Just thinking of travelling to Bali evokes thoughts of a magical tropical island dotted with beautiful beaches, fringed by palm trees and inviting warm, blue waters. Whilst Bali may be one island, the different towns offer a variety of experiences, from the more chaotic buzz of Kuta to the meditative vibes of Ubud, there really is something for everyone on this small volcanic island. The one constant throughout your stay will be the welcome, without a doubt the Balinese will be some of the warmest and most generous people you’ll ever meet.
When is the best time to cruise from Bali?
You may not really have a choice as to when to cruise from Bali, cruises from the Indonesian island are few and far between, and when they are released they tend to be snapped up very quickly. Having said that, Bali offers warm temperatures all year round with averages between 26°C and 29°C, although the island does have two distinct seasons, a dry season and a wet season. You’ll find the drier months between April and October, whilst visitors between November and March will more likely experience more rain showers.
Which cruise lines sail from Bali?
The short answer is not many. Cruises to and from Bali are few and far between so when they do come up they tend to sell out very quickly. In recent years Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival and Oceania have all sailed from Benoa, Bali’s main cruise port, however, you’re more likely to see smaller, luxury operators such as Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas or Windstar docked in Bali compared to larger more mainstream cruise lines.
Where do cruises from Bali go to?
Cruises from Bali tend to be repositioning, either from Asia or from Australia. So if you’re heading eastward you’ll likely sail through Indonesia all the way to one of Australia’s major ports such as Sydney, Brisbane or Fremantle. If you’re headed west you’ll likely be cruising around South East Asia, visiting vibrant countries such as Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam on your way to one of the region’s major cruise hubs such as Singapore or Hong Kong.
What should you do whilst you’re in Bali?
From surfing on the south coast to practising yoga in the jungles of Ubud, your days in Bali can be as energetic or relaxing as you like. If lounging on one of the island’s stunning beaches is not for you then why not challenge yourself by trekking up the smouldering rim of Mount Batur. The two-hour hike to the top of this active volcano will reward you with stunning views of otherworldly peaks and silver-turquoise crater lakes.
Of course, after the hike, you will no doubt benefit from a traditional Balinese massage. The techniques used by Balinese therapists are some of the deepest you’ll ever experience, they use long strokes, firm presses, skilful stretching and the most fragrant essential oils, all for a fraction of the price you would pay in the UK.
Those looking to get up close and personal to the island’s cheekier inhabitants will want to visit the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud where you’ll be greeted by over 600 grey-haired and greedy long-tailed Balinese macaques. Do not be fooled by their innocence as they’ll be quick to pounce on any unattended items.
If you’re looking to delve deeper into the Island’s culture you won’t have to look far, Bali is not short on temples, in fact, you’ll find around 10,000 scattered across the island. Uluwatu is undoubtedly the most famous Balinese temple in the south part of Bali, sitting majestically on a cliff edge with waves crashing 100 meters below. We recommend a visit in the evening where you’ll be able to watch the sunset over the vast Indian Ocean.
Extend your stay?
Whilst Bali is compact and so it is very easy to day-trip to just about anywhere on the island from wherever you choose to stay, the different areas on the island offer such a diverse experience that it is well worth staying in at least two different resorts whilst in Bali. For example, if you spent your first few nights experiencing the buzz and nightlife of Kuta or Seminyak you may opt to spend the rest of your stay in the more secluded and chilled-out resorts of Ubud or Sanur. If you’re looking to really head off the beaten track you could even hop on a fast boat to the Gili Islands and spend your days lounging on the pristine white sand beaches or floating in the turquoise sea. You’ll need to be quick though, these paradise islands will not be a hidden gem for much longer.
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