Joanna James
Bali is a wonderful place and is a tourist mecca for a reason. This lush island is filled with incredible attractions, beautiful beaches, and a spiritual vibe that is hard to resist!
If visiting in early March and April, this is a unique celebration to be a part of and a good reason to visit Bali at this time. The festival focuses on music and dance! It further highlights the importance of mental well-being and spirituality, with meditation and yoga taking centre stage. There will also be concerts, retreats, workshops, food festivals, guest speakers and lots of partying as well. This is just the festival you are looking for if you want to learn something new and make like-minded friends.
Goa Gajah means Elephant Cave in Indonesian and is a top attraction in Bali. It lies away from Ubud in Bedulu Village and is an outstanding archaeological site, consisting of an extensive temple complex. To enter the cave, you have to stroll down a flight of stairs, which will lead you into a charming courtyard, from where you have to enter the cave. The cave dates back to the 11th century CE. Inside the cave, you can encounter many cave paintings and a small shrine used for many centuries for meditation. The exterior of the site is a Hindu temple with a bathing pool and pouring fountains.
Bali is renowned for its food, so if you want to try your hand at Balinese cooking, sign up at one of the many classes found around the island. You will get to learn all their cooking techniques and understand the history, religious significance and cultural aspects associated with food in Bali.
All of the traditional methods of cooking will be demonstrated to you, and participants are provided with recipe cards and class notes to take back with them. The menu changes daily, and after each cooking session, you get to sit down, relax and eat with your fellow cooks. If you are looking to stay in a jungle resort in Bali you can try the likes of Nirjhara during your next vacation.
While in Ubud, head to Monkey Forest, which is only a 10-minute stroll from the city centre. In this sanctuary, you can encounter gangs of long-tailed grey macaques. The forest jungle setting resembles their natural environment, with paved pathways to guide you via the dense forest. The forest is dotted with enormous banyan trees, as well as old monkey sculptures, which highlight the spiritual beliefs of the Balinese.
This is one of Bali's oldest and holiest temples where you will encounter some incredible jaw-dropping scenes! With over a thousand steps to reach the temple, it is also called the “Gateway to Heaven”. During clear days, Mount Agung’s magnificent peak is ideally framed by the gates of the temple. Located in the eastern area of Bali near the Mountains of Lempuyang, it is two hours from Ubud and 2.5 hour journey from Canggu. You can spend several days discovering this region!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
