Natural Beauty, Rich Culture and Deep Spirituality on the Island of the Gods

Known as the “Island of the Gods”, Bali has so much to offer, from beautiful picturesque countryside and iconic rice paddies, to volcanic mountains and beautiful beaches. There are so many volcanoes nearby that we got stranded there the last time we went. I wasn’t complaining, an extra 4 days in beautiful Bali wasn't bad. It’s the kind of place that once you arrive, you will never want to leave.

No matter what your budget is, there is something for everyone. Bali has some lovely guesthouses and some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. We stayed in this beautiful retreat for our first night in Ubud, which was the home of Mr Ketut Liyer, made famous from the book and film Eat, Pray, Love. Mr Ketut Liyer is a traditional Balinese healer. If you stay at the hotel you can have your own intimate meeting with him.

Travelling to Ubud, Bali is the perfect way to escape the busy tourist places. It is surrounded by rainforest and rice paddies, with shrines and Hindu temples making it one of Bali’s most iconic landscapes. Ubud has so much charm, when you drive through the town you can see parts of old temples that make up the locals homes, and the beautiful Balinese sculptures that Ubud is famous for. It’s one of the most relaxing and calm places that I have ever seen and wherever you stay in Ubud you can be sure to enjoy the lush greenery that surrounds you.

Food:

Balinese flavours are fantastic, especially if you like spicy food. Getting a cooking lesson from one of the locals is a great experience. We stopped at a tiny little shack at the side of the road, they served us a suckling pig dish. It was amazing. 

Activities:

From visiting volcanoes, surfing, diving, enjoying yoga or enjoying the more traditional and cultural side with Balinese dancing, there are so many things to do! Bali also has lots of stunning beaches with white sand and clear blue sea, along with some volcanic black beaches. We visited Purnama beach, the sand was so glittery and there was not another person in sight.

Must see:

Balinese temples are beautiful and iconic. Ulun Danu Beratan sits on the lake, creating a unique floating illusion. The surroundings are dreamy with the mountain range and flowering lakeside gardens.

If you enjoy watching sunsets, head down to the famous Rock bar at the Ayana resort. It’s one of the most iconic sunset bars in Bali. It can get very busy but it’s totally worth a visit, the scenery is stunning. 

Bali has something to offer everyone. You can take part in various activities on offer, take in the sights or relax and enjoy the lovely surroundings.

Written by Lauren Baxter

Lauren is a THISWORLDEXISTS Adventure Ambassador. Check out more of her travels via Instagram: @laurenbaxter2