A little planning goes a long way in making an enjoyable trip to Bali, one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Visitors would do well to familiarize themselves with the island and its people before arriving; allow time to acclimate themselves upon arrival; and then slow down and soak it all in.
First, understand the lay of the land. Bali isn't very large -- a little larger than Delaware -- but it can be hilly, even mountainous, in places. Still, it's quite easy to get around since the island has one of the most highly developed tourist infrastructures in Indonesia.
Also keep in mind that Bali is tropical, meaning hot days every day, so when you go out, bring a hat, bottled water and the good sense to know when you need to get out of the heat.
What you want to do will affect where you should stay in Bali. Want beaches and nightlife? The busy town of Kuta has it. Looking for a quiet getaway? The hamlet of Candi Dasa on the east coast might be right. Or a romantic one? Try posh Nusa Dua. Want to immerse yourself in Bali's famous art and culture? Ubud in central Bali would be a good place.
One of the best ways to see much that Bali has to offer is to leave the driving to a tour guide on half-day or day-long excursions by car or van. Most tour services are friendly and capable, but it's still best to arrange such tours through your hotel or a local travel agency, since touts on the street offering lowball prices for such tours might well deliver subpar service.
Whatever your interests, there are some places unique to Bali that you should try to see, such as:
• Balinese Hindu temples, especially the "mother temple" of Besakih on the slopes of Mt. Agung, or Ulu Danu on scenic Lake Bratan, or the cliffside Pura Luhur Uluwatu, overlooking the Indian Ocean.
• The sacred monkey forest of near Ubud, home to free-roaming long-tail macaques. Don't feed them, though.
• The lush, beautiful rice fields in various parts of the island, which use a system of terracing unlike any other in the world.
• Views of Lake Batur and Kintamani Volcano from roads that cross Bali's highlands in the north-central part of the island.
Bali is a feast for the senses, and no matter where island visitors stay or what their interests are, they should seek certain pleasures Bali has to offer.
Balinese cuisine is varied and quite unlike cuisine in the rest of Indonesia or even the world. It also can be inexpensive -- the island is full of mom-and-pop restaurants with excellent selections. Try Babi Guling, grilled suckling pig, or Bebek Betutu, slow-baked duck in banana leaves, among many other choices.
Listen to Balinese wind chimes. They're virtually everywhere on the island and make a melodious sound.
Get a message on the beach from an itinerant masseur or masseuse, who are often inexpensive, aboveboard and incredibly skilled.
Take in Balinese music and dance. Such performances, characterized by lavish costuming, exotic music and precise steps, are held at least weekly in various venues, especially in Ubud.
