South Bali Travel Guide

Planning a trip to South Bali and looking for a comprehensive travel guide? Look no further, our guide covers everything you need to know about this beautiful destination.


Introduction to South Bali

Dubbed as the “Island of Gods”, Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia boasting stunning beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. South Bali, situated in the heart of Bali, is no exception, offering visitors a wealth of attractions and activities.

List of Places to Visit in South Bali

Here are some places to consider adding to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple: A beautiful cliffside temple famous for its stunning sunsets and traditional Kecak dance performances.

  • Tanah Lot Temple: Located on a rock formation in the sea, this temple offers beautiful views of Bali’s coastline.

  • Museum Pasifika: Housing around 600 works of art from different countries, this museum is a must-visit for art lovers.

Natural Attractions of South Bali: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Agung: The highest peak in Bali, this mountain offers stunning views of the island and is a popular hiking destination.

  • Nusa Dua Beach: One of Bali’s most beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.

  • Ubud Rice Terraces: A series of magnificent terraced rice fields in the village of Tegalalang, perfect for a scenic walk or bike ride.

Hiking/Biking Routes of South Bali

South Bali offers a host of great hiking and biking routes, particularly in the mountainous regions of the island. Here are some of the best trails to explore:

  • Mount Batur Sunrise Trek: Hike to the summit of Mount Batur and enjoy the spectacular sunrise views over Bali.

  • Ayung River Rafting: Enjoy a thrilling white water rafting experience down the picturesque Ayung River Valley.

Best Things to Do in South Bali: Activities and Tours

South Bali offers a range of activities and tours for visitors, from water sports and island-hopping to sightseeing and cultural experiences:

  • Scuba Diving: A great way to explore Bali’s underwater world, with plenty of dive schools and operators available.

  • Ubud Art Tour: Discover Balinese arts and culture, with visits to art museums, galleries and artists’ studios.

Week-Long Itinerary for South Bali

Day 1:

  • Arrive in Bali
  • Check-in at your hotel, relax and explore the local area

Day 2:

  • Visit Tanah Lot Temple
  • Take a stroll at Seminyak beach

Day 3:

  • Visit Ubud Rice Terraces
  • Enjoy a Balinese massage

Day 4:

  • Hike to the summit of Mount Batur
  • Visit nearby markets for local crafts and souvenirs

Day 5:

  • Take a day trip to Nusa Penida Island
  • Snorkel near the famous Manta Point

Day 6:

  • Explore the Ubud Art Tour
  • Visit some of Bali’s art museums and galleries

Day 7:

  • Relax at the beach
  • Enjoy a beautiful sunset dinner in Jimbaran

Food and Drink Scene of South Bali

Indonesian cuisine is rich in flavor and diversity, with many unique dishes that can only be found in Bali. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Nasi Goreng: A traditional Indonesian fried rice dish, often served with chicken, prawn or vegetable.

  • Satay: A popular meat skewer dish marinated in peanut sauce, served with rice cakes and sliced cucumber and onion.

Local Beverages

  • Bintang Beer: Bali’s favorite local brand of beer, great for cooling off on hot afternoons.

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

There is a range of accommodation options in South Bali, catering to every budget and preference. Here are some of the best places to stay from budget to luxury:

  • Bali Mystique Hotel: budget-friendly hotel with an outdoor pool and beautiful tropical gardens.

  • The Udaya Resorts and Spa: mid-range hotel with a luxurious spa, yoga room, and outdoor swimming pool.

  • The Mulia Bali: luxurious resort with private villas, beachfront views, and stunning infinity pools.

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

Bali is famous for many unique and beautiful souvenirs, including:

  • Balinese art and handicrafts: including wood carvings, paintings, and textiles.

  • Silver jewelry: Bali is known for its beautiful and intricate silver jewelry, with many local artisans creating unique pieces.

Local Culture and Customs of South Bali

Bali is home to a rich and vibrant culture that plays a significant role in the daily lives of locals. Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting:

  • Dress modestly: When visiting temples or cultural sites, it is important to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.

  • Respect local customs: Bali’s culture is heavily rooted in Hindu traditions, so travelers should respect local customs, beliefs, and practices.

Best Time to Visit South Bali

Bali is a year-round destination, with a tropical climate that is warm and humid. The dry season (May-September) is the best time to visit, with plenty of sunshine, less humidity, and lower rainfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of South Bali

Do:

  • Explore local markets: Bali’s markets are a great place to find unique souvenirs and crafts.

  • Try the local cuisine: Balinese cuisine is delicious and diverse, so be sure to try some local dishes.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Keep Bali clean and beautiful, by putting trash in designated bins.

  • Over-engage with monkeys: Be respectful with the monkeys in Bali, although they may be cute and curious, they are wild animals that can scratch and bite.

Safety and Health

Safety in South Bali

Overall, South Bali is a safe destination for tourists. However, visitors should be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas and avoid carrying too much cash or valuables when traveling.

Health in South Bali

Malaria is present in Bali, so it’s important to take necessary precautions such as using repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing.

Getting to South Bali: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near South Bali

Ngurah Rai International Airport is Bali’s main airport, located in the southern part of the island.

Bus Stations Near South Bali

Bali’s bus network is limited, with mainly local services. However, some routes connect popular tourist areas such as Kuta and Seminyak.

Other Options

Taxis and private car rentals are popular options for getting around Bali, offering flexibility and comfort when exploring the island.

How to Get Around in South Bali

Most visitors rent a motorbike or take taxis to explore South Bali. Alternatively, there are tour operators who offer sightseeing tours and day trips around the island.

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

  • The Gili Islands: A group of three beautiful islands off the coast of Bali, famous for great beaches and snorkeling.

  • Lombok Island: Known for its stunning beaches and traditional Sasak culture, just a short ferry ride from Bali.

Conclusion

South Bali is a destination that truly has a lot to offer, from stunning natural beauty and famous landmarks to unique culture and traditions. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore local markets, or immerse yourself in Balinese culture – there is something for everyone in South Bali.

Sunset at Kuta Beach Sunset at Kuta Beach Map of the South Bali Region Map of the South Bali Region The Beach at Seminyak The Beach at Seminyak Tanah Lot Temple. Tanah Lot Temple. Sunset over Uluwatu Temple Sunset over Uluwatu Temple One of the area's many beach clubs One of the area's many beach clubs


    Bukit Peninsula
    Denpasar
    Kuta
    Nusa Dua
    Sanur