Bali, Indonesia; An Island of Rare Beauty and Magical Spirituality

Indonesia is an archipelago of thousands of islands located between the Indian and Pacific oceans.  It is a country of stunning landscapes, beautiful coastlines and exotic culture.  Bali, a tropical island in Indonesia, epitomizes natural beauty, fascinating traditions and spiritual beliefs.  Bali’s topography comprises lush forests, mountain edges, white sand beaches and agricultural terraces.  The visitors to Bali encounter a myriad of ancient temples, spiritual shrines and prayer rituals.  Bali is a beautiful and romantic island, a perfect destination to discover its breathtaking nature and magical spirituality.

Travel Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Bali, Indonesia

There are connecting flights to/from Denpasar (capital city of Bali) from the main cities in Asia, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei, Tokyo and Seoul.  Upon arrival in Bali, we use private transfer services to arrive at our resort. 

Day 2 – Nusa Dua   

We explore southern Bali, its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.  It is a sunny day as we walk on the beach, admiring the stunning coastline.  We observe the locals collecting edible seaweed washed out on the shore and fishermen standing deep in the water.  As the daylight fades, there is a beautiful sunset on the horizon.  In the evening, we visit the Bali Collection, a shopping mall in Nusa Dua, browsing for souvenirs and enjoying the Balinese cuisine.

Day 3 – Balinese Temples, Rice Terraces

Our excursion begins at the Besakih Temple set on the slopes of Mount Agung.  Next, we visit Pura Penataran Agung (Great Temple of State), the largest and the most important of in the Besakih Temple complex.  Our next destination is the Pura Ulun Danu, a beautiful temple set along the Lake Beratan and overlooking the Gunung Catur Mountain.  In the afternoon, we explore Ubud, a beautiful region of Bali known for its stunning rice terraces.  The Tegallalang village is an ideal place to appreciate the region’s beautiful agricultural landscapes. 

Day 4 – Snorkeling Expedition, Balinese Dance Performance  

In the morning, we organize a snorkeling expedition, exploring the underwater beauty of Bali Island.  We returned to our resort for lunch and spend the day on the beach.  In the evening, we enjoy a dinner and a Balinese Dance Performance organized by the resort.

Day 5 – Balinese Temples 

In the morning, we visit the Pura Taman Ayun (Beautiful Garden) Temple, situated near the village of Mengwi.  The temple complex showcases pavilions and shrines with multi-storied rooftops.  The temple is surrounded by expansive gardens and by an artificial moat planted with lotus flowers.  Our next destination is the Royal Palace of Puri Saren Agung comprised of traditional Balinese structures with large verandahs.  In the afternoon, we visit the western coast of Bali, location of the Tanah Lot Temple that is set on a large rock.  We encounter villagers and observe their spiritual rituals and traditions.

Day 6 – Beach Day, Christmas Celebration

We enjoy a day at the beach at our resort.  In the evening, we organize a private transfer to the St. Regis Bali Resort to celebrate Christmas, featuring an excellent dinner and a Balinese fire show. 

Day 7 – Scuba Diving Expedition

We organize a morning scuba diving expedition to explore Bali’s colorful corals and diverse marine life.  Afterward, we return to our resort for lunch, spend the day on the beach, then have a relaxing dinner.

Day 8 – Bali, Indonesia Departure

After breakfast, we enjoy a few hours on the beach.  In the afternoon, we transfer to the airport to take our flight home. 

Special Places

Bali

Indonesia, formerly known as the Dutch East Indies, is a country in Southeast Asia.  Indonesia is an archipelago country comprising of over 17,000 islands, spread between the Indian and Pacific oceans.  Indonesia’s diverse topography encompasses volcanic mountains, limestone cliffs, tropical rainforests, secluded lagoons and white sand beaches.  The lovers and explorers of underwater biodiversity encounter pristine coral reefs and diverse marine life.  Indonesia is revered for its astounding natural beauty, dramatic landscapes, breathtaking countryside and ancient temples. 

Bali, a tropical island in Indonesia, is renowned for its beautiful beaches, mountainous landscapes, agricultural terrain and Balinese temples.  The Mount Agung is an active volcano and the highest mountain peak in Bali.  The island is home to thousands of species of plants, flowers and trees, including the giant banyan tree, considered sacred by the Balinese people.  Traversing Bali, the visitors discover varied regions, characterized by stunning coastlines, green valleys, rice terraces and quaint villages.  The Balinese villages house ancient temples, shrines and assembly halls.  Bali’s religious spirituality, defined by Balinese Hinduism, is an integral part of the Balinese people. 

The Balinese culture emphasizes prayers, worship and offerings to different gods, abundantly expressed in the art and spiritual places.  Visitors to the Balinese temples and shrines may see diverse offerings, featuring palm-leaf baskets filled with fruits and flowers.  The Balinese are art lovers and art creators, showcasing their passions and spirituality during annual festivals and cultural ceremonies. Bali Island is a remarkable destination, offering spiritual experiences and a captivating natural beauty.

Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua, situated in the southern part of Bali, has beautiful beaches on the shores of the Indian Ocean.  The luxury resorts are situated along white sand beaches and crystal-clear ocean.  The southern part of Bali has a lower level of rainfall in comparison to the mountainous regions, ensuring plentiful of sunshine.  The expansive coastline is an ideal destination for different types of water activities, whale watching tours and the most beautiful sunsets.  The Bali Collection, an upscale shopping mall in Nusa Dua, has lovely boutiques, souvenir shops and restaurants serving Balinese cuisine.

Besakih Temple

Besakih Temple, the largest and the holiest temple of Bali, was built on the slopes of Mount Agung.  The temple is known as the Mother Temple of Bali and encompasses over 30 temples and shrines.  From the top of the temple, we observe the green valleys, the serene nature and the clouds over the mountains.  The Pura Penataran Agung (the Great Temple of State) is considered the largest and the most important temple of the Besakih Temple complex. 

Many festivals, religious holidays and spiritual ceremonies are celebrated at the temple throughout the year.  Before entering the temple, the visitors shall wear a proper cover, such as a sarong, showing respect to the Hindu religious traditions.  Visiting the temple in the morning or in the evening ensures a tranquil atmosphere to experience a spiritual reflection.

Pura Ulun Danu Temple

The Lake Beratan is set at the base of Gunung Catur Mountain.  The magnificent Pura Ulun Danu Temple was built on the shores of the Lake Beratan.  The Balinese culture considers the mountains and the lakes as essential religious symbols.  The mountainous landscapes benefit the rice fields and terraces by providing water.  The worshipers at the Pura Ulun Danu Temple revere the goddess of the lake, Dewi Danu.  The iconic temple set along the lake creates a feeling of serenity and spirituality.  After departing the temple, we drive along the scenic route, enjoy a panoramic view of the Lake Buyan and encounter a group of macaque monkeys.

Ubud

Ubud is a region of Bali, famous for the stunning landscapes of rice terraces and rice fields created on the slopes of the mountains.  The traditional Balinese irrigation system (Subak) enhances the fertile agricultural lands.  Ubud has a unique climate that provides sufficient rain precipitation and cooler air which contribute to the fertile lands, greenness and beauty of the region.  The scenic driving route follows along rolling hills and rice terraces.  The village of Tegallalang offers awe-inspiring views of lush greenery, rice fields and rice terraces.  A few souvenirs shops in the village offer handcrafts created by local artisans. 

Pura Taman Ayun Temple

The Pura Taman Ayun Temple is situated near the village of Mengwi, and its name means “A Beautiful Garden”.  The temple complex showcases magnificent structures with multi-storied rooftops, pavilions, shrines and expansive gardens.  The temple is surrounded by an artificial moat planted with lotus flowers and leveled garden terraces.  The temple exhibits dedications to diverse Gods, including to Dewi Sri, the goddess of rice.  During the era of Mengwi Kingdom, the temple was a place of worship and relaxation for the king and for worshipers. 

Tanah Lot (Pura Tanah Lot)

The west coast of Bali is the location of the Tanah Lot Temple, an important and beautiful temple.  The Tanah Lot Temple, situated on a large rock in the ocean, is accessible at low tides.  Upon entering the Pura Tanah Lot Temple, we observe a natural fountain (Tirta Pabersihan) used by worshipers to purify themselves.  The villagers arrive at the temple to celebrate and pray for the quality of their crops and their livestock.  Annual celebrations take place at the temple, to commemorate local heroes and to celebrate the anniversary of Pura Tanah Lot.  

Puri Saren Agung (Royal Palace)

The Puri Saren Agung is the ancient Royal Palace that belongs to the royal family that ruled Bali until World War II.  The palace complex has traditional Balinese structures, designed with large verandahs.  We encounter the owner and the descendant of the royal family who invites us to his home.  We learn about the history of the royal family, the architecture of the palace and the fascinating traditions of Bali Island.  We discover a collection of beautiful antiques and old family photos. 

Favorite Adventures

Spirituality of Bali

Bali is the land of gods, spirits and sacred rituals.  Balinese people worship the nature, their ancestors and different gods.  The volcanoes, the mountains, the forests, the rivers and the waterfalls are considered sacred, the home to gods.  The island of Bali has a myriad of temples, shrines and stone statues displaying daily offerings of small baskets of flowers, a form of worship to gods.  The sacred waterfalls and the springs are used during Balinese water purification ceremonies. 

Harvest festivals are held to purge evil spirits and to celebrate the harvest season.  The Kecak Fire Dance is an ancient Balinese ritual of energetic dances and songs of worship, protecting against the evil and invoking the good spirits.  Balinese people pay respects to different Hindu gods and Buddhist saints.  Dewi Danu is the goddess of water and fertility of the lands.  Dewi Sri is the goddess of rice and fertility.  The Balinese celebrate nature, enjoy healthy food and practice kindness.  All of these are healing powers that cleanse the body, the mind and the soul.

Selected Cuisine

Balinese Food

Balinese food is a mix of local traditions, influences from other parts of Indonesia, and influences of Indian and Chinese culinary styles.  The Balinese food includes dishes made with meats and seafood, enhanced by a variety of spices, such as turmeric, ginger and red chili peppers.  Satay is a popular appetizer, prepared with minced meat or fish, flavored with varied spices and grilled over charcoal.  Another popular dish is Pepes Ikan, a fish marinated with different herbs and spices, wrapped in a banana leaf, and then steamed or grilled over charcoal.  

Babi Guling is a famous Indonesian dish of suckling pig.  The whole pig is rubbed with a mixture of spices and slowly roasted over the fire.  The mixture of spices often includes turmeric, coriander, lemongrass and red chili peppers.  A collection of Babi Guling recipes uses an additional array of spices, innovating and enhancing this traditional dish.  The slow-roasting process results in a tender meat texture, a crispy skin and wonderful flavors.  Babi Guling is usually prepared to celebrate weddings, religious festivals and cultural events.  During our vacation, the InterContinental Bali Resort served a sublime Babi Guling and hosted a Balinese dance performance.

Preferred Accommodations

The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali

Nusa Dua, the southern part of Bali, is known for its pristine beaches on the shores of the Indian Ocean.  Nusa Dua’s scenic coastline and tropical vegetation offers tranquility and seclusion.  The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali is a luxury resort set near the beautiful beach and offering relaxing lagoon-shaped swimming pools.  A collection of rooms, suites and villas have a stylish décor showcasing the Balinese culture and overlooking tropical gardens and a beautiful lagoon. 

This tropical sanctuary is an ideal destination to relax, isolate and explore the Balinese culture.  The hotel offers guidance in organizing snorkeling adventures and scuba diving excursions, exploring the vibrant underwater wonders.  The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali is a unique paradise, a place of luxury and tranquility.