As one of more than 17,000 islands that comprise the Indonesia archipelago, Bali is a pintsize exemplum of the region’s intoxicating beauties. But don’t let its diminutiveness fool you: Roughly twice the size of Rhode Island, Bali is a testament that good things come in small packages.

Island of the Gods

Bali is home to thousands of distinctive temples, and many of them have become popular tourist attractions in recent years. Local Balinese consider the spiritual structures as a meeting point between humans and gods, but have become accustomed to the sometimes odd and unintentionally irreverent behavior of tourists.

To avoid any faux pas, brush up on the local culture before visiting. For example, it’s customary to wear a sarong or sash over suitable clothing when visiting the temples. These are easily found and sold throughout the island. If you’re still unsure of attire, err on the safe side by dressing up more than down. You don’t want to go trekking through the neighborhood of the gods in a casual T-shirt, bathing suit or miniskirt.  

A notable temple to begin your visit is Goa Gajah, commonly referred to as the “Elephant Cave.” Known for its elaborate carvings, this temple is located just outside of Ubud and dates back to the 11th century, although it wasn’t discovered until the 1920s.

The Pura Besakih temple is the place to go for a slightly bigger venture. Hailed as the “Mother Temple,” this worshipping sanctuary is the largest temple in Bali and rests on the slopes of Mount Agung. A sprawling complex of numerous structures and shrines, the Pura Besakih has an open-air design like many Balinese temples and boasts several breathtaking courtyards.

Another temple worth visiting is the Pura Luhur Uluwatu. Situated on the tip of the Badung Peninsula, the temple is visited by tourists and locals alike and is considered one of the six most important temples for its guardianship. The Balinese call it a “directional temple” (kayangan jagat), or one that protects the island from evil spirits coming from the Southwest.

Bali’s Cultural Capital

Regarded as the island’s cultural capital, the village of Ubud is an idyllic haven where you can expand your Bali experience. Bustling with local artists, you’ll want to leisurely explore the town’s numerous galleries and museums. Both Neka Art Museum (www.museumneka.com) and Museum Puri Lukisan (www.mpl-ubud.com) house various painting collections and provide a unique perspective on Balinese and Indonesian art.

Ubud is also an ideal starting point for day trips to nearby attractions. Venturing in almost any direction will lead you to a number of spectacular sights, including panoramic views of rice terraces and breathtaking waterfalls outside the village. Within Ubud, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary houses hundreds of monkeys and is popular with tourists. While you’re free to take pictures and feed the local primates, these critters are notorious food-and-sunglass snatchers—so be sure to keep a close eye on your belongings.

Beach Bound

Beyond its attractions, culture and fine cuisine, Bali’s shores are some of the most magnificent beaches in the world. Relax on the beaches of Jimbaran, or head to Nusa Dua if you enjoy surfing, diving or snorkeling. Kuta Beach, while a bit overrun with tourists, is popular for its surfing, shopping and booming nightlife.

Outdoor Adventures

If you love the rush of white-water rafting or the thought of hiking up a live volcano, then you won’t want to miss this destination. Bali offers two active volcanoes, Mount Agung and Mount Batur, for those supercharged explorers who desire a more adventurous hike. If you want to get away from the heat, Ayung and Telaga Waja River boast ideal rafting conditions for a slightly cooler escapade.

Bali has numerous outfitters located throughout the island, and choosing one comes down to what you want to do. Bali Adventure Tours (www.baliadventuretours.com) offers white-water rafting trips and tours inside the Elephant Safari Park, while visitors can choose tours at Bali Safaris (www.balisafaris.com) that include anything from trekking through tropical rain forests to cycling and diving.

Teein’ Up in Paradise

Quickly gaining a reputation as a prime destination for golfers, Bali presents some of Indonesia’s most beautiful courses for all levels of play. If you like a challenge in a tropical setting, then teeing off from one of Bali’s luscious courses might be the perfect way to spend your island vacation. Keep in mind that some courses offer better rates than others depending on the time of year, so to find the best course for your trip, try visiting the course website for current information on rates and packages.

Bali Golf and Country Club (+62-361 771 791; www.baligolfandcountryclub.com)

Located in Nusa Dua, Bali Golf and Country Club is often hailed as one of Asia’s best golf courses and is renowned for its changing landscape. On this public course, you begin by going up a hillside that offers incredible views of the Indian Ocean. Midway through, you come back down the hill, playing through Bali’s tropical vegetation and then ending along the beaches of Nusa Dua. The course is 6,871 yards and a par 72. Amenities include a clubhouse and restaurant, two bars, meeting facilities, villas and a spa.

Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club (+62-362 226 46; www.balihandarakosaidocountryclub.com)

At 3,700 feet above sea level in Bedugul, Bali Handara Kosaido is built inside a volcano crater. The setting of this world-class golf course is what makes it a top pick. The 18-hole course is carved out of an ancient forest and boasts views of the mountains and Lake Buyan. A note of caution: Don’t let the intoxicating beauty of the course affect your game. The greens here are notoriously challenging. A par 72, the course measures 7,024 yards. Additional amenities include a restaurant, bar, hotel, fitness center and tennis courts.

Nirwana Bali Golf Club (+62-361 815 960; www.nirwanabaligolf.com)

If you think you’ve seen the course at Nirwana Bali Golf Club before, then you might be right. As one of the world’s most photographed courses, the 18-hole award-winning course was designed by pro golfer Greg Norman. Utilizing its natural settings, this 6,775-yard, par-72 course winds through coconut groves and other tropical flora. Its primary asset, however, is the three holes that rest on a cliff above the Indian Ocean. Other features include a driving range, restaurant, bar and the nearby Le Meridien Nirwana Golf and Spa Resort.

Getting There

There are no direct flights between Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, Bali, and the United States. Singapore Airlines (1-800-742-3333; www.singaporeair.com) has daily connections through Singapore from New York City, Newark, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Cathay Pacific (1-800-233-2742; www.cathaypacific.com) flies to Bali via Hong Kong from New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Where to Stay

Travelers typically stay in resorts along the beaches. You can choose anywhere from a four-star resort to a smaller hotel, depending on your budget and location.

Getting Around

Bemo, or minibus, is the main method of public transportation on the island. You can also take a taxi, rent a car or use a motorbike through your hotel.

Resources

For more information, visit www.balidiscovery.com, www.bali-tourismboard.com, www.hellobalimagazine.com or www.lonelyplanet.com.