Best things to do during Festive holidays in Bali

 

Bali is a popular vacation destination for families, and it's especially great during the Christmas season. The island offers a wide range of activities and attractions that are perfect for families, making it the perfect place to spend your holiday vacation.

 

Here are five family-friendly activities that you can enjoy on your Christmas vacation in Bali:

 

1 . Visit the Bali Safari and Marine Park

Located in Gianyar, the Bali Safari and Marine Park is home to hundreds of exotic animals, including lions, tigers, elephants, and more. The park offers a variety of educational and entertaining shows, as well as the chance to interact with some of the animals up close.

 

Bali Safari offers an elephant ride service

Image from Bali Safari Marine Park

 

2 . Go white water rafting

Bali is home to several rivers that are perfect for white water rafting. You and your family can experience the thrill of navigating through rushing rapids, surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

 

A thrilling clear water adventure through Bali’s river.

Image from Wira Rafting Bali

 

3 . Explore the Bali Bird Park

The Bali Bird Park is home to over 1,000 birds from more than 250 different species. You and your family can walk through the park and see beautiful birds from all around the world, including rare and exotic species.

 

Jalak Bali, the iconic Bali’s endemic bird.

Image from Freepik

 

4 . Visit the Bali Jungle Adventure Park

Located in Payungan, Kelungkung Regency, the Bali Jungle Adventure Park offers a variety of thrilling activities, including rafting, tree-top adventures, lazy river tubing, and more. It's a great way to get some exercise and have fun as a family.

 

This place offers relatively safe yet still exciting activities for the kids.

Image from Freepik

 

5 . Go on a traditional Balinese dance performance

 Bali is known for its vibrant culture, and one of the best ways to experience it is through traditional dance performances. You and your family can see traditional Balinese dances, performed by skilled dancers in colorful costumes.

 

Bali traditional dance can introduce a fresh Balinese culture to the kids.

Image from Freepik

 

Overall, Bali is a fantastic destination for a family Christmas vacation, offering a wide range of activities and attractions that are sure to make your holiday special. Whether you want to explore the island's natural beauty, learn about its rich culture, or just have fun as a family, Bali has something for everyone.

 

 

First of all, you need to know that the habit of circulation in Bali may be very different from what you know in your country. At the first sight, moving on the island can seem very difficult because of the heavy traffic, especially in the West Coast where the touristic areas are.
The best way to avoid the constraints of the traffic and to move quickly is to use a motorbike.
You can easily rent a motorbike in Bali, there is plenty of places which offer this service and in almost every street.
How much? It depends on the duration of course, for a daily rental, it will be around 50k and 70k IDR for the entire day. If you want to rent it during a week you will pay between 300k and 400k IDR, and for a monthly rental, it will cost around 600k and 800k IDR.

The motorbike is the favorite means of transport in the island, there is more motorbike than cars. But you have to be careful at the beginning, as mentioned before, the traffic is really heavy and it can be really disturbing. Wear always a helmet, even if you see a lot of people who are not wearing one, it is dangerous and the police will immediately arrest you.Moreover, you will notice that people are honking very frequently, it is not necessary to contest something, but more to notify other drivers if they are overtaking or to notify their position at an intersection.

Don’t forget also that in Indonesia they drive on the left side!

Do you need an international driving license? Yes.

Not necessary when you will rent the motorbike at the shop, a deposit and a copy of your passport will be enough. But if the cops stop you on the road without the international driving license, you will have to pay them, if you have time you can bargain, otherwise, you pay and you leave.

Renting a car
If you prefer, you can rent a car but you need the international driving licence. The price is around 200k and 400k per day. It is a good way if you decide to travel around the island, a motorbike is less comfortable if you decide to do a long ride.
You can also rent a car with a driver, this is the most secure way when you don’t want to have to deal with insurances and all that stuff… Most of the travel agency are offering this service, you can add between 150k and 200k in addition to the rent.

Taxis
There is different kind of taxis but the main company is Blue Bird, their taxis have a meter inside so the price is not negotiable. You can find Blue Bird taxis everywhere in the islands, except in the airport. The taxi who are waiting at the exit of the airport do not have meters, they will ask for some expensive prices, don’t hesitate to bargain!

There are other solutions if you want to pay cheaper: Uber, GoJek or Grab. You can use their service by downloading the applications and you just have to order one by indicating your position and your destination.

But be careful, there is some area in Bali where those services are not allowed, it is a little competition between taxis.

The “Bemo”
This was the main public transport in Bali which connected the cities and villages between them. There is less and less bemo now, due to the massive use of motorbike. It is really cheap and ideal if you want to discover the surrounding villages. You can find them on the terminal or just on the way, you just have to raise your hand to make it stop. The ticket is purchased on board.

Bus
The bus in Bali are more or less modern with a capacity of 30-40 seats. They usually are the property of private companies and are doing long distance, like from Denpasar to Singaraja or Singaraja to Gilimanuk…

There is no public transport like the ones we usually know, there is no subway, and no public line of bus inside the cities.
The bus companies are good for traveling around the island, but if you want to move for a short distance you’ll have to use one of the means mentioned overhead.

Bali's Hidden Water Temples: Guardians of Spiritual Harmony

 

Amidst the lush landscapes and vibrant culture, Bali harbors hidden water temples and sacred sites that hold profound significance in the island's spiritual tapestry. Join us on a journey to unveil the secrets of Bali's hidden water temples and discover the spiritual guardians that watch over the island's cultural soul.

 

Tirta Empul: The Holy Springs of Purity

Nestled in the village of Tampaksiring, Tirta Empul is a water temple renowned for its sacred springs that are believed to possess purifying properties. Pilgrims and visitors alike partake in a ritual bath within the temple's pools, guided by a centuries-old tradition of cleansing the body and soul in the spiritually charged waters. The temple's intricate architecture and the rhythmic flow of its springs create an atmosphere of tranquility and reverence.

 

Goa Gajah: The Elephant Cave's Subterranean Waters

Goa Gajah, or the Elephant Cave, is an archaeological marvel that hides a sacred bathing pool within its cavernous depths. As you explore the carved stone entrance and the ancient meditation chambers, you'll encounter a hidden pool fed by natural springs. The subterranean waters of Goa Gajah have long been associated with ritualistic bathing, symbolizing purification and spiritual renewal.

 

Gunung Kawi Sebatu: Balinese Temple Oasis

Nestled in the lush highlands of Sebatu, Gunung Kawi Sebatu is a serene water temple surrounded by tropical gardens. Its holy spring is revered for its crystal-clear waters believed to bring blessings and harmony. The temple's tranquil setting, away from the bustling tourist hubs, offers a contemplative space for visitors to connect with the spiritual essence of Bali.

 

Pura Taman Ayun: Water Temple of Mengwi Kingdom

Pura Taman Ayun, a royal temple of the Mengwi Kingdom, showcases the architectural brilliance of Bali's water temples. The temple complex features tranquil moats and gardens, with the main sanctum surrounded by lotus-filled waters. The symbolic representation of the cosmic ocean and the temple's role in maintaining spiritual balance make it a hidden gem among Bali's cultural treasures.

 

Saraswati Temple: Lotus Bloom Amidst Ubud

Ubud's Saraswati Temple, dedicated to the goddess of knowledge and the arts, stands as a testament to Bali's artistic heritage. The temple is adorned with lotus ponds, and its intricate stone carvings reflect the island's devotion to culture. Saraswati Temple is not just a place of worship; it is a sanctuary where the arts and spirituality converge in a harmonious dance.

 

Pura Mengening: The Sacred Spring of Secrets

Tucked away in the village of Tampaksiring, Pura Mengening is a lesser-known water temple revered for its serene atmosphere and a sacred spring believed to have mystical properties. The temple's ancient stone structures and the soothing sound of flowing water create an ambiance that invites contemplation and introspection.

 

Balinese Subak System: Sacred Water for Rice Terraces

While not a traditional water temple, the Subak system of water irrigation is a sacred practice deeply intertwined with Bali's spiritual and agricultural identity. This subak system, recognized as a UNESCO Cultural Landscape, symbolizes the harmonious relationship between water, rice terraces, and the spiritual connection the Balinese people have with their land.

 

Air Panas Banjar: Hot Springs Amidst Tropical Surroundings

Located near Lovina, Air Panas Banjar is not your typical water temple, but it holds a unique charm with its hot springs believed to have healing properties. Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, the sulfuric waters create a natural bathing experience that reflects Bali's connection to the healing energies of its landscapes.

Sekumpul Waterfall: Nature's Temple of Cascading Waters

Sekumpul Waterfall, though not a traditional water temple, is a natural wonder that mirrors the sacredness attributed to water in Balinese culture. Surrounded by lush jungle and accessed through a trek, Sekumpul captivates with its majestic cascade, offering a refreshing and immersive encounter with the natural elements that inspire spiritual reverence.

 

The Spiritual Essence of Bali's Hidden Water Temples

In the heart of Bali's hidden water temples, a profound spiritual essence unfolds. Beyond the physical structures and natural springs, these sacred sites embody the island's belief in the interconnectedness of nature, spirituality, and the daily lives of its people. As you explore these hidden gems, you embark on a journey into the soul of Bali, where the sacred waters weave a tapestry of harmony that transcends time and space.

 

In conclusion, Bali's hidden water temples stand as guardians of spiritual harmony, offering a glimpse into the island's deep-rooted connection with the sacred elements of water and nature. Each temple, with its unique rituals and enchanting settings, invites visitors to experience the timeless magic that defines Bali's cultural and spiritual identity.