Whether you are a tourist staying in Bali for a few days or an expat planning to live there for a few months, certain daily elements of this serene island will continue to surprise you through your time here.
1. A healthy, tasty meal needn’t be steep on the pocket
Food is one of the best things about Bali. The mineral-rich volcanic soil results in great produce, which is freshly sourced on a regular basis by all restaurants/warungs. Even a simple Nasi Campur (a wholesome Balinese meal consisting of rice, greens, tofu, chicken) will be plenty of nutritious, economic, tasty, and filling.
Alternatively, European or other Asian food isn’t too expensive as well. You can easily get a variety of options in mouth-watering Italian, Mexican, French, Indian foods across most tourist areas.
2. Two wheels can become your two wings
Irrespective of which part of Bali you may be in, if you are travelling with a group of friends, two wheelers are the best mode of transportation for short distances. While hiring the right bike is important, and a good investment, fuel prices are quite economic on the island. Two wheelers would also give you abundant liberty to beach hop, pub hop, shop hop and food hop in Bali. Just a lot of hopping ya’ll!.
3. Easy, soothing music
While this may be for the keen observers amongst you, if you walk through local villages in Bali you will hear soft, lilting music of wind/string instruments every evening. It is not rare to see Balinese kids going for a music class everyday and the simple instruments they use produce melodious tunes.
Be it the ‘toing’ of a Kalimba, the ‘tadang’ of a Hang, the Gamelan that is often found in temples or the famous Rindik, the musical notes n the air will surely lift your spirits.
4. Nature-based experiences
Some of the best adventure experiences in Bali are nature-based. Experiences such as scuba-diving, snorkelling, hiking an active volcano, cliff jumping, surfing, paddle-boarding should be the top of your list in Bali. These would give you the perfect adrenaline rush and bring you closer to nature at the same time.
A surfing experience will definitely increase your respect for the sea, diving would make you aware of and understand better the life underwater, hiking an active volcano challenges your stamina and make you admire the might of the mountains.
5. Praying
Bali has a majority Hindu population therefore you will see many temples here. If you come from India, you will also see the same Gods being worshipped. Idols of Lord Rama, Lord Ganesha, Hanuman can be easily spotted across different spots on the island. However, the form of worship in Bali is simple and consistent. Whether you get into a cab, go to a restaurant or a shop, you will spot a plate of holy offerings made to the gods every morning kept on the premises. Every evening, at least one devotee would pray and keep offerings at a temple that may be situated in the middle of a busy square.
There are however no chants or loudspeakers here. Just a simple plate of offerings kept in front of God’s idol in pure devotion.
These simple surprises will forever stay with you once you visit the Island of Gods – Bali.
