Bali sounds like paradise. This Hindu dominated island in Muslim dominated Indonesia has so much to offer, from temples to beaches, from rice terraces to night clubs. But is it still paradise?
Paul van Schaik
03-Mar-2025
About Bali, some background info
Bali is the Indonesian island between Java and Lombok. It hardly needs any introduction. Bali depends almost completely on tourism, yet also suffers from over-tourism. Denpasar is its metropolitan centre with the international airport. Ubud is the cultural centre. Beaches can be found everywhere, but Kuta and surroundings are very well-known.
Bali has a large majority of Balinese Hindu population, unlike the rest of Indonesia. They believe in more than one God and has the nickname the “island of Gods”. Every community and most houses have their own temple, where offerings are made. There are lots of religious celebrations year-round.
Bali is international. Conferences and large meetings – whether political of business – may be held somewhere on the island. Especially the area around Nusa Dusa in the south is destined for this with more large hotels, resorts and security than elsewhere.
Travel in Bali
Different people visit Bali for different reasons. What you like, may not be my thing and vice versa.
Lots of people will visit Bali for its beaches with surfing and nightlife. Others will more feel like relaxing and wellness. Yet another group will want to see and discover the island with it many temples and other sights. Everyone will enjoy the local cuisine, which is really, really nice.
Creating a basic itinerary with things to see and do is therefore difficult. There are so many options. If you travel here in a group, the itinerary may be pre-set. It may also be part of larger itinerary for example in combination with Eastern Java.
Ubud, the cultural centre of Bali
Ubud is a must-do place for tourists in Bali. The city and vicinity has great attractions, excellent food and great rural hotels. It is all very walkable. Of course you are not alone here. Traffic jams exist and roads may be congested with no improvement really in sight, because there just isn’t any space.
You can make Ubud your home to visit the area, for example the rice terraces, Monkey Forest, Besakih Temple and Mount Batur volcano.
Beaches
The beaches west of Denpasar are long and famous. Kuta, Legian and Seminyak beaches stretch for many kilometres and offer all facilities, from sun bathing to surfing, fine dining and nightlife. These places can be crowded. Fortunately they are cleaned up daily.
Lovina Beach is a black-sand beach in the far North. It is not really known for swimming and sunbathing, but for dolphins. Large pots appear at the coast every morning and small boats can take you there to see them.
Sanur Beach in the east is another place for sun pleasure and water fun. It is less crowded than Kuta and probably even more enjoyable. You can also connect from here to Lombok or Nusa Penida.
Nusa Dusa in the south is a bit special. Here you can find upscale resorts and large hotels with all amenities. Security is tighter. Some beaches are private, most beaches are cleaned every day.
Traffic is a problem. Indonesia is working on an underground sub-way to connect Denpasar with Kuta and Nusa Dusa. This will make traffic lighter and jams shorter. First phase to be completed by 2028.
Temples
There are temples everywhere, inland as well as at the waterfront. Most famous are probably Tanah Lot, Pura Besakih and Uluwatu temple. There are many and you should definitely visit a few during your visit.