For travelers from all parts of the globe, Bali remains a popular destination; however, tourism from Australia and the United States has soared over the past 30 years, making planning your trip early, even more important. Thanks to this influx of international visitors, Bali is more than accustomed to meeting the needs of tourists from all over the world. From ancient ruins and wonders of nature, you won’t find a better destination than this tropical island getaway. Temples, palaces, volcanoes, and jungles are juxtaposed by the south’s white, sandy beaches and the north’s volcanic black sand beaches. Thanks to its proximity to the equator, Bali sports an average yearly temperature of degrees in the mid-80s.
Known all over the world as the Island of the Gods, Bali is only one of more than 17,000 islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago. As colorful as its island neighbors are, and decades of their development for tourism, Bali still stands alone for its unrivaled splendor. The coral reefs surrounding this island, known as the Coral Triangle, are home to the most diverse load of marine species on the planet. Even though the island is particularly small, the majority of Indonesia’s minority of Hindus call this island their home.
If you have an adventurous side that doesn’t mind trekking out in the middle of the night, one of Bali’s most prized destinations is the peak of Mount Batur. Sunrise hikes to the top of this mount leave around 2:00 a.m., but the fantastic views of the rising sun lighting up the surrounding area is more than a sufficient reward. The hike is somewhat difficult, and you should be somewhat physically fit for the trek.
When deciding when to travel, you should keep in mind that Bali has quite a rainy season, lasting from October through March, and downpours can be downright monsoon-level. The best time for visiting with great weather is from April until October, which is not only the dry part of the season, but hotel rates are affordable. You’ll be hard-pressed to find hotel rooms (and affordable rates!) if you choose to visit during the week of Easter or the Chinese New Year celebrations.
Like other popular destinations, Bali can be truly spectacular with a little planning and forethought. Why wait?