Beautiful Bali

I just returned from a memorable trip to Indonesia for a conference featuring travel destinations and partners through Southeast Asia. The host location? Beautiful Bali.

Bali is an Indonesian island known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies,

beaches and coral reefs. It’s located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It’s one of the 33 provinces of Indonesia and is undoubtedly one of the region’s favorite tourist destinations.

The heart of Bali can be found in Ubud, a town positioned right in the center of the island. Ubud is known for its art, music, food, yoga, and beautiful scenery. The area surrounding this town of nearly 75,000 is primarily made up of terraced rice fields, which provide vibrant green layers of active farmland.

Whether it's learning how textiles are decorated using the traditional batik method (using hot wax to draw designs on fabric that is then dyed before the wax is washed off to create color contrasts) or visiting John Hardy's famous silversmithing workshop, the opportunities to shop and see how the wares are made seem endless this area of the island.

Your time in Ubud is not complete without taking in a traditional barong dance with gamelan music, which is an orchestra made up of brass percussion instruments and drums that are played using various rhythms to create a really unique, high energy sound. I loved being able to visit Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton reserve property. Their intricately decorated rooms overlook the Ayung River and offer a true sense of place.

Many people associate Bali with its beautiful coastlines. To enjoy the best views, I liked Uluwatu, an area of stunning resorts and temples on dramatic ocean cliffs. This area has earned a reputation for the famous kecak fire dance, which happens at sunset next to the Uluwatu temple. It’s an experience that provides the perfect mix of scenery and culture. My favorite spot to rest your head in this area is the Bulgari all-villa resort because of its breathtaking views.

For a beachy vacation vibe, head to Nusa Dua or Sanur. Nusa Dua is home to several large family-friendly sprawling resorts for a true sun and fun getaway. Sanur, a former fishing village, gives you more of a small town feel with many local restaurants within walking distance from your beach hotel. And for those looking for shopping and nightlife - Seminyak will keep you entertained with endless beach clubs ready to entertain night and day.

Want to hear more about Erin’s travels through Bali? Or, better yet, explore your own itinerary! Email Erin at ErinG@PiqueTravel.com.