Indonesia, Bali – The Most Popular Places
The capital of Bali is Denpasar. To the southwest of it is Kuta, which is directly linked to Denpasar. Although Denpasar is the capital, it is not very interesting for tourists. Nice places can be found especially around Puputan Square. From here you can head to the Balinese Museum and visit the Pura Jagatnatha Temple nearby.
Far more tourists head to the already mentioned Kuta, which is a beach resort. Denpasar is a quiet town. Kuta lives a lively nightlife (there are discos all over Bali), but you won't be bored during the day. You can go swimming on Kuta Beach, which is several kilometers long. Surfers love it here because of the waves. But again you will not swim in them a lot.
We were curious to visit the only European-style supermarket built within walking distance of the airport, and we were shocked by the prices here. It is understandable that the Czech Primátor beer costs 210 CZK. But that two pieces of exotic kaki fruit cost CZK 300, that surprised us. The Balinese certainly cannot afford such luxury, so this shop is aimed only at Western tourists.
North of Kuta, do not miss the well-known Tanah Lot Temple, which is inaccessible at times of high tide. The waves literally whip the rock. On the contrary, during low tide you can reach it via low sea level without any problems. If you go here, find out when the outflow is. During the high tide you only look at the temple from the shore, and because you have to buy this view a long way through the market, you would be disappointed by visiting Tanah Lot.
The most interesting tourist city in Bali is undoubtedly Ubud. It is located northeast of Denpasar, near the volcano Agung. It is often labeled with very flattering names - the center of cultural and spiritual life in Bali, or the city of art among rice fields. I believe that once Ubud could really have been. But massive tourism has already destroyed the atmosphere. Most tourists heading to Bali will spend a few days here, so you will meet more white tourists than Balinese.
We were surprised that the local data network did not work in Ubud, because of the Internet we had to go out of town. The evening performance of traditional Balinese dance Kecak was an interesting experience for us. The dance portrays the love story between Prince Rama and Princess Sita. Around the main heroes, dressed in beautiful costumes, are sitting in a circle of about 30 dancers who make throat sounds called cak-kecak to illustrate the story.
If you want to experience some nature in the city, visit Monkey Forest. Just watch out for personal things, monkeys are very curious, insolent and like to steal. There are many temples in this forest, you can take a walk along the forest trail, and the macaques will keep you company all the time. Because monkeys are sacred in Bali, you must not harm them in any way. But they'll rob you. This place still has an unmistakable atmosphere and is definitely worth a visit.
Bali is an island of many colors, tastes and scents. It is a blend of traditional religion and modern desire for money, but the Balinese give it in a very insensitive way. However, everyone has to make their own opinion on this island, so do not hesitate to visit Bali.
GPS: 8°31'03.3"S 115°15'34.3"E
Text and photos: Jana Hejlová
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