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How to enjoy the long weekend in Bali
If you are already planning to go to Bali this long weekend, consider these tips to ensure that you have a memorable island getaway.
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The mystical Ulun Danu Temple in Tabanan, Bali. (Shutterstock/-)
B
ali never fails to amaze us with its culture, landscape and leisure activities. For years the island has been everyone’s favorite destination and is always packed with visitors, especially during holidays.
If you are already planning to go to Bali this long weekend, consider these tips below to ensure that you have a memorable island getaway.
Choose late-night or early-morning flights
Traffic from the airport can be at its worst during this long weekend. So if you haven’t got your ticket yet, it’s better to choose a late-night flight, or better yet, very early-morning trip.
It’s best to arrange your airport pick up with your hotel, since the airport taxis can be very expensive and hard to find.
Stay in one area
Traffic in Bali can be very challenging during long weekends so traveling around the island in your own vehicle is not recommended. Not only will it be more costly to hire a car, you will also contribute to making the traffic even worse.
But, then again, why not choose to stay in one area and explore it by foot? Staying in Canggu or Sanur can be a good idea since they have distinct characteristics.
Canggu is the next hip place in Bali, where you can explore boutique shops, rustic restaurants, gorgeous black sandy beaches and thriving mixed communities. While Sanur is still a charming village that will stun you with its long stretches of white beach, tranquil neighborhood and beautiful seaside cafes.
Avoid mainstream places
It’s better to avoid Pandawa beach, downtown Seminyak, Ubud’s Monkey Forest and Kuta Beach during this long weekend.
Why not explore East Bali or Nusa Lembongan instead? The former is famous for its fantastic marine life and bold culture. You can visit its stunning Lempuyangan temple and learn more about Balinese architecture or perhaps head to the Nusa islands (Penida and Lembongan) to check out their amazing landscape, both on land and underwater.
Do more activities
Instead of going here and there and getting stuck in traffic, you can try to do more activities instead.
If you’re an avid diver or love snorkeling, this long weekend can be your best chance to explore your relationship with the ocean by staying close to diving points. East Bali is arguably the best area to stay in since you can easily hop from Tulamben, Amed and Padang Bai without having to worry about traffic.
You can also explore other interesting things like trying Bali’s best spas, signing up for a cooking class, renting a bicycle and strolling around Sanur, kayaking in a mangrove forest and many more.
Avoid Bukit area
Unless you plan to stay in Uluwatu, going to Bukit or the Uluwatu area is a bad idea as you will get stuck in traffic and miss a lot of things.
If you do love the beach, we recommend you stay there, then you can go beach hopping to Bali’s most gorgeous beaches such as Suluban, Padang Padang, Dreamland and many more.
Draw up a reasonable itinerary
Planning to go from Single Fin in Uluwatu then to La Laguna in Canggu makes no sense. If you really want to visit popular destinations, make a reasonable itinerary by visiting nearby places. Plan which main destination you desire and see other places nearby, instead of going farther afield.
For example, if you are eager to explore the beaches in Nusa Dua, you can opt to do exciting water sports in Tanjung Benoa or challenge yourself with paragliding, then head to Jimbaran for a sunset and candle-lit seafood dinner by the beach. (kes)
