Bali is also known as the “Island of the Gods.” It’s a beautiful island with rich cultural, spiritual, and natural wealth. Being mostly Hindu, the island is successfully fusing the old with modern attractions. Bali is indeed heaven for travellers worldwide. Here is a detailed account of what Ms. Shrishti Jaiswal, Editor-in-Chief of TheStyle.World, and her team witnessed during their unforgettable trip to this paradise.
Balinese Hinduism
The spiritual nature of Bali is heavily based on Hinduism. There are temples everywhere that act as religious sites and tourist attractions. Each temple has its own unique traditions, and you’ll find locals offering daily canang sari (offerings) to the gods. These offerings, often made of flowers and incense, are placed in homes, temples, and even on streets.
Rich in history and devotion, there stand some beautiful temples, mostly dating back to the 10th century. For example, they are magnificent architectural wonders not found elsewhere in the world, such as the Besakih Temple, often called the “Mother Temple,” whose foot lies at the mountain of Agung and, therefore, carries enormous spiritual significance. Other notable temples are Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot Temple, which show fine carvings and stand in awesome locations. Each temple has an interesting story behind its erection and the rituals performed.
Daily Prayers And Offerings:
Great portions of Balinese culture comprise making daily offerings to gods. People prepare those with banana leaves, flowers, as well as other things in rice to put up these arrangements of good thanks and reformation in each house, shop, or even street. If the tourist has interest, he surely will be welcome to view it and will be taken under some respect within the activity, although.
How to Reach Bali
Modes of Transport to the Island of Gods
Bali is accessible via Ngurah Rai International Airport, which connects major cities worldwide. A multitude of Asian and Australian cities feature direct flights; European and American travellers can link through hubs as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok. Ferry services are the mode of transport between nearby Indonesian islands such as Java or Lombok.
Local Culture Of Bali
The official Balinese is spoken there, although most of its residents are bilingual in the Indonesian language.Generally speaking, English is frequently used in many touristic zones, so not even local speech will be extremely challenging for most travellers. Making your experience perfect and learning minimal Indonesian phrases such as “Om Swastiastu” (hello) and “Suksma” (thank you) makes everything more personal among the locals. The currency for this place is the Indonesian Rupiah and this is equivalent to $1 for about 15,000. ATMs are ubiquitous, but it is still advisable to carry cash for small shops.
What To Pack For Bali?
Lightweight Clothing:
Breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or rayon are a good choice. Sundresses, shorts, and loose-fitting tops are great. Flowy maxi dresses or skirts are perfect for beach days and casual evenings.
Swimwear:
- Sarongs or cover-ups are useful when you’re not in the water, especially for beach club visits.
Comfortable footwear:
- Flip-flops or sandals for the beach
- Comfortable walking shoes for temple hiking or running around
Temples require respectful outfits
- Wrap yourself in a sarong and sash, which can be rented or bought outside the temple for the most part.
- Scarf or shawl over your shoulders when entering sacred premises
Hat and sunglasses:
- Wide-brimmed hat, plus UV-protected shades for sunny days.
- Light Jackets or Wraps:
- For those cool, breezy evenings or over-air-conditioned restaurants, a light jacket or scarf will do.
What Not to Wear:
Heavy or Dark Clothing:
- Ditch heavy fabric such as denim or tightly fitting clothes, which will just chafe in the humidity. Reveal Your Garb in Temples:
- Casual wear such as shorts and tank tops is just fine for street attire, but religious sites don’t deserve the display.
High Heels:
Skip heels unless you’re heading to a high-end club or event. Many roads and pathways are uneven.
Expensive Jewelry:
Avoid wearing valuable accessories, as they can draw unnecessary attention or get lost during activities.
Overly Flashy or Branded Clothing:
Keep it casual and simple—Bali’s vibe is relaxed and laid-back.
Pro Tip: Pack a raincoat or compact umbrella if you’re visiting during the rainy season (November to March) and don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen to protect Bali’s marine life!
Temple Tips for International Tourists
When you visit the temples of Bali, remember the following:
Wear modest clothing and carry a sarong or scarf to cover legs
- Avoid pointing of the feet at religious artifacts
- Do not enter certain temples during menstruation as the same is considered impure
- Follow the signs and instructions that are given by temple authorities
- Accommodations for Tourists
Accommodations Bali Offers For Everyone:
5-Star Resorts: Options are available at The Mulia and Four Seasons with luxury and comfort and scenic views of the surroundings. Most of the resorts are equipped with private beaches, spa facilities, and gourmet dining experiences. Starting from 7000–1900 INR approximately.
Private Villas: For isolation and luxury, private pool villas are the most popular. Less noisy areas include the options found in Ubud or Seminyak that are surrounded by nature. Starting from 5000–10000 INR approximately.
Hotels Budget-Friendly: These options are easily found: Harris Hotels or Grandmas Bali. Hostels with dorms can be booked with ease in areas such as Kuta for backpackers. The range of accommodation payments starts at 1400 INR.
Best Time Of Visitation In Bali
The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, from April to October, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. The peak tourist season is July and August, while the shoulder months offer fewer crowds and lower prices.
Must-Try Foods in Bali
It ranges from traditional cuisine to a wide variety of international tastes. Must-try the local dishes on your Bali trip are:
- Nasi Goreng: Fried Rice
- Babi Guling: Suckling pig
- Satay Lilit: Minced seafood satay
- Lawar: Traditional Balinese salad
Food in Bali is very affordable, as a meal in any local restaurant can cost as low as INR 200-300 max price up to 1300 INR.
Day 1: A Grand Welcome, Uluwatu Temple, and Dinner by the Ocean
Start Your Bali Adventure with Culture and Culinary Delights
After arriving at Ngurah Rai International Airport, our team was warmly greeted with traditional flower garlands. The first stop was the majestic Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we witnessed the mesmerising Kecak Dance, a captivating performance narrating the tales of the Ramayana.
The evening continued with a BBQ seafood dinner at Jimbaran Beach’s Cafe Nyoman. Freshly grilled delicacies, the soothing sound of waves, and the ocean breeze made for a magical start to our Bali journey. The food that we had:
Ayam Betutu Kuah
Ayam Betutu Kuah is a Balinese dish that presents cooked chicken in a very rich, aromatic broth infused with traditional bumbu genep (Balinese spice mix) and aromatic herbs.
Nasi Goreng Betutu
Nasi Goreng Betutu is the rich fusion dish made from Indonesia’s iconic fried rice, nasi goreng, and Ayam Betutu, which is a spiced chicken traditional in Bali with a bold aromatic flavour. It has the satisfying savoury, smoky, spicy flavour of both cuisines.
Sate Plecing Ayam & Sate Lilit Ayam
Sate Plecing Ayam and Sate Lilit Ayam are among the traditional satay dishes originating from Indonesia; however, these differ in the method of preparation and flavour characteristics. Let’s see them below:
Sate Plecing Ayam is taken from Bali and Lombok. It is served as chicken satay with distinctive plecing sauce, which includes spices and is tangy and aromatic.
Cah Kangkung
Cah Kangkung is another popular Indonesian dish, a savoury stir-fry of kangkung (water spinach), garlic, chilli, and savoury seasonings. Quick and delicious as a vegetable accompaniment with rice and any other Indonesian food.
Ayam Betutu Goreng
Ayam Betutu Goreng was one of the tastiest Balinese dishes; it was the fried version of the slow-cooked or steamed chicken, which was marinated in rich aromatic Balinese spices.
Es Manado
It was a cold desert that had slush ices, soursop, and cut fruits. The desert was presented to us with sweetened condensed milk and fruits like strawberries, apples, watermelon, and more.
Es Teler
It is an Indonesian fruit cocktail desert that had avocado, coconut meat, jackfruit, basil seeds, strawberry, coconut, and sweetened condensed milk.
Day 2: Handara Gate, Tanah Lot Temple and Kopi Luwak
On the second day, we were taken to Handara Gate. It’s one of the very picturesque spots that is photogenic enough due to greenery all around it. But if you want to save your time, it is recommended not to visit this particular place.
But there are many such places, such as Tanah Lot Temple across Bali, that have similar structures, and the pictures are worth taking there with a lesser crowd. Next, we visited the serene Ulun Danu Beratan Temple on the shores of Lake Beratan.
The temple, perched on a rocky outcrop surrounded by the ocean, provided breathtaking sunset views. After a day filled with spiritual and scenic wonders, we treated ourselves at a local restaurant that was offering all sorts of dishes in Bali. And we tried:
Traditional Bali Salad:
A Traditional Bali Salad, also known as Lawar, is a flavourful Balinese dish that combines finely chopped vegetables, grated coconut, and minced meat (often pork or chicken) or seafood.
Tilapia:
Tilapia is a mild-flavoured, freshwater fish popular for its versatility in cooking. Commonly grilled, baked, or pan-fried, it’s a budget-friendly option for healthy meals.
Local Beer:
Bintan Beer is a popular Indonesian lager, widely enjoyed for its crisp and refreshing taste. Brewed using quality barley, hops, and water, it offers a light, mildly bitter flavour profile.
Kopi Luwak
Next we had a taste of the world’s some of the most amazing and unusual coffees, brewed from civet cats. Any coffee enthusiast would love the experience. Kopi Luwak is the world’s most exclusive (and most expensive) coffee. It is produced from coffee beans that have been partially digested by the Indonesian palm tree and then excreted. Yes, it sounds kind of gross, but not to worry! The outer layer of the coffee bean is removed during processing and the remaining beans are completely cleaned before being roasted and sent to you. It is noticeably not bitter and is intensely aromatic. It has a complex flavour profile that is smooth, earthy, and sweet with a hint of chocolate.
Day 3: Tanjung Benoa Watersports, Turtle Island, GWK, and Pandawa Beach
Thrill seekers will love the water sports in Bali. For our day, we went to Tanjung Benoa Beach for jet skiing, parasailing, snorkelling, seawalking, and a glass boat tour to Turtle Island. The activities were so exhilarating and affordable as well. Tanjung Benoa, Bali’s top destination for water sports, where you can experience the thrill of banana boat rides, parasailing, and jet skiing while soaking in stunning views of the coastline. Take a bottom boat ride to Turtle Island, a conservation area dedicated to protecting sea turtles, and get up close with these majestic creatures. Next, dive into the vibrant underwater world with a snorkelling session guided by a local expert, who will provide all the necessary gear.
Continue your journey to Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park, home to a towering statue of the Hindu god Vishnu riding the mythical bird Garuda, symbolising strength and resilience. As we finished our day at Pandawa Beach, where you unwind by the pristine water, marvel at the striking cliffs, and relish the peaceful atmosphere before heading back to your hotel in the evening.
Day 4: Lempuyang Temple, Tirta Gangga, and Goa Lawah Temple
Our next stop was the revered Lempuyang Temple, also known as the “Gate of Heaven.” Perched high on the mountainside, this ancient temple offered breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Agung, framed by its iconic split gate. As one of Bali’s oldest and most important temples, it was both a spiritual and scenic highlight of the day.
From there, we headed to Tirta Gangga, a former royal water palace surrounded by lush gardens, koi-filled pools, and beautiful fountains. Strolling through the serene palace grounds was a tranquil and refreshing experience.
We then continued to Goa Lawah Temple, famously known as the “Bat Cave Temple.” Built around a cave teeming with thousands of bats, this sacred site held deep significance in Balinese Hinduism. The temple’s unique architecture and the mysterious ambiance made it a fascinating place to explore. As the day wound down, we made our way to Ubud, checked into our hotel, and enjoyed a relaxing evening at leisure.
Day 5: Bali Swing, Celuk and Mas Village, Ubud Art Market
Next, we went to the Monkey Forest in Ubud, a sanctuary for Balinese long-tailed monkeys nestled in a lush forest. We strolled through tranquil paths surrounded by ancient temple ruins while watching the monkeys roam freely in their natural habitat. From there, we continued to Kintamani, where we were greeted by a spectacular view of Mount Batur, an active volcano encircled by the vast Batur caldera. The panoramic scenery of the volcano and Lake Batur was absolutely breathtaking and perfect for capturing memorable photos.
Afterward, we visited Celuk and Mas Village, famous for their traditional artisans and exquisite craftsmanship in gold, silver, and wood carving. The intricate work on display was a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Bali. More than silver, we loved the wood carving; it was something absolutely extraordinary and exceptional. Basically, the artists start the sculpture keeping their imagination in mind; they don’t have any references or research; they just start carving with their own thoughts and interpretations, something it takes a few weeks to months to complete an artwork. There are 4-5 types of wood available in Indonesia on which they carve and each has a different property.
Sari dewi Silver:
Thing about the silver museum, i.e., Sari Dewi Silver , there were many items to shop for, from pendants to rings, earrings, and whatnot, but they didn’t give you a price division. All prices are subject to jewellery pieces, and little negotiations are possible. However, I personally did not find it of that worth to spend this amount. Our journey then took us to the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, where we marvelled at the stunning layered rice paddies cascading gracefully down the hillside, a remarkable example of the traditional Balinese irrigation system known as subak.
Next, we stopped by Tegenungan Waterfall, where we soaked in the refreshing mist and enjoyed the scenic beauty of the surrounding natural landscape. To add a touch of adventure, we tried the Bali Swing, soaring high above the jungle and rice terraces with mesmerising views all around. Bali Swing costs 2000-8000 depending on the number of spots you choose for a picture. Girls can also rent a gown for 1200 rs. Its a picture spot where you get great videos and pictures. You have the option to hire a photographer for your pictures, at a cost of 3-6k per person, and you will undoubtedly receive high-quality images. Personally, I felt that spots were great but the pictures had a lot of disruption due to the excess crowd. Once you do a swing, you cannot repeat it.
We concluded the day with visits to Ubud Palace and Ubud Art Market. The palace provided an insight into Balinese culture and architecture, while the market provided a wealth of art, crafts, and souvenirs. The palace provided a glimpse into Balinese culture and architecture, while the market offered an abundance of art, crafts, and souvenirs. As the evening settled in, we returned to our hotel in Ubud, reflecting on an incredible day of exploration and discovery.
Bali Dos and Don’ts
Tips for a Respectful and Enjoyable Stay
When engaging in water sports, use a camera with personal waterproof protection
Be on the lookout for monkeys as they steal some valuables at temples.
- Narrow streets and congested traffic so plan more travel time.
- Rent a bike or even use the online rider app, Gojek, or Grab to make your travels easier.
- Pack a first aid kit and a reusable water bottle, as plastic bag usage is prohibited.
- Learn a few basic words in Balinese.
- Respect local traditions and dress modestly in temples.
- Dispose of waste responsibly and avoid single-use plastics.
- Avoid public displays of affection and pointing with your index finger.
- Don’t disturb wildlife or engage in illegal activities.
- Refrain from touching anyone’s head or stepping on offerings.
To Conclude:
Bali’s charm lies in its ability to cater to every traveller’s desires—from cultural exploration and spiritual retreats to thrilling adventures and tranquil beach days. Our 6-day itinerary offered a perfect balance of all these experiences. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or excitement, Bali has something for everyone. Plan your trip today and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Bali is an enchanting mix of nature’s beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. This island has everything one could possibly want: adventure, relaxation, or even a spiritual retreat. The journey of TheStyle.World to Bali was nothing short of spectacular. As Ms. Shrishti Jaiswal, Editor-in-Chief of TheStyle.World, states, “Bali is not just a destination; it’s an experience that lingers in your heart forever.” Let this itinerary guide you in planning your own unforgettable trip to this tropical paradise.
