Bali

TOP TEN REASONS TO EXPLORE BALI

Bali is making a comeback, and for those looking for a uniquely scenic and spiritual getaway, it should be near the top of the travel list. Melanie Pohl from Flight Centre headed to Bali for a week and rated her top 10 ‘must dos’:

1. MT BATUR

At 1717 metres, the occasionally smoking, active volcano of Mt Batur makes the perfect spot to survey the island of Bali.  At the top, small restaurants with wooden decks a overlooking the main crater are great way to enjoy the view, which includes the Batur Lake and lava formed from Batur’s most recent major eruption in 1994.

2. WATERBOM BALI

Waterbom Park is an enormous water park just south of the major shopping strip in Kuta. But don’t be fooled into thinking it is just for children or families – there is plenty here for a fun day out for everyone.

As well as some of the tallest and fastest waterslides in the world, there is a jungle track with Indonesian butterfly species, and a massage and spa house.

3. BANQUET AT JIMBARAN BAY

Jimbaran Bay is a quiet alternative to Kuta Beach, and seafood lovers will be in heaven, with the grills and fresh fare.

Much of the seafood is caught daily, and the choice ranges from clams, shrimps, fish, lobster or crab, served with your choice of rice, vegetables, and a variety of spicy sauces and dips.

4. MONKEY BUSINESS AT ULUWATU

Uluwatu is a great monkey temple, founded in the 10th century to protect the island from any bad spirits that might come from that direction.

To see the temple, which is set on a dramatic cliff top with a spectacular view at sunset, visitors must wear a traditional sarong and sash, available for rent for a small cost at the entrance.


5. BIKE AROUND BALI

For a different perspective on Bali, the adventurous for definitely try a cycling tour of the island.

Bali is well suited for cycling, with few steep hills and a pleasant, if sometimes a little humid, climate. Options range from one day highlight tours to two week, full on adventure packages. 

6. BALI BIRD PARK

Indonesia is a paradise for birds, and at Bali’s largest Bird Park you can see almost all these native species as well as colourful species from Africa and South America.
Encompassing two hectares of botanical landscape, the park provides sanctuary to almost 1000 birds of 250 different species flying within an aviary containing more than 2000 tropical plants and numerous butterflies.

7. HEAD TO THE BEACH IN KUTA

Kuta is the ultimate Bali destination – it’s the home of most of the island’s resorts, location of the Hard Rock Café, surfing schools and shopping strip nearby.
The best surf breaks between April and September, and you can catch some of the world’s best juniors each July in the Billabong Junior Pro.

8. SHOP FOR BATIK IN UBUD

Ubud is considered the cultural heart of Bali, and is home to most of the island’s craftsmen and artists.

Here you can find the famous Ubud Market, with handicrafts and the colourful, spiralling designs and geometric patterns of batik fabrics.

9. BE PAMPERED AT A BALINESE SPA

Body massage has been a part of the Balinese culture for many centuries, but it is only recently that spa treatments have grown in popularity all over the world. All over the island you can find skillful Balinese style massage and traditional Indonesian spa treatments.

10. SEE THE BARONG DANCE

Dance is a major part of Balinese culture, and a trip to Bali wouldn’t be the same without seeing one of the colourful performances, even if the don’t have the same religious significance of a dance that is performed at a real temple festival.

For special Flight Centre deals collated just for grownups, visit www.flightcentre.co.nz/grownups.

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