If you’re a backpacker there are numerous hostels at your disposal. At the other end of the scale, Bali boasts countless luxury hotels and villas with every other option in between. Bali is now seen as an exotic honeymoon destination, so why not gift the newlyweds the perfect wedding present and top off the holiday of a lifetime.
The food scene in Bali is an experience within itself. The traditional dishes are an integral part of Balinese culture, originating from indigenous cuisine infused with flavours from neighbouring parts of Asia and India to really set it apart from anything you’ve tried before. Once you’ve ticked all the local dishes off your list, places like Seminyak and Canggu also offer high-quality western cuisine. If you love a brunch that is social media worthy, a feast for the eyes as well the belly - there are plenty of places that make late morning munching a specialty of the house. The best way to experience the food culture in Bali is by taking part in a cooking experience. Gifting Owl has a number of home-hosted cooking experiences or cooking classes that make ideal gifts for birthday, Christmas, wedding or any special occasion. If you consider yourself or someone you know to be a foodie then why not try the Seminyak Indonesian Food Tour for the ultimate Bali food experience.
Bali is famous for its beach clubs, the majority of the now legendary party hubs can be found in Seminyak, Canggu and Uluwatu located in the southern regions of the island. Places such as Omnia, Finns and Potato Head will make you feel like an A-list celebrity as you indulge in fabulous cocktails and scrumptious food while watching the sunset over the Indian ocean.
If you want to get to the heart of quintessential Bali, then we recommend you visit Ubud - where Balinese culture is most accessible. The yoga and meditation capital of Bali, Ubud is set in the green terraced hills. Step away from the sometimes chaotic beachside towns and reconnect with yourself at a jungle retreat. While you’re there make sure you say hello to the monkeys at the sacred monkey forest.
Bali is a volcanic island and Gunung Agung is the tallest and most important volcano standing at 3124m tall. It is known by the Balinese as ‘Mother Mountain’. Perhaps the most popular from a tourist point of view would be Mt. Batur, which stands at 1717m and can be scaled at dawn with a local guide for the ultimate sunrise experience. These volcanoes have carved out a rugged landscape creating spectacular waterfalls, beaches, coral reefs and some smaller islands. Accessible by boat it would be remiss not to visit one of these island paradises during your stay. From the famous Nusa’s (Lembongan, Penida and Ceningan) known for their calm ambience and nature, to the party isles of the Gili’s (Trawangan, Meno and Air) these exotic islands are something quite special. Visitors can enjoy days at play in crystal clear waters or being immersed in the serenity of lush gardens and nature. The islands are like a perfect little getaway within a holiday when visiting Bali.
Surfing has been a major Bali attraction for decades. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or a beginner there are waves to be caught by all. If you’re going for a surf holiday, in the dry season when swells are at their peak, we’d recommend hitting the west coast and heading south to the Bukit Peninsula.
Perhaps dive a little deeper than the waves and descend into the ocean for an underwater adventure you’ll love from start to finish. Tulamben Beach and Lipah Bay offer divers and snorkellers access to two WW2 shipwrecks. Crystal Bay, located between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, gives protection from currents and is world-renowned for its vibrant marine life and clear visibility making it a hot spot for divers from around the globe. The perfect birthday gift for your snorkelling buddy would be the Go Diving in Padang Bai experience, where they will swim among schools of blue-spotted stingrays and shoals of colourful fish.
The local life and religion in Bali make it a cultural wonderland, there is no other place like it in the world, not even in Indonesia itself. The Balinese are proud people and fiercely passionate about being the only remaining Hindu island in a largely Muslim country. Two of the most fascinating religious monuments that should be experienced during a visit to Bali are the Uluwatu temple and Ulun Danu Beratan. Uluwatu temple is an 11th Century temple clinging to a sheer coastal rock face with astonishing ocean vistas. It is considered one of the six spiritual pillars of Bali and its location arguably makes it one of the most beautiful. Another temple on your cultural bucket list should be Ulun Danu Beratan. This mesmerising temple located on the shores of Lake Beratan is held in such high esteem, its image features on the 50,000 Indonesian Rupiah note. This rich and diverse culture can be seen by travellers all over the island of Bali, it runs deep to the soul of this magnificent island.
If you ask any traveller their favourite thing about Bali, without doubt somewhere near the top will be the people. The Balinese are an unwittingly friendly nation, always up for a chat and help you out in any way you need. As the sun sets over a trip to Bali, you will no doubt reminisce on its rich culture, incredible food and awe-inspiring sights. It is a holiday destination for all types of people, from all walks of life and it’s a Gifting Owl guarantee that you’ll have fun!
