A flight and hotel for Bali provide the perfect opportunity to make the most of a trio of unique activities: relax at the island's diving beaches, explore the spiritual town of Ubud, and trek to the summit of imposing volcanoes. Despite its small size, Bali is packed with fascinating cultural sights, like Thana Lot Temple, set against the beautiful backdrop of rolling rice paddy landscapes. As the protagonist did in the book and film Eat Pray Love, you too can create your own adventure on this wonderful Indonesian island. Book a flight to Bali and get ready to swim, hike, and unwind in a setting unlike any other.
City breaks in Bali start at the island's only airport, Ngurah Rai International. Situated between Kuta and Jimbaran, the airport is ideally located in southern Bali, close to the popular resorts of Kuta and Seminyak, where most travellers start their Indonesian adventure. English is widely spoken in most areas, at least proficiently enough to communicate about basic transactions.
Indonesian rupiah is the local currency. On package holidays in Bali, you can either use one of the many exchanges, withdraw cash at ATMs, or pay via credit and debit cards at most major retailers. Bali is eight hours ahead of the United Kingdom (GMT+8).
From May to September is generally considered the best time for a weekend in Bali. This is the dry season, when rainfall is almost non-existent and warm temperatures prevail. However, even outside of this period, precipitation is often limited to an hour or two in the afternoon. Average daytime temperatures remain around 32ºC all year round, making afternoons on the glorious beaches a viable option no matter when you choose to schedule that flight from Dublin to Bali.
The beaches are the primary draw for booking a flight and hotel for Bali, but there a multitude of things to do. Bali Treetop Adventure Park offers a thrilling experience in nature, letting you fly through the jungle canopy on a zip wire. If you're seeking a little relaxation, then check out the Yoga Barn in Ubud. You can partake in one of their many classes or even stay for a couple of days, and enjoy one of their classic retreats.
Experiencing Ubud is a must for anybody on a weekend in Bali. Soak up its spiritual charm, see a traditional cultural performance, and cycle out to the verdant hills (where you can even see the house featured in the film Eat Pray Love). Ubud is also a great place to eat, whether you'd like to take a cooking class, or simply spend evenings dining at charming restaurants on the town's quaint streets.
Bali is a volcanic island and a visit to Mount Batur is breathtaking. Standing 1700m. above sea level, you can trek to the top and watch the sunrise over the rolling landscape. This is one of the easier climbs in Bali, ideal for those who want to keep things low key. Uluwatu Temple is an ornate structure, built into the side of a cliff, famed for its Balinese dance performances and the colonies of monkeys who call it home. However, when it comes to temples, none can rival Tanah Lot. This Hindu structure is surrounded by water at high tide but it is possible to access when the tide is out.
Other attractions not to miss once you've reserved that flight from Cork to Bali include:
Food in Bali is often considered a fantastic fusion of Thai and Malaysian cuisines, with its own delicious characteristics added in. Balinese suckling pig is a local delicacy and the tender meat with the crispy skin, flavoured with herbs and spices, is a real treat. Bali specialises in two types of delicious duck – smoked and deep fried. Both are typically served with fluffy white rice and can be had at numerous street food stalls.
At many of the beaches, you'll be able to get barbecue in the evenings, and while not traditionally Balinese, the freshly grilled fish and meats are not to be missed. On city breaks in Bali over in Ubud, of course, you'll find a range of restaurants, from inexpensive and casual, to locavore-focused, to true fine dining. The nearby island of Lombok is known for its coffee production. If it's too hot for a warm drink, opt for a cold brew for the perfect pick-me-up.
Lightweight, unique, and yet ubiquitous on the island, wooden crafts make the perfect souvenir to take home from your package holidays in Bali. Batik and Ikat fabrics are produced locally and can be purchased in the form of scarves, bags, tablecloths, and napkins. Handmade soaps and aroma oils make great gifts to take home for either yourself or family and friends. For coffee drinkers, pick up Kopi Luwak, made from coffee cherries digested by civets. It's pricey and sounds a bit strange, but civet coffee is prized in the coffee world!