Bali is the ultimate vacation destination of choice for many travellers thanks to its sheer natural beauty, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and rich cultural heritage. However, travelling to the beautiful island can become very heavy on your pocketbook if you don’t know some of the best Bali money-saving tips. So, what are some ways to save money while still getting the full Bali experience? Well, grab your favourite pair of Bistro St. Tropez board shorts and let’s take a look at some free activities to enjoy on your next trip to Bali.
Relax on the Spectacular Beaches
No list of activities would be complete without suggesting that you relax on one of the many spectacular beaches in Bali. For example, there are several black sand beaches in Bali to experience, including Jemeluk Bay, Amed Beach, Lipah Bay, Lovina Beach, and Keramas Beach, among others. Many tourists travel specifically to these areas for those Instagram-worthy pictures! If you’re not much of a beach bum but enjoy the water, why not experience some of the world-class surf that Bali has to offer? Known as a surfer’s paradise, visit places like Kuta Beach, Canggu Beach, or Nusa Lembongan for some exceptional waves and fun in the sun. Finally, if you love swimming with underwater life, you might consider finding time to swim with some turtles in Bali!
For more information on the best places to go swimming with sea turtles in Bali, check out our full article here.
Immerse Yourself in the Art and Culture
With such a rich heritage, there are many opportunities to immerse yourself in the art and culture of Bali and come away with a unique experience you’ll never forget. Many temple celebrations are held throughout the year, and usually, there are no entry fees to observe – except sometimes at Bali’s top-tier temples. However, you can simply ask around and express interest, and often, you’ll be met with a warm invitation to join in the festivities. Beyond this, Bali is well-known for its skilled local artisans and craftspeople who work their magic in small studios or family workshops. As you walk around, keep your eye out for these studios, and remember that the various villages specialise in different crafts, so if you explore several places, you’ll be sure to find an array of art along the way. Lastly, a final must-visit location is the Pura Taman Saraswati Temple. Typically, these top-end temples charge an entry fee, but this one is free, meaning you can explore the traditional Balinese temple erected in 1952 and enjoy the stunning lotus-filled pond without having to take out your wallet.
Explore the Natural Beauty of Bali
If you’ve ever visited Bali or even browsed through the travel pictures of others, you’d know that the natural beauty of Bali pretty well surrounds you at all times. However, there are a few spectacular destinations you’ll want to add to your travel itinerary, including walking Campuhan Ridge. The Campuhan Ridge is just a five-minute drive from the centre of Ubud and begins as a narrow trail by the Pura Gunung Lebah Temple before widening to reveal an expansive valley and breathtaking view. Just remember, you’ll want to walk in the early morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the high heat of the sun. Another place to explore while in Bali is the Tegallalang rice terraces. They’re only about a 20-minute drive north of Ubud, but it is home to some of the island’s most picturesque rice terraces. You can enjoy the view from a roadside warung or spend some time walking through this unique landscape on foot.
Get a Taste of Local Markets
Once you’re done exploring the natural beauty of Bali, it’s time to get a taste of the local markets. Immerse yourself in the sights, smells, and sounds of Bali’s most popular markets, including Pasar Sindhu Night Market and Kuta Night Market. You’ll experience everything from exotic produce to colourful arts and crafts and all sorts of delectable dishes that you’ve probably never tried before! Another busy market, typically populated by tourists, is Ubud’s Central Market, where you can buy souvenirs, clothing, and presents for back home. However, if you push to the far southeast corner, you can find a produce market that still serves the daily needs of locals in Bali. If you cannot make the Central Market or the night markets, you might consider stopping into the Jimbaran’s early morning fish market, where you’ll be met with a smelly, noisy, and fascinating environment.
Drive the Ogoh-Ogoh ‘Monster Highway’
Every year, typically in March, Bali shuts down for the annual holiday Nyepi, which is the famous ‘day of silence’ where all transportation and most activities halt on the island for 24 hours. But, the night before Nyepi is one of Bali’s greatest free spectacles with bamboo and paper models of monsters known as ogoh-ogoh are placed all around the island to summon demons. Then these demons will be thwarted by the silence of an island that appears to be uninhabited. Before midnight, most of these paper monsters are destroyed by locals, except those who live along Jalang Raya Tampaksiring have adopted a different tradition. Instead of destroying their models, they leave the best of their ogoh-ogoh models on display, and this area has come to be known as ‘Monster Highway,’ making for a surreal, startling, and spooky experience.
Final Thoughts
With travel restrictions lifted and tourism back in full force, it’s the perfect time to experience all that Bali has to offer. From the pristine beaches to the spectacular natural landscapes, from the authentic local markets to the hand-crafted pieces of art, or from the awe-inspiring religious temples to the annual holiday of Nyepi, there will always be amazing things to see and do in Bali. So, before your next trip, be sure to stock up on your favourite Bistro St. Tropez premium men’s board shorts styles and also check out our full range of resort wear that will keep you stylish and comfortable throughout your entire trip!
