"Bali Hai!!" Bali by paradisedreamer

Bali Travel Guide: 7,014 reviews and 14,827 photos

Traditional Dress at Besakih Temple - Bali

A little history of Indonesia and Bali

The first Europeans to set foot in Bali were Dutch seamen in 1597. By the early 1600s the Dutch had established trade treaties with Javanese princes and had gained control of the spice trade from the Portuguese.
In the 18th century the entire island came under Dutch control and became part of the Dutch East Indies. Indonesia then fell to the Japanese during WWII.

At the end of the war Indonesian leader Sukarno proclaimed independence but it took 4 more years to persuade the Dutch that they were not going ot get their colony back. There was a coup in 1965 and General Suharto emerged as a major political figure

Our Trip

Cleansing the soul

We started in Kuta and hated it so we soon moved off to Ubud which was brilliant. Kuta was far too busy whereas Ubud was a lovely calm retreat. I could imagine myself staying there for a long time……..
Ubud has become known worldwide as a center for the arts and is located 25 Kilometers from Denpasar. It is set among lush rice paddies and the stunning hillsides of central Bali.
We had lots of long lazy lunches and enjoyed the cultural side of Bali in the evenings. We were there over Ramadan which I can highly recommend as you see the people in traditional dress and preparing for the feast.
Ubud is an ideal place to see Balinese dance. Legong, Ramayana, Kecak, and the fire dance can be seen every night in or around the Ubud area
We found the tourist office extremely helpful when it came to booking tours and seeing traditional dances, their prices are also very reasonable.

Tampaksiring

We were in Bali during the rainy season. It is quite difficult on a round the world trip to make sure that the weather is good in each place. In Bali it was not a problem as it would rain in the afternoons and then be clear in the evenings. We would do sightseeing in the morning, come back and read on the balcony with the heavy rain coming down and then go out in the evening which was much cooler due to the rain. Perfect!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Culture, temples, people
Cons:Nothing really, maybe too many postcard sellers, but hey they have to make a living!
In a nutshell:Lush, green, tropical land, colourful people rich in culture

Last visit to Bali: Jan 1999
Intro Updated Aug 9, 2003
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (30)

Rural Bali Things to Do (22)

You only have to walk a few minutes away from the main towns and you are in rural Bali and can see real people going... more travel advice

Preparations Things to Do (22)

Besakih temple was a hive aof activity just before the end of Ramadan. these women were weaving the small offering... more travel advice

Food on the go Restaurants (2)

The street stalls in Bali are called warungs. It is the cheapest option if you are on a budget and the food is good. you... more travel advice

Best restaurant in Bali Restaurants (2)

This is a wonderful place to spend a lazy afternoon. The restaurant is a wooden platform surrounded by water that is... more travel advice

Hotels (2)
See All Simpang Inn
Favorites (2)
See All Temple dress

Comments (25)

kyoub Nov 5, 2007 at 12:08 PM Report Abuse

Excellent tips. Your pages brought back fond memories.
chiara76 Jul 3, 2005 at 1:15 PM Report Abuse

Very , very nice page about this wonderful place. You are lucky that you could be there and see it your own eyes! Greetings from Poland.
aussirose Feb 11, 2005 at 7:46 PM Report Abuse

Hi Sarah. Hopefully we might get there this year. Looks like you stayed in a nice spot. Nice restaurant tip too. Cheers, Ann :o)
windsorgirl Jan 9, 2005 at 10:05 AM Report Abuse

Bali is another of my dream destinations, it seems like you've been everywhere! Great pages, thanks for sharing.
Jim_Eliason Nov 21, 2004 at 3:00 PM Report Abuse

fantastic photos!
csutiluca Sep 29, 2004 at 10:32 PM Report Abuse

Hi, I was lucky enough to stay a week in Bali and travell ig by bemos around. I am planning to go back, and it was a great help from you . Thanks from Hungary.
mrdreameruk Jun 14, 2004 at 11:52 AM Report Abuse

Hi I have been lucky enough to go there and saw Ubud like you, I was lucky enough to drive around the island and saw an awful lot, I found ur pages a delight to read.Clive
italianmygirl Apr 8, 2004 at 2:00 AM Report Abuse

i am planning a trip to Bali. Your pages tell me that it will be wonderful.
Paul2001 Nov 13, 2003 at 12:36 PM Report Abuse

I have heard that about Kuta. Not the real Bali so to speak. Excellent tips and photos. I have got to go someday.
tiganeasca Nov 4, 2003 at 5:49 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for making an unusual destination come to life. The pictures and your insights made it a "real" place--and, of course, now it has to be added to the "must-see" list!