Bali and Indonesia: temples, rice terraces and the ocean
Bali is called the Island of the Gods: there are temples at every turn, and each morning the streets are decorated with small offerings of flowers. But the island is also emerald rice terraces, surf beaches, cafés overlooking the jungle and sunrises on a volcano. And close by lie thousands of other Indonesian islands, from Lombok and the Gilis to Komodo. We've gathered the essentials so that your Bali holiday turns out just the way you dream it.
Key points
- Ubud is for culture and nature; the south of the island is for beaches, surf and sunsets.
- Temples are entered wearing a sarong and a sash, and these are often handed out at the entrance.
- Once a year, on Nyepi, the Day of Silence, the whole island stands still for a full day: worth keeping in mind when you plan.
- You'll need internet for maps, for taxis and bike taxis booked through apps, for reservations and for a translator.
Ubud: the heart of the island
Ubud is Bali's cultural capital. Here you'll find the Tegallalang rice terraces, the Sacred Monkey Forest, art galleries, yoga studios and a crafts market. In the evenings, palaces and temples stage traditional Balinese dances to the sound of the gamelan.
Early in the morning, people set off from around Ubud for Mount Batur to watch the sunrise above the clouds. The climb takes a few hours, but the view of the lake and the neighbouring volcanoes is worth every step.
Temples above the ocean
Bali's most famous temples stand right by the water. Tanah Lot, perched on a rock in the sea, is especially beautiful at sunset. Uluwatu, high on a cliff in the island's south, is renowned for its views and for the Kecak dance performed at sunset. And up in the mountains stands Besakih, the island's main temple complex.
Beaches, surf and islands
Southern Bali has beaches for every taste: surfers love Canggu and Uluwatu, Seminyak wins people over with its cafés and sunsets, and Nusa Dua with its calm sea and hotels. From Bali it's easy to reach Nusa Penida with its famous cliffs and coves, the Gili Islands with their white sand and turtles, and Lombok.
Further afield in Indonesia
If you have time, head to Java for the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan or for Mount Bromo. And from Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores, boats sail to Komodo National Park, home to the famous dragons, a pink beach and some of the finest snorkelling spots anywhere.
What to try
Indonesian cuisine is a blend of spices, coconut and rice.
- Nasi goreng and mie goreng: fried rice and fried noodles.
- Satay: skewers on bamboo sticks with peanut sauce.
- Babi guling: a Balinese dish of spiced pork.
- Gado-gado: vegetables with peanut sauce.
- Rendang: meat slow-cooked in coconut milk and spices.
- Tropical fruit and smoothie bowls for breakfast.
Good to know before you go
The Balinese are very welcoming and carefully preserve their traditions.
- Temples are entered wearing a sarong and a sash, with shoulders covered.
- Don't step on the offerings, the small baskets of flowers on pavements and steps.
- On Nyepi, the Day of Silence, the island's airport and shops are closed and tourists must stay in their hotels, so check the dates in advance.
- Ride a scooter only with a helmet and a licence; taxis and bike taxis are easy to call through apps.
- Drink bottled water.
Staying connected on your trip
In Bali you need internet from the very first minute: to call a car from the airport, find your villa among the rice fields, book a bike or translate the menu at a warung. You can install an eSIM while you're still at home, over Wi-Fi, and then you won't have to hunt for a SIM card at the airport after landing. When a plan's validity begins is shown on the checkout page, before payment: for some plans it starts at first connection in the destination country, for others on installation or right after purchase. Your main number stays in your phone, and calls and messages to it keep arriving as usual, under your mobile carrier's terms.
Choose an eSIM for your trip to Indonesia in our shop: the plans for Indonesia are gathered on this page, and the installation details will arrive at the email address you give at payment. Have a wonderful holiday in Bali!
Sources and further reading
- Use eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPhone · Apple Support
- How to use an eSIM with your Galaxy phone · Samsung Support
