Travel from UAE to Bali to visit a tropical wonderland

Think Bali and you are probably imagining an endless expanse of the ocean. However, there is more to it as you unwrap its many layers.

Ubud calling

The Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud have scenic expanses of paddy fields. This is where you can pick up local art and handicrafts at the numerous roadside stalls that line the street while you tuck into local food at the small restaurants that also have great views. The Ubud Monkey Forest is home to Bali’s grey long-tailed macaque. Also called Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, this is both a spiritual and cultural site. The Ubud Art Market or ‘Pasar Seni Ubud’ as locals call it, located opposite the Puri Saren Royal Ubud Palace is the place to shop for silk scarves, handmade woven bags, baskets, and handcrafted souvenirs. Ubud’s sights can be explored on a bike and make time to visit the bamboo mansions and spot the herons at Petulu. Most hotels offer elephant safaris and firefly tours that are a must see.

Sights & sounds

Known for its active volcanoes, Kintamani is home to Mount Batur and the Caldera Lake. Incidentally, the Mount Batur volcano has erupted about 24 times since 1800. The views from Mount Batur are courtesy the 13 sq km caldera and a beautiful lake which fills a large part of the caldera. While you are here, swim in the hot springs and take a bike ride through ancient villages. For a spot of wildlife, head to the Bali Safari and Marine Park, the city’s largest animal theme park with 60 free roaming species, in enclosures that mimic their natural habitat. Hop on to a bus and check out the aquariums with exotic fish varieties too. Also visit the Goa Gajah ‘Elephant Cave’ an archaeological site where an hour’s descent will get you up close with a relic-filled courtyard, rock-wall carvings, central meditational cave, bathing pools and fountains.

If you are adventure inclined, head to Lovina, the largest resort area on the north coast of Bali for snorkelling and scuba diving in the sea and watching the dolphins. The resorts here have top notch spa facilities and you must also visit the hot water spring at Banjar. Do try and spend an evening at Sanur Beach where you can go track starfishes while the tides are low, kite surfing, kayaking, parasailing, fishing and even hop on to a glass bottom boat ride. Or zip into Kuta Beach whose white sands offer some of the best seafood of the area. There is much to do as well with sights like the Ground Zero Memorial, Kuta Sea Turtle Conservation site, Dream Museum Zone, Circus Waterpark, and the Kuta Theatre. Do pay a visit to the twin lakes of Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan separated by a rainforest hill — it is a sight like no other. And much like the rest of Bali you are in for an experience that will last a lifetime.

Batik blues

And when you are in Bali do not miss a date with the traditional form of dyeing, Batik that has its origins in Java in Indonesia and the colourful fabrics continue to be a favourite souvenir from the country. With intricate patterns and details, the first thing that strikes you about Batik is its texture and colour. An art form that was once reserved for Javanese royalty worn by the people in the Sultan’s palace in Yogyakarta, it is today a key business in the country. As an art form, Batik is prevalent all over the country and a visit to a batik store or factory is a good way to come up close with the fabric and its history.

The base fabric is usually cotton or silk keeping the thought process of using natural materials. It is important that the fabric has a high thread count and is densely woven so that it can hold the intricate design of batik. Motifs used include flowers, plants, leaves, buds, birds, butterflies, fish, geometric patterns, and insects. Usually, the design on the fabric is made using a wooden pen with a reservoir for hot, liquid wax. Women usually work on the same and especially batik tulis (tulis means to write in Indonesian) is done by women only. As an art form, Batik is prevalent all over the country and a visit to a batik store or factory is a good way to come up close with the fabric and its history. And this is also where you can pick up a unique souvenir from your trip that will give you memories that are bound to remain with you much after you return.

Good to Know

• The currency of Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah but you could do well to carry cash in smaller establishments and local markets that may not always accept a credit card. 

• A mosquito repellent will come in handy as the tropical country has many of these insects. 

• Download the Grab App it is for both taxis and food — so you can sample local fare as well. Gojek is an app that is used for motorcycles (that can be hired to move around). 

• Respect the local culture as Bali holds its traditions close to its heart. 

• The monsoon season is between October and April and the rains can be quite intense so plan accordingly. 

• Carry a hat, sunscreen and a scarf or sarong to beat the heat.