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9 reasons that make Bali world’s favourite destination
Bali, that one destination on every traveller’s wishlist. And rightly so, because the island is not only beautiful, but also has a rich cultural history, diverse flora and fauna, vibrant food culture and an overall pleasant vibe that every traveller, whether solo or in a group, looks for.
Here are 9 reasons why Bali is one of the most popular destinations among travellers.
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Volcanoes for thrill seekers
The northeastern flank of Bali is where you want to be if you seek thrill. Well, what’s more thrilling than climbing an active volcano? Mt. Batur and Mt. Agung, the two active volcanoes, are two of the biggest attractions in Bali. Sunrise climb to Mt. Agung’s crater will take approximately five to seven hours, but is worth the pain. Mt. Agung last erupted in 2017!
Mt. Batur’s last eruption was in 2000, and the climb to its crater will take at least eight hours.
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Birding for nature lovers
Bali boasts of around 280 species of birds. One of them is the critically endangered Bali Starling. With less than 100 adults existing in the wild, being able to see them in their natural habitat is on most birders’ wishlist. These extremely rare birds can be found in the wild (if you are lucky) only in the forests of West Bali National Park and Nusa Penida.
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Bali for heritage enthusiasts
Did you know that Bali’s unique system of water management, also known as Subak, is a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site? The picture perfect paddy fields of Bali are the beautiful result of that water management system. It is iconic, and features in every Bali visitor’s photo gallery. The Subak system dates back to the ninth century.
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Get a taste of world’s most expensive coffee
Trust the process–the tagline that Kopi Luwak needs. A cup of the kopi luwak will cost you somewhere around $40. Many people around the globe are fans of this special brew. Right now, somewhere in Bali, there’s a cat-like animal called luwak, eating coffee cherries and pooping out the seeds. The seeds are then collected, roasted, ground and brewed/packed. Hence, trust the process. It’s an experience you will want to write home about.
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Dragon tales from Komodo island
The island gets its name from the largest lizard on earth, the Komodo Dragon. Komodo island is a part of the Komodo National Park and lies between islands Sumbawa and Flores. Definitely not for the faint-hearted, the 390 sq km island is home to the incredibly venomous Komodo dragons who, like every animal known to us, will attack if provoked. Here’s how you can avoid that–don’t provoke.
Komodo Island is also where you will find pink beaches–one of the prettiest seven pink beaches in the world (Harbour Island in Bahamas, Pantai Merah in Komodo Island, Playa de Ses Illetes in Spain, Tikehau in Tahiti, Elafonisi Beach in West Crete, Horseshoe Bay in Bermuda and Spiaggia Rosa in Budelli, Sardinia).
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Swim with manta rays
With more than 17,000 islands in Indonesia, scuba diving is naturally one of the most popular activities. Bali has plenty of pristine beaches with clear water, beautiful coral reefs that support a vibrant marine life. Swimming with the manta rays sure sounds like a fun thing to do. Scuba diving in Bali will cost you approximately $60-$80, including scuba gear.
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Bali for the foodie in you
When in Bali, eat like a local and you will experience the rich culture that made Bali what it is today, a culture hub. Babi guling or the traditionally roasted whole pig is Bali’s staple food, Nasi jinggo’s unique style of serving in a cone-shaped banana leaf, the iconic satay, are some of the many Bali favourites. Looking for vegetarian fare? Gado-gado is one of the most popular salads, avoid the prawn crackers and you’ll have a perfect vegetarian dish. Nasi goreng, if asked to be made ‘tanpa daging’, will turn into a delicious plate of vegetarian nasi goreng.
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Budget-friendly Bali
Bali is that gorgeous destination that will not burn a hole in your pocket. The island has a good and cheap local transport system, plenty of guesthouses that’ll cost you around $10 per night, and affordable local eateries with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Perfect for solo travellers too.
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The spectacular temples of Bali
The temples in Bali are iconic to say the least. The jaw-dropping architecture of Balinese temples is always on every photographer’s wishlist. The Balinese temples are constructed in such a way that they become an open-air place of worship, surrounded by intricately designed gates or walls.
