A Retreat To Bali, Indonesia

Lake Batur is the widest lake in this island. It lies next to an active volcano. You can enjoy the spectacular scenery of the lake along with the hot spring by the lake. To capture the glorious sunrise overlooking the lake, you can even opt for a sunrise trekking tour on Mount Batur. Engage in the spiritual mountains while attaining peace amid lush green tress, wide lakes and cold atmosphere.

If you go away from civilization that you discern and now despise, Kintamani is your paradise. You can opt for many adventures activities here from canyoning to opting for cycling tours. Apart from this Kintamani is home to Pura Ulun Danu Batur, one of Bali's key nine directional temples.

Along the eastern side lies the largest and holiest temple of Hindu religion in Bali: Pura Besakih. This over a thousand year’s old temple is also known as "Mother Temple of Bali". Located 1000 meters high on the slopes of the volcano Mt. Agung it is an extensive complex of 23 separate but related temples.

Ubud is 40 km from Batur and is said to be a cultural capital of Bali. Ubud enjoys cooler temperatures than the coast. It once served as the major source of medicinal herbs and the healing tradition in still deeply ingrained in the people here. If you are looking for beads, Buddha, barong and Balinese traditional carvings, silver jewelry, pearls, handmade leather bags, Batik scarves and pashminas, Jalan Raya Ubud is the place for you. You will get some of the best deals here. The culturally rich vibe of this area is waiting to entrap you. The traditional market is from 5am until 9am. Spend some time relaxing at Bali Botanical Day Spa with a range of revitalizing treats. At night retreat to Oka Wati’s Homestay which has been sheltering tourists since 1980. Once you are here, you know you are in the right place away from all the noise. Spend a quiet night here in the middle of Ubud in the rustic charm of this house.

Ayung River valley is situated near Ubud and is the longest river in Bali. Grab your oars and get ready to experience the thrilling excitement in the wilds while rafting. Awe the spectacular natural habitat when you explore the deeper unknown mysteries of the river.

This is said to be a 5 star ashram 37 km away with cosy simple rooms and jungle view. You will be deep in the womb of nature. Any direction you go you will be pulled closer to Mother Nature. The property is on working farms and so you’ll be surrounded by buzzing bees, enormous flowers, extensive rice paddies, and fresh herbs and passion fruit vines. The food served here is fresh and delicious. Soak in the panorama of mountains and fields. Something you don’t get to see in your concrete jungles. Visit this place if you are ready for days with no phones, no gadgets, no talking.

If clean white sand, blue water, and great waves for surfing is what you are looking for then this beach is one place you’ll be sorry to skip. The entrance steps add a cavern touch to this place. At the end of the stairs this blue heaven is waiting for you. It is popular among those honing their surfing skills and also for those who want to learn.

Kuta is just 15.4 km away from Sanur. It is the centre of Bali’s nightlife. It adds a sophisticated touch to the nightlife with a few new chic bars and clubs. This place certainly deserves a night. If you are here during the day, you can make the most of Kuta as it offers some of the best surfing spots.

Jimbaran is a small town in South Bali which is 11.4 km from Kuta. The Jimbaran beach area is one of the best areas to explore walking. The beach is calm and best suited for swimming. The south end stretch of the beach is quiet and pleasant. The enchanting hold of this place on you grows stronger at sunset. As the sun lowers, you will be content just gazing at its beauty. Make sure you don’t miss it. You may even treat yourself to a soothing massage at Ayana Spa. Treatments usually include sugar scrubs, body wraps, aroma-therapy and reflexology and these are the ones you should indulge in.

Bali is a place for healing. It’s for embracing your wounds and pain and moving to a realm of peace and positivity. It’s for finding that serenity within your mind and heart. Bali is an island in Indonesia. Being the smallest province in Indonesia, this island is home to most of Indonesia's Hindu minority. It’s a beautiful tropical island with quaint villages, extensive rice paddies, virgin beaches and volcanic peaks. All of this is set against the backdrop of spiritual culture, colourful locals, absolutely peaceful temples and contrasting crowded markets. You can’t separate religion and culture in Bali. Balinese life and traditions are dominated by religious values. And this probably makes it a popular tourist destination. And yet there is so much about Balinese life that is not usually known about. And it for this reason, you should take a trip to Bali. Just to experience its sheer uniqueness.

I would recommend that instead of booking a stay in the expensive resorts, experience the true nature and culture of Bali like from a native’s eye. Make sure you go to these places when you are wandering in the Island of the Gods. You’ll yourself be able to decide if it is rightly called so. Start your journey with Lake Batur that lies down at the feet of Mount Batur and Mount Abang.

Mount Batur itself is actually just a small volcano adjacent to which is the large crescent-shaped Batur Lake. The lake is well protected by the high walls of the crater. Amidst the scenic beauty of the lake you can visit the Balinese temple. And if you are lucky you will get a glimpse of Balinese ceremony.

You can then head to Kintamani and discover the most beautiful and hidden place at the heart of Balinese nature and also see the Pura Besakih temple.

You can then move on to Ubud which is in central Bali. Be ready to paddle and splash in the most exhilarating white water rafting experience in Ayung River. Swim along the stunning panorama of the river whilst being greeted by some waterfalls. To unplug from all the thoughts cluttering your mind, you can head to Bali Silent Retreat. With the complications in our everyday lives we tend to lose touch with our spiritual self. This is an ideal getaway to reconnect with yourself with yoga and prayers.

If you plan to stay in this area for longer, you can visit Denpasar which is located 42.1 km away from this place. Make sure you gorge on some nasi goreng (fried rice), ayam bakar (grilled chicken) and Babi guling (roasted suckling pig), a popular lunchtime special. If you want to treat yourself to western restaurants, Cak Asm has Balinese dishes on the menu. You can soak up some rays on the beaches of Uluwatu and Sanur on the south coast too.

Jimbaran beach is one of the best beaches in Bali. The fine white sand and calm waters are a perfect recipe for a pleasant evening. As the sun descends it leaves a trail of tangerine orange to bright amber to soft apricot kissed sky. And this will be the best way to bid goodbye to Bali.

The main temple is Pura Penataran Agung. This complex plays host to at least 70 festivals each year. Make sure to set your itinerary accordingly. Travel Tip- Make sure you buy a sarong before going. Politely decline if you don’t want any tour guide. Beware of the groups at the entrance who will demand donations from you. Don’t give in to any pressure.