Bali

Overall Review:

Bali is like a heaven on earth. I know this expression has become quite cliché recently but there is no better way to describe the place.

I have heard a lot about Bali before going there but had done only a little research as I bought the tickets just a week before the flight, so I was literally in a rush.

Despite my habit of planning everything ahead I had the internal feeling that everything would be just fine.

And fortunately I was not mistaken. Just a couple of minutes in Bali was enough for me to fall in love with it: lively place with attractive restaurants, crowds streets and beautiful beaches (something that was so exotic for me after Beijing). As the days passed I realised that my first impression turned to be absolutely true.

Apparently there are hundreds of articles about “top places to visit", “must-sees” and “must-dos” but my personal suggestion would be to put away all those guidelines and find your own path of exploring Bali.

General Tips:

- Bali is a wonderful place famous for its breathtaking nature, beautiful temples and top clubs and restaurants in the world. But the fascinating thing about the island is that you can have-it-all without being a millionaire.

- There are various types of resorts depending on the travel purpose and budget. So, you better check out on the internet which place better fits you in order to avoid the expectation-reality problem!

Anyway be sure that you get much more value for money than in many other places.

- People in Indonesia are very good at selling stuff! Most of them will do their best to convince you to buy something from them! So, be careful in order not to buy things you do not really need!

- Locals are super friendly and can fluently speak English! They can show you around and you might buy them a dinner or a drink as a “thank you”!

To see:

There are dozens of places to see in Bali! As for me I stayed in Kuta (the most party place) and I have only been to 2 places nearby (as the rest of the time I was just enjoying the beach and the food):

• Rice fields in Ubud

• Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot got my breath from the first sight! That was and still is the most magical place I have ever been to! When I was there I felt like it was a beautiful dream and till now when I close my eyes I can picture the beautiful scenery and hear the waves of the ocean.

*By the way picture on the first page of this blog is taken there.

Besides, I have also tried the submarine walk which was amazing as you walk under the water and can touch fish, starfish and etc. And yet, you don’t even need to know how to swim to do that! Isn't that amazing?

To eat:

Bali has hundreds of restaurants for both Asian and western food. But the most delicious thing that I have tried there was the rice with cashew nuts.

And one of the cheapest places to drink is Warung Max (the alcoholic drinks there start from 1$ and I believe that they are not poisonous :D).

To spend:

As I have already mentioned above prices in Bali vary but you get a huge value for money. You don’t have to spend much to feel good there. I would say that if you stay in Kuta you might spend around 50-60 $ per day (including accommodation, 3 times meal and entertainment). But again, it's up to you, as there are many things you can spend money on!

And be careful with the locals! As I said they might get you buy a lot of extra stuff :)

Please note that the above mentioned amount of money is only estimated cost and your actual trip expenses might vary depending on your interests and choices.