Bali: Your personal 2015 Bali Bucket List

Your 2015 Bali bucket list

MF editorial team

16 Jan 2015

updated the 6 October 2015 à 23:34

1/5
Snorkel off Menjangan Island
There is a number of amazing snorkeling sites in Bali, but none compares to the majestic underwater world that exists around Menjangan Island. A small atoll off of the north side of Bali, Menjangan (meaning “deer”) boasts a dramatic coral reef wall that attracts thousands of fish and other sea life of all sizes and colors. Touted as some of the best snorkeling (and diving) in Southeast Asia, this makes for a great day trip for both novices and experts. To access this spot you must take a short boat ride from Bali’s coast where a small transport fee will provide you with snorkel gear, lunch and towels; the most popular point to embark from is Pemuteran.
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Witness Bali’s Day of Silence
There aren’t many places in the world where you will find a holiday celebrated with nothing but silence. With every passing of a year on the lunar calendar, the Balinese aim to cleanse the island of bad spirits and replenish with new, positive energy, according to their Hindu belief. This is known as the Saka New Year, aka Nyepi. The night precluding Nyepi manifests itself in village parades filled with large, papier-mâché monsters (Ogoh-ogoh), fire torches and banging drums to scare away the evil. The next day is one of complete silence: nothing is open, daily routine halts to a stop and it is prohibited to go outside or make any sort of loud noise; even the international airport is shut down. Legend goes that the bad spirits can’t see anybody or hear anything in the silence so they flee the island. This year, the Day of Silence falls on 21 March, 2015, which will be surrounded before and after by days of excitement and unique festivities. Certainly an event to experience once in your life.
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Climb a Volcano
Seeking a little adventure in your travels? There is no shortage of adrenaline pumping possibilities in Bali, not least of which includes hiking the ridge of an active volcano. Mount Agung, or Gunung Agung, is the highest peak in Bali and boasts indescribable views on a clear day. Especially sacred to the Balinese, this mountain is home to the ‘Mother Temple’ of Besakih. On the days that the volcano is open for trekking, there are guides who will lead you up before dawn to reach the summit for sunrise. Note: this is not a casual hike, but if you are prepared for an intensive, uphill trek then you will no doubt be rewarded with the panoramic vistas that await you at the top. Don’t forget your camera! For a less gruelling expedition but a morning of summit views nonetheless, opt for the smaller of the two volcanoes, Mount Batur.
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Learn a new language: Bahasa!
Planning a trip somewhere foreign is the best incentive to pick up a new language. Fluency doesn’t have to be your goal - learn just enough to hold a basic conversation and you’ll be amazed at the instant respect you receive from the locals. Luckily for you, Bahasa Indonesia happens to be one of the easiest languages on earth. Seriously. There are no tenses (bye conjugations!) and the grammar is simple. Spend a few hours before your departure or even use the time during your flight to master some vocab. Are you ready to begin?
Lesson #1:
“Saya” = “Me, I, mine”
“Apa kabar?” = “How are you?”
“Baik baik dan kamu?” = “I’m fine and you?”
“Bisa tolong kopi satu?” = “Can I have 1 coffee please?”
“Makasih” = “Thank you”
“Selamat pagi bapak / ibu” = “Good morning sir / ma’am”
“Sampai jumpa” = “See you later”
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Rent a luxury Bali villa
If you’re usually the type to be money-conscious when it comes to travel accommodation, then it’s time you deserve a little luxury in your life! Bali is world renowned for its selection of villas, whether they are clifftop with stunning views of the Indian Ocean or perched on the side of a jungle gorge, they are truly a sight to be seen. Need a good excuse? Make a girls trip out of it and treat yourselves to yoga classes on the terrace, private pool days and therapeutic massages in the garden. You may never want to rent a hotel room again...

From snorkelling in crystal clear waters to learning Bahasa – We dish out on the top 5 things to do when you’re holidaying next on the island of Bali.

Maybe you’re a seasoned Bali traveller and are looking to mix things up on your next trip. Or maybe it’s your first visit to the world famous island and are looking for a few fun things to plan your stay around. Whatever your previous experience with this holiday destination, 2015 is the year to check these must-try items off of the Bali bucket list.

This article was written in collaboration with villa-bali.com, your destination to booking the best hand-picked private villas in Bali.