Discover Bali Indonesia: Practical Guide to Landmarks, Food, and Culture

Bali, Indonesia, is a place many people want to visit. This island has beautiful beaches, green rice fields, and rich culture. If you want to know what to do, where to eat, and how to move safely and easily, this guide will help. Bali is famous for its temples, tasty food, and friendly people. You will also learn a few local words to use during your stay.

Main Landmarks You Should Visit in Bali

One of Bali’s most famous places is the Tanah Lot Temple. It is a sea temple built on a large rock by the ocean. Many visitors come here at sunset to take photos because the view is very beautiful. You can walk around the temple area, but remember it is a holy place for local people.

Another important landmark is the Uluwatu Temple. It is on top of a cliff, more than 70 meters above the sea. Here, you can enjoy a traditional dance called the Kecak dance, held every evening. It tells stories from old Hindu books and uses the voices of the dancers instead of music instruments.

In central Bali, near the town of Ubud, you have the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. These rice fields are famous for their beautiful green steps on the hills. Walking there early in the morning gives a cool and peaceful feeling. You will see farmers working with buffaloes and traditional tools.

Don’t miss the Bali Safari and Marine Park if you travel with family. It has many animals from Indonesia and Africa. You can ride in a special tram to see the animals up close safely.

Getting Around Bali: Transport Tips

Ngurah Rai International Airport is the main point to enter Bali. From here, people often use go-jek or grab apps to order motorbike rides or small cars. These apps are very popular and cheap. Another way is to rent a scooter if you feel confident driving. It is the most common transport on the island, and it lets you go anywhere easily.

Public buses exist but are not easy to use for tourists. Most visitors prefer motorbikes or private drivers for comfort and speed. If you want to go to nearby islands like Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan, many small boats leave from Sanur Beach. Make sure you check the weather before traveling by boat.

For longer trips or if you carry heavy luggage, arrange a driver for the day. It costs more but gives you freedom to explore and rest between stops. When driving yourself, always wear a helmet and carry an international driver’s license.

Taste Bali: Local Specialties and Where to Find Them

Bali’s food is full of flavor and uses many spices. In the southern part of the island, near Kuta and Seminyak, you can try babi guling. It is roast pork with crispy skin and tender meat, often served with rice and vegetables. This dish is a favorite during special ceremonies.

In Ubud, look for bebek betutu. This is slow-cooked duck, seasoned with traditional Balinese spices wrapped in banana leaves. It takes hours to cook but is very tasty. Many restaurants here focus on organic and locally grown ingredients.

For a simple snack, try jajan pasar, which means “market snacks.” These are colorful sweets and cakes made from rice, coconut, and palm sugar. You will find jajan pasar in morning markets or near temples.

Understanding Balinese Culture and Etiquette

Balinese people are deeply religious, mainly Hindu, and their daily life includes many ceremonies. When visiting temples, wear a sarong (a cloth wrapped around the waist) and a sash. It is respectful and sometimes required to cover your shoulders and knees.

Always remove shoes before entering a temple or someone’s home. If you join a ceremony or dance, try to be quiet and respectful. Avoid pointing your feet at people or religious objects, as feet are considered unclean in Bali.

A few useful Balinese words you can use:

• “Om Swastiastu” (om swah-sti-ah-stu) – A common greeting meaning “peace and greetings.”
• “Suksma” (sook-smah) – Thank you.
• “Permisi” (per-mee-see) – Excuse me or may I pass.
• “Ini berapa?” (ee-nee beh-rah-pah) – How much is this?

Finding a Place to Stay: Areas to Consider

Bali has many options for accommodation. If you want to be close to nightlife and beaches, the southern towns like Kuta, Seminyak, or Legian are good choices. These areas have many restaurants, shops, and easy access to the shore.

If you prefer a quieter and more cultural experience, Ubud is the heart of Bali’s art and nature scene. It is surrounded by rice fields, museums, and yoga centers. Here, you can stay in small guesthouses or eco-lodges for a peaceful visit.

For those seeking luxury and privacy, the Bukit Peninsula has many villa resorts with beautiful ocean views. It is less crowded than the southern coast and offers stunning sunsets.

Balinese Customs and Surprising Details

One interesting custom is the “Nyepi” day, the Balinese New Year. On this day, everything stops for 24 hours. No flights, no cars, no lights, and people stay silent at home to welcome a new year with peace. Visitors must respect this quiet day or stay inside their hotels.

Balinese people believe in spirits that live in nature. This is why you will see many small offerings called “canang sari” in temples, shops, and even streets. These are small baskets made from palm leaves, filled with flowers and rice, given daily to keep balance between humans and spirits.

A fun fact many tourists miss is that Bali’s famous dances are not only art but also a form of storytelling. They tell ancient stories from the Ramayana or Mahabharata epics. Watching a dance show is like watching a live book with music and movement.

Final Thoughts on Bali’s Travel Experience

Visiting Bali is more than just going to beaches and temples. It is about feeling the culture, tasting new food, and learning the ways of local people. Whether you take a motorbike to a hidden waterfall or enjoy a traditional dance under the stars, Bali offers many memorable moments.

With this guide, you can move around easily, respect the traditions, and enjoy the best places and dishes. Bali’s warmth and calmness stay with you long after you leave. Always remember to speak a few local words and smile. It helps to connect and makes your trip richer.

Author: Luca Steiner

Traveler with an engineer’s background and endless passion for exploration.