around-the-clock butler service is available to all guests. Both intuitive and discreet, the ever-attentive butlers are ready to fulfill any request from organizing car rentals to planning day excursion trips and making restaurant reservations.
Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali serves delectable international cuisine at the delightfully informal yet refined Nyala Beach Club and Grill. Authentic Indonesian and pan-Asian cuisines are available, while The Pool Terrace alongside the main swimming pool affords guests spectacular sea views. A full service spa lies at the center of the resort.
Luxury accommodation comes in the form of 94 garden and ocean view suites. Each suite boasts an outdoor terrace fitted with an oversized daybed on which guests can while the hours away.
Direct flights from Jeddah to Kuala Lumpur, connecting to Denpasar, are available and they make the trip from the Kingdom to Bali easy and affordable.