The Best Tropical Islands: Bali

The island of Bali is a major tourist destination. Millions of people visit the island every year for its famous spas and resorts, great Bali surfing, beautiful beaches, and jungles. For those looking for a great tropical island holiday, Bali is a premier destination for tourists. No matter if you want an active vacation, a tropical vacation, or a pampered vacation, Bali has it all.

Quick Facts About Bali
Capital: Denpasar
Population: 3 million
Size: 5,632.86 km² (2,175 sq mi)
Power Outlets: 127/230V 50Hz
Official Languages: Indonesian
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +8
Religion:
Calling Code: +62

When to go: The island of Bali is always warm, humid and tropical. April-October is the dry season on the island and November-March is the rainy season in Bali.

Cost and Budgeting for Bali
Like the rest of Indonesia, a vacation to Bali is very cheap. For those on a backpacker budget, US$20 a day would be enough. For those looking for nicer quarters and more activities, you will need US$40-50 per day. After that, the sky is the limit. Bali has the best range of accommodation in Indonesia, from the US$3-a-night guesthouses to US$4,300-a-night resorts. Bali has a lot of activities so if you are planning on doing more than just sitting on a beach, add another US$10 per day to your budget. A meal in a tourist-oriented restaurant will be around 20-40k Rupiah.


Things to See and Do in Bali
Relax in a hot spring-There are many hot springs on Bali and after a long day of surfing, they are a great way to relax.
Pamper yourself at a spa- Bali is paradise for spa lovers and all sorts of spa treatments are widely available, but the Balinese lulur body scrub with herbs and spices is particularly popular.
Get married- Balinese weddings have been become increasingly popular in recent years. Full wedding services are popular and available in Bali and there are about ten wedding chapels in Bali if you want a tropical wedding. The exotic tradition, ceremonies, music customers, and the tropical settings are very appealing.
Scuba dive/Snorkel- Bali is surrounded by extensive coral reefs and has many amazing dive sites. There are a few wrecks around the islands too. If diving if not your thing, you can always snorkel.
Learn to surf- Bali is a surfer’s paradise with some of the best waves in the world. People flock to the beaches to hang ten. The southern coast around Kuta and Nusa Dua are the primary draws. Beginners will find the gentle waves on Kuta. You’ll find surf instructors lounging around the beach; a one hour lesson will cost you around USD $10.
Visit Pura Ulun Danu Bratan- Located in the northern part of the island, this important Hindu-Buddhist temple was founded in the 17th century and is actually built on small islands.
Go Shopping- There is a small village named Ubud about an hour from Nusa Dua and half that from Kuta. This is a nice little cultural village with local craftsman. You can find Balinese clothes, decorative items, and souvenirs.
Mountain Trekking- Kintamani (Mount Batur) is an active volcano that is a popular hiking destination. The trek is about 2-3 hours long.
Watch the sunsets- Bali is home of some of the most amazing sunsets in the world, and the colors that reflect off the beaches are amplified during sunset.

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