Bali Tour Packages

1. About Bali
2. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Bali
3. Bali At A Glance
4. Top Reasons To Visit Bali
5. Best Time To Visit Bali
6. Top Things To Do In Bali
7. Shopping In Bali
8. Art And Culture In Bali
9. Foods To Try Out In Bali

The earliest documented records of Bali can be traced back to the 8th century, which is when Hinduism and Buddhism were slowly spreading around the island. The history of Bali also includes the growth of the Majapahit Kingdom, accompanied by the evolution of the old Hindu dynasty belonging to the neighboring island of Java.

The initial European contacts that took place were with the Spanish, the Dutch, and the Portuguese, which happened along with the development of the spice trade in the 16th century via the Malacca Strait. Bali’s struggle for independence was preceded by the Dutch East India Company occupying the island. In 1950, Bali became a part of the Republic of Indonesia.

• Since Bali has a tropical climate, make sure to pack light and comfortable clothes that will prevent you from feeling sweaty and uncomfortable when you’re out sightseeing.
• Although you don’t need to learn the local language completely before your trip, it will surely come in handy to learn a couple of words and phrases. The local population will certainly appreciate the effort if you do so.
• The public transportation system in Bali is quite lacking. Therefore, the way to travel around Bali is by hiring a motorbike or scooter service. Taxis can be availed as well, but scooters and motorbikes are definitely the most common way to move around Bali.
• In Bali, the driving takes place on the left-hand side of the road. Driving in Bali, however, can be pretty chaotic due to the traffic, which is why most tourists stick to scooters and motorbikes.
• Ensure that the sim card you purchase provides you with strong internet service so that you can use Google Maps and not get lost while traveling around the island.
• Haggling and bargaining are quite common in Bali. The store owners often quote high prices for tourists, which is why you should bargain properly to make sure you don’t end up paying more than necessary.
• Although safety in Bali is quite high with regard to numerous aspects, there is one thing you should be cautious about, and that’s the tap water available on the island. Remember to never consume tap water and instead always carry bottled water with yourself so that you don’t fall sick. Many of the hotels and resorts in Bali offer complimentary water bottles, which you can stock up on to carry with you outdoors.

• Famous Tourist Attractions – Tanah Lot Temple, Mount Batur, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Uluwatu Temple
• Things To Do – White water rafting, trekking, surfing, kitesurfing
• Famous Food – Nasi Campur, Babi Guling, Nasi Ayam, Nasi Goreng
• Places To Visit – Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Bali Safari and Marine Park, Bali Zoo
• Souvenirs To Buy – Balinese paintings, Balinese woodcarvings, Balinese coffee, ceramics

• Currency – Indonesian Rupiah
• Capital City – Denpasar
• National Animal – Bali starling
• Languages – Indonesian, Balinese, English

If a magical beach vacation is what you’re aiming for, then there can be no better destination than Bali. There are at least 35 beaches to choose from on the island, beginning from secret coves located between cliffs to areas of hypnotizing white sand. The southern region of Bali, especially around the Bukit Peninsula, is where you will find some of the best beaches present on the island.

Let us give you a bit of trivia: The Padang Padang Beach situated in the city of Padang was one of the locations of the Julia Roberts movie, Eat, Pray, Love. Travelers can hop over to Echo Beach or Berawa Beach to lay eyes on mystical sunsets, and for the ones craving a quieter ambience, Pandawa Beach should be on your list.

Isn’t food always one of the prime reasons why we decide to visit a new place? If you fall in that category, then Bali is sure to make its way to your heart through your stomach, owing to the scrumptious dishes you will get to consume during your vacation.

The cuisine in Indonesia is influenced by numerous cultures, thereby adding to its diversity and attractiveness. Seafood, in particular, is something that is eaten in plenty in Bali, as fresh seafood is widely available on the island. Several international chefs, too, are excited by the idea of being in Bali so that they can create, modify, and learn recipes, which is what has resulted in the development of restaurants brimming with unique culinary creations.

Adventure junkies are sure to savor their Bali trip as the island offers a myriad of adventurous activities one can partake in, right from trekking and kitesurfing to parasailing and white water rafting. Have you always wanted to try out surfing? If so, then Bali is where you can have this experience for the first time!

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned surfer, everyone is bound to have a great experience surfing in Bali. The guides and instructors ensure that all the surfers remain safe while also enabling them to master the crafty twists and turns. Some of the beaches to check out for surfing in Bali are Medewi Beach, Kuta Beach, and Dreamland Beach.

Hikes and walks are two other go-to adventurous activities tourists get into during their time in Bali. The two active volcanoes in Bali that present you with this opportunity are Mount Batur and Mount Agung.

Are you looking forward to witnessing animals in their natural habitat? If that’s the case, then Bali will give you multiple chances to take in the mesmerizing beauty of its wildlife. There is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud, which is home to more than 1260 long-tailed macaques, and the West Bali National Park, which provides shelter to animals such as the marbled cat, Malayan porcupine, black giant squirrel, and Sunda pangolin.

The island also plays host to many animal conservation centers. The best example of this is the Turtle Conservation and Education Center in Serangan, a rescue center and hatchery that helps in the rehabilitation of injured turtles before releasing them.

Who doesn’t want to bring home unique souvenirs after a fantastic trip, right? Luckily for shopaholic boutiques. For those looking for high-street shops and luxury brands, the spots to head to include Mal tourists everywhere, Bali has an eclectic array of items you can shop for at its many markets, Bali Galeria, Beachwalk Shopping Centre, and Seminyak Village.

Bali is also home to several artisan workshops where you can shop for handmade products, such as silver jewelry, wood carvings, and weavings. If you have time, you can also think of attending a workshop that teaches you to create unique pieces of your own.

Beaches aren’t the only elements that add to the physical beauty of Bali, as the island also houses temples, waterfalls, lakes, and lush greenery that contribute to its overall charm. From rice fields and flower gardens to sacred rivers, the landscape of Bali is populated with stunning visuals that will be embedded in your memory forever.

The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, which is between April to October. During these months, the island witnesses dry and sunny weather, which is perfect for tourists to go around the cultural sites and beaches and engage in outdoor activities. This is when there is minimal rainfall, and the humidity is lower as well. If surfing and water sports are things you wish to experience during your trip to Bali, then this is the perfect time to do so.

There are two primary seasons in Bali, namely the dry season and the wet season, with the latter lasting from November to March. If you wish to partake in the nightlife of Bali and experience how crowded the island gets, then July, August, and December are the ideal months to do so. The rainfall in Bali lasts from December to March. However, the rains do not last for a long time. The rainy season in Bali is also the low season, and this is when the accommodations are much cheaper, and tourists can expect discounted prices.

Travelers usually prefer to visit Bali during the dry season, and this is primarily due to the weather in Bali at this time, which includes blue skies and crisp air. While the days are sunny, the evenings are cooler, and the humidity remains low. This is also the perfect time to indulge in adventure water sports. With the presence of the dry southeast winds, tourists get to not only go sightseeing, but also enjoy activities such as surfing, cycling, diving, and trekking.

One can enjoy the Bali Kite Festival during this season and also the Ubud Food Festival. Music lovers should try and catch the Nusa Dali Blues festival if they travel to Bali at this time.

The wet season in Bali includes rougher waves and grey skies, but that doesn’t discourage tourists from flocking to the island during these months. This is when there is an increase in the average rainfall, which means that you may not be able to enjoy the beaches and certain activities, but you can still go for the fun indoor activities and perhaps schedule a soothing spa day for yourself. You can also just relax and perhaps float around in a pool breathing in the beauty of nature.

The adventure seekers can try out white water rafting and canyoning to get the perfect kind of adrenaline rush. There are also multiple festivals and events that surround Bali at this time, such as the Makepung Buffalo Races, Denpasar Festival, Christmas, and New Year.

Bali is one of those destinations that has something for everyone, thereby making it the perfect holiday spot for solo travelers, adventure enthusiasts, as well as those traveling with their families. There are plenty of activities you can indulge in during your time at Bali, all of which you can explore through our Bali tour packages.

If you’re looking for a day filled with world-renowned water slides and exciting water-based activities, then head to Waterbom Bali, which is reputed for being the second-best water park in the world. Spread over an area of 38,000 square meters of glittering pools and lush gardens, this water park contains water games and waterslides that are enjoyable for people across all age groups.

Once you feel like taking a little break from all the water-related fun, you can hop over to the numerous onsite restaurants at Waterbom Bali that serve Indonesian, Mexican, and Japanese food.

The Tegallalang Rice Terrace, located about 20 minutes north of Ubud, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ideal spot from where you can observe the tiered rice valleys and fields. These stunningly arranged paddies follow the traditional water management system for paddy fields in Bali, known as subak, which has been passed down since generations.

Tourists can also often catch local farmers being hard at work in this area. The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are among the most beautifully terraced landscapes in all of Ubud and have evolved to become a famous go-to spot for international travelers.

Tanah Lot literally translates into ‘land in the sea’ in Balinese. Situated in the regency of Tabanan, the Tanah Lot Temple sits atop the rock formation of Tanah Lot, with the rock having been shaped constantly by the ocean tide with time. It is among the seven sea temples located along the coast of Bali and is dedicated to the Sea Gods with the belief that it helps in protecting the island from evil energy.

Make sure to head to this spot to capture a stunning sunset while also taking the panoramic views. The temple has been an element of Balinese mythology for centuries now.

Mount Batur, which also goes by the name of Gunung Batur, is an active volcano that can be a part of your trekking journey in Bali. Situated about 1,717 meters above sea level, Mount Batur offers spellbinding views of Bali’s astonishing landscape, which includes Lake Batur and the rich countryside. Travelers are usually advised to save their trek up Mount Batur for Bali’s dry season as the weather is cooler and clearer during this time.

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a temple complex and nature reserve located in Ubud and is also called the Ubud Monkey Forest. Home to more than 1260 long-tailed macaques, the Balinese people consider these creatures as being sacred. The history of this place can be traced back to the 14th century with the local population of Bali connecting this nature reserve to guardian spirits and spiritual forces. Symbolizing a unique connection between wildlife and humans, the monkeys are seen to be a sign of both mischief as well as protection.

Bali Safari and Marine Park or Taman Safari Bali is a sanctuary for more than 1000 animals, and it’s where you should head to if you wish to experience something more fun and adventurous than just a safari. The park houses over 120 species of animals, which includes endangered and rare animal species, such as Orangutan, Komodo Dragons, the Bali Starling, and so much more.

The venture is also involved in preserving the wildlife of Indonesia and have been actively trying to keep several of the Indonesian animal species safe and secure. Some of the other animals you can expect to see at the Bali Safari and Marine Park are zebras, hippos, spotted deer, sun bears, owls, Himalayan bears, lions, black bucks, and blue wildebeest.

The Kecak dance is a type of Balinese Hindu dance and music drama which originated in Bali in the 1930s. It is performed mainly by men and the very first women’s Kecak group had its inception in 2006. The dance is performed in a way such that the male dancers chant and wave their arms to present a hypnotic effect.

In order to witness the Kecak dance in all its glory, visit the Uluwatu Temple, which is a Balinese Hindu sea temple created in honor of Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, the God of Indonesian Hinduism. Situated at the edge of a cliff which is 70 meters high, the temple was expanded further in the 11th century.

The Bali Zoo is the first zoological park in Bali, which is home to more than 500 exotic and rare animals who reside in a tropical and lush ambience. The creatures you can expect to find at this park include tigers, lions, pygmy hippos, and Komodo dragons.

There are certain exhibits that let you interact with the animals at the zoo, such as the bird show and petting show. Tourists can have the opportunity to have breakfast with pet birds and orangutans and also feed the elephants.

Whitewater rafting is among the most popular adventure sports to try out in Bali. There are multiple rivers in Bali that offer tourists the chance to do so. The landscape of Bali simply adds to the thrill of the sport as you get to watch waterfalls, rice terraces, forests, and gorges as you indulge in whitewater rafting. Some of the places in Bali to try this out include Ayung River and Telaga Waja.

While there are multiple trekking spots in Bali, the one you should absolutely go for is the Mount Batur trekking adventure. Many tourists catch the sunrise during this trek by starting in the early hours of the morning only to be blessed with the most spectacular view of the sun rising over the clouds. The trek to Mount Batur takes about two to three hours, which takes travelers through volcanic rock formations and thick forests.

With Bali’s beaches being renowned all over the world, it comes as a surprise to no one that it’s a loved destination among surfers, both for beginners as well as experienced surfers. The surfing places in Bali to look into include Canggu, Uluwatu, and Kuta Beach. You can either go surfing all by yourself or in the presence of a professional surfing instructor.

Quad biking or ATV rides in Bali help travelers explore Bali’s countryside, enabling them to ride through jungles, rice fields, and breathe in all the natural beauty the island has to offer. One can choose to ride a bike on their own or be a passenger while someone else rides the bike.

Canyon tubing is one of the most unique adventures to indulge in during your Bali vacation. Just picture a rushing river as you cruise along it on a tube, surrounded by refreshing water splashes, lush forests, and wild animals.

Have you ever heard of an adventure sport that combines the goodness of windsurfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, paragliding, surfing, and wakeboarding? Well, that’s what kitesurfing is all about. Thanks to Bali’s tropical climate and its beautiful blue waters, it is the perfect location for kitesurfing, and the spots where you can try it out are Canggu, Seminyak, Sanur, and Nusa Dua.

One of the most enjoyable things to do when visiting a new country is to go around its markets to see the unique items they have in store, and this is something you will get to do when you book our Bali tour packages.

From special souvenirs to useful items, affordable products to luxury brands, Bali has much to offer in terms of retail therapy. Let’s explore the items you can pick up for yourself and your loved ones from Bali, and the places to explore to appease your shopaholic heart while you’re on the island.

The Batubulan area has several fine batik manufacturers and showrooms that you can browse through to lay your eyes on authentic silk batiks. There are also batik courses available that are really fun and teach people how to make their own piece. In addition to batik, there are other Balinese fabrics that might catch your interest as well, such as songket, endek, and geringsing.

If you’re an art lover, then you might be aware of the fact that Balinese paintings come in numerous styles and are absolutely beautiful.

The Kamasan Village in Bali is the hub of Balinese classical paintings, whose inception can be traced back to the 16th century kingdom of Gelgel. These mainly depicted wayang, a traditional form of puppet theatre which originated from the island of Java in Indonesia and were seen quite frequently until the western artists began to gain popularity during the 20th century. Some of these paintings also resemble comic strips, displaying scenes from epics and texts from ancient India, such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

The sculptors of Bali have definitely created a separate niche for themselves through the 3D masterpieces they create using wood. For the ones who wish to find such pieces in their most glorious form, you can head to the district of Tegallalang in the Gianyar Regency of Bali, as this is where you will discover plenty of woodcarvers who are known for their creations of woodcarvings that are primarily intricate, unique, and Balinese renditions of Garuda, a mythical bird who is known to be the vahana or mount of Lord Vishnu. Some of the other wood-based creations to shop for in Bali include designs of fruits and animals along with Balinese masks.

Located between Batubulan and Ubud are the villages of Celuk and Mas where you will find plenty of unique pieces of jewellery in gold and silver.

Tourists can explore various showrooms and workshops in these areas, such as Prapen Jewellery & Artifacts that allow people to get a deeper insight into the long process of creating a pendant made of silver or gold. There are also workshops that teach people how to make their own piece of jewellery, such as a bracelet or a ring.

Available in packages, Balinese coffee is a very popular souvenir among tourists, sold in the form of ground coffee or whole bean coffee. You can also get them as hard candies from a brand known as Kopiko.

The different types of Arabica and Robusta coffee beans sold in Bali come from an eclectic variety of islands in Indonesia, including Mangkuraja, Java, Gayo, Kalosi, Mandailing, and Kintamani.

The creativity of ceramic products in Bali is something you will get to see at various stores, such as the Jenggala Keramik store in the Kuta Selatan area. These organic and fluid ceramics have designs that are inspired by tropical plants and flowers, leading to the creation of plates, vases, bowls, and other tableware products of the highest quality.

There are also places from where you can buy specially commissioned and one-of-a-kind tableware, such as Kevala Ceramics in southern Bali and Gaya Ceramic in the village of Sayan. Additionally, you will come across art markets that sell unique ceramic products at bargain rates.

Have you been craving a soothing and relaxing spa experience that will help you calm your nerves and be stress-free? If so, then you must get a spa appointment booked for yourself while you’re in Bali, as the island is known for its universally popular ancient healing techniques and calming spa therapies. Luckily, you can also carry some of that rejuvenating spa experience back home with yourself in the form of the spa products available in Bali.

The spa items you can pick from Bali include organic soaps, aromatherapy massage oils, incense sticks, vials of essential oils, and so on. You can find these at the spas located within the resorts of Bali and also at most of the major standalone spas.

The tropical climate of Bali and Indonesia in general allows for the growth of numerous spices and herbs, all of which contribute to the deliciousness of Bali’s cuisine. If the food of this gorgeous island makes its way to your heart, then the good news is that you can try to replicate some of those flavors by buying the spices available at the local markets as well as the supermarkets in Bali.

For artistic pieces and local crafts, head to the Ubud Art Market to get your hands on wicker hats and baskets, kites, statues, handwoven bags, and various other handcrafted products.

Kuta Beachwalk is a venue filled with restaurants, shops, and entertainment zones for people of all ages. The things you can shop for here include fridge magnets, clothes, and Balinese masks.

Situated in Denpasar, the Kumbasari Market is where tourists can find costumes, local textiles, ceremonial dresses, religious attire, handmade pieces, and art products.

Badung Market is the longest operating and biggest market in Bali, offering a wide variety of products to choose from, including textiles and food. In addition to fresh farm produce, this market sells household items, textiles, groceries, seafood, and meat.

The Tegallalang Market is the spot that sells an eclectic array of crafts, such as conical hats and traditional jewelry made from wood, beads, shells, and mother of pearl.

• Remember to carry cash in the local currency with yourself as not all the stores in Bali accept credit or debit cards.
• In order to walk around comfortably in the tropical weather of Bali while you’re shopping, make sure to wear loose and comfortable clothes and preferably something made of cotton.
• If you end up buying things that need to be shipped to your home, then remember to keep the taxes and other charges in mind before making the purchase. Even with the presence of reputed shipping services, it can be quite a hassle to get the products shipped to wherever you live.
• Although bargaining is a common occurrence in many markets in Bali, it is not appreciated at fancy shopping boutiques and malls. Therefore, negotiate accordingly. Make sure to do your research to find out how much the items you want to buy actually cost so that you don’t let the sellers get you to pay much more than the normal price.
• Before paying for an item, recheck its quality. Some vendors might try to sell you something defective. Hence, a quality check is imperative.

Since the island of Bali consists mainly of Balinese Hindus, the most prominent religion on the island is Hinduism. The next most prevalent religion is Islam, which is then followed by Christianity. Balinese Hinduism includes interpretations of Javanese, Indian, and Chinese beliefs. The people of Bali have a belief that the region is blessed by the God Sang Hyang Widhi.

Three genres of Balinese dances were recognized by UNESCO in 2015, namely Wali which are sacred dances, Bebali which are semi-sacred dances, and Balih-Bailhan which are entertainment dances. Sacred dances are commonly performed to entertain and welcome the Gods during religious functions. It is often believed that the dancers who participate in Wali get possessed by holy spirits. Semi-sacred dances are performed both for entertainment purposes as well as during rituals. Such cultural dances are accompanied by storylines, symbolism, and characters. The Balih-Bailhan dances are ones you will get to commonly see as a tourist in Bali as they are organized several times a week. The culture and traditions of Bali are displayed gloriously through these entertainment dances.

Bali’s traditional music is known as gamelan, which is the traditional ensemble music of the Balinese, Sundanese, and Javenese people of Indonesia. Gamelan is derived from ‘gamel’, a Javanese word which means a mallet that is used to strike musical instruments. Although percussive instruments are the main part of gamelan, there are other instruments involved as well, such as gongs, bamboo flutes, xylophones, metallophones, and drums that are known as kendang.

The tradition of theatre in Bali originates from the deeply rooted musical influences prevalent on the island. These are usually called dance-dramas, and some of the types of theatre that often showcase an intersection between dance and drama include topeng, gambuh, and barong. Several of the social gatherings in Bali showcase drama performances as they are an integral part of the island’s culture, which is why they are often a recurring ingredient in Bali’s weddings, birthdays, and several social gatherings.

The art visible in Bali has Hindu-Javanese roots. The highly developed art pieces inject artistic expression into objects that are used on a daily basis. The village of Kamasan situated in east Bali was the center of art between the 16th to the 20th century. A couple of prevalent art forms in Bali include Balinese paintings, wood carvings, and stone carvings.

When we visit a new place, what’s one of the first things we like to try out? The food of the place we’re visiting, of course. If this is your very first trip to Bali, then you’re in for an absolute treat, because the food of Bali is as diverse as its culture, containing a wide array of spices, such as turmeric, cloves, and cumin. Turmeric is, in fact, quite commonly present in much of Bali’s food as the people of Bali consider turmeric to be very beneficial, which is something you will experience firsthand through our Bali tour packages.

Much of Bali’s food is influenced by Indian and Chinese cuisine, which is why you will find a delightful combination of the two cultures in Balinese cuisine. Let’s walk you through some of the food items you must try during your trip to Bali.

Nasi campur is a staple dish in Bali, with ‘campur’ being a loose translation of ‘a mix of everything’. It mainly consists of steamed rice along with a variety of side dishes in small portions, such as satay, shredded chicken, grilled meat, sambal, bean sprouts, tempe, and tofu.

The dish is almost like a Balinese tasting platter, with every chef having their own style of making it and each restaurant serving it in a different manner. Although nasi campur is found in numerous parts of Indonesia, the element which makes the Balinese version is the presence of the spices that are commonly found in Balinese cuisine.

Babi guling, which is also known as roast suckling pig, is among the most famous foods of Bali. It’s not common to find this dish outside Bali, mainly because pork isn’t available in most parts of Indonesia as it’s still considered as taboo among Indonesians and is forbidden in Islam.

The dish is normally a part of celebrations and was once served primarily at special occasions or religious gatherings. However, as tourism kept growing in Bali, the dish was eventually included at various restaurants to be consumed by the tourists. The pig is first marinated using several spices, after which it is slow-roasted over an open fire.

Satay or sate is a beloved street food in both Bali and all of Indonesia. These are skewers of grilled meat that are available in numerous varieties, such as chicken, beef, mutton, goat, and pork. There are also satay versions available of eggs, tofu, fish, and minced blends.

Sate lilit is a very common type of satay tourists will find in Bali. It can be made using minced beef, pork, fish, chicken, and sometimes even turtle meat. The meat is combined with coconut milk, coconut, and a variety of spices and vegetables. The concoction is then wrapped around a stick made of bamboo, lemongrass, or sugarcane and then grilled well over charcoal.

Nasi ayam, which also goes by the name of chicken rice, is a dish that is quite synonymous with Balinese cuisine. It consists of a bowl of steamed rice along with satay, boiled egg, shredded chicken, French bean salad, sambal, and roasted peanuts. The mixture of all the flavors feels like a delightful explosion within the mouth of the one who consumes it.

The satay that is included is usually made of fish and is marinated along with the chicken and then grilled well. While the chicken is served shredded, the fish satay is served on a stick.

If you’re a vegetarian looking for a delicious food option in Bali, then gado gado is one to go for, which is regarded as Indonesia’s super-salad. Although there are vegetarian alternatives to be found for most dishes in Bali, this is one that most people love. The salad is made up of a base that consists of bean sprouts, corn, potato, spinach, boiled long beans, and sometimes egg as well.

Although it’s a cold salad, the warm version of it is often consumed as well. The salad is topped with a peanut sauce, with the dressing being sweet, spicy, and salty.

Nasi goreng, also known as Indonesian/Bali fried rice, is an all-time favorite both among locals and tourists. Multiple spices are mixed to create a thick paste, which is then added to boiled rice and the mixture is cooked over a slow flame.

The dish consists of an eclectic variety of vegetables and meats, including chicken, beef, eggs, shrimp, lamb, anchovies, crab, onions, green peas, and shallots. Nasi goreng usually comes with toppings, such as fried shallots, sliced cucumbers or tomatoes, shrimp or fish crackers, and mixed pickles. Until the dish is completely cooked, the chef keeps adding butter to the pile of fried rice to add to the taste and richness of it all.

If you like having coconut in your food, then lawar is something you must try during your vacation in Bali. Grated coconut is what it is primarily made from, after which bits of chicken skin and minced jackfruit are added to the mix, along with coconut milk and chilies.

While the chicken skin adds to the chewy texture of the dish, the sweetness of it is brought out owing to the coconut milk and jackfruit. The ingredients that go into lawar are usually mixed by hand, and tradition asks for it to be served on a banana leaf.

Sambal matah is an Indonesian salsa or dressing which is a common part of Balinese cuisine. Although every chef makes it differently, the traditional form of sambal matah includes garlic, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and chili peppers. It often also contains coconut oil, shallots, and shrimp paste. Numerous dishes in Bali make use of sambal matah as a marinade or base.

Ayam is the Malay word for chicken, and ayam betutu refers to a dish where a chicken is slow-cooked, making it a go-to dish for the ones who don’t prefer pork. For this dish, a whole chicken is stuffed and seasoned by making use of a unique Balinese spice paste.

The chicken is then wrapped in banana leaves and banana tree bark, after which it is baked for anywhere between six to seven hours. At times the chicken is cooked in the coal fire. The aroma of this concoction is so strong that you are bound to remember it for ages to come.

Durian is often given the title of ‘the king of fruits’ and is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. It’s very popular in Indonesia and is consumed quite frequently. The outer appearance of the fruit is greenish yellow in color, with spikes on its body and an oval shape.

The smell of the fruit is quite overpowering, and durian is known to make an appearance in various dishes as well as milkshakes found in Bali. Some people also eat it raw.