Temples and Monuments
A predominantly Hindu nation, Bali houses an utterly staggering estimated 10,000 temples, each with their own unique design and intricate detail, alongside a number of significant religious monuments. Visit the important Pura Luhur Ulu Watu temple, perched atop sheer cliffs, and marvel at the statues of Ganesha and the detailed carvings of Bali’s mythological menagerie. The serene Pura Taman Ayun is an extensive royal water temple, the main one of the Mengwi kingdom, whilst Gungung Kawi is one of Bali’s oldest and largest ancient monuments, comprising ten striking memorials cut out of the rockface.
Ubud
Geographically and figuratively the heart of the island, Ubud is an enchanting upland town that showcases the very best of true and authentic Bali, surrounded by beautiful rice fields and ancient monuments. Boasting countless informative museums and galleries – including Neka Art Museum, tracking the development of painting in Bali, and Museum Puri Lukisan, displaying fine examples of all schools of Balinese art – a trip to Ubud is synonymous with discovery. Beyond the cultural experience and many temples, Ubud houses a fine selection of lovely restaurants, cafes and streets of shops, many of which sell authentic quality products from the region's artisans.
Beaches
A tropical island paradise in the shimmering Indian Ocean, Bali’s beaches are utterly stunning – characterised by powder-soft white sand and crystal-clear, turquoise-coloured waters – offering something for everyone. Surfers travel from all over the globe to embrace the rougher waters of the south coast, whilst there are plenty of coves that are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and watersports. If you love to explore, there is an abundance of beautiful hidden beaches to be discovered, whilst romantics will simply adore the island’s mesmerising sunsets over the soft sands.
Wildlife Encounters
Whilst the Balinese people are a highlight of any visit, the island’s animals are also bound to charm you. Wander through the dense jungle that houses the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, inhibited by over 600 crab-eating Macaques – known locally as the Balinese Long-tailed Monkey. Observe the daily activities of these fascinating creatures, listening closely to park staff’s safety instructions, as well as encountering the forest’s native Timor Rusa Deer. For marine wildlife, Bali offers some of the best diving in the Indian Ocean, allowing you to spot multi-coloured clouds of various tropical fish, alongside Manta Rays, octopus, Reef Sharks and much more!
Cultural Highlights
Immerse yourself in the friendly, fascinating and famed culture of laid-back Bali. Encounter the glorious people of the region at one of the sprawling, vibrant markets, or marvel at the traditional Balinese dance performances that are held almost nightly at Ubud Palace, against a beautiful backdrop. Visit the 14th century historic site, Yeh Pulu, an intricately carved cliff face set amid beautiful rice terrace vistas, reached by a lush, tropical walk. Alternatively, take a trip to Mas, a traditional village whose principle craft is woodcarving, the traditional art of the priestly Brahmana caste, and believed to be a gift from the gods.
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Travelling With Children or Without an Adult
Children travelling without both parents should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Please contact the relevant Embassy for the county you are travelling to for further information.
Visa and Advance Passenger Information
All passengers must ensure they have a valid, acceptable passport, any required visa and any other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en route. Please make sure that Advance Passenger Information is submitted in advance to travel for all destinations. Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with Advance Passenger Information or Visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country. Please check with the relevant Embassy regarding visa requirements well in advance of your travel date. Charges may apply for some visas.
Passengers not travelling on a British Passport are advised to contact their relevant Foreign & Commonwealth office for individual Visa requirements.
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Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and you should take health advice about your specific needs from your general practitioner or a specialist clinic as early as possible before travel. Those planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk of infection with Zika. For information about Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases (such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya), Lyme Disease (caused by tick bites), and to receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures, please visit Insect and tick bite avoidance.
In addition, we highly recommend that you seek specialist advice from your doctor and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel. Travellers may also be required to show Yellow Fever Certificates on arrival in certain destinations ie, some African countries. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. We would also like to draw your attention to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and recommend that you consult with your doctor before travelling.
Visit the FCDO website and select your destination country for the very latest travel advice: Foreign Travel Advice. Additional sources of information include: Public Health England, The National Travel Health And Network Centre, Foreign And Commonwealth Office and your General Practitioner or a specialised clinic.