Would like to spend your next vacation in Southeast Asia? If so, then Bali should be at the top of your wishlist. Bali is the most popular (and rightfully so) destination on this part of the ocean. Tucked away in the Indonesian archipelago, Bali welcomes holidaymakers from all over the world who want a taste of its tropical climate, sandy beaches, and world-class amenities.
That said, there a few surprises and tiny bits of information that would escape most first-time visitors but are important to know nevertheless. Things like the cultural practices, spicy food, monkeys and ancient temples you can’t afford to miss while vacationing here. Here five interesting facts about vacating in Bali for first-time visitors.
You Don’t Need to Process A Visa in Your Home Country
Many luxurious tourist destinations require one to apply for a visa from their country of origin before traveling. Bali tourist visitors can be issued a visa on entry for most nationalities around the globe. You can skip the whole visa processing while planning and just get a VOA when you arrive for a few dollars. Some nationalities such as Moroccans, Peruvians, Thai, and a dozen or so more are allowed a thirty-day visa-free stay in Bali.
The Warm Weather
Being a tropical location, average temperatures in Bali are about 80 to 86 Fahrenheit throughout the year. Humidity is also pretty high regardless of the season given the fact that this is an island locality. First-time visitors, especially those from western countries often find the temperatures quite strange. That said, there is plenty of ocean and beaches for you to swim, dive and enjoy the ocean breeze throughout your stay. Remember to pack light clothing.
Accommodation Options
Bali is all about tourism and vacations so expect to find thousands of hotels and resorts all over the island. The pricing structure and description of amenities can also be confusing for newcomers who don’t understand how the local holiday marketplace works. The Bali best Indonesia hotels 5-star offer some of the best ocean views and spa treatments while some weird resorts advertise an ocean view but are nowhere near a puddle.
The Locations and Sights
First-time visitors end up spending their entire vacation in Kuta. Yes, it might be the most exciting locality in Bali but Kuta is becoming more of a cliché destination. There is so much to see and experience in the smaller towns and villages lining the coast of Bali. Don’t miss the amazing historical temples, waterfalls, and forests in places like Ubud, Jimbaran, Denpasar, and even Canggu. Some of the sights in these smaller villages are quite special; make a point to visit them if you can.
The Exotic-But Spicy- Food
If you plan to indulge in local cuisine prepare your taste buds for the spicy invasion they will experience. Some of the most popular foods in Bali such as Bebek betutu can be extremely spicy for first-time visitors who don’t use a lot of spices and herbs back home. Also, most Balinese dishes have rice as a component; everything here has some rice in it.
While at it, you might want to try the world’s most expensive coffee if you are into exotic foods and can stomach it. Kopi Luwak is made from coffee beans that have passed through the digestive system of the Civat cat. The Civat cat likes to feast on ripe berries that pass through its gut without being fully synthesized. The collected berries make a very unique coffee drink with an “expensive aroma”. Make sure you try this coffee while in Bali if you can afford it.
Final Remarks
Bali is a great place to spend a vacation. There are several interesting places to see and the beaches are some of the best this part of the world. The Balinese locals love welcoming holidaymakers to their tropical paradise year after year.