How Many Days to Spend in Bali?
We always get two questions about Bali: “How many days to spend in Bali? ” and “Where is Bali?”. We will answer both questions. First, let’s make sure you know where Bali is and how to get there.
Where is Bali?
Bali, Indonesia is a beautiful island located in the Indian Ocean. It is roughly midway on a semi-direct line from Perth, Australia to Bangkok, Thailand, and about a 2 1/2-hour flight from either city.
How many days should I spend in Bali?
Okay, let’s get down to the real question; “How Many Days to Spend in Bali?”. Bali has stunning beaches, lush jungles, and a vibrant culture. The people of Bali are predominantly Hindu, and they have a strong connection to the spiritual world. They are very friendly and welcoming to visitors, and they are proud of their cultural heritage.
How many days should you spend in Bali is a great question. Cos has visited Bali two times. The first time he was there for a week and the second time with Robin it was only three days. Well, three days was clearly not enough time to spend in Bali. To really enjoy and explore the island we recommend staying a full week. There is plenty to do including just lying around on some of the best beaches in the world, traveling around the Island, visiting some magnificent rice fields, visiting the monkeys, and learning about a special coffee brew. .
We strongly recommend staying a full week. It was especially true if you decide to go in the middle of March, That is when they celebrate their New Year’s or Nypei holiday. More on that later. On our next trip, we will attempt to stay a full week. Yes, we will return.
How Best to Travel to Bali to Spend Seven Days
You can arrive in Bali either by flying or taking a cruise. See our post on on cruises if you plan on taking a cruise to get to Bali. However, one word of caution. Unless you are starting or ending your cruise in Bali. you will likely not have enough time there to really get to know the Island.
If you plan to fly, why not try the Skyscanner flight search tool? It will provide one of the broadest flight searches for international flights.
When you first get to Bali you will arrive in a brand new airport in Denpasar. It is a welcoming airport. Most people arriving have a car waiting to pick them up. These services are very inexpensive and worth arranging in advance. The airport area is attractive, but you will soon ride through less attractive areas, as the area near the airport, Kuta, is rather poor.
Bali: Temples and Spiritual Symbols
The Balinese people are deeply spiritual, and their Hindu religion is an integral part of their daily lives. There are many temples and monuments throughout the island, which are a testament to the Balinese people’s strong spiritual beliefs. They believe in a pantheon of gods, and they practice a variety of rituals and ceremonies. They are also very creative and have a strong artistic tradition. You will find beautiful wood carvings, intricate stone sculptures, and colorful textiles throughout the island.
Bali: Focus on the Land
The Balinese live in small villages, and they rely heavily on the land for their livelihood. They grow rice, vegetables, and fruit, and they raise livestock. They are also known for their traditional dances and music.
The beauty of Bali is truly breathtaking. The island is surrounded by turquoise waters, and it is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. It also has spectacular mountains, lush jungles, and waterfalls.
Where to Stay and Getting Around Bali
When it comes to accommodations, Bali has something for everyone. There are luxurious resorts, boutique hotels, and rustic villas. There are also plenty of budget-friendly options, such as hostels and homestays. No matter what your budget is, you are sure to find the perfect place to stay.
Our recommendation, if budget is not your first priority, is to stay at a nice resort on a beach. We like Seminyak, but there are plenty of other great places. There are great places in Jimbaran and Nusa Dua. However, they are south of the airport in Denpasar, which makes travel to the other area of Bali much more difficult.
Ubud is a very interesting and popular area, more in the central part of the Island. It is not near a beach, but has some very nice boutique style resorts. It is the artistic capital of the Island and is the best place to stay for touring the island.
Getting around Bali can be a challenge. While there are decent roads, they are crowded. Most people in Bali own a scooter. That seems to be the preferred vehicle of transport. In fact, scooters control the roads, as they seem to pass cars with no fear. In fact, this family of four below uses their scooter as their only form of transportation.
Bali: Spiritual Water
Water is spiritual and holy in Bali. Whether it is the ponds, the baths in the temples, or the waterfalls, water is precious and revered.
Nyepi, Bali’s Silent Holiday
How many days to spend in Bali, add one day if you are coming in the middle of March and will be there during Nyepi. Nyepi is a traditional Balinese holiday. It is celebrated every year on the Balinese Saka New Year. It is a day of silence and reflection when the Balinese observe a day of rest and abstain from any activity. The day before Nyepi is known as “Ngrupuk”. It’s a time of celebration and parade.
Ogoh-Ogoh
The day before Nyepi is a time of preparation for the following day of abstinence. Therefore, during Ngrupuk, the Balinese people parade through the streets carrying ogoh-ogoh. Ogoh-ogoh are large statues. They are made of bamboo and paper and represent Hindu gods and demons. Ogoh-ogoh ward off evil spirits. They are burned, after the parades.
The parade is accompanied by traditional Balinese music and dancing.
The celebrations the night before the holy day, reminded us of Carnival as the celebration before Ash Wednesday. See more about the similarity of religions in our post on Southeast Asia.
On Nyepi, the Balinese observe a day of silence, and all activities are suspended. This includes no work, no transportation, no entertainment, and no fire. All lights must be turned off, and people are not allowed to leave their homes. The purpose of this day is to give people the opportunity to rest and reflect on their lives. Robin and Cos spent the day in solemn reflection at the pool at our hotel. Going to the beach was not an option.
Nyepi is an important tradition in Bali, and it is a time for people to come together and celebrate the Balinese culture. It is also a time for people to reconnect with nature and the environment. The Balinese believe that the day of silence will bring peace and harmony to the island and to their lives.
Bali’s Coffee Culture
Bali is very proud of their coffee. They have a unique product that is called Luwak Coffee. It is made from beans that have passed through the Luwak animal. It is cleaned up, before it is roasted. Cos actually tried it, and it is quite good. Robinn doesn’t drink coffee, but loved the tea.
Summary
Despite the scooters, Bali is a magical place that is sure to leave you with lasting memories. The people are warm and welcoming, the culture is vibrant, and the beauty of the island is unparalleled. Whether you are looking for a luxurious escape or an adventure-filled holiday, Bali has something for everyone. If you are interested in seeing how Bali stacks up against other vacation options in the Pacific, please see our post on Southeast Asia.
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