Travel Guides

The A to Z of Bali

Explore Bali highlights, hotspots and culture from A to Z

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Architecture

From Hindu temples and ancient palaces, to emerald-green rice paddies and lotus flower-filled pools; Bali’s buildings combine with its natural beauty to create a scene that’s truly breath-taking.

Beaches

Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the island’s beaches range from rugged and untouched to pristine, private stretches of white sand – both are a beautiful setting for barefoot explorations.

Caves

Bali’s natural attractions include hundreds of caves. Some serve as religious sites, like Pura Goa Lawah that means ‘bat cave temple’, while the hidden canyon of Beji Guwang can only been seen by whitewater rafting past it.

Dining

Local cuisine is varied and aromatic. Influenced by traditional Indian, Chinese and Malaysian flavours, expect plenty of chilli, ginger, lime and coconut. Sample classic Balinese dishes and organic, farm-to-table ingredients at Segaran.

Equatorial

Its tropical climate means Bali is never really out of season. Even during the rainy season (between November and February), the weather is still warm.

Festivals

From the serene BaliSpirit Festival, which celebrates yoga, dance and music, to the dramatic shadow puppets of Tumpek Wayang and the hypnotic Kite Festival, there’s always something happening – whether it’s cultural, religious or simply celebratory.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

Named after its iconic statue of Hindu god Wisnu, this 60-hectare park is home to gardens, pools and an outdoor theatre where enchanting cultural performances are staged.

Garuda Wisnu Park Bali Sculpture

 

Holistic

From meditation practices held at dawn and dusk to melukat water purification rituals with our resident priest Mangku, Jumeirah Bali offers a range of holistic experiences that are inspired by Balinese culture.

Islands

One of over 18,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago, Bali is well placed for island-hopping. Discover peaceful fishing villages on Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan’s blue lagoon.

Komodo Island, Indonesia

 

Jumeirah Bali

A serene oceanfront haven inspired by a Javanese-Hindu water palace and situated in the Jimbaran district, Jumeirah Bali's 119 elegant villas, each shaded by tropical foliage and with a private pool, provide your perfect Bali base.

Kopi

Indonesia is one of the world’s biggest coffee producers- sample the local brew at one of Seminyak’s stylish cafes.

Language

Residents speak the local dialect (Balinese) and the national language of Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia), and many are also fluent in English, making it easy to communicate.

Monkeys

These playful creatures come in all shapes and sizes on Bali, the most common species being the long-tailed macaque. See them at Alas Kedaton animal sanctuary or Ubud Monkey Forest.

Monkeys in Bali's Monkey Forest

 

Natural hot springs

Relax in one of the island’s natural springs and be nourished by water that the locals believe has healing properties. Situated among lush rice paddies, and fed by water that’s been heated by the magma of Mount Batukaru, Angseri Hot Springs is a place where time stands still.

Offerings

Pretty palm-leaf baskets filled with food and flowers known as canang sari are placed daily in household shrines, shop doorways and around temples. These Hindu offerings give thanks for peace and balance in the world.

Traditional Balinese offerings

 

Peafowl

The pretty peafowl, or peacock, is native to Indonesia and a symbol of its royal history. It’s also the name of our Peafowl Pavilion Kids’ Club, which is a fun place for children and teens to enjoy music, dress-up, yoga and more.

Qigong

A centuries-old practice featuring coordinated postures, slow-flowing movement and rhythmic breathing. Look out for Qigong, yoga and meditation classes while on the island.

Rupiah

Bali’s currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), use it to treat yourself with a shopping spree in some of the island’s most exclusive boutiques.

Surfing

Owing to its clear water and impressive swells, Uluwatu is home to the annual World Surf Championships. If you are feeling inspired, hop on a board with a professional instructor and take on the crests of the Indian Ocean.

Temples

Wrap a sarong around your waist for a wander through one of Bali’s peaceful temples, from the large floating complex of Ulun Danu Bratan on the shores Lake Beratan to the coastal clifftop temple of Uluwatu.

Ubud

With its terraced rice paddies, Ubud is home to some of the island’s most famous landscapes, as well as many artisanal and craft workshops, and the grand Ubud Royal Palace.

Variety

Whether you are scuba diving among colourful coral reefs, sipping stylish cocktails in our sparkling infinity pool or achieving nirvana during a sunrise yoga session, there’s a Bali for everyone.

Waterfalls

The island is dotted with incredible cascades, some with walking trails and pools that you can swim in, so prepare to make a splash.

Bali waterfall

 

Xylophone

This is a key component of Gamelan, which is a traditional form of music that’s created by an ensemble of percussion instruments, most often used in religious ceremonies or dance performances.

Yoga

Balinese culture is deeply spiritual, combine that with its ancient temples, tropical beauty and tranquil atmosphere, and it makes for an incomparable yoga destination.

Zen

Whether your idea of zen is practising yoga, lounging in a pool, enjoying a soothing spa treatment or exploring hidden gardens, you’re sure to find it here.

 

You can explore all the wonders of Bali from the comfort of your own private villa at our resort, Jumeirah Bali.