Bali: “Island of the Gods”

Bali’s “Island of the Gods” nickname comes from the myriad of sacred Hindu temples throughout the island, many with unique architectural elements as well as diverse spiritual elements. The island is a captivating place of stunning beauty with dramatic black sand beaches, volcanic peaks, iconic rice fields and hidden waterfalls. But it’s also a paradise for foodies, has lots of night life options and diverse outdoor offerings like diving, surfing, hiking and yoga retreats.

If you are interested in an island vacation where you can set your own pace, travel advisors at GetAway Travel can set-up a Bali getaway for you!

Varied, stunning geography

Bali is an Indonesian Island that retained its culture and spirituality in spite of attempts by the Dutch to colonize the island. There are colorful ceremonies and daily public offerings by the Balinese Hindus. Ornate temples and spectacular shrines are all over the island — by the sea in Tanah Lot and Uluwatu or on the highest mountains of Besakih and Lake Batan.

On the south coast you’ll find Canggu, which is considered quite trendy and Kuta which is known for its party atmosphere. Seminyak attracts the glamorous crowd and all the towns and villages are side-by-side on the shores of the Indian Ocean. There are world-class surfing opportunities off the Bukit Peninsula.

Ubud is in the middle of the island and considered the artistic center. It is home to craftsmen, artists and philosophers. The spiritual center of the island is Mount Agung, an active volcano with the island’s tallest peaks.

West Bali National Park takes up the bulk of the island’s western area. Some nice laid-back beach towns can be found on the North and East areas of Bali.

A word of warning, and take it seriously — monkeys. These cute little scamps will grab your hanging earrings, necklaces, purses, tote bags, water bottles, lanyards, eye glasses, sunglasses and pretty much anything that looks interesting and be gone in a flash. Organize yourself accordingly when you are walking anywhere on the island.

Temples and shrines

 Most temples have a dress code which includes a sari or a sash. They are supplied at the temples for visitors.

Pura Taman Pecampuhan Sala is one of the island’s most beautiful water temples. Just outside of Ubud, local residents come here for a water purification ritual to wash away bad energy. The steps may be a bit daunting, but you reach two spring-fed pools, the river and a waterfall. Temple staff can guide you through the purification points.

Pura UIun Danu Bratan is a floating 17th century Hindu/Buddhist temple. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has stunning green mountains as a backdrop. It is on Lake Bratan, the second largest lake in Bali, and it is actually several shrines and temples. One of the most famous is the multi-tiered shrine dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of water, lakes and rivers. The ornate carved statues and intricate details of the shrines are fascinating.

Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring is an 11th century complex of courtyards and shrines carved in the cliffs along the Pakerisan River. This is an enchanting area of sheer cliff walls featuring 10 shrines positioned on either side of the river. Natural springs, terraced rice paddies and green hills bracket the shrines.

Pura Lempuyang Luhur is a sacred seven-temple complex. Here you can find the Gateway to Heaven temple which frames the island’s tallest mountain peak.

Uluwatu Temple is on the far south side of Bali in Pecatu Village. An important historical site, islanders since 900 A.D. have believed the area offers protections from evil spirits. There are daily kecaf dance performances in the evenings. The combination of costumed chanting dancers with the sunset, sea and gigantic cliffs surrounding them is magical.

A sacred water temple for more than 1,000 years, Tirta Empul is a complex of shrines, gates, courtyards and purification pools where Balinese Hindus “baptize” themselves under a series of waterspouts. Bring a change of clothes and swimwear and you can partake in the holy immersion experience.

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 Have lunch or dinner with the koi fish. Kamandalu Hotel in Ubud hosts two meals a day, lunch and dinner, served on a boat, surrounded by koi fish. You are invited to feed the fish while you dine. You do not need to be a guest at the hotel.

Aling-aling Waterfall and Secret Garden of Sambangan are on a trail in North Bali. There are four spectacular waterfalls to see here.

The vineyards are in Northern Bali. Sababay Winery is a women-owned fair trade winery. Started by a mother and daughter duo in 2010, they offer wine tastings and tours. Here you can learn about New Latitude wines, wines made by grapes produced outside of traditional wine belts including wines produced in Thailand, Vietnam and Norway.

John Hardy Kabal Bamboo Boutique and workshop. Founded in 1975 by designer and environmental activist John Hardy, it merges art, nature and sustainability. The boutique/workshop is renowned by its intricate artisan jewelry inspired by nature and Bali’s culture. Visitors can watch the jewelry creation while they shop.

Explore Bali’s agricultural heritage with a visit to the Jatiluwih Rice Terrace. It’s a peaceful, tranquil experience in the pure air of a higher elevation. Tegalalang Rice terraces is a UNESCO World Heritage site. View wide, undulating layers of rice paddies created and nurtured by farmers using ancient irrigation methods.

Hang onto your belongings at the Ubud Monkey Forest. While it may seem like an open-air zoo, it is actually a holy site featuring more than 1,000 long-tailed Balinese Macaques in there natural habitat. Considered sacred by the Balinese Hindus, they pray among the primates in three lovely 14th century temples on site. There are interesting intricate moss-covered monkey sculptures around the sanctuary.

Mount Batar is a 5,600 foot volcano which includes the island’s largest crater lake. Check on volcanic activity before you visit here.

Sukawati Art Market can feed your shopping fix. Here you can find an impressive selection of handcrafted art work for sale, wooden sculptures of Hindu deities, carved figurines, necklaces, artisan bowls, clothing, textiles, canvas art, accessories and vibrant patterned dresses.

Tirta Gangga is a former palace transformed into stunning water gardens. They were carefully developed by the royal Karangasem family in 1946, to depict ancient gardens. The tiered fountains, shrines, shrubs, sculptures and flowers are amazing. There are also mythical statues and quaint octagonal stepping stone paths.

Enjoy the cuisine

 Do not fear the spice. It is artfully applied to meat, fish and poultry to enhance the food not blow out your palate. Meat dishes are slow cooked to achieve optimum flavor. Coconut milk, shallots, garlic, turmeric, ginger, lime leaves and shrimp paste are featured in the cuisine. Rice dishes are sweet or savory and do try the crispy prawn crackers, called krupuk udang served by the street vendors.

Do you hear Bali calling? GetAway Travel advisors are here to help you answer that call.