Bali is a continuously growing destination with more travellers and wanderlusters visiting each year. It’s somewhere that’s been near the top of my bucket list for some time now and a place that I’ll definitely try and explore within the next few years. With this in mind, I thought it was about time that I learnt more about what this Indonesian island has to offer with the help of some blogger friends and have compiled a list of my favourite finds so you too can get inspired!

Bali is Indonesian’s most popular island (one of 17,500!), located within the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Its tourism has seen a huge increase in effect of dramatic development (and the release of Eat, Pray, Love!), with many westerners seeking the spiritual, mindful way of life that the island represents. 

The rainy season sees monsoon downpours from October till March before Easter when tourism increases, making the best time to visit during the summer months or at the end of the year for better value. 

Angie from Silverspoon London recommends soaking in the views of the ocean from one of Bali’s fabulous beach clubs. Her favourites include Potato Head in Seminyak and Sundara at the Four Seasons.

The core attraction to Bali is its incredible scenery. The island itself is just 80 miles long yet is home to a range of stunning, contrasting landscapes. Sky high mountains and active volcanoes surround lush acres of thick, wild jungle. Workers dot the sprawling rice fields stretching out as far as the eye can see. Hundreds of ancient temples and iconic palaces provide a sense of spiritual mystery and peace. 

Jordan Hammond “Morning runs through Bali’s famous gates”

Andrey Gudilin “This iconic Balinese temple is located on the lake in the mountains and is dedicated to the goddess of water. Despite being a bit overcrowded by tourists, it’s definitely the best temple I’ve seen on the island”

Although not large, the island has 6 main areas that are all very different and its important to know where is best for your individual style. You can’t read about Bali without hearing stories of a destination ruined, filled with tourism and trash. Yet this isn’t the case for the whole island. There are many parts that still look like the perfect haven of paradise.

South Bali is the island’s most popular area. For those who are looking for a luxury, oceanfront vacation, Seminyak is your best bet. This upmarket beach town is filled with upmarket resorts and popular sunset venues including some of the best restaurants and bars on the island. 

“Mozaic is the best restaurant in Bali, the food is so inventive and beautifully presented and the setting is really quite magical” – Angie, Silverspoon London

In the centre is where you’ll find Bali’s mountain range. Most popular is Ubud in the central highlands. Located closer to cultural villages, rivers and rice fields, Ubud is a favourable destination for wellness retreats, fine dining and royal palaces. It is also home to the famous Monkey Forest where many tourists go to see hundreds of wild apes roam the trees. 

Another attraction is an Instagrammer favourite; The Bali Swing! A thirty minute drive away and you can swing high above the gorge.

Along with Monkey Forest, Erika from Erika’s Travels recommends The Sangeh Forest, to see the mischievous primates. 

Around the North, East and South-eastern Islands are Bali’s quieter coastal villages with volcanic beaches, historic towns and popular diving spots.

One area that Bali can fail short of is its quality of beaches. As a volcanic island, you just can’t hold as high expectations as its Aussie neighbour, and litter has seemed to have consumed many of the island’s coastline. However there are beautiful areas and stunning sunsets to be enjoyed, particularly from a luxury resort.

Sunsets from Kate, The Remote Nomad

Bali looks like my idea of paradise and if there’s one thing that makes a dreamy location just perfect, it’s staying in luxury accommodation with a serene spa. There are hundreds of divine spa hotels, beachfront huts and glamorous tree top houses on the island. More than a few on my wish list can be found on some great travel sites that offer cheap hotel deals. 

The Karma Kandara Villa is just one, a stunning eco-friendly resort overlooking the Bukit Peninsula. 54 large villas are hidden among the lush gardens each with a pool overlooking the Indian Ocean. Onsite restaurants with panoramic views and an upmarket beach club provide the perfect base for dining and relaxation whilst the spa and health facilities are not to be missed.

It’s said that the resort beach is one of Bali’s finest, offering guests the chance to enjoy the full Bali experience at its best. And as someone who avoids a workout wherever possible, I don’t think I could resist a morning in the Karma Kandara gym, located in a treetop hut in the forest! 

Also rather inspiring is Kamandalu, designed to resemble a traditional Balinese village. Set among rice fields and the quiet sound of the forest, this resort looks the perfect location to unwind from busy life and discover peaceful bliss.

Away from the land, the waters surrounding the island give Bali its name as one of the world’s best diving destinations. Bali is a part of the Coral Triangle, an area with the highest diversity of marine species and spectacular coral reefs. Hundreds of scuba enthusiasts flock to the island whilst the surf culture is equally as popular.

Kate from The Remote Nomad says “Hire a driver to take you around, they will take you to the best sites all day for about $60~

In addition to its serene vistas, the essence of Bali is found in its people. The Balinese are known for their beautiful smiles, generosity and welcoming warmth, an attitude towards tourists that is genuine and appreciated. And their culture is just as unique.  

Kate from The Remote Nomad recommends Shelter Cafe, “What’s awesome about this place is that it’s a bit hidden away from the busyness, but only 5 minutes ‘out of town’.”

The majority of the Balinese are Hindu, making Bali an intensely spiritual island. Sacred temples in beautiful panoramic locations are filled with offerings to spirits and the comforting smell of incense. Crafts, art and cooking are also hugely important aspects of the Balinese way of life and create unmissable experiences from traditional cooking classes to inspiring creative ritual dances that are an inspiring display of their celebrated culture.

Wahyu Mahendra “The most popular jogging track in Ubad”

Have you been to Bali? If so I’d love to hear your tips and recommendations!

This post was sponsored by Traveloka. As always, all views are my own. 

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