144Bali is the most popular island in Indonesia, known for its unique blend of sun, sea, beaches, nature, culture, and delicious cuisine. From stunning rice terraces to temple complexes and sandy beaches with vibrant underwater worlds, it has it all. In this two-week journey, you will explore many unique highlights, and in this blog post, we recommend some special places you won’t want to miss! The Monkey Forest in Ubud is a protected nature reserve home to over 1,000 long-tailed macaques. The monkeys roam freely and are generally quite tame, but they can become aggressive if they spot loose objects. In exchange for a banana provided by the staff, the monkeys will return your belongings. Beyond the monkeys, this area is also a protected nature reserve consisting mainly of hilly rainforest. Remarkably, many trees hold sacred status, with the Pule Bandak tree being the most significant. Small pieces of this tree are used to create ceremonial masks. There are thousands of temples in Bali, but the Pura Besakih Temple is the largest and holiest. For Balinese people, this temple complex is akin to the Vatican for Catholics. Visitors are required to wear a sarong out of respect for Hinduism. The sprawling temple complex consists of approximately 200 structures and is built on the slopes of the active volcano Gunung Agung. Most of the temples were constructed between the 14th and 18th centuries, and visitors can access the temple by climbing a long staircase. Bali is renowned for its stunning nature, and the rice fields are a must-see. The name Jatiluwih comes from the words “Jati” meaning “true” and “Luwih” meaning “beautiful” or “good.” The Jatiluwih rice fields are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are among the most beautiful on the island. This area is the last place where genuine Balinese rice is cultivated, making these rice fields particularly special. If you embark on a two-week journey through Bali, don’t miss these stunning rice terraces.
In northern Bali lies the famous beach resort of Lovina. Here, don’t expect white sandy beaches, but rather dark volcanic shores. Lovina is particularly known for the many dolphins swimming off the coast. We offer an excursion where you can spot these beautiful creatures while ensuring their safety. A short drive from Lovina takes you to the renowned GitGit Waterfalls, the most powerful and famous waterfalls in the region. Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid large crowds.Best Hotel in Bali → Experience Luxury and Unique Charm! The word “Gunung” means mountain, which is why all volcanoes in Bali start with this name. Gunung Agung is the highest and holiest volcano in Bali, reaching about 3,000 meters high. Gunung Batur is smaller but equally spectacular, separated from Gunung Agung by a small valley. Both volcanoes are climbable, but it’s a challenging trek. Batur is a popular ‘tourist climb’ and relatively easier. In contrast, the trek to the summit of Agung is strenuous and better suited for experienced hikers. The views from both volcanoes are breathtaking and definitely worth the effort. If you have time for snorkeling or diving during your two-week stay, make sure to stop in Amed or Tulamben. Both villages are located on Bali’s east coast and offer a lot for both novice snorkelers and experienced divers. Amed is very popular among snorkelers due to the beautiful corals found right by the beach. You can easily walk to a well-known snorkeling spot and enjoy the underwater beauty. Tulamben is famous as a diving site where shipwrecks are present. The most famous wreck is the Liberty, an American Army cargo ship torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942, not far from the coast. If you want to experience the tranquility of rural life and beautiful natural surroundings, Munduk is the perfect place to visit. Due to its favorable climate, various vegetables, crops, and flowers are cultivated in Munduk and the surrounding areas, thriving better than in other parts of Bali. In this sparsely populated mountainous area, you can enjoy beautiful hikes through expansive rice terraces, coffee, and orange plantations, and along waterfalls. The villages here remain authentically Balinese, allowing you to immerse yourself in everyday life and local norms.
Monkey Forest in Ubud
Pura Besakih Temple
Jatiluwih Rice Fields
Lovina Beach
Volcanoes: Gunung Agung and Gunung Batur
Colorful Underwater World in Amed or Tulamben
Creating Your Travel Itinerary
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- 1. What are the unique highlights of Bali?
Some unique highlights of Bali include the Monkey Forest in Ubud, the Pura Besakih Temple, and Jatiluwih rice fields.
- 2. How can I explore Bali in two weeks?
You can explore Bali in two weeks by visiting its major attractions, including volcanoes, beaches, and cultural sites like temples and rice terraces.
- 3. What is the best time to visit Bali?
The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, which typically runs from April to October, offering perfect weather for outdoor activities.
- 4. Why visit the Jatiluwih rice fields?
The Jatiluwih rice fields are a UNESCO World Heritage site and showcase breathtaking landscapes, making them a must-see when visiting Bali.
- 5. Is Amed good for snorkeling or diving?
Yes, Amed is excellent for snorkeling, offering vibrant coral reefs, while Tulamben is renowned for its diving opportunities, including shipwrecks.
