In brief
What is Bali?
Bali is a tropical island of about 5,780 km² with a population of about 4.4 million. The main religion is Balinese Hinduism, which is a unique form of Hinduism practiced locally. The Balinese have a rich and diverse culture, with traditional dances, music, art, crafts and religious ceremonies.
Bali's beaches, including Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua and Jimbaran, are among the most popular in the world. Bali is also known for its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes such as nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles) and satay (grilled meat skewers).
Bali is also famous for its Hindu temples, including Besakih Temple, Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot Temple. These temples are not only important places of worship, but also offer spectacular views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
However, Bali is also facing environmental problems such as pollution, coral reef degradation and the destruction of the natural habitat of animal species, including orangutans and Sumatran tigers. The local authorities are working to put in place measures to combat these problems and encourage more sustainable tourism. It is therefore very important to pay attention to the environment if you plan to visit.
Bali, a land of surfing but also of exploration
Bali is a very popular surfing destination, with waves for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Some of the most popular beaches for surfing in Bali are Kuta, Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin, Canggu, and Seminyak. The wave season in Bali runs from May to October, when the waves are bigger and more consistent due to the prevailing winds. However, it is possible to surf in Bali all year round, as there are always waves somewhere around the island.
Due to the popularity of surfing in Bali, there are many surf schools and surf camps that offer lessons and courses for beginners and experienced surfers. It is clearly a surfer's paradise. Actually we have already written an article with the best surf spots in Bali. les spots de surf à Bali.
Bali offers many opportunities to explore the nature, culture and history of the island. Some of Bali's most popular attractions include:
- The Tegalalang and Jatiluwih rice terraces, which offer spectacular views and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Kintamani Mountains and the active volcano of Mount Batur, which offer hiking and panoramic views.
- Tegenungan, Gitgit and Sekumpul waterfalls, which offer beautiful natural scenery and natural pools.
- The artisan villages of Celuk, Mas, and Ubud, where you can experience local crafts, including woodcarving, painting, jewellery making and batik making.
- Historical sites such as Ubud Palace, Klungkung Fortress, and the ancient temples of Tirta Empul and Gunung Kawi.
There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, rafting, canyoning and water sports such as surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving.
Where to stay?
Life in Bali, or Indo, is not the most expensive place in the world. This is as true for food as it is for accommodation (although this increases over time). There are a number of villas or hostels where it is possible to live peacefully. One villa in particular caught our attention. The one of a French couple who left some time ago to surf the mythical spots of Bali and who finally stayed to make their life there. This is Villa Hally Bali. And we asked them some questions, here is what they answered us:
Interview : First of all, hello to you two, how is it going in Bali?
Hello! Life is sweet, and at the rhythm of the Balinese. At the moment it's the rainy season, we try to get through the drops.
How did you get to Bali and how long have you been here?
We have family who have been here for a long time, so it was an opportunity to get back to our roots. We've been in Bali since last February at the end of Covid.
Describe your charming villa? Where is it located? What are the amenities nearby?
The villa is an old family house located in the heart of Bukit, South Bali, on the peninsula. The house has an ocean view, with a swimming pool below the 3 bedrooms and a large terrace. Being centrally located the villa is ideal for ocean lovers. Most of the beaches on the peninsula are 10 minutes away. The area is developing very fast, and many cafes have sprung up around us.
What can you do in Bali near your accommodation for people who don't surf or on days without swell?
The advantage of our villa is the peace and quiet. It is a rare thing today to be able to be in peace and quiet which our guests appreciate and so often stay to enjoy the villa, go down to our cafe, read by the pool, or simply sit in a hammock and watch the ocean. Around us the Balinese community still lives and we can actually participate in their day to day, discover their music, their dance. It is also advisable to go to the fish market 15 minutes from the villa, choose some and have a good ceviche! Seeing how the locals live would be our advice for the days without Swell.
How can we rent your villa? Can we come together?
You can find us on google maps by typing in Hally Bali directly. And you can book directly by sending us an email, or through the booking platforms. Our villa can accommodate 6 people.
Are there any surf spots nearby? Can we go there by scooter?
Easy. We can also rent scooters directly at the villa, if you book them in advance. In the rainy season we recommend the east coast, spots like Nyang-Nyang, Pendawa, Geger in Nusa Dua, and in the dry season the dream coast, from Uluwatu, Impossible, Bingin, Balangan to Airport.
Feel free to check out our insta: Hally.bali
Also, here's a link to directly book your accommodation!!
Sampai jumpa!
Thank you for these very interesting answers. And now, dear readers, you know where to go when you go to Bali. You won't be on it, guaranteed ;)
