Top spots to visit in Bali pt. 2

This entry is part 2 of 3 in the series of top spots to visit in Bali. Following on, you will find tips on which surf beach to visit (Bali has become a hallowed surf destination), which tourist attraction to go to and once again which bar we recommend, to relax and have a nice cold drink.

Visit the surf spot and temple Uluwatu

Uluwatu is a famous tourist destination on the island of Bali, visited by many tourists, especially in the afternoon to see the spectacular sunset with the backdrop of a Hindu Temple (Pura Uluwatu) set on the cliff. The name of Uluwatu itself is derived from the location where the temple is situated. It is the oldest temple in Bali, and is blessed by the breathtaking view over the Indian Ocean. Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali’s nine key directional temples. The temple is inhabited by large number of monkeys, who are extremely adept at snatching visitors’ belongings, including bags, cameras and eyeglasses. Keep a very close grip on all your belongings and stow away your eyeglasses if at all possible. Uluwatu Beach is located deep under the cliff. Uluwatu’s beach is considered one of Bali’s best surfing spots, attracting surfers from all over the world. Be careful, this spot is for experienced surfers only. Uluwatu offers real challenges in the water, and spectacular views from the warungs (restaurants) perched on the cliff. Even if you are not a surfer, Uluwatu should be on your itinerary to visit as there is much to see and experience.

Culturally immerse yourself in Ubud

Ubud has been the island’s center of arts, crafts, dance, food and music for many years. Located amongst scenic rice paddies, Ubud was once frequented by backpackers and bohemians but is now the place to be for the island’s designers and glitterati. While Ubud seems to outsiders like one small town, it is in fact fourteen villages, each run by its own banjar (village committee). Many people visit Ubud to become immersed in Balinese culture and it has been a popular destination for spa retreats and yoga holidays. Due to its elevation at 200 m above sea level, Ubud enjoys cooler temperatures than the coast, and it is sometimes necessary to bring a pullover for the evening. The midday sun can still be scorching though and the humidity often relentless, a murderous combination for temple tramping, which, in hilly Ubud, usually requires climbing up and down staircases. (Head out early to beat the heat and the crowds.)

Ubud has some great organic restaurants and cafes and there is a sacred monkey forest and the Bali bird park. Also available and recommended is to go cycling from Kintamani downhill to Ubud where the approximate distance is 45 km. You will be passing through traditional villages and wonderful Balinese countryside. Along the route you will pass a rice plantation with its beautiful terraces (they may not be the staple attraction in Bali, but paddy fields are still one of the most calming experiences you can have under the sun).
You will also see traditional villages and temples, and meet friendly local villagers going about their daily life.

Have a beer at La Plancha

While most other beach bars roll out designer cocktails and fancy finger food, La Plancha keeps it simple with laid-back reggae beats, a selection of beers, oversized beanbags and jugs of Sangria.It also helps that the bar has an uninterrupted view of the pink-to-red-to-orange sky. La Plancha is a Vibrant Spanish beach bar & restaurant named after a traditional Spanish way of cooking ‘la Plancha is simple, unpretentious, serves fresh Spanish food whilst you relax on comfortable colorful beanbags in the sand to enjoy a drink & watch the amazing Bali sunsets.