Explore Indonesia’s island Bali travel wonders travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises, spa and resorts

The island of Bali in Indonesia is a traveler’s dream-come-true – and offers visitors an exciting variety of things to do and see. Bali’s natural attractions include miles of sandy beaches (many are well-known amongst surfers), picturesque rice terraces, towering active volcanoes over 3,000 meters (10,000 ft.) high, fast flowing rivers, deep ravines, pristine crater lakes, sacred caves, and lush tropical forests full of exotic wildlife.

The island is home to the vast majority of Indonesia’s small Hindu minority. It is also the largest tourist destination in the country and is renowned for its highly developed arts, including dance, sculpture, painting, leather and metalworking, and music.

This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage. The Balinese people are proud of having preserved their unique Hindu culture against the advance of Islam, the dominant religion throughout Indonesia. This is still reflected in day to day life and can be seen in the numerous ceremonies, Balinese festivals and magnificent temples and palaces. Some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island whilst conversely the eastern side is a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas.

You can experience Bali on many different excursions and guided tours by coach, private car or “Big Bike”, by boat or by air plane: seeing Bali’s beaches and rice terraces, the famous Besakih Temple on the slopes of holy Mount Agung, Lake Batur and it’s active volcano, Ubud, Legian, Kuta, Nusa Dua, and the temples of Tanah Lot and Ulu Watu from a helicopter is a really special experience.

What to do and see in BaliRice Terraces – Rice terraces thoughout the world are photogenic. Of all of them, those in Bali are the most beautiful.Traditional dance & music – Balinese dance entertains and uplifts your spirit. And nothing is more mesmerizing than the haunting percussion sounds of a Balinese gamelan orchestra.Arts & Crafts – On a per capita basis, Bali probably has the most accomplished artists and craftsmen on earth. Skills include painting, stone carving and wood sculpting (including elaborate masks – see photo).Temples – Bali is nicknamed the Island of the Gods because it has over 10,000 temples. No trip to Bali is fulfilled without observing a festive temple ceremony.The Ubud experience – Ubud village and its surrounding lands rest among lush hills and rice terraces. It’s the artistic heart and soul of Bali.

Street offerings – The meaning of the offerings placed in front of buildings.

Sunning & swimming – Important pointers that most visitors do not know.

Adventure sports – A helpful rundown of the major ones.

Google Earth Placemark – Explore Indonesia’s island Bali travel wonders