Inhale the delicate scent of the frangipani flower, with its five creamy petals and lemon yellow center, and take in the essence of Bali. The island, touched by magic and centuries of Hindu lore, fringed by some of the healthiest coral reefs and best surf breaks in the world, is blessed with green volcanic uplands and white and black sand beaches that attract sunseekers and spiritual seekers in equal measure. Flowers are everywhere: the canang sari, daily offerings made from banana-leaf boxes filled with flowers, rice, incense and candy, are piled in front of shrines and shops. Even David Bowie felt a connection to Bali so deep that he requested his ashes be scattered here. Just like the bestselling book and movie, the two of you will eat, pray and love your way around this mystical island.
Holy Waters
With thousands of temples on Bali, you could spend all your time just going from the sea temples along the coast to the striking Pura Ulun Danu Beratan in the central highlands (featured on Bali’s 50,000 rupiah note) to the smaller shrines found in every village and town. At Pura Tirta Empul, or Holy Spring Water Temple, built in 962 A.D., statues of Hindu gods are wrapped in the checkered black-and-white cloth that represents good and evil, yin and yang. Balinese and visitors line up to purify and heal themselves under a dozen spouts of crystal-clear spring water. During holidays, expect long lines, with the faithful standing in hip-deep water for up to an hour.
Photo Credit: Instock
Photo Credit: Stephan Kotas
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To Market
Gorgeous Ubud is marked by deep gorges and terraced rice paddies that glow electric green after a rainstorm. This inland town is Bali’s cultural center and home to numerous craftspeople, artisans and healers. Stalls along the busy roads sell goods such as reclaimed teak furniture and intricately carved water buffalo skulls, and at the Ubud Market in the center of town, bargain with a smile for everything from batik sarongs to incense holders to wooden bead bangles. Follow a narrow road across the rice paddies to the open-air Sari Organik restaurant for delectable tropical juices and Indonesian specials made from farm-fresh ingredients.
Photo Credit: Stephan Kotas
Photo Credit: Sunshine Flint
Photo Credit: Jen Alexander
Next: The Best Beaches ►
Beach Vibes
Seminyak is a bustling beach town on Bali’s southwest coast, a center for shopping, surf schools and nightlife. Chic boutiques line the streets selling stylish women's and menswear, accessories and home goods — these are not the places for haggling. Near Seminyak Square, stop in for a delicious Indonesian coffee at Grocer & Grind made from local Arabica beans. Then walk down the long Seminyak beach and swim in the calm surf. Watch the action heat up at sundown at hip beach clubs like Ku De Ta and Potato Head Beach Club as the party goes on into the evening.
Photo Credit: Jen Alexander
Photo Credit: Sunshine Flint
Next: Where to Catch the Sunset (and See the Local Temple Monkeys) ►
Fire Away
Uluwatu on the western end of Bukit Peninsula feels like the edge of the world. Emerald-green swells roll in from the deep ocean making it a top surf destination, and at day’s end the sun sets the golden cliffs afame. The colors of the sunset — coral, fuchsia and cherry — draw crowds (as do the local temple monkeys) to watch nature’s spectacle from the cliff top Pura Luhur Uluwatu sea temple, said to guard the island from evil spirits. That show is followed by a Kecak Ramayana and Fire Dance where a troupe of dancers and chanting men tell the epic Hindu love story of Rama and Sita.
Photo Credit: Jen Alexander
Photo Credit: Jen Alexander
Next: Where to Stay ►
First Resort
The sprawling oceanfront The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas in Nusa Dua has 745 rooms and villas, extensive gardens, six pools and multiple restaurants and cafés, plus a long curving stretch of beach and a sea temple at the top of a nearby cliff. (It’s an easy walk in the early morning for great vistas of the blue-green ocean and shoreline beyond the resort.) But you’ll still feel like you have the place all to yourself, especially in the stand-alone villas above the resort that have tantalizing views of the white cliffs of Penida Island 25 miles offshore, lush landscaping and staggered walls for complete privacy. So go ahead and take a skinny dip in the private plunge pool. The beach suites all have outsized terraces, just steps from the ocean, with outdoor Jacuzzi tubs, while the zen spa has hot and cold hydrotonic pools, plus a sizzling sauna that can be offset by stepping into the 30-degree “ice room.” Follow all that with a mineral mud wrap and Balinese massage and your stay in paradise will be complete. Room rates start at $380 a night.
Photo courtesy of the Mulia Bali
Photo courtesy of the Mulia Bali