Running at Sunset in Bali's Traditional Architecture

The mystical allure of Bali is undeniable. Breathtaking images like the person running at sunset down a road wrapped with traditional Balinese architecture make it clear. The combination of "stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality" is what turns a visit to Bali into an unforgettable experience, according to a recent video published by Balinese travel influencer Keenan Lam and shared by the creator, beautifuldestinations.

The Allure Of Bali: More than a Postcard Paradise

Bali is one of 17,000 islands in Indonesia, north of Australia. Although Bali is small (about 5,600 square kilometers), it is a cultural center for the country. The word "Bali" means "offering” as it was used to name the island where offerings are made to the gods. The island is known for its scenic beauty, vibrant culture, and temples that dot the land. The traveler's journey in Bali is unlike what one finds in many modern metropoles. Bali merges modern life with traditional living, in countless ways. The beaches frame turquoise waters, while the reefs boast a profusion of marine life. The hills and mountains offer cool air and highland views. The rice paddies are a vision of green against the rising and set of the sun. There are numerous recreational opportunities, from world class surfing to high end yoga retreats. The best part of Bali (besides its beauty and opportunities for adventure) is that the Balinese themselves are warm and welcoming. They are cordial and they like to give you what you want, within the bounds of tradition. The Balinese are proud and you can see that in everything from their hospitality to their clothing to their language.

A Different Kind of Paradise In The Tourism Boom

The word Bali is magical. This is all due to the internet, after all. Instagram videos capture the beauty. Browsing the internet, you can find B&Bs, trekking, cycling, surfing, and diving in Bali. With the internet, Bali is “an option,” not just an elusive “destination.” Wherever you can get to Bali, you also get a track record of the experiences of past visitors. Instagram videos and posts are the same as they were in the wildness of their inception: part picture, part story, part poster. The little island of Bali has a big reputation. The allure of Bali is not an accident. Bali tourism began with American GIs visiting when they stopped over in Vietnam in the war. Westerners were invited to Bali during the war. The Balinese call it their “war baby.” Bali tourism then exploded and never looked back. Bali draws more than 5 million visitors each year. The island is able to host so many tourists thanks to its population. With "just" over 4 million people, the economic activity generated by tourism — and the cash — make Bali a part of the world’s tourism economy.

Beyond The Beach

Name Dropping: Tukad Cepung and the Golden Dive

The scenic appeal of Bali brings travelers to the island from around the world. Plenty of people know Bali for its beaches, but many more visit for the interior beauty. From dancing flames to waterfalls and water temples, the interior of the island is a draw. Tukad Cepung is one of the most popular waterfalls in Bali. The water at its base is cool and refreshing. And what makes it so special is that it is a secret waterfall. It is near a traditional Balinese village in the heart of the island. The secret part of the secret waterfall is that you have to walk down the steps of a cave to get to it. The walk down is narrow, dark, and the waterfall is as illuminated as you might imagine all on its own. The Golden Dive is another popular waterfall in Bali. It is different from the secret waterfall. More so than the distance, is the coolness and serenity of the waterfall. Its primary difference is that the Golden Dive is surrounded by rice paddies from some distance, so you can look both ways from the road. The Golden Dive is also near a traditional Balinese village in the interior of the island.

Ubud: Where the Real Bali Begins

The owner of the hotel Ananda couldn't believe his eyes. It was the year 2000, and he hadn't been able to get a room for two months. He had come to Bali from the United States to be with his brother. He was a traveler. He was a yoga enthusiast. It was a yoga retreat that was popular with travelers. On July 27, 2017, the New York Times published an article with the title "36 hours in Ubud: where the real Bali begins." Six years ago, the Times found Ubud to be the “true Bali.” This was written one year before the Bali bombing that killed over 200 people in one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in recent years. Sitting in the heart of the island, Ubud is the cultural center of the island. It is the destination of the traveler who wants to experience the real Bali. It is the location of traditional Balinese dance, where visitors can watch the dance and also learn it. There are also nearby rice fields and yoga retreats that you can visit and experience. Ubud is where the real Bali begins.

The Bali Paradise Scope

Surfers remember the Bali of old. It was the Bali of surfing. It was the Bali of beach parties and Balinese dance. It was the Bali of the ocean. The scope of Bali’s paradise never overshadows surfing as a sport. It is where surfing begins. The best surfing in Bali is at Uluwatu, where the waves are like the water at Tukad Cepung. Figuring out waves and waves starts at Uluwatu, where you keep your surfboard, and you keep yourself for good luck. If you’re a surfer, “You’re looking for the right waves. You’re looking to keep your surfboard, and you’re looking to keep yourself for good luck.”

The Bali Surfing Scope

So, what is Bali? As a surfing destination? The best surfing in Bali is in Uluwatu. Uluwatu is a site of the 1990s Bali bombing. Uluwatu is a site of the 2002 Bali bombing. It is where the sun is the hottest, and where the waves roll far and close. Uluwatu showcases temples amidst the waves. The scope of the Bali surfing paradise is something to remember. The Bali surfing paradise is for surfers. But for tourists, it’s the boat ride out to Uluwatu. It is the boat ride back. It is the sunsets and the sunrises. It is the ocean. It is the Bali surfing paradise. It is where the sun is the hottest, and where the waves roll far and close.

How To Taste Paradise

The Balinese cuisine is delicious. The “tantalizing fusion of flavors” Balinese food is one of the biggest draws for travelers. Balinese food is a fusion of spices. It uses spices like coconut milk, turmeric, and garlic. Some of the most popular dishes in Bali are balinese fried rice (nasi goreng), balinese satay, and balinese beef rendang. Balinese food is great because it is spicy, but it is also the combination of sweet and sour flavors. Balinese food is one of the biggest draws for travelers, and the food is one of the reasons why people love to travel to Bali. Here’s how to taste it:

• Nasi Goreng: This is a dish that is made with a fried rice sauce. The sauce is made from soy sauce, and the fried rice is made with a bit of rice.
• Sate Lilit: This is a Balinese satay that is made up of minced fish, pork, or chicken. The meat is mixed with grated coconut, and then it is grilled on a skewer. Serve with peanut sauce and Balinese salsa.
• Babi Guling: This dish is made of spiced and roasted pork meat. The sauce is a blend of coconut milk, ginger, and turmeric. Serve with vegetables.