Central Bali Travel Guide

Discover the top places to visit, things to do, best time to visit, safety measures, and transportation options in Central Bali.


Introduction to Central Bali

Central Bali is an enchanting region of Bali, Indonesia, that is located in the heart of the island. The region boasts stunning views of volcanoes, lush forests, and rice fields, which makes it a must-visit place for nature and adventure lovers. Central Bali attracts a diverse range of visitors who come to explore the UNESCO-listed cultural attractions, savor the culinary delights, and indulge in outdoor recreational activities. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will help you plan your trip to Central Bali by sharing the best places to visit, things to do, culture, and customs, safety, transportation options, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Central Bali

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Central Bali houses a plethora of culturally significant and historical attractions that give an insight into the island’s centuries-old cultural heritage.

1. Ubud Royal Palace

The Ubud Royal Palace is one of Bali’s most iconic tourist attractions and a benchmark of the town of Ubud. Built-in during the 19th century, the palace reflects the architectural grandeur of the era and offers a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage.

2. Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah is a famous archeological site located in the village of Bedulu, Bali. The site is famous for the ancient cave drawings and the intricate carvings on its walls that date back to the 11th century.

3. Tirta Empul

Tirta Empul is a holy mountain spring located in Tampaksiring, Bali. The temple attracts visitors from around the world, thanks to its sacred water source that is believed to contain healing properties.

Natural Attractions of Central Bali: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Central Bali boasts a stunning landscape that is home to some of the island’s most revered natural attractions.

1. Mount Batur

Mount Batur is an active volcanic mountain located in the Kintamani district of Bali. The mountain offers adventurous travelers the chance to hike its trails to enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

2. Tegallalang Rice Terraces

The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are located near Ubud, Bali. They offer visitors a glimpse into the island’s rural landscape with a chance to witness the rice harvesting and planting process.

3. Monkey Forest

The Monkey Forest is a natural sanctuary located in the heart of Ubud, Bali. It is home to over 600 long-tailed Balinese monkeys who roam the forest freely.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Central Bali

Central Bali is dotted with several picturesque trails that offer visitors the chance to explore its natural beauty.

  1. Gunung Agung Trek: This trek takes hikers through stunning forest landscapes, rugged terrain, and a challenging ascent to summit Gunung Agung, Bali’s highest peak.

  2. Campuhan Ridge Walk: This gentle trek starts at the Campuhan bridge in Ubud and takes hikers through rice fields, lush forests, and beautiful ridge views.

  3. Mount Merbuk Trek: The Mount Merbuk trek is accessible from Candidasa and takes hikers through beautiful rice fields, dense jungles, and stunning vistas of the ocean.

Best Things to Do in Central Bali: Activities and Tours

Central Bali has a lot of activities and tours that you can participate in depending on your interests.

  1. Visit the water temple of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan: This temple is located on the edge of a beautiful lake and is perfect for a day trip.

  2. Traditional Balinese Cooking Class: Enjoy the culinary delights that Bali has to offer by taking a traditional Balinese cooking class.

  3. White Water Rafting: Bali boasts some of the best white-water rafting experiences in the world, and central Bali is home to some of the most popular rafting tours.

Week-Long Itinerary for Central Bali

Here is a week-long itinerary for you to explore the beauty of Central Bali:

Day 1 & 2: Explore the town of Ubud, visit the Ubud Royal Palace and Monkey Forest.

Day 3: Visit Tegallalang Rice Terraces and enjoy the scenic drive to Kintamani to see Mount Batur.

Day 4: Take a dip in the holy waters of Tirta Empul and enjoy Bali’s countryside on the drive back to Ubud.

Day 5: Visit the archeological site of Goa Gajah and take a Balinese cooking class.

Day 6: Trek through one of Bali’s majestic mountains or bike through its awe-inspiring landscapes in Central Bali.

Day 7: Spend your last day in Bali unwinding on one of its beautiful beaches like Sanur, Seminyak, or Nusa Dua.

Food and Drink Scene of Central Bali

Central Bali’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors that will delight your senses. Here are some of the dishes and beverages that you must try while in Central Bali.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Nasi Campur: A Balinese signature dish that consists of steamed rice, meat or vegetable curries, and traditional side dishes.

  2. Babi Guling: A whole roasted pig that is stuffed with Balinese spices and slow-cooked to perfect golden brown.

  3. Lawar: A traditional Balinese salad made from fresh meats, vegetables, and a mixture of spices and coconut.

Local Beverages

  1. Kopi Luwak: A coffee that is produced from beans that have been eaten and excreted by indigenous Asian palm civets.

  2. Bintang Beer: A popular beer that is brewed locally in Bali.

Where to Stay in Central Bali: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Central Bali is home to some of the best accommodation options in Bali. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Maya Ubud Resort & Spa

  2. Alila Ubud

  3. Green Field Hotel & Bungalows

What to Buy in Central Bali: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Central Bali is a shoppers’ paradise, and you can find many unique and authentic souvenirs and local products here. Here are a few suggestions.

  1. Hand-woven fabric and baskets

  2. Traditional Balinese paintings

  3. Silver jewelry

Local Culture and Customs of Central Bali

  1. Dress modestly when visiting temples and holy sites.

  2. Learn and understand the etiquette of eating with a traditional Balinese kitchen.

  3. Take off your shoes before entering someone’s house or temple.

Best Time to Visit Central Bali

The best time to visit Central Bali is between April to October when the weather is dry and pleasant.

Do’s and Don’ts of Central Bali

Do:

  1. Respect the local customs and traditions.

  2. Try to learn a few words in Indonesian to connect better with the locals.

  3. Take part in the local festivals and celebrations.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t litter in Bali, and always dispose of trash properly.

  2. Avoid touching the heads of the locals, as it is a sign of disrespect in Bali.

  3. Don’t take photos of people without their permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Central Bali

Central Bali is a relatively safe place to visit, but like all travel destinations, visitors should take certain precautions, such as:

  1. Beware of pickpockets and keep your valuables in a safe place.

  2. Always wear helmets when riding a motorcycle or bike.

  3. Avoid unlicensed taxis and always insist on using a metered taxi.

Health in Central Bali

Here are some health-related tips to keep in mind while visiting Central Bali:

  1. Stay hydrated and always drink bottled water.

  2. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.

  3. Avoid drinking tap water or drinks with ice.

Getting to Central Bali: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Central Bali

The two main airports near Central Bali are:

  1. Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)

  2. Banyuwangi Airport (BWX)

Bus Stations Near Central Bali

Bus travel in Indonesia is cheap, efficient, and convenient. Here are some of the bus stations near Central Bali:

  1. Batubulan Bus Terminal

  2. Ubung Bus Terminal

Other Options

  1. Private Taxi: The most convenient way to get to Central Bali is by hiring a private taxi. The prices may vary depending on your negotiation skills and the time of the day.

  2. Shuttle Bus: Shuttle buses are becoming increasingly popular in Bali, and they offer a comfortable and affordable way to travel around the island.

How to Get Around in Central Bali

Here are the transportation options available in Central Bali:

  1. Motorbikes: Hiring a motorbike is a popular and affordable way to explore Central Bali.

  2. Private Driver: Private drivers are readily available in Central Bali and can be hired for the entire day or by the hour for a reasonable price.

  3. Car Rentals: Car rentals are available in Central Bali, and they are a great option for those who prefer a self-drive experience.

Where to Go Next from Central Bali: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you are looking to explore more of Bali, here are some of the best nearby destinations and excursions:

  1. Nusa Penida

  2. Lovina

  3. Gili Islands

Conclusion

Central Bali is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to explore Bali’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can plan a memorable trip to Central Bali that includes the best places to visit, things to do, culture, and customs, safety, transportation options, and much more. Happy travels!

Cremation procession in Ubud Cremation procession in Ubud Map of the Central Bali Region Map of the Central Bali Region Goa Gajah, Bedulu, nr Gianyar Goa Gajah, Bedulu, nr Gianyar The bathing pools at Tirta Empul The bathing pools at Tirta Empul Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Pura Ulun Danu Bratan


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