The world’s favourite Pacific destination is once again ready to embrace visitors. Without you, Bali has not been the same - but we have used this time to improve our facilities and services, as well as implementing comprehensive new health precautions.
Your well-being is our top priority, whether you are here to relax on our spacious beaches, revel in the luxury of our world-class hotels and resorts, enjoy our cuisine or roam through our culture, tradition, and wide-open natural spaces.
Get away from the crowds; breathe in fresh air. Celebrate freedom; take things slowly.
Whether you are here with family, friends or on a solo journey of exploration of the Island of the Gods, Bali has something unforgettable for you.
Local health authorities have been carrying out an aggressive vaccination campaign among residents of Bali, especially those working in the tourism and creative economy sectors. Between February and September 90,150 or almost one hundred percent of tourism workers in Bali, from hotel staff to restaurant employees, beach merchants and transportation workers, have been vaccinated.
In addition, tourist facilities throughout Bali must obtain a certificate of CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety and Environment Sustainability) to show they are in compliance with standards designed to halt the spread of the virus.
As you start planning your next getaway to Bali, here are some popular areas for you to consider:
Sanur
The crystal-clear waters off Sanur are protected by a string of coral reefs that teem with colour and life, but also create shallow and safe lagoons that are ideal for swimming, snorkelling and a wide selection of water sports.
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Take advantage of those beautiful Balinese waters. The beaches of Sanur are perfect for snorkelling or diving, allowing visitors to get up close with stunning sea life.
Visitors can also try kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, or paragliding, while banana boats are frequently seen skipping across the waves.
Sea Walker is a newer innovation, with guests wearing a helmet attached to an air supply on the surface and able to explore the seabed to a depth of 3 meters.
Sanur also has surfing breaks that are best when the winds are from the north-west, primarily between October and March. Rent your board on the beach.
Bali Hai Cruises operates a fleet of vessels that can take visitors on a sunset cruise off Sanur or trips around nearby island groups. Nearby Krisna is a complex incorporating a water park, restaurants, a spa, and retail outlets selling locally made handicrafts and souvenirs, while IAMBALI is a stunning interactive art museum that is fun for all the family.
For the less energetic, find one of the island’s quiet beaches – try Karang or Semawang Beach lay back on the golden sand and relax.
And as the sun goes down, take a stroll or cycle along the paved beachfront path that stretches some 5km from Jalan Mertasari in the south to the main beach at Jalan Hangtuah.
Eat
Countless restaurants and cafes dot the coastline, with seafood a local specialty. Jalan Danau Poso has earned itself a reputation as one of the best streets in Sanur for dining out, with family-owned “warungs” serving up local dishes. One that is not to be missed is “nasi campur,” a mix of aromatic curry served with a selection of vegetable side dishes.
All restaurant operators are required to comply with the most recent guidelines on health and safety.
Ubud
In the very heart of Bali lies the lush, green district of Ubud. As the morning mists rise, they reveal a panorama of terraced rice fields and undulating hills. Farmers make their way to their fields and women in colourful attire walk to temples balancing offerings of fruit on their heads. This is a place of true serenity.
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For early risers, start the day with an invigorating spell of yoga before exploring the magical Tegalalang paddy fields, etched into the hillsides, punctuated by palm trees, and worked by farmers using methods handed down through the generations.
Ubud Monkey Forest has more than 700 long-tailed Macaques that romp through their verdant, 27-acre home, providing endless amusement. The forest also includes the Dalem Agung Padangtegal temple complex, which is believed to have been constructed around 1350 and plays an important role in the spiritual life of the local community.
There are a number of other places of worship in and around Ubud that are well worth visiting and do not get crowded, including Tirta Empul, to the north of the city. This is a Hindu water temple that dates back to 962 and is centred on a bathing pool that is famous for its holy spring water.
For a more adventurous journey, take a white-water rafting trip with Sobek Bali Utama. A two-hour voyage down the fast-flowing Ayung River takes in class three rapids, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls, but also has more leisurely stretches punctuated by stands of bamboo, rice paddies and colourful shrines.
Eat
Ubud offers everything from fine dining to the tastes and smells of street stalls and night markets – still tantalizing even though they are now following social distancing regulations. Local dishes are the specialties at many of the town’s restaurants, such as Zest Ubud or Alas Harum Bali Resto & Pool Bar, and do not miss the opportunity to try the region’s renown “babi guling” suckling pig or “lawar,” a crunchy-tender combination of vegetables, grated coconut, and minced meat, with a heady mix of herbs and spices.
Another local favourite is “bebek betutu,” or slow-cooked duck, a ceremonial dish that needs to be cooked for so long that guests need to order a day in advance, while “sate lembat” is the local take on “satay,” the simple but classic meat-on-a-skewer that can be found across Indonesia.
Nusa Dua
A sprawling enclave of luxury, beach-front hotels, exclusive golf courses, high-end restaurants and lavish spas, Nusa Dua has evolved into a hub of world-class convention centres and associated facilities. The sparsely occupied beaches are of flawless golden sand and the waters are turquoise. The very place to kick back and let your everyday worries evaporate.
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Visitors to Nusa Dua have a choice of stunning beaches to spread out on, with Pantai Geger backed by small cafes and outlets offering sun loungers and parasols. Famous for its water sports, visitors can snorkel or dive, try jet-skiing, parasailing, kiteboarding, and banana-boat rides.
Water Blow is one of the region’s most impressive natural sights, a cavernous blow hole that causes water from the ocean to erupt into the sky, forming rainbows as it descends.
The Museum Pasifika has an impressive collection of art from across the Asia-Pacific region, including works by more than 50 Indonesian artists. The items include sculptures, woodcuts, and watercolours from some of the world’s most famous artists, including Paul Gaugin from his Tahiti period, Henri Matisse, and Auguste Rodin.
No trip to Bali would be complete without a round of golf on one of the island’s manicured courses. The Bali National Golf Club has hosted major international tournaments and underwent extensive renovations as recently as 2013, with the 18 holes a par 72.
Eat
Bali is rightly famous for its pork, with suckling pig spit roasted over glowing coals a particular delicacy. Try the pork dishes and other traditional Balinese cuisine at restaurants in the Bali Collection or Kenja Square malls.
The St. Regis is one of the most luxurious hotels in Nusa Dua and is famous for its high tea. Served in the main salon, guests can enjoy finger food, dainty sandwiches, and cakes. And while tea is on the menu, guests can alternatively enjoy champagne or a cocktail or two.
InDOnesia CARE:
With the safety of guests our primary consideration, the Indonesian government has moved quickly to launch the InDOnesia CARE campaign, which introduces wide-ranging protocols to ensure cleanliness, health, and safety, as well as environmental protection measures.
Health and tourism officials have collaborated to draw up thorough guidelines for all sectors of the travel industry, from hotels through restaurants, bars, scuba diving operators, spas, golf courses, rafting tours, MICE events and any other area that a visitor may encounter.
Employees are required to have their temperature checked regularly. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory in all sectors, while operators must also carry out frequent disinfectant procedures.
Facilities are also to be regularly aired, guests and staff are expected to follow social distancing guidelines and managers are required to instruct employees on preventive measures.
Tourist facilities must obtain a certificate of CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety, Environmental, Sustainability) to demonstrate that they meet the necessary standards and are vigilant in the campaign against the virus.
To prevent the coronavirus spreading, the local authority in Bali has introduced new regulations for anyone planning to visit the region. The situation remains fluid and requirements for travellers can change.
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