There’s a reason why over 1 million Australians travel to Indonesia each year: Bali.
From the internationally recognised Balinese hospitality to the restaurants, resorts and rainforests, there is literally something for everyone of all ages, backgrounds and budgets. Whether you’re into tropical trekking, beach baking (slip slop slap of course!) or sunset surfing, we’ve compiled the Very Best of Bali just for you!
BEST PLACE FOR SURFING
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“Suluban Beach is one of Bali’s most unique coasts, concealed by natural limestone formations and accessed via steps and log ramps through narrow gaps in the rock. Canopied by a looming cliff face, this small beach may not be ideal for sunbathers, but serves pro surfers well as a base to paddle out and ride adjacent reef breaks, including around Uluwatu, just to the south.”
BEST PLACE TO SEE THE SUNRISE
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“The Mount Batur Sunrise Trek is one of the most popular tours for good reason. Not only do you get to explore an active volcano and get up close and personal with one of Bali’s most sacred mountains, but you also get to experience spectacular views of the sun bursting onto the horizon in a riot of oranges and yellows and slowly spreading over the caldera and lake below.”
BEST COFFEE IN BALI
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“Coffee cartel is your one stop shop for meals that look too perfect to eat and top notch foam art. We recommend wearing something pink if you want to match your latte and backdrop to get the most out of your pic.”
BEST OVERNIGHT ADVENTURE
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“About 4 hours out of Bali is the active volcano of Kawah Ijen in East Java. It is one of the world’s most unusual volcanoes because instead of producing the usual red lava and black smoke, its underground activities result in bright blue flames rising into the air. Some people even call it electric blue fire.
There are many tour operators who run 24 hour hikes to the volcano where you can see the ethereal blue sulfur fires and watch the Javanese workers harvesting sulfur.”
BEST RESTAURANT
La Lucciola
“A trip to Bali would not be complete without a visiting ‘La Looch’ (a term that was definitely given by the regular Australian tourists who frequent the beachside restaurant) at sunset. The oversized bungalow is located on one of the more isolated stretches of Seminyak beach and serves up Italian classics with an Asian flair.”
BEST DAY SPA
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“Fivelements was conceived as an integrated wellness lifestyle company whose authentic destinations offer an opportunity for inspiration, awareness and progress in the 21st century. Its focus is on designing high impact wellness strategies aimed at supporting individuals, couples and organisations enduring life transitions and transformation. Motivated by a vision for a better, happier and healthier world, our guests and partners have come to be known as “the change-makers of today and tomorrow”.“
UNMISSABLE TEMPLE
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“Lempuyang Temple, locally referred to as Pura Lempuyang Luhur, is one of Bali’s oldest and most highly regarded temples, on par with Besakih (aka the ‘mother temple’ of Bali). It is also believed to predate the majority of Hindu temples on the island. Definitely a highlight on any travel itinerary for the fit and adventurous, the main temple lies at 1,175m above sea level, up on the peak of the namesake Mount Lempuyang in East Bali.”
MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
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“Nusa Penida is the largest and most exotic of the three Nusa Islands, thanks to its collection of unique Hindu temples and picturesque natural features of cliff formations and lagoons. Lately, the island’s best known as the new sanctuary of the once endangered Bali Starling following a highly successful captive breeding program of the bird, which is originally an endemic species from the forested region of West Bali National Park.”
BEST COCKTAIL BAR
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“If ocean vistas and dramatic scenery are completely essential in your Bali cocktail experience, then Ayana Resort’s Rock Bar needs to be your destination number one. Kintamani orange jelly, cinnamon sticks & emulsified egg whites are just some of the ingredients that season this menu. Shaken up by world-class bartenders beside a resident DJ with a knack for lounge bar beats, this place is well worth the wait for the elevator ride down the cliff face.”
BEFORE YOU GO…
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“The Balinese have been visiting the holy hot springs of Pura Tirta Empul for more than a thousand years, drawn to the strong curative properties of the clear water that flows from the mountains. Myths suggest the springs were created by Indra, the ruler of the heavens and god of rainfall. Mountainous jungle makes an atmospheric backdrop for the ornate, lichen-covered temples set amidst flourishing gardens. Here, Balinese pilgrims dressed in ceremonial attire make offerings and pray at the shrines before bathing in the stone pool, fed by 12 sculpted fountains. Ritual purification ceremonies reach fever pitch at full moon each month. Visitors can take a dip in the public baths but need to dress respectfully in sarong and sash, with shoulders covered.”
