Beautiful Bali – more than you think

Bali is a beautiful island in Indonesia, known for its stunning beaches, lush rice terraces, vibrant culture, and spiritual atmosphere. It’s a top destination for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and wellness.

Highlights of Bali:

• Beaches & Surfing: Kuta, Seminyak, Uluwatu, and Canggu are famous for their waves and sunsets.
• Culture & Temples: Visit sacred sites like Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, and Besakih Temple.
• Ubud: The cultural heart of Bali, known for yoga retreats, rice terraces, and traditional arts.
• Adventure: Explore waterfalls, volcanoes (like Mount Batur), and hidden jungle spots.
• Wellness & Food: Bali is a hub for wellness, offering yoga, meditation, and delicious healthy food.

The island blends spirituality, adventure, and relaxation, making it a paradise for all sort of travelers, including people that are working – like me. In November 2024 I visited and stayed in Bali a month while working on the serie A Taste of Wine. And I must admit that I fell in love with the people as well as the nature. The peoples smiles came from their hearts – and you know, nothing is more sincere and joyful than that. Here are some information about the places I visited.

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Ubud, Bali – The Cultural & Spiritual Heart of the Island

Ubud is a lush, jungle-covered town in central Bali, known for its deep cultural roots, artistic community, and strong spiritual atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for those seeking relaxation, personal growth, and connection with nature.

What Makes Ubud Special?

🌿 Nature & Scenery:

• Surrounded by green rice terraces (like Tegalalang), jungle, and rivers.
• Home to stunning waterfalls (Tibumana, Tegenungan) and hidden nature spots.

🛕 Culture & Spirituality:

• Packed with ancient temples, including Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) & Pura Tirta Empul (Holy Water Temple).
• Strong yoga, meditation, and wellness scene – home to famous retreats like The Yoga Barn.

🎭 Art & Creativity:

• A hub for artists, with traditional Balinese dance performances, art markets, and museums.
• Ubud Art Market & galleries showcase local craftsmanship and handmade goods.

🍽️ Food & Wellness:

• A paradise for healthy, plant-based, and organic food lovers.
• Cafés like Zest, Sayuri Healing Food, and Alchemy serve fresh, nutritious meals.

🐒 Monkey Forest:

• A sacred forest where monkeys roam freely among ancient temples and towering banyan trees.

🏕️ Adventure & Experiences:

• Sunrise hikes up Mount Batur offer breathtaking views.
• Cycling through rice fields or taking a Balinese cooking class.

Vibe of Ubud

Ubud is peaceful yet vibrant, offering a mix of spirituality, adventure, and cultural richness. Whether you’re looking to heal, explore, or immerse yourself in Balinese tradition, Ubud is a magical destination that inspires transformation. At last – be aware of the monkeys! 🌿✨

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Uluwatu – something Special for Everyone

Uluwatu is a region in the southwest corner of Bali, Indonesia, famous for its stunning cliff-top temples and dramatic ocean views, world-class surf breaks, and beautiful beaches. Key attractions include the ancient Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu), a sacred Hindu site offering incredible sunset views and traditional Kecak dance performances, as well as pristine beaches like Suluban and Padang Padang. The area is a popular destination for its combination of breathtaking natural landscapes, spiritual significance, and vibrant surf culture. 

Why Uluwatu is Special

Uluwatu, a stunning coastal area in Bali, Indonesia, famous for its dramatic cliffs, world-class surf, and cultural significance. This is what to expect in Uluwatu.

🏄 Surf Paradise:

• One of Bali’s top surfing destinations, with legendary waves at Uluwatu Beach, Padang Padang, and Bingin Beach.

🛕 Uluwatu Temple:

• A cliffside sea temple perched 70 meters above the Indian Ocean.
• Home to the famous Kecak Fire Dance, a mesmerizing sunset performance.

🌅 Breathtaking Cliffs & Sunsets:

• Panoramic ocean views from Single Fin Bar, Karang Boma Cliff, and Thomas Beach.
• Some of Bali’s most stunning sunset spots.

🍽️ Luxury & Beach Clubs:

• Upscale resorts, beach clubs, and cliffside restaurants like Sundays Beach Club, Ulu Cliffhouse, and El Kabron.

🏝️ Hidden Beaches & Caves:

• Nyang Nyang, Suluban, and Green Bowl Beach offer secluded white sand and crystal-clear waters.

🧘 Wellness & Retreats:

• Popular for yoga, meditation, and eco-luxury resorts with breathtaking ocean views.

Vibe of Uluwatu

Uluwatu is a mix of laid-back surf culture, luxury, and spiritual energy, making it perfect for adventurers, beach lovers, and those seeking a scenic escape. 🌊✨

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Seminyak, Bali – The Chic & Trendy Coastal Destination

Seminyak is one of Bali’s most stylish and upscale areas, known for its luxury resorts, high-end shopping, trendy beach clubs, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a perfect mix of relaxation, indulgence, and fun, making it a favorite for travelers looking for a more sophisticated Bali experience.

Why Visit Seminyak?

🌴 Beautiful Beaches & Sunsets

• Seminyak Beach – Wide, golden sands with stunning sunsets and great waves for surfing.
• Double Six Beach – A lively beach lined with colorful bean bags, bars, and live music.
• Petitenget Beach – A more peaceful beach near the famous Petitenget Temple.

🍹 Luxury Beach Clubs & Restaurants

• Potato Head Beach Club – Iconic infinity pool, creative cocktails, and ocean views.
• Ku De Ta – Elegant beachfront dining with world-class cuisine.
• Mari Beach Club – A newer, stylish spot with a laid-back, Mediterranean vibe.

🛍️ High-End Shopping & Boutiques

• Famous for its boutique fashion stores, home decor, and designer brands.
• Seminyak Village & Seminyak Square – Popular shopping centers.

🍽️ Foodie Heaven

• A hotspot for gourmet restaurants, trendy cafés, and organic eateries.
• Must-visit places: Sisterfields (brunch), Kynd Community (vegan), and La Lucciola (beachfront Italian).

🌙 Vibrant Nightlife

• Motel Mexicola – A lively, colorful bar with a Mexican fiesta vibe.
• La Favela – Jungle-themed nightclub with great music and a unique atmosphere.
• ShiShi & Mirror Lounge – Trendy spots for upscale nightlife.

💆 Luxury Spas & Wellness

• Home to some of the best spas in Bali, including Bodyworks, Spring Spa, and Amo Spa.
• Many high-end yoga studios and wellness retreats.

Vibe of Seminyak

Seminyak is chic, stylish, and energetic, perfect for travelers who love beachfront luxury, world-class dining, and trendy nightlife while still enjoying Bali’s tropical charm. 🌴✨

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Nusa Dua, Bali – The Luxury Paradise

Nusa Dua is Bali’s most luxurious resort area, known for its pristine white-sand beaches, world-class hotels, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s perfect for those seeking a high-end, relaxing getaway, away from the hustle and bustle of busier areas like Seminyak or Canggu.

Why Visit Nusa Dua?

🏝️ Pristine Beaches & Crystal-Clear Water

• Nusa Dua Beach (Mengiat Beach) – Calm, turquoise waters, ideal for swimming.
• Geger Beach – A secluded stretch of soft white sand with a peaceful vibe.
• Sawangan Beach – A less crowded beach, great for sunrise views and camel rides.

🌟 Luxury Resorts & Spas

• Home to 5-star beachfront resorts like The St. Regis, The Mulia, and The Ritz-Carlton.
• Offers exclusive spa experiences with traditional Balinese healing treatments.

🏌️ Golf & Leisure Activities

• Bali National Golf Club – A top-rated golf course with ocean views.
• Devdan Show at Nusa Dua Theatre – A spectacular cultural performance showcasing Indonesia’s heritage.

🌊 Water Sports & Adventure

• Tanjung Benoa (next to Nusa Dua) is Bali’s water sports hub, offering jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, and diving.
• Sea walking experiences let you explore marine life without scuba diving.

🛕 Cultural & Scenic Spots

• Water Blow – A natural rock formation where waves crash dramatically.
• Puja Mandala – A unique spiritual site with five places of worship (Hindu temple, mosque, Buddhist temple, Catholic and Protestant churches) side by side.

🍽️ Fine Dining & Exclusive Restaurants

• Many resorts offer gourmet dining with oceanfront views.
• Famous spots: Kayuputi (fine dining at St. Regis), Soleil (at The Mulia), and Nusa Dua Beach Grill.

Vibe of Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is serene, elegant, and exclusive, making it ideal for honeymooners, families, and luxury travelers who want a peaceful retreat with top-tier amenities. 🌴✨

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Sanur, Bali – The Laid-Back Beachside Escape

Sanur, one of my favorite places in Bali – is a peaceful coastal town on Bali’s southeastern coast, known for its relaxed atmosphere, calm beaches, and stunning sunrises. Unlike the party scenes of Seminyak or Canggu, Sanur is perfect for travelers looking for a slow-paced, authentic Balinese experience.

Why Visit Sanur?

🌅 Beautiful, Calm Beaches & Sunrises

• Sanur Beach – A long stretch of golden sand with shallow, clear waters, perfect for swimming.
• Sindhu Beach & Karang Beach – Quiet beaches with traditional fishing boats (jukungs) and great sunrise views.
• Mertasari Beach – A less crowded, scenic spot for relaxation.

🚲 Relaxed Seaside Walk & Cycling Paths

• Sanur Beach Walk is a 5 km-long paved path along the shore, ideal for biking or strolling.

⛵ Water Sports & Island Hopping

• Popular for kite surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
• The main departure point for boats to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Gili Islands.

🎭 Authentic Culture & Local Life

• Le Mayeur Museum – Showcasing the works of Belgian painter Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur, who lived in Bali.
• Blanjong Temple – One of Bali’s oldest temples, featuring ancient inscriptions.

🍽️ Great Cafés & Seafood Restaurants

• Warung Baby Monkeys – A cozy, family-run spot with great Balinese food.
• Soul on the Beach – A beachfront café with healthy, delicious meals.
• The Village Cucina – One of the best Italian restaurants in Bali.

💆 Wellness & Relaxation

• Famous for affordable spas and wellness retreats.
• Home to some of Bali’s best yoga and meditation centers.

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Vibe of Sanur

Sanur is peaceful, charming, and family-friendly, offering a blend of traditional Balinese culture, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed coastal vibe. It’s the perfect spot for couples, families, and travelers looking for tranquility while still enjoying Bali’s beauty. 🌴✨

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Nusa Penida – Bali’s Untamed Island Paradise

Nusa Penida is a stunning, rugged island off the southeast coast of Bali, known for its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and incredible marine life. It’s a must-visit destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and those looking to experience Bali’s wild, untouched beauty.

Why Visit Nusa Penida?

🏝️ Breathtaking Beaches & Cliffs

• Kelingking Beach – The famous “T-Rex” shaped cliff with jaw-dropping views.
• Diamond Beach – A stunning white-sand beach with turquoise waters and towering cliffs.
• Atuh Beach – A remote paradise with dramatic rock formations.
• Crystal Bay – A great spot for swimming and snorkeling, known for its crystal-clear water.

🐠 Snorkeling & Diving Paradise

• Manta Point – Swim with giant manta rays in their natural habitat.
• Gamat Bay & Wall Bay – Known for vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

🌊 Natural Wonders

• Broken Beach (Pasih Uug) – A unique coastal formation with a natural bridge.
• Angel’s Billabong – A natural infinity pool with clear water.
• Peguyangan Waterfall – A sacred site with blue stairs leading down to oceanfront temples.

🚗 Adventure & Exploration

• The island has rough, unpaved roads, making it perfect for thrill-seekers who enjoy off-the-beaten-path experiences.
• Rent a scooter or hire a driver to explore hidden beaches, caves, and temples.

🌿 Local Culture & Spirituality

• Pura Goa Giri Putri – A mystical temple inside a massive cave, where locals come for blessings.

Vibe of Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is wild, raw, and breathtaking, offering adventure, natural beauty, and spiritual charm. It’s ideal for travelers who love off-the-beaten-path exploration, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable encounters with marine life. 🌊✨

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Garbage Problem at Kuta Beach – Why It Happens Every Year

But there is trouble in Paradise. Every year, especially during Bali’s rainy season (December to March), tons of plastic waste and debris wash up on Kuta Beach and other western coastlines like Seminyak and Canggu. This issue, known as the “trash season,” is caused by a combination of monsoon winds, ocean currents, and plastic pollution in the region.

Causes of the Garbage Problem

🌊 Monsoon Winds & Ocean Currents

• During the west monsoon season (December–March), strong winds and currents push marine debris from the Java Sea and other parts of Indonesia onto Bali’s shores.
• Much of this waste originates from neighboring islands and countries, not just Bali.

🚯 Plastic Pollution & Poor Waste Management

• Indonesia is the second-largest contributor to ocean plastic pollution in the world (after China).
• Many coastal communities and rivers lack proper waste management, leading to plastic being dumped into rivers and eventually the ocean.
• Local tourism and overconsumption of plastic (bottles, bags, straws) also contribute to the problem.

👥 Human Impact & Tourism

• Bali’s booming tourism industry increases plastic waste, especially from single-use plastics in hotels, beach clubs, and restaurants.
• Inconsistent waste disposal systems make it challenging to manage garbage properly.

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What’s Being Done to Fix It?

🧹 Daily Beach Cleanups

• The Bali government and local organizations deploy workers to clean Kuta Beach every morning.
• Volunteer groups like One Island One Voice, Bye Bye Plastic Bags, and Sungai Watch organize regular cleanups.

🚫 Plastic Ban Initiatives

• Bali banned single-use plastic bags, straws, and Styrofoam in 2019.
• Many businesses have switched to eco-friendly packaging and reusable alternatives.

♻️ Waste Management Improvements

• New recycling initiatives and waste collection systems are being developed, but challenges remain.
• Efforts are being made to educate local communities on proper waste disposal.

🌍 Global Awareness & Sustainability Efforts

• Tourists and locals are encouraged to reduce plastic use, join cleanup efforts, and support eco-conscious businesses.
• Global attention on ocean pollution has sparked conversations on long-term solutions for Indonesia’s waste crisis.

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The Future of Bali’s Ocean Pollution Crisis

While progress is being made, the garbage issue in Kuta remains a serious challenge. Sustainable tourism, stricter regulations, and better waste management systems are key to protecting Bali’s beaches and marine life for future generations.

…………….@……………

Yours sincerely Trude Helén Hole
Norwegian author, journalist, sommelier, lecturer & artist

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Trude Helén Hole

Live your life through joy, generosity and love – then the world becomes a better place to be for all of us. 

Shortly about me/this blog – I am an author, journalist, artist, sommelier and traveller that have experienced a lot of beautiful places all over our amazing world. I have written articles for several magazines for more than three decades, and have written over 30 books, including more than 20 on the subject of wine. You can read my travel tips here – and my books can be found on Amazon, among other places.

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