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Travel to
Bali
The Timeless Island of the Gods
There are more than 17,000 islands in Indonesia, yet Bali remains the benchmark, captivating visitors with its character and cultural exceptions. Whether with family or friends, through our limited editions, discover the island of a thousand temples, which is at once rebellious, surprising, wild, and profoundly welcoming.
your holidays in bali
LOCATION
8° 30′ S, 115° 00′ E
Lesser Sunda Islands
Bali Sea, Indian Ocean
AREA
5,637 km2
145 km x 85 km
POPULATION
Balinese
4,362,713 inhabitants
TIME ZONE
UTC +8:00.
7-hour time difference between Bali and France. Summer time in France:
6-hour difference
RELIGION
Hindu
Official language
Bahasa Indonesia
Currency
Indonesian rupiah (IDR)
Highest point
Mount Agung 3,142m
Located in Indonesia, in the Sunda Islands, Bali is part of the Indonesian archipelago which comprises more than 17,300 islands. Its simple mention transports us to the realm of legends and a people with eternal smiles. Surrounded by coral reefs, even the white sand beaches of the South and the volcanic black sand beaches of the North serve as a reminder of the importance of balance, a pillar of Balinese religion.
The cultural exception that Bali represents begins with a reinterpretation of Hindu practice, making it a religion unique in the world. It is part of daily life and carries strong values such as the importance of ancestral knowledge, community living, and the daily practice of ancestral ceremonies.
The island’s landscapes offer great diversity, surrounded by the beaches of the South—ribbons of white sand or steep cliffs—and the beaches of the North, ideal for exploring marine life.
In the center, you will find lava fields as well as lush jungles, waterfalls falling directly from the sky, lakes clinging to the clouds, and terraced rice fields suspended on hillsides, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
SET OUT TO
Discover Bali
GO ON AN ORGANIZED TRIP
The island of Bali is discovered like a book; it is important not to judge it by its cover, which might suggest it is primarily touristy. It cannot be summarized by the back cover or a reading of the table of contents.
Bali is to be discovered and savored; it is full of twists and turns, each chapter carrying you toward the origin of a world that you can discover through your encounters.
The book of Bali includes protective gods as well as demons, incredible natural settings, and ancient temples that make its history an epic; stopping at a single region is a bit like reading only one chapter. The exceptional richness of its traditions and its diversity make it a thrilling narrative that will give full meaning to your trip to Bali.
If you enjoy the adventures of great travelers, traveling back in time to meet the King of Bedulu, the Majapahit Empire, the man with the pig’s head, and legends such as the love between Rama and Sita, then discover Bali, region by region, page after page.
Bali is an island that asks to be tamed and understood in all its facets, contradictions, and passions. You are not just discovering a destination, but the history of an island whose name alone has traveled the world. A piece of land whose inhabitants hold the secret to happiness—men and women who speak with the gods.
TRIPS TO BALI
OF A DIFFERENT KIND
The trips to Bali offered by Amanaska are entirely tailor-made and take into account your desires and expectations, as well as a rhythm specific to Bali, “Jalan Jalan,” which could be translated as: I am strolling.
Skimming over customs, looking without trying, and seeing without understanding means cutting oneself off from part of Bali’s soul and missing the meaning of Balinese life, its philosophy, its contradictions, and its beauty.
Discovering Bali means, above all, accepting to let go, to separate ourselves for a moment from our Western fundamentals in order to welcome the history and daily life of the people with the eternal smile.
Bali through a journey steeped in authenticity
Let us add an important piece of information: We sometimes read that Bali has become too touristy, that there are too many people, and that the spirit is no longer there. We have lived in Bali for over 10 years and we have indeed known a South that was different, undoubtedly less congested by vehicles and less Westernized. But it would be wrong to think that the Balinese have sold their souls on the altar of easy money. Let us not generalize trends that are indeed developing in certain regions of Bali, mainly in the South of the island. One must know Balinese culture to understand that it is enough to take the side roads to find the authenticity and the sacredness that is the very essence of the spirit of Bali.
Make no mistake, if you feel that Bali is touristy, it is simply because you are not in the right place and you need to go deeper into the heart of the island, take the small roads, perhaps get lost, or trust us to help you discover the island we love.
Prepare your
Holidays in Bali
HOW TO GET TO BALI?
There are many airlines that fly to the island of Bali. Your choice will depend on your departure city, the flight time—which is on average 17 hours with a layover—and of course your budget. It is very simple to book plane tickets online without an intermediary and to take advantage of attractive rates depending on the season in which you wish to travel.
WHEN TO GO TO BALI?
Every time of year has its charm and advantages.
From November to early April, it is the rainy season, so the weather will be more humid with possible thunderstorms. This time of year allows you to be outside the peak tourist season and to participate in ceremonies such as Nyepi, Galungan, or Kuningan.
The landscapes are particularly green, the sites are less crowded, and a sense of tranquility reigns over the island, ideal for a tour of Bali that promises authentic encounters.
From April until November, the sun shines on the island of Bali, and the atmosphere is particularly pleasant. It is possible to take long walks in the rice fields, climb volcanoes such as Mount Batur, and engage in many activities related to Balinese culture and traditions.
This is the ideal period to discover Bali with your family or organize a tour with friends.
It is entirely possible to go off the beaten path and discover wild regions such as Munduk, Pemuteran, or Sidemen.
WHAT TO DO IN BALI?
As we previously explained, on forums or social networks, one often finds “travelers” talking about South Bali—with Seminyak, Canggu, or Legian—explaining that it is not the “real” Bali. Too many restaurants, too many hotels or villas, too many tourists; in short, it is too much or not enough, it is not authentic enough, it is not Bali. One would have to take the trouble to warn the locals who live in the villages at the heart of these regions, who still practice their religion, work, and live in these towns, that they are not authentic.
Our Western perspective sometimes pushes us to reduce the local population to clichés: the French are baguettes and berets, the Belgians are fries, and the Swiss are chocolate. For Bali, it would be easy to summarize the island by its rice fields and the “folklore” of its ceremonies…
Make no mistake, Bali, like the rest of the world, has evolved and adapted; so let us discover the island in all its facets, without judgment. Rather than a “Bali” with a single face, let us speak instead of universes that will delight all travelers with their diversity.
The entire South of Bali allows for a gentle arrival, an adaptation to the Balinese rhythm, and the benefit of comfort ranging from a simple guesthouse to a 5-star all-inclusive hotel.
The contrast is very present between traditions and the hectic life of those who love the beach, beautiful boutiques, and partying. Make no mistake, if you only stay in the South, you will miss the very soul of Bali, the serenity, and the traditions specific to each region, even if the Balinese religion is very much present.
The North or the Center of the island will allow you to enter a world closer to a population at the heart of nature. A tour in Bali should include both a bit of the South for the beaches and activities, but also a more immersive program where the local population still practices a culture respectful of the Gods and spirits.
To summarize each region in a few words, here is a quick presentation of the different spirits found in Bali:
We begin with Sanur, a rather family-oriented seaside resort with a magnificent seaside walk including a designated cycle path and a town center close to the beach. A very pleasant region to start or end your stay.
The region of Canggu, Seminyak, and Legian, for those who love surfing with a “Boho” atmosphere; it is the “trendy” part of the island, with magnificent establishments for resting, partying, international restaurants, boutiques, and a long stretch of beach.
We must not forget Kuta, which is aimed more at “tourists” but was, in its time, the island’s first commercial port.
In a more luxury spirit and still in the South of Bali but on the peninsula, we have Nusa Dua, with large 4 and 5-star hotels, private villas, and Jimbaran, more nomadic with fish restaurants and wild beaches, which also includes high-end accommodation.
If you like to immerse yourself in the daily life of “city Balinese,” Denpasar is home to many businesses catering mainly to locals, typical markets, unexpected shops, hidden temples, administrative centers, hospitals, and commemorative monuments.
If we leave the South and head toward the North of the island, the Tabanan region hides wonders: Balinese temples, miles of rice fields, remote villages, and long walks in the green of Bali. Naturally, we head toward Bedugul and the mountains of Munduk, its waterfalls, Lake Tamblingan, Bratan, and the jungle that fiercely protects timeless sites.
We are now in the Menjangan / Pemuteran region with its national park, Deer Island, snorkeling, and mangroves. We continue toward Amed, passing through Lovina and the wild dolphins. This region is well known to divers for its extraordinary seabed and volcanic pebble beaches.
The Sidemen region is also a source of beautiful discoveries with preserved nature, offering walks through authentic Balinese villages.
We must not forget Ubud, the cradle of artists, which represents well-being, spirituality, and the opportunity to immerse oneself in authentic traditions and culture for those who leave the center to explore the region.
This is, of course, very reductive, as it would mean forgetting the region of Kintamani, Tabanan, Segara, the island of Lembongan, Nusa Penida, the small villages, the roads that become paths then trails, the incredible rice fields at every turn, ancient temples in the middle of the jungle, dizzying waterfalls, and the volcanoes that guard the island of the gods…
The sites to discover are numerous, and behind each of them lie ancestral beliefs. From the construction of a temple to the organization of ceremonies, everything has a profound meaning that connects humans to the Gods; visiting them is to better understand the origin and specificities of the Balinese religion.
The 9 directional temples, the Kahyangan Jagat—namely Pura Luhur Lempuyang, Pura Besakih, Pura Tirta Empul, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Pura Luhur Batukaru, Pura Taman Ayun, Pura Luhur Uluwatu, and Pura Tanah Lot—remain witnesses to the passage of time and are the gateways for communicating with the Gods.
Taking the time for long walks in the Balinese rice fields will allow you to learn about the techniques of the Subak, local associations of rice farmers. Crossing the jungle to reach Lake Tamblingan will be a magnificent journey of initiation in the heart of a mountainous region.
Activities in Bali are as varied as they are numerous; they can be cultural, such as participating in ceremonies, kite making, making canang sari (Balinese offerings), traditional cooking classes, sea trips aboard a jukung (Balinese fishing boat), not forgetting Balinese massage and spiritual retreats…
Bali also offers the possibility of more sporting activities such as jungle trekking, mountain biking, scuba diving, volcano climbing, kitesurfing…
Bali is an island of many facets; it is a resilient island that has carefully preserved its culture. At first glance, it may present a touristy version, but it will easily open up to you if you have the curiosity to go further. Bali will gladly share the secrets that give it a special place in Indonesia and throughout the world. If you want to discover Bali as we love it, we are here to write your first encounter with the Island of the Gods with you.
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Fair travel to Bali with Amanaska
Our agency has been committed, since its creation, to participating in responsible
tourism, with deep respect for the population that welcomes us, for the fauna, the
flora, and a fair approach to our activity.
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AMANASKA BALI
148 REVIEWS
An unforgettable stay thanks to Amanaska.
Melisande is very attentive and always available to chat and answer our questions, whether before or during our stay.
Stéphane, another member of the agency, was also very friendly.
Thank you once again for the high standard of your services.
Amanaska organised a three-week family holiday in Bali for us, which will remain etched in our memories forever.
What did we love? EVERYTHING! From the quality of our discussions with David, the agency’s founder, as we planned our bespoke tour of the island – avoiding the overly touristy traps – to the selection of charming hotels blending tradition and modernity, right through to our guide and driver, who were always so attentive and knew the route inside out.
We particularly enjoyed the opportunities to meet Balinese families and discover their way of life, arts and traditions in an intimate and personalised way (cooking classes, dance lessons in a magical school, making our own kites, visiting a village with its nursery school, and so on).
And what can we say about the kindness and hospitality of the Balinese people? That first glimpse made us want to come back.
We had an amazing three-week road trip in Bali, organised by Amanaska.
Dès le départ, l’équipe a été aux petits soins : Melisandre, notre organisatrice, a su créer un itinéraire sur mesure pour notre famille (avec deux enfants de 6 et 9 ans), nous permettant de découvrir un Bali authentique, loin des sentiers battus tout en étant à l’écoute de nos envies et besoins.[...]
A huge thank you to the whole Amanaska team for this unique experience and the thoughtful touches they provided. We highly recommend their services to anyone looking to discover Bali in a different way, with authenticity and warmth.
A wonderful trip. Discovering Bali was an unforgettable family experience... Melisande and her team at Amanaska made it easy for us to learn about the local customs and traditions. They listened to our wishes and stuck to our budget.
We can’t recommend them highly enough.
Thank you again!!!
I wanted to visit the real Bali, not the one overrun by mass tourism, and the agency understood this straight away. We discovered a wonderful culture and met some very kind and welcoming people. The trip alternated between sightseeing and sporting challenges for my older teenagers (aged 16 to 20). We watched the sunrise over the volcano and went on a bike ride through the rice fields. We even helped the locals replant rice. Our French-speaking guide was absolutely brilliant. The driver was very kind and incredibly skilful in this world of lawless roads…
It’s the best trip we’ve ever been on.
Thank you to the whole Amanaska team
We spent 15 days in Bali in June, exploring and unwinding. Mélisande put together an unforgettable trip for our wedding anniversary. Every time we arrived at a new hotel, we were delighted to find a bed decorated with flowers. Gustut and Nura were our guide and driver, and they looked after us so well.
This is the second time I’ve been to Bali and had my trip organised by you.
I’ll be back a third time with great pleasure.
Thank you
Léa and Pierre
We worked with Melisande from the AMANASKA agency to put together an 18-day holiday in Bali. Melisande was very professional, responsive and proactive in helping us plan our itinerary exactly as we wanted it.
We had requested a French-speaking guide and were able to explore Bali at our own pace, with a top-notch driver to boot. Furthermore, from speaking with them, it’s clear that AMANASKA offers working conditions that aren’t available everywhere.
Don’t hesitate to book with this agency; you’re sure to make some wonderful discoveries in Bali.
The tour was well organised, and the sequence of visits followed a clear plan, which saved time and helped to ease traffic congestion.
Well done to the whole team for their professionalism.
A courteous guide and an impeccable driver.
Best regards to all.
NAIT
A big thank you to Melisande for organising this exceptional trip. Thank you for choosing the activities and hotels... Everything is taken care of; once you’re there, all you have to do is enjoy yourself. Melisande is always available, whether before, during or after the trip, so thank you. And thank you also to our driver and guide, who were incredibly kind.
Our heads are full of memories and we have just one desire... to go back!
Estelle and Nadège
A big thank you to the Amanaska team for organising our three-week trip to Bali. Right from our first discussions, David put together an itinerary that perfectly matched our expectations: exploring the local culture and traditional sites whilst avoiding the crowds, a variety of activities to discover the island’s beauty, a pace suited to our family (children aged 11 and 15) and always an excellent choice of hotels. Thanks also to our guide and driver, who played a part in making this trip such a success. We simply went with the flow for three weeks and were able to enjoy our stay to the full.
David organised an absolutely perfect, tailor-made trip for us. We managed to avoid the crowds, which is a real feat in August. We discovered authentic places and people without missing out on the must-see attractions. David put together a trip that struck the perfect balance between relaxation and exploration.
A word of advice: let him take the lead, let him surprise you – he knows Bali like no one else. A special mention for the hotels: all different, magnificent, unexpected… we really switched off like never before!
See you soon for another trip to Bali, which I’m sure will be completely different!
We had a wonderful time in Bali with your agency.
A big thank you to Melisande, who took over our booking after Cyrielle had set it up; she was always cheerful, responsive and efficient, even when she was ill... Well done.
A big thank you also to our driver Ajik and guide Tut Nick.
It was almost a month of enjoyable moments, visits, breaks, etc., at a pace that suited us perfectly, and it was a trip that lived up to our expectations and desires.
I would just like to mention one small drawback: it would have been handy to have a personalised travel guide providing a comprehensive overview of the itinerary, activities, hotels (including the number of rooms) – in short, covering the whole month. Given our programme, I found this to be missing. I’m used to having this on similar road trips in other countries.
Thank you to the whole team!!!
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