TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Six free things to do in Bali
Change Size
Water Blow is a natural phenomenon, where a strong surf pushes through a narrow gap, creating a big splash on the cliffs. (Kompas/Ni Luh Made Pertiwi)
B
ali is blessed with gorgeous beaches, a beautiful landscape and an exotic culture, but the island is still perceived by some as an expensive tourist destination. While it is true that most places require you to dig deep into your pockets, there is plenty to enjoy at no cost in Bali, and that’s good news. Here is the list of our favorite and often-forgotten six free things to do in Bali.
Walk on the beach
Most Bali beaches are free – though you may be charged a small parking fee if you come by car. You can walk along the long Kuta Beach from the airport to the Seminyak area, or on the black sandy beaches in Canggu, like Echo Beach or Parenenan Beach. Another completely free beach to visit is Nusa Dua Beach in the BTDC area. From there you can walk all the way to Tanjung Benoa.
Get wet at Water Blow
There is nothing more fun than having the waves splash at you. Water Blow is a natural phenomenon, where the strong surf pushes through a narrow gap, creating a big splash on the reef cliff. This exciting spectacle can be experienced at Nusa Dua Beach and never fails to awe visitors.
If you prefer to stay dry, you can simply admire the beautiful setting of the reef, or jog along the surrounding beachside track. From November to March, you can also surf in the sea in front of the Grand Hyatt hotel for free, if you bring your own surfboard (or if your budget allows, you can always rent one).
Walk up Ubud’s Love Hill or on the Campuhan ridge
Ubud’s Love Hill is famous for its picturesque setting, easy tracks and a sacred temple called Pura Bukit Lebah. Most visitors here are teenagers who come in pairs and engaged couples wanting to take engagement photos.
The hill track is about 2 kilometers from the town’s main road, Jl. Sanggingan, to the village of Bangkiang Sidem. You can extend your walk if you pass the village and return to Ubud through the jungle.
Kuta walking tour
Hear more best-kept secrets about local life, Balinese culture, sacred places and the island’s history on the Kuta walking tour. For two hours, Dewa Putu Sugara guides tourists, tells stories and shares important information about the surrounding areas. The tour starts at the Kuta Tourist Information Center at 9am, passes through the surrounding neighborhoods and ends at the same place it began.
For more information, call the Indonesian Tourist Information Center in Kuta at 0361-766183.
Join a turtle release
To protect the sea turtle, the Kuta Beach Sea Turtle Conservation group keeps the animal’s eggs in a hatchery. Once the turtles hatch, the organization invites the public, especially children, to witness the release of baby sea turtles on Kuta Beach.
To find the place, walk on the beach towards Discovery Mall and you will not miss the giant turtle statue on your left. Follow the group’s activities on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/baliseaturtlesociety to get accurate information about release times.
More information at www.baliseaturtle.org
Watch colorful festivals
Bali has several annual festivals, and they're not only free to visit, but you can also learn about the local culture. The Bali Art Festival (Pekan Kesenian Bali) with traditional performances from all Bali districts is held in June every year in Denpasar. Aside from the Bali Art Festival, there is the Bali Kite Festival, which is usually held in July or August in Sanur, depending on favorable wind conditions. (asw)
