Sidemen is a district in the east of Bali, known for its magnificent scenery and flat ricefields.

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<p>Selamat Detang! Indonesia was born under a lucky travel star: <strong>amazing deep sea diving</strong>, treks along a volcano rim, exquisite landscapes as varied as virgin jungle and <strong>terraced rice paddies</strong>, a cuisine of a thousand flavours. There is no doubt that the innumerable attributes of <strong>this country will delight travellers</strong> … But a trip to Bali or to Indonesia, is not only the discovery of incomparable natural wonders, it is also <strong>an encounter with an</strong> <strong>extraordinary culture</strong>. It is the largest archipelago in the world, with 13,000 islands (some say up to 17,000!), it is also the fourth most populated country in the world with 240 million inhabitants. With <strong>ancient connections to India and China, and later with the Middle East</strong>, what was once a trade route quickly became a crossroad for cultural exchange. This history explains why there are still, to this day, many <strong>religious practices (Islam, Hinduism, Christianity and Animism), coexisting side by side in Indonesia.</strong></p>

Indonesia

Sidemen

Kintamani refers to both a region in the northeast of Bali and the village in this region where Mount Batur volcano is located.

Kintamani

Pemuteran is a peaceful fishing village in the extreme north west of Bali, which is particularly famous for the beauty of its sea beds and its vine covered hills.

Pemuteran

Jatiluwih is a small village in the centre of the island of Bali, where the inhabitants have carved beautiful rice terraces into the hillsides.

Banjar Jatiluwih Kawan

Ubud is a really lovely town in the centre of Bali island of which it is said to be the cultural and artistic hub.

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<p>While in Bali, I made an old dream of renting a house in the middle of rice paddies come true.  I did this in Ubud, in the magnificent rice paddies surrounding the town, my favourite place of all in Bali. Ubud is a town with gorgeous architecture, each house has a small altar in the garden and the small town looks like one gigantic temple. If the main streets are often congested with tourists, the many little side streets allow you to lose yourself in the twists and turns of the town.</p> <p> <strong> Ubud shelters a reserve </strong>, the monkey forest, in which many primates wander about in the midst of temples, climbing on you without a moment's hesitation if you brush past them, so mind your cameras! I suggest you also go and see, a little way from the town centre,  Goa Gajah temple, cave dedicated to the god Ganesh and whose facade is superbly sculpted. A must-see town <a href="/indonesia/"> on your Bali itinerary </a>. </p>

<p> <strong>Ubud is a must-see stopping place.</strong> It is there that I was able to learn more about Balinese traditions and culture.</p> <p>I began my stay in <strong>Ubud with a walk through the paddy fields.</strong> I spent an entire afternoon there, marvelling over the vastness of these bright green landscapes and getting lost while following random paths. A breath of fresh air and an experience off the beaten track! (Provided that you choose your route well...)</p> <p>You should also visit the Ubud Monkey Forest: a natural reserve and complex of temples where I walked among many species of monkeys, which are at times playful and at other times thieving.</p> <p>As for the town centre, it is full of galleries and schools for dance, yoga, painting and sculpture. One thing is certain: you will not get bored in Ubud!</p>

Ubud is the cultural and artistic capital of Bali.

<p>I visited Ubud just after staying in Java, a neighbouring island. And  I have to say the contrast was very marked. Java is peaceful and sensual, Ubudis the opposite. It started as soon as I arrived; I had to try several places before I got a hotel. <br><br>But <strong>Ubud</strong> <strong></strong> <strong>does have some charms</strong>, it's ideal if you want to <a href="https://www.evaneos.fr/ou-partir/idee-voyage-detente/">relax a bit during your trip </a> to Indonesia. Religion, which is much practiced in Bali, is omnipresent in the streets of Ubud - little offering altars on the roofs, the immaculate white clothes of the locals, and the sarongs, make it impossible for you to forget where you are. <br><br>I strolled around the market and accepted an invitation to see a traditional dance show that evening, which I would enjoy after a meal looking at the superb view of  Pura Saraswati, behind Cafe Lotus. <br><br><strong>As Ubud is in the heart of the Island of Gods</strong>, there are lots of things to visit in the area, beginning with the popular monkey forest, which I didn't go to as I preferred walking through the rice paddies and visiting temples like Tirta Empul at Gunung Kawi.</p>

Ubud is a small town in the centre of Bali that is famous for its special, zen, atmosphere, and where you'll find lots of cafes, restaurants and art galleries, and everything that forms part of Balinese culture.

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The best local travel agencies in Bali for hiking and trekking trips

Tour ideas for trekking and hiking in Bali

<p>To add a twist to your tour of <strong><a href="https://www.evaneos.com/asia-travel" target="_blank">Asia</a></strong>, make some time for hiking in <strong><a data-destination-id="306" data-internal-link="destination">Bali</a></strong>. This Indonesian island is loved among travelers for its picturesque rice fields, lush forests, and dreamy <strong><a href="https://www.evaneos.com/bali/tours-beaches/" target="_blank">beaches</a></strong>. There are extraordinary monuments, temples, and waterfalls tucked away in small towns and villages here, many of which are best reached by hiking.<br></p><h3>What makes Bali a great destination for hiking?</h3><p>Bali’s hiking trails are beautiful, thanks to the island's climate and lush vegetation. Expect to hike through <strong>peaceful rice plantations and secluded rainforests</strong>, stopping at historic monuments and cultural highlights along your route. Aim for the coast and you’ll get the reward of the warm ocean at the end of a long hike.<br></p><h3>The best places to go hiking in Bali</h3><p>If you’re planning a Bali hiking trip, head to one of these top destinations for a trekking adventure.<br></p><h4>Marvel at the Tegalalang rice terraces</h4><p>The Tegalalang rice terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and rightly so. Come for a hike here and you’ll get brilliant views of their <strong>mesmerising lines that sweep across the hillsides</strong>. Walk beneath the coconut palms that line the area, and don’t forget your camera.<br></p><h4>Explore the secret garden of Sambangan</h4><p>Sambangan in northern Bali is a short distance from Singaraja. It offers moderate forest hikes through plantations with palm sugar trees, cacao, and snake fruit, among other crops. You will come across several waterfalls along the way, with <strong>natural slides on the rocks</strong> and refreshing pools to cool off in.<br></p><h4>Hike to the waterfalls of Munduk</h4><p>Found in central Bali, there are several hiking trails around Munduk leading to a number of waterfalls. There’s one for every ability, and each finishes at a spectacular hidden waterfall. You might also see <strong>flourishing plantations, floating temples</strong> and enjoy brilliant views from look out points along the way.<br></p><h4>Discover the Sekumpul Waterfall</h4><p>Start your hike from the Sekumpul Village, close to Singaraja. This spectacular trail <strong>reveals ancient monuments, temples, and orchards</strong> before opening up to several cascading waterfalls. There's also a pretty village along the way where you might meet some friendly locals.<br></p><h4>Trek through a jungle to reach the Twin Lakes</h4><p>The lakes of Buyan and Tamblingan bear a similar appearance, hence the name Twin Lakes. They're located in Munduk, with hiking trails that pass around the lakes, and through the <strong>dense rainforest filled with exotic birds</strong>. As well as hiking, you can hire a canoe to visit the Dalem and Telaga Aye Temples.<br></p><h3>Tips for planning a hiking tour in Bali</h3><p><span data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">For the best hiking conditions, </span><b>plan your hiking trip for between May and September</b><span data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">, which is the island's dry season. Also, keep in mind that it is mandatory to have a guide for the volcanic mountain trails.</span><br></p>

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Trip ideas for visiting Bali's historical sites

<p><a data-destination-id="306" data-internal-link="destination"><strong>Bali&nbsp;</strong></a>may be famous for its <strong><a href="https://www.evaneos.com/bali/tours-beaches/" target="_blank">picture-perfect beaches</a></strong>, but this island’s historical sites are equally impressive, dating back as far as 2000 BC. Bali is steeped in fascinating history, which can be found among mountains, volcanoes, alongside rivers or inside its many temples. The region’s diverse cities and villages all possess stories dating back generations, and every corner of this island has something to offer for history lovers.<br></p><h3>What makes Bali a great destination for history lovers?</h3><p>Throughout Bali's history, <strong>various cultural influences have come together</strong> to produce a fascinating lattice of Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Christian historical sites. There are temples set into the island's unique geography, often on self-contained islands, up mountains or hidden amid lush, green forests.&nbsp;<br></p><h3>The best historical sites in Bali to visit</h3><p>There are enough historical sites in Bali to fill a dozen itineraries, but we have narrowed it down to the top five. These sites are must-visits for all history buffs in Bali.&nbsp;<br></p><h4>Wonder at the Subak Irrigation System</h4><p>The Subak Irrigation System, located at the Ulun Danu Batur Temple, is a stunning, fascinating historical site that dates back to the 9th century. The rice terraces were designed to sit on the island’s unique geography, and the system is so special, it was declared a <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site</strong> in 2012.<br></p><h4>Learn about the Japanese Shipwreck</h4><p>Dive into the deep blue waters off Banyuning Bay on Bali's northeast coast, either with your <strong><a href="https://www.evaneos.com/bali/tours-snorkeling-and-diving/" target="_blank">snorkel or scuba diving</a></strong> kit, and you’ll soon see a Japanese wreck. <strong>Learn from locals about the shipwreck's complex, disputed history on a tour</strong>, and enjoy the marine wildlife that has blossomed among the underwater ruin.<br></p><h4>See awe-inspiring artistry at the Pejaten Pottery Village</h4><p>This entire village is dedicated to pottery, offering a chance to learn about <strong>an historic Balinese art</strong>. You’ll get to see the cultural art of ceramic pottery in action, which has been an integral way of life for this village for countless generations.<br></p><h4>Relax in the Saraswati Temple&nbsp;</h4><p>The Saraswati Temple honors the Hindu <strong>goddess of knowledge, music, art and wisdom,</strong> a historically significant figure to the Balinese culture. This temple has gorgeous lotus-filled ponds, fountains and historical monuments well worth an afternoon’s exploration.<br></p><h4>Visit the ancient Mount Kawi temple</h4><p>Wander through the tropical rainforest and rice terraces in Tampaksiring to these shrines honoring King Anak Wungsu. <strong>Carved into the cliffs, these shrines are a window into the 11th century</strong>. Visit with a guide to get the best context.<br></p><h3>Tips for planning an historical tour of Bali</h3><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Visit Bali between April and October to enjoy the island's beautiful dry season. <strong>For the best trip, travel during September and October</strong> to avoid both the rain and the crowds. Rent a car or motorbike, as the island's public transportation network is not particularly advanced, and leave yourself plenty of time for unplanned excursions—Bali’s historical sites are around every corner.&nbsp;</span></p>

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