Bali also known as the Land of the Gods, is a providence of Indonesia with crystal clear waters surrounding its many smaller islands. This providence may only be composed of 2,331 square miles but it is packed with breathtaking sights and activities. Bali is the perfect travel destination in all months of the year due to its warm and humid nature with an average temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a must-stop destination in Ubud, a popular city in Bali, which provides an opportunity to admire monkeys as they interact with one another in a relatively natural environment. This is governmentally protected land that these monkeys happen to live in, so it does not resemble a zoo, it is merely a huge area for about 700 monkeys to coexist within. These monkeys will get up close and personal with guests so the sanctuary recommends guests hide any personal belongings to valuables well as the monkeys unfortunately tend to gravitate toward these objects. This is a very sustainable activity on the itinerary because you can examine these monkeys without disturbing their natural environment and ways of life while also supporting the agency that protects these animals and allows them to live peacefully.
As previously mentioned, Bali is the land of the gods and is home to many religious sites such as the Saraswati Temple. This is designed to honor the Hindu Goddess Saraswati. The grounds for this temple feature a water garden and lotus pond, providing a sanctuary for religious followers. During travel, one typically adapts a “go, go, go” mindset, so one should find the time to be at peace and sit silently, admiring the surrounding area.
The next destination is the Ubud Kajeng Rice Fields Walk. Rice is a staple in Balinese culture, which makes this activity very immersive in their way of life. This is a relatively cost-efficient activity as donations are encouraged to these individuals but participants are warned to wear shoes that can get wet and muddy. This walk allows one to explore the terraced rice paddies and interact with the individuals who oversee these fields. One can get fully immersed in this way of life both physically and mentally.
For thrill-seekers, the Tegenungan Waterfall is a dream. Guests can either take photos right next to the stream or even have the opportunity to jump from a ledge in the cliffside into the water below. This is the perfect place to cool off and get an adrenaline rush.
Overall, Bali is described as one of the best ecotourism destinations since the government rolled out various programs to correct previous irresponsible decisions of tourists. There is plenty of noise pollution, which is fairly hard to avoid but there are many rules and regulations in place to maintain the pristine state of this region. The waters around Bali offer some of the best scuba diving in the world, however, the coral reefs and other marine ecosystems have declined due to human interaction. Bali has implemented many programs surrounding these ecosystems to ensure citizens and tourists help keep the reefs safe!
