Bali Villa Holidays

Welcome to the Villa Holidays guide to Bali villa holidays and planning your villa holiday to Bali.

Introduction to Bali

Bali is a tropical island in Indonesia, lying in the eastern Indian Ocean, next to Java and between Malaya and Australia. It has a resident population of about 3.5 million, many of whom live in the capital Denpasar and second city Sigaraja, and nearly all of whom are Hindu. This is unusual as most of Indonesia is Muslim.

Overview of Bali

Bali has an ancient and exotic culture, which it is managing to preserve whilst embracing modern western ways. It is developing a tourist industry around the capital and Bali villas are a common form of accommodation in all areas.

The island is physically split by its range of mountains running west to east through the centre and eastern sections. There are three active volcanoes in these mountains, of which Mt. Agung is also the highest point of the island. The southern portion of the island is a flat, fertile plain.

Bali is renowned for its encouragement of the arts and cultural pursuits. The gamelan music and Balinese dancing are universally known, but there is also a flourishing modern artistic culture throughout the island, strongly supported by visitors on Bali villa holidays.

Climate of Bali

Bali is tropical – it is only 6º latitude south of the equator. There are two seasons – wet and dry – although the difference between the two is not huge. Temperatures remain much the same all year round, around 26-27ºC.

It rains most days, although usually for only about a half-hour (a good excuse to have a siesta in your Bali villas). But the rain is always very heavy whilst it lasts. During the rainy season, it is torrential. Between September and February there is about four times the rainfall as during the summer months.

Best Areas for Villa Holidays in Bali

The tourist area, where one will find the Bali villa holidays resorts, is in the south of the island, near to the capital, Denpasar.

There are resort facilities at Candi Dasa, and Sanur on the south-eastern coast. To the southwest are Seminyak and Legian. All provide quality accommodation and facilities.

For the surfers and budget travellers, there is Kuta, due south of the capital.

Transport

There are a number of airlines offering cheap flights to Bali and who cover the 10-12 hour journey from the UK, most with at least one change on the way. Qatar Airlines, Emirates, KLM, British Airways and Singapore Airlines fly from various London and local airports, to Denpasar.

Some airlines fly to Jakarta in Java (the neighbouring island). The final leg of the journey to your Bali holiday villas will probably be provided by Malaysian Airways.

There are also a number of package trips and charter flights during the holiday season. Virgin, Cathay Pacific, Thomson and Malaysian Airways all provide regular package flights.

Travel around Denpasar or the island is probably best by car. The roads are very modern. The coastal road takes you right round the island within a day. Car hire is reasonable or you can hire a car and driver.

Taxis are numerous and reasonably priced, but do negotiate the price first.

There is a reasonable bus service between the main towns, although the stops and destinations are often limited. The tourist buses from the airport are good value and serve the Bali villas areas. There is no railway on Bali.

Things to do in Bali

  • Watch the Balinese dancing at a religious festival
  • Listen to a gamelan orchestra
  • Surf the Indian ocean
  • Visit the temples on the holy mountain (Mt. Agung) in the centre of the island
  • Enjoy a massage

Sanur Beach appears to be the most popular on the island of Bali and this is located a mere 10 minutes’ journey from Denpasar. Legian Beach is another popular choice and offers a long stretch of white sands.

Festivals and events in Bali

The Hindu religion provides many festivals throughout the year. The main ones are:

Melasti (the day before Nyepi) – models of monsters are paraded accompanied by gamelan musicians and considerable noise. At nightfall they are burnt on bonfires to drive away evil spirits for the coming year.

Nyepi – New Year. This is celebrated with a day of silence. Visitors are encouraged to stay within their hotels or Bali villas for the day.

Galungan – an annual festival honouring all the gods (ancient and modern). It lasts for 10 days and includes feasts and processions around the many temples.

Sarawasti – literally, the blessing of books. It is an acknowledgement of the importance of learning and knowledge.

Typical cost of living in Bali

  • Meal : 35,000 – 90,000 Rp (rupiah) depending on the level of restaurant
  • Local beer: 10,000 Rp
  • Car tour: 360,000 Rp (half day tour)
  • Bus fare: Kouta to Denpasar 100,000Rp

Generally, prices are higher in the southern tourist areas and Bali villa holidays resorts. You get about 12,000 Rp to £1.

Useful tips when visiting Bali

Visas are required to visit Bali. If not previously arranged with the booking, a visa can be bought on arrival and costs 450,000Rp for up to 30 days stay.

Do not give or receive or wave with the left hand; it is considered impolite.

Only drink bottled water.

Bali Food and drink

  • Hasi goring: fried rice served with a fried egg
  • Satay: barbecued slivers of meat served with peanut sauce
  • Gado gado: spicy salad
  • Bubuh Injin: black rice pudding – desert rice is served hot with a sauce of sugar and coconut cream.