In Bali on your own

This fabulous island attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. Surfers come here for high waves, designers and creatives for inspiration, office workers - to relax on beaches and in spas. Is it possible to fly to Bali on your own? Of course yes. It is not at all necessary to use the services of a travel agency.

Traveling "on its own" will cost 40 percent less. Only a number of questions arise: how to get there, what documents need to be drawn up, whether you need a visa, where to stay, which excursions to go on, which beach to choose. This guide will help answer all these and other questions.

How to apply for a visa

To travel to Bali, you need to get a visa. You can issue it directly after arrival at the airport for $ 25. The waiting time will be 30 minutes. Or you can get to the Indonesian Embassy in the Russian Federation in advance and solve the visa issue there. In addition to a visa, a tourist will need a passport.

Which resort to choose

The question is very relevant for everyone who decided to fly to Bali. Which resort to choose? Tour operators help to quickly select a voucher based on the requirements and wishes of the client, because they are specialists in the field of tourism. If you go to the island on your own, then there is often no one to tell you which part of the island to go to and which hotel to choose. We'll have to read numerous reviews of "seasoned" travelers.

They can be used to make a general idea of ​​the resorts and hotels, to get information of interest. It will be necessary to "search" a bunch of sites. You can spend a lot of free time on searches. If there is one, great. If not, then you should use the information below. They provide useful information about places to relax in Bali.

Kuta

A resort center where young people "hang out" and tourists actively relax. It is the most famous large resort on the island. You can get to it by taxi from Ngurah Rai Airport. Travel time is no more than 15 minutes. A cheaper option is to take the bus. The beaches of Kuta cannot be considered clean, at least compared to Nusa Dua.

Lovers of the fun-filled nightlife will love it here. There are plenty of bars and clubs in Kuta. You can leave one and go to the other. Lanterns are lit on the streets at night. There are bars where you can watch a movie. A trip to the Waterboom Park water park will be a good entertainment. You can also go shopping. In the resort, some markets are open even at night.

Nusa Dua

The most elite resort on the island. The beaches are the most suitable, and the luxury hotels are some of the best. Here you can have a great rest with children. The hotels have everything you need: swimming pools, restaurants, beaches and parks. Moreover, they are not fenced off by fences. You can easily go to one or the other.

Tanjung Benoa Resort

It is located next to the expensive Nusa Dua, in comparison with which it is much cheaper. It used to be a fishing village, now it is a small calm resort. In the evenings, vacationers are divided into two categories. One goes to the beach to watch the sunset, the other goes to Kuta to have fun in the clubs.

Jimbaran

A resort for wealthy citizens. The restaurants cook delicious fish, and more than half of the people come out to admire the sunsets in the evenings. You can dine right on the beach: tables and chairs are almost on the coastline. If staying at this resort is not affordable, then you should at least come here for a romantic candlelit dinner. A meal by the sea will be remembered for a long time as the most unusual way to eat deliciously and enjoy the local beauty.

Sanur

Sanur is considered an ideal place for families with children. The waves at this resort are not high, so there is no need to worry about kids and teenagers. Silence reigns in Sanur, unlike other places for recreation. It's far from here to get to Kuta. This resort is not famous for entertainment until dawn. After ten o'clock in the evening, very few people will meet on the street. The atmosphere here is the most suitable to be able to spend a vacation in a relaxed atmosphere.

Ubud

Organic food and yoga enthusiasts gather in Ubud. Those who want to eat healthy sandwiches and talk about meditation and clearing karma stop here. By the way, in this secluded place in the jungle, the film “Eat. Pray. Love ”, which quickly gained popularity after its release.

In Ubud, you can watch the national trance dance. The ticket price for such a spectacle is about $ 6. This resort offers homestay accommodation for as little as $ 10 / day. This is the minimum price. To relieve boredom, you should go to the local spa center for a massage, go to the village of Kintamani to look at the coffee plantations and admire the Batur volcano. The Antonio Blanco Museum cannot be ignored. It was founded by a Spanish artist who settled in Bali.

These are the main resorts of Bali. Which one to choose is up to you. You can generally live in different parts of the island. This is the best of all options. You can stick to the following program, arriving on the island of paradise.

Day 1

Seminyak

For those who are accustomed to having fun outside the house, it is better to start with Seminyak. Hanging out there will turn out one hundred percent. After a memorable fun, you should think about something more interesting, which will bring new knowledge and add impressions. We must go on the first excursion.

Java island

A great solution is to fly to Java island. It is located outside the resort itself. The tour will cost a lot (about $ 300) .This must be taken into account first of all. But if the funds allow, then Java should be visited. On this most wonderful island there are many temples: Borobudur, Mendut, Pavon. They are distinguished by their unique architectural style and special flavor. After studying all the most remarkable information and details about the structures, the legs will obviously get tired. You will need to take a break, so that then again with renewed vigor, go for vivid emotions.

Grab a bite to eat at the local restaurant, which serves hearty meals. Lunch is included in the tour price. Just remember that the food on the island is mostly very peppery. If someone loves to taste food with fire, then in Java it will work out. For those who do not particularly prefer spicy foods, it is better to eat more rice and drink more water. After having lunch and gaining strength, we must go again. Where to? To the Prambanan Hindu Temple. This structure is amazing at just one look at it from the outside. What can we say about the interior decoration! The beauty in Prambanan is indescribable.

It is difficult to write about it, it must be seen. One gets the impression that the temple is a creation not made by hands. It is hard to believe that such a wonderful architectural building could have been designed by a man. It's one thing to come up with and think over all the details of the design, and quite another - to embody all this. After admiring Prambanan, it is planned to return to Bali.The day will come to an end, you will have to go to bed without staying up late. Otherwise, the next day it will be difficult to get ready for a new excursion.

Day 2

Taman Ayun

You can start your sightseeing day from Taman Ayun. This is one of the most beautiful temples in Bali. It is located in a park where century-old trees grow and clean ponds amaze with their splendor. Before entering the temple, you must cross the bridge. The path leads to a fountain built according to the symbolism. The number of jets (there are 9 of them) is equal to the number of Balinese gods. The jets are directed in different directions according to the principle of the location of the cardinal points. Further, the path will lead to a more luxurious courtyard of the temple.

Lake Bratan

After Taman Ayun, you can go to the very heart of the island, to Lake Bratan. It is considered sacred. The lake is located on a once extinct volcano.

Local residents use the water from it for cooking and for other purposes. Without him, they would have had a hard time. The nature around the lake is unusually clean. Many tourists believe that this is the best lake in Bali. It's quiet and cool here. You can watch the clubs of incense distributed by the Balinese during religious rites.

Ulun Danu Temple

Here is the Ulun Danu Temple, which fascinates with the unusual structures of which it consists. You can go to the Botanical Garden. Just don't think that it is full of tropical evergreens. The garden is more like an ordinary park in central Russia. Therefore, if there is no extra time and money, then it is better to go somewhere else. On this, perhaps, day trips should be interrupted for a while.

Hike Mount Agung

If you want something unusual and mega-memorable, then at night you should definitely make a hike to Mount Agung. You need to mentally prepare yourself for it in advance. The path is not easy. In the evening, you need to have a good dinner and lie down for a couple of hours, even better - take a nap. As soon as the night approaches, you will have to get ready for the road.

The opportunity to do something unreal arises in the head of every active tourist. So why not? Climbing the mountain peak, which is the highest point in Bali, not everyone can.

Only desperate daredevils can do this. Upon returning home, you will be able to boast of conquering the mountain and your courage. A challenge for the strong-minded tourists, but worth it! Emotions overwhelm those who reach the top. It should be noted that it is always cool in the mountains. The farther from the ground, the colder and colder it gets. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to grab a warm jacket.

The closer to the cherished peak, the more difficult it is to climb. Strength becomes less with every step. But at the end of the path, such a fascinating landscape opens up, which cannot be described in words. One feels freedom and a feeling of boundless happiness. On this ascent, perhaps, it is worth finishing the second day of your stay in Bali. After such an eventful program, it is definitely worth returning to the hotel, where you can pamper yourself with a sound sleep.

Day 3

Rafting on the Telaga river

Do you like rafting? Then in the morning you can get ready for the descent along the Telaga Waja River. The cost of the alloy is about $ 70. Telaga is a mountain river with a "harsh character". You will have to learn to bypass rapids and waterfalls. In short, only real extremists can embark on such an adventurous voyage. The river will provide explosive emotions, stormy memories with the smallest details from such a descent will not be forgotten for at least a week. Most rafting enthusiasts are delighted with rafting on Telaga.

Before the descent, instructions are given and the necessary uniforms are given: helmets and vests. Tourists are offered a choice of two rafting routes: along the above-mentioned river and the Ayung River, which is very "calm". It is difficult to call it a mountain either. This is not even rafting, but just a walk along the river with the opportunity to view the local landscapes and take wonderful photographs.

It is unlikely that you can take a photo yourself. Here you have to watch out for river "surprises". On such excursions, tourists are filmed by a professional photographer who swims with everyone. We'll have to pay him for a photo disc. But there will be something to show to the family! And it’s better to buy such photos as a keepsake.

Day 4

In the morning it is worth going to the beach to soak up the sun and swim in the warm sea. In the afternoon, if you wish, you need to go on another excursion again. It’s not wasted time lying on a sun lounger! We must try something new, see something incredible. Then the trip will seem not just a trip to Bali, but an unusual adventure.

You can spend the day exploring the water palaces. You can hardly find such structures anywhere. They are located close to each other, in the Karangasem principality. Here everyone will delight their eyes with stunning landscapes and find out what life was like for Balinese rajahs.

Taman Ujung

The elegant Taman Ujung palace used to be the residence of one of the rajas. The complex includes three swimming pools with palaces designed for complete relaxation. The buildings are a mix of local and European architecture. They are cool even on the hottest days due to their location on the surface of the water.

In the 20th century, the temple was partially destroyed by a volcanic eruption and by an earthquake. In 2004, Ujung was renovated. Tourists are given the opportunity to walk around the residence, see the rajah's bedroom.

From the hill, you can admire the splendor of what you see here: rice terraces, Agung volcano and fishing villages will amaze with their irresistibility. Everything in Tirtagangga's palace resembles Ujung. These are ponds, fountains, and numerous sculptures.

It is noteworthy that in this place there is a spring that symbolizes the origin of life on earth. At least it is symbolic for the locals. Water is taken from it for rituals and ceremonies. One such excursion per day should be enough. “What to do with yourself?” - the reader will ask.

Shopping

The fourth day of your stay in Bali is perfect for shopping. In a few days, whatever one may say, you will find out where, what and how much. Therefore - let's go shopping! In Bali, you should not buy things for a year in advance. It is better to bypass the clothes of famous brands here. It is preferable to make your choice in favor of carved wooden products. If you didn’t take enough dresses or sundresses with you (most of the suitcase is bursting at the seams before the trip, but you still cannot fit everything you want), then you can buy good models in Kuta or Legian.

Walking around the shops and shops will take several hours. To find what you really like, you have to run around and spend precious time. Fortunately, it is available and will not be spent in vain. How many pleasant little things await its only buyer in Bali! Those who are still chasing popular clothing brands will find two large shopping centers in Kuta. This is Discovery and Matahari. They are close to each other. But if you want to find something unique, then you should stroll through the numerous streets in search of the dream product. And the purchase will be successful, and the mood will rise.

It is not known whether it will be possible at least once in your life to be on this most wonderful island, to take a leisurely stroll around its surroundings, to admire the unique delights that the tropical island is so rich in. Round off the day with a delicious dinner at a restaurant or cafe. It is difficult to advise a specific place. It all depends on where you live, income level and food preferences. In general, finding a place where they cook well, even if there is not a lot of money, is not a problem.

Day 5

Car for rent

It would be good to spend this day with the maximum benefit for the body and soul. You can start it with an excursion, and then pamper yourself with something pleasant. The choice of excursions is huge, how to prioritize? To see as much interesting and unusual as possible, you can take a car with a driver. For Russian speakers - the best option.He will become both a chauffeur and a guide rolled into one.

If you come across an English-speaking driver, of whom there is an overwhelming majority in Bali, you will have to somehow find a common language with him. The price of the trips is negotiable. For approximately half a day, you can pay about $ 50. As an example - a trip to the south of Bali.

Bali Cultural Park

The first significant attraction is the Bali Cultural Park. The park was recently opened and is still under construction and design work. Despite the unfinished work, there is no shortage of things to see. Once back in the car, you can chat with the driver. If, of course, there is mutual understanding.

Locals eagerly talk about local customs and traditions. For example, you might find out that children in Bali are given their first names in order of priority. The first baby born in the family is called Wayan, the second is named Made, the third is Nyoman, and so on. And the fifth is again named Wayan. Accordingly, many children grow up with the same names. It sometimes takes a long time to distinguish one from the other.

Dreamland beach

After chatting heartily and replenishing your knowledge, you will probably drive up to Dreamland beach. This is one of the most beautiful places on the island. The water on the beach is such an azure color that it is difficult to describe. One drawback is that everything on the beach is paid. This applies to an umbrella, toilet, shower. You shouldn't sit here for a long time.

Uluwatu Temple

The beach is beautiful, but there are other attractions that deserve more attention. In particular, the Uluwatu Temple. It is better to look at it in the daytime, as there are crowds of people here in the morning and in the evening. Many people come to this place for the sunset, which is extraordinarily beautiful. The territory where the temple is located can be entered for 20 rupees.

Tourists in open clothes are not allowed here. You will either have to buy a sarong for rent, or be left unimpressed behind the fence. The most interesting thing is that not only women, but also men need to cover the exposed parts of the body. Tourists are not allowed inside the temple. But it doesn't matter. In Bali, in general, you can visit a small number of temples as a foreign tourist. You should get used to this.

People come to Uluwat for stunning views of nature. The temple is located, one might say, at the edge of the world. This is where his wild popularity lies. After admiring, you can return home to rest.

Day 6

SPA programs

In the morning you can go to the beach. In the afternoon it is better to go for spa treatments or massage. Indonesia takes pride of place in the spa ranking. It's better here than in Thailand or India. It is imperative to experience how slowly the body relaxes. Fatigue and stress will instantly leave the patient.

Spa staff will help you navigate through the many services provided. In the evening, you should take a walk on the beach along the shore, dream and take photographs for memory. Dinner in a relaxed atmosphere will complement this day as well as possible.

Day 7

The last day in Bali should be spent so that it will be remembered as one of the best. It is worth trying to do everything that was planned. At the end of the rest there should be extremely positive emotions and moments. On this day, it is better not to go on excursions, but to devote yourself to enjoying the warmth and exoticism. Of course, you can't help but go to the beach to swim and sunbathe, and in the evening you should pack your suitcase and, without wasting your last hours in Bali, take a walk through the streets before going to bed.

Bali on the map