"Bali - Home of the Gods (& mischievious monkeys)" Bali by Wild_Orchid

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

Ubud & Rice Terraces

The charm of the Balinese countryside in and around Ubud has to be experienced to be appreciated. While the restaurants may be undoubtedly touristy, I found the food at Bebek Benggil restaurant to be good and as a whole, it was a delightful experience. A big thanks for fellow VTer ngcsc for his recommendation.

Jimbaran Bay

Jimbaran & nearby Kedonganan is where local fishermen make their daily living, going out in their boats and returning with a bounty that is sold to the numerous Grilled Seafood Cafes here...and onto your plates!

In the evenings, local children play a game of football on the beach, or jump the waves, and a lone corn vendor fans the coal used to grill fresh sticks of corn on his green stall set up on a tricycle. The boys and girls here are quite bold, and yet bashful. They enjoy making conversation with you and those that you meet on the streets or at the beaches may like your taking a photo of them or with them.

Jimbaran is the perfect beach for an early morning jog, a quiet walk, some beach-combing for sea treasures or little swim in the evenings.

Pura Taman Ayun, Mengwi

Island of Gods

With a rich, cultural heritage that is unique to this island, Bali offers the world-weary visitor the opportunity to contemplate a different way of life. Visiting Pura (temples) to make offerings and holding festive ceremonies and rituals (including cremation ceremonies) is a way of every day Balinese life among the Balinese who practice the Hindu religion.

The must-see temples are the Royal Family Temple at Taman Ayun, Mengwi which is surrounded by water, the Holy Spring Water Temple at Sebatu and the famous Tanah Lot temple at Sunset.

Cliffs at Uluwatu

Uluwatu Temple

This lovely temple and its surrounding cliffs are sight to behold, especially at sunset. Get there by 5.45pm to catch the Kecak Dance that greets the sunset. Do beware of the mischievious monkeys because they are very quick and will grab glasses off your face (happened to my mother!), hair-bands and even cameras. Don't say you weren't warned!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Lovely island, with rich, unique & thriving Hindu culture
Cons:scams, con-men and mischevious monkeys abound
In a nutshell:Some call it Paradise, the Balinese call it Home!

Last visit to Bali: Nov 2004
Intro Updated Jun 9, 2008
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Reviews (48)

Enjoy Jimbaran Bay Things to Do (11)

The less famous Jimbaran Bay has a lovely, quiet charm of its own. Away from the touristy crowds and hassling vendors of... more travel advice

Time Share Hotels (2)

With spacious living room and bedroom, the units are perfect for small families, a delight for honeymooners, or couples... more travel advice

Snake Fruit/Buah Salak Favorites (5)

A unique fruit with a thick skin that looks like the scales of a snake! Peel open the buah salak and you will find... more travel advice

Some simple Rules when Visiting a... Local Customs (1)

When visiting a Balinese temple, do observe a few rules: 1) Menstruating women are not allowed to enter the temple 2)... more travel advice

Shopping (4)
See All a spot of Bikini Shopping !
Tourist Traps (2)
See All Time Share Heaven/Scam?
Transportation (3)
See All Hire a Car with Driver
Restaurants (5)
See All I scream, you scream, we all scream for...

Nightlife (4)
See All A Quiet Drink or late Supper
Warnings Or Dangers (4)
See All Mischievious Monkey Business @ Uluwatu
Off The Beaten Path (7)
See All Awakening of your Senses
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Comments (80)

markbank May 29, 2008 at 4:45 AM Report Abuse

banyak jugak tips ni,,blh pakai bila i pegi bali july ni
Toshioohsako Oct 23, 2007 at 11:29 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for your comments on my tips. I was here a long time ago. They are peaeful pictures.
margu777 Jul 5, 2007 at 8:22 PM Report Abuse

Being the designer and owner of Kuta Kidz for the past 19 years, Please let your readers know that we have changed our name to Pokito and Qii. The Kuta Kidz shop on Bemo Cnr is now owned by someone else.
l_joo May 14, 2007 at 8:47 PM Report Abuse

Hi Wild Orchid, very very happy to see your comment on my page, thanks. I like to read your Gods page too, especially some useful tips for me to use soon.
benazer May 8, 2007 at 6:05 PM Report Abuse

Salammmmmm... Just dropped in to greet you,hope your life is wonderful as usual.
charlieKuzy Mar 4, 2007 at 11:32 PM Report Abuse

We had the same problem at the airport and being our first time we didn't know any better they got at least 20.000 from us.We will know next visit.
janetanne Jan 16, 2007 at 1:26 AM Report Abuse

Bali looks so real and enticing on your lovely pages. I could use some of those healing waters right now! Wonderful images!
travgreen Sep 23, 2006 at 5:13 PM Report Abuse

That flower is definitely a lotus... very beautiful! Tropical water lilly's will keep their leaves on the water surface, with their flowers above the water. Lotus flowers & leaves rise above the water and their leaves also repel water.
sayedaburas Sep 18, 2006 at 5:52 PM Report Abuse

♫♫MILD ORCHID ღღ Selamat Hari Jadi (~_~)
Fra.da. Sep 15, 2006 at 3:19 AM Report Abuse

Bali is simply wonderful... and your nickname is really nice too: I love orchids!! :) Francesca