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Four Things you Must Do in Bali
Reportaż po angielsku: małpi las w Ubud, taniec Kecak, tarasy ryżowe i święto Galungan. Czytaj o Bali i ucz się angielskiego przy okazji.
A small paradise on earth
Bali has a way of overwhelming first-time visitors — temples on every corner, rice fields glowing green, ceremonies spilling into the streets. Where do you even start? After exploring the island, mostly around the cultural capital of Ubud, I narrowed it down to four experiences you simply cannot miss.
This is a small sample of what you can expect in Bali, the small paradise on earth. It is a feast for the eyes and soul — and these four things will show you why.
One: meet the monkeys of the Sacred Monkey Forest
In the heart of Ubud lies the Sacred Monkey Forest — a lush sanctuary of ancient trees, moss-covered temples and hundreds of long-tailed macaques. The monkeys are curious, bold and everywhere: on statues, on paths, occasionally on tourists' heads.
Go with a guide. Under their watchful eye you can safely interact with the animals, learn which behaviours to avoid, and hear the stories behind the temples hidden among the trees. Just hold on to your sunglasses — the monkeys consider them fair game.
Two: watch a traditional dance show
Balinese dance is theatre, ritual and music rolled into one. The most hypnotic of all is the Kecak Dance Show, performed by dancers in rich, ornate costumes, accompanied not by instruments but by a chanting choir of dozens of voices.
The rhythm builds and builds until the whole courtyard seems to vibrate. Even if you know nothing about the story being told, the atmosphere alone is worth the ticket — this is Bali at its most theatrical.
Three: have coffee above the Tegalalang rice terraces
North of Ubud, the famous Tegalalang rice terraces cascade down the hillside in perfect green steps — one of the most photographed landscapes in Indonesia. The best way to take them in is slowly, from one of the small cafés perched along the ridge.
Order a coffee, find a seat at the edge, and watch the light move across the paddies. It is a simple pleasure, but few views in the world pair so well with a warm cup in your hands.
Four: join a Balinese ceremony
Hindu ceremonies are the heartbeat of Balinese life. They are not staged for tourists — they serve a real spiritual and social function, binding families and villages together. If you have the chance to observe one, take it: it is the closest you will get to the soul of the island.
The grandest of them all is Galungan, a ten-day festival celebrating the victory of good over evil. Streets fill with towering bamboo poles, offerings and processions. Witness it once, and you will understand why Bali is called the island of the gods.