Vacation in Bali, Indonesia: Take a Break from Ho-Hum Beach Vacations with a Cultural Trip to Bali

If you saw the movie Four Christmases with Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon, you might relate with Reese's character when she refers to their umpteenth holiday beach trip as a vacation they've already taken over and over again. If you feel that way about your own previous beach vacations and would like a little something different this time, treat yourself to a totally new experience in Bali, Indonesia!

Bali Hotels

You might have heard that vacations in Southeast Asian countries are somewhat cheaper than in the Caribbean. That is true during certain times of the year, even for high-class resorts. And if you're traveling to Bali, you'll certainly want to stay at one of those.

You can't claim to have gone on an elephant ride during every island vacation you've taken. But you'll have that achievement under your belt if you stay at a hotel like the Elephant Safari Park and Lodge. Guests here enjoy an elephant chauffeur service to and from their rooms as well as elephant tours all around the park grounds.

Rates here are fairly reasonable as well. Winter reservations go for around $275 per night for a couple. All rooms boast roomy beds, plenty of space to move, air conditioning, Wifi and private marble bathrooms.

Bali Dining

Dining in Southeast Asian countries might give you pause for concern. And you're totally justified! No one wants to spend their entire vacation feeling like they could fuel a blow torch with their breaths alone!

But Bali restaurants, especially those within hotels, have plenty to offer in the line of nearly-normal dining. Some, like the Ubud Hanging Gardens, offer Asian and French cuisine at dinner restaurants and chicken sandwiches, crab, rice and market fish at lunch cafes.

For a spicy and sweet meal that's off-grounds from your hotel, nytimes.com recommends the Ibu Oka, which is fairly affordable for anyone's budget. This restaurant received famed accolades from celebrity eater, Anthony Bourdain, who apparently was quoted as saying they have the best roast pig.

Bali Attractions

Snorkeling, jet skiing and canoeing are fairly average island vacation activities. If you've done it once, you've done it a dozen times. Time to move on to something new!

Since Indonesia is home to the Sumatra rainforest, it's logical to assume that the rest of the islands, Bali included, are home to some sort of jungle wildlife. You can take a tour of this wildlife by going on a monkey forest tour or elephant safari and exploring ancient temples.

If you're a fan of bright fire and dancing, you might enjoy local night dancing shows. These sometimes resemble luau dances in Hawaii, but with more variation in the outfits and dance styles.

Overall, a Bali vacation will probably end up costing you less than a vacation to the Caribbean or a Mexican island. From lower hotel and food rates to affordable tour and attraction prices, you've got your trip cut out for you!

Sources:

travel.nytimes.com