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Bali offers diversity, from art galleries and beaches to family fun safari
(JP/Zul Trio Anggono)Bali is like a never-ending story
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(JP/Zul Trio Anggono)
Bali is like a never-ending story. Whether it’s your first time visiting the island or you’re flying in for a regular family getaway, Bali always has something for everyone.
The first quarter of 2016 saw a 20 percent increase in the number of foreign tourists visiting Bali Island from the previous year. While the temples like Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Ulun Danu are still topping the popular destinations, other places are catching up with steadily increasing numbers of visitors, according to the Bali Tourism Agency.
Ubud had gained a lot of popularity in recent years in part thanks to the film Eat Pray Love. The mountainous destination is famous as the heart of Balinese art, dance and spiritual discovery. Offering an array of museums and fresh air, the region has gained popularity for art enthusiasts from around the world. Neka Art Museum in Campuhan, owned by Suteja Neka, a private collector and dealer, has an interesting and diverse collection. A must-visit place for those with an interest in paintings, its Contemporary Indonesian Art Hall is home to stunning works by Affandi and other Indonesian painters.
Meet a different art scene at the Agung Rai Museum in Pengosekan as you watch young children practice Balinese dancing and Gamelan. The museum, which was founded by Balinese art patron Agung Rai, hosts works from renowned artists from Bali, Indonesia and Europe, including the classic Kamasan Painting. If you want to watch real traditional dance, visit Pura Taman Saraswati, a temple dedicated to the goddess of art and wisdom. When you’re done going in and out the galleries, go outdoors for a change. For those seeking nature, Botanic Garden Ubud, located at Kutuh Raja, is an inspirational place to visit. Built by a German named Stefan Reisner, the 6-hectare garden feature orchids, a lotus pond, a butterfly garden and local plants, such as cinnamon, and a maze.
Naturally, if you’re in Bali, you have to go down and get a glimpse of the beaches. Select one of many shorelines depending on what you are looking for. Kuta and Legian are perfect for sunsets. The main beaches may be crowded, but there are some stretches, like between Legian and Double Six, which are quieter. Jimbaran is where you can experience memorable seafood dinner, while Sanur and Tanjung Sanghyang are the places to go for tranquility and private strolls. Echo Beach and the beaches of Canggu are a surfers’ heaven. Take a drive to the more secluded beaches like Lepang Beach, a sea turtle sanctuary, or the sacred Klotek Beach.
Families can go to Bali Safari and Marine Park in Gianyar, an award-winning destination, which has always been in the top 10 places to go in Bali since it was opened almost a decade ago, according to the Bali Tourism Agency.
With hundreds of animals and close, interactive encounters with the wild through Safari Tram or the Elephant Back Safari, young children will surely enjoy the journey. Want to know more about the birds? Skip the safari and visit the Bali Bird Park instead. Located in Batubulan, which is halfway between Ubud and Denpasar, this park is home to more than 1000 birds of 250 species, including the beautiful Cendrawasih birds. A perfect afternoon (or morning) stop for your family as you travel up north.
As you head back to Denpasar toward the end of your journey, shopping is what often comes to mind. Pasar Badung is where you can browse and bargain for produce and food from all over the island. But planning your shopping before the last day of your trip is a good idea.
Sukawati Market in Gianyar has a wide selection of local handicrafts, arts and textiles. If you wander around enough, you’ll find handmade household goods as well as paintings. More modern clothes are available at Joger, a popular retail store in the Kuta/Legian area, which is famous for its unique printed t-shirts and had become an icon of Bali. If you’re in
Ubud, don’t miss the local workshops and stores. Kou Cuisine, which is located near the Monkey Forest, offers handmade jam, an alternative gift for family and friends back home. (Ruth Ninajanty)
