Floating temples, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant markets pair with white-sand beaches for an idyllic retreat.
Known as “the island of the gods,” Bali is a spiritual haven as well as an adventure’s paradise. From its tiered rice terraces and white-sand beaches to its ancient water temples and timeless artistic traditions, a journey on one of five voyages with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is passage to a land of enchantment.
White-Sand Beaches
Bali’s beaches extend as far as the eye can see. The most famous are in the south, where Nusa Dua’s white sands and turquoise waters evoke a feeling of peace that’s hard to match. Known for its calm waters, surfing, and snorkeling, along with a promenade perfect for morning walks along the coast, Nusa Dua is synonymous with pure relaxation. Just a short drive away, Jimbaran Beach is renowned for its fresh seafood dinners served at tables on the sand at sunset.
For a more private beach experience, a short boat ride provides an escape to Nusa Penida, a rocky, offshore island with crystalline waters and iconic, sandy cliffs. It’s rugged and wild, and a perfect showcase of Bali’s coastal beauty. Known as “Black Magic Island” by the Balinese, who are deeply spiritual as well as superstitious, Nusa Penida is home to ancient myths and legends that speak to a demonic presence on this captivating island.
Sacred Spaces
Although Bali is relatively small — roughly half the size of Hawaii’s Big Island — it’s home to tens of thousands of temples. Its most iconic is the 17th-century Ulun Danu Beratan, dedicated to the goddess of the water, lakes, and rivers. Located in the mountains atop a plateau that sits on Lake Beratan, the majestic temple, with its manicured gardens and tiered, pagoda-style shrines, appears to float. Gliding across the lake in a wooden canoe provides a postcard-worthy reflection of the temple and mountain, so make sure to wake at dawn and see it shrouded in mist for an otherworldly experience to remember.
Bali’s spirituality is part of daily life, so you’ll often see Balinese carrying canang-sari, offerings of fruit, flowers, and incense, en route to their sacred spaces. In Ubud, the former royal capital where Hindu shrines sit among banyan trees, the water temple, Tirta Empul, is surrounded by intricate stone carvings. Dating back to 962 A.D., the temple is dedicated to Vishnu, the god of water, and is known for its sacred spring, which for centuries has attracted visitors seeking to purify themselves in its waters. Goa Gajah (The Elephant Cave) dates back to the 9th century and is famous for its demon-faced entrance, believed to ward off evil spirits, along with its lush grounds, meditation chambers, and ancient bathing pools. Taman Ayun, the largest and most architecturally distinguished regional water temple, and Pura Ulun Danu Batur, a beautiful water temple on the edge of a crater lake, are World Heritage Sites.
Cascading Waterfalls
Waterfalls abound in Bali. In the northern jungle, Sekumpul’s waters cascade down moss-covered cliffs. To get there, you’ll hike through scenic village paths, rice terraces, and bamboo groves to discover water streams descending into a canyon. Trek through more stunning, verdant scenery to nearby Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, which rain down in the peaceful jungle setting. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, take a dip in the waterfalls’ emerald-colored pool and abandon yourself to the power of nature.
Artistry and Culture
Although Bali is best known for painting and wood carving, there are silver- and goldsmiths, stone carvers, and dance troupes creating art, too. And from sunrise to sunset, Bali’s markets bustle with energy and verve, sharing an array of dazzling colors and unforgettable aromas.
In Ubud’s Central Market, across from the Royal Palace, the display of batik scarves, silk sarongs, hand-carved masks, and woven baskets will make you swoon. In Tegallalang and Sukawati, artisanal textiles, home décor, and paintings are in abundance, while goldsmiths in Celuk, woodcarvers in Mas and village batik artists offer handicrafts you’ll want to take home by the dozen.
In the evening, the Gianyar Night Market is lit by strings of vibrant, glowing bulbs while steam rises from satay grills and droves line up for Indonesian street food such as suckling pig and Bakso, an Indonesian meatball soup, dishes that have nourished generations. Bali’s night markets have existed for centuries, as day markets evolved into communities where cooler evening temperatures provided a gathering place for meals and entertainment at the end of the day.
