#Scooters for rent in Kochi

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Best Way to Travel in Kochi for a Day  | Tempo Traveller Hire

Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a vibrant city in Kerala, India, with a rich cultural heritage and a blend of modern and traditional elements. If you have just one day to explore Kochi, here's a suggested itinerary and the best ways to travel around the city:

Morning:

Start with a Visit to Fort Kochi:

Fort Kochi is known for its colonial architecture, art galleries, and heritage sites. Begin your day by exploring the Fort Kochi area.

Places to visit: St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, and Vasco da Gama Square.

Take a Stroll along the Chinese Fishing Nets:

The Chinese Fishing Nets are an iconic symbol of Kochi. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach and watch the fishermen operate these unique nets. www.tempotravellerhire.in

Afternoon:

Lunch at a Local Eatery:

Try local Kerala cuisine. Seafood is a specialty in Kochi, so don't miss trying some fresh fish curry or prawn dishes.

Visit Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace):

Explore the Mattancherry Palace, which features Kerala murals depicting Hindu temple art, portraits, and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi.

Evening:

Explore Jew Town and Synagogue:

Head to Jew Town, a historic area with narrow streets lined with shops. Visit the Jewish Synagogue, which is one of the oldest in the Commonwealth of Nations.

Shopping at Spice Market:

Kochi is famous for its spices. Visit the spice market to buy some authentic spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon.

Night:

Dinner at a Waterfront Restaurant:

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a waterfront restaurant in Fort Kochi. Many restaurants offer a pleasant view of the Arabian Sea.

Transportation:

Walking and Tuk-Tuks (Auto-rickshaws):

Fort Kochi is a walkable area, and you can explore many attractions on foot. For slightly longer distances, you can use tuk-tuks, which are readily available.

Ferry Ride:

To move between Fort Kochi and Ernakulam (the mainland part of the city), consider taking a ferry. It provides a scenic view of the backwaters and is a unique experience.

Renting a Bicycle or Scooter:

Another option is to rent a bicycle or scooter to explore Fort Kochi at your own pace.

Remember to plan your day according to the opening hours of the attractions, and be mindful of the weather, especially if you're visiting during the monsoon season. Enjoy your day in Kochi!

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WHY A KERALA TOUR IS JUST WHAT THE TOURISTS NEED

Everyone is running to achieve some target, reach a place in their lives, sprinting towards an invisible goal. But just like an overworked machine, the human mind needs to take a break for a while. And Kerala, God’s Own Country, is the part of India that’s made to help the tourists relax.

Riddled with criss-crossing fresh water rivers that merge with the Arabian Sea at the famous Kerala backwaters, a Kerala tour package includes abundant natural beauty, soothing Ayurvedic treatment, unique experience of a houseboat, finger-licking cuisine.

Nestled in the green Western Ghat hills and caressed by the Arabian Sea, Kerala has recently been attributed by the National Geographic magazine as one of the ‘10 Paradises of the Earth’. One of the most scenic and serene places in India, Kerala has a unique geography where the hills meet the sea along the backwaters.

WAVES OF PEACE AND QUIET

The clean and serene beaches of Kerala, away from the hustle and bustle of the metro cities, will allow you the space to relax and let the drudgery of everyday life fade away in the sea breeze.

Rent a bicycle or a motorcycle or scooter to hop from one beach to another without any hassle. Some of the most famous Kerala beaches are Kozhikode, Marari, Alappuzha, Varkala, and Kovalam.

UNWIND ON A HOUSEBOAT

The unique experience of staying on a houseboat in Kerala backwaters is surreal. For the period of accommodation, the tourists will be in command of the boat. They decide where it shores, when it floats.

With an onboard chef, a pilot and support crew, enjoy the inexplicable beauty of the Kerala backwaters without any worry. Experience the serenity and calmness of this UNESCO World Heritage site on a floating private home. Many foreign travellers come to Kerala to witness this incredible experience. Let the serenity of Kerala touch your soul and get rid of all the hassles of daily life.

AYURVEDA SOOTHES BODY AND MIND

The ancient Indian medical practice is all natural. Ayurveda is the culmination of medical knowledge and botany. Ayurveda not only re-energizes your body but the therapeutic treatment cleanses your mind and rejuvenates you to whole new avatar. You feel lightweight, devoid of any pressure after a nice long session of Ayurvedic massage.

Apart from being a treat for the eyes, Kerala is also famous for being the centre of Ayurvedic treatment in India. Heal from chronic ailments, detoxify your body and mind, or just relax in the calming ambiance of Ayurvedic resorts in Kerala.

CELEBRATION OF RITUALS, ART & CULTURE

Apart from being the calm and quiet sojourn for wandering souls, Kerala is also famous for its festive spirit. Onam, the main festival of Malayalis – the natives of Kerala, is observed each year in August-September. Thrissur Pooram is another major festival of Kerala, known for its enchanting music and elephant dance.

But what would be the most relaxing experience is the Kochi-Muziris Biennale Festival. The biggest art exhibition in India and the biggest contemporary art festival in Asia, the ‘Biennale’ is held across multiple venues in Fort Kochi, the colonial or old part of Kochi. One can rent a bike for a day and check out all the venues pretty easily.

EXOTIC SPICE CAPITAL OF INDIA

Dip your finger into a bowl of Prawn Mango Curry, a specialty in Kerala, or have a spoon full of Thalassery Biryani and you will realize why the state is the Spice Capital of India. The dense rainforests of Kerala are famous for the spice and coffee plantations.

Kozhikode is the city where the most exotic spices are brought from the hills and traded to major cities across India and the world. Remember Vasco Da Gama, the Portuguese who discovered India in 1498 and never went back? It was these spices that had allured the European trader to India and it was the spices that made him stay back in Fort Kochi.

Kerala is the soothing balm on a weary soul as it brings the essence of peace and calm in each of its aspects. So, if you are in a rut of daily life, catch a break and indulge in a Kerala holiday package.

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2 Week Indonesia Itinerary under Rs. 70,000 (US$ 1,000)

Why Travel to Indonesia

Indonesia is a nation of 17,000 islands. The diversity of these islands is unparalleled and is reason enough to travel to Indonesia. Following this Indonesia itinerary, you will see turquoise Bali beaches, Komodo Dragons, 1000-year old Balinese Hindu temples, world’s largest Buddhist monument, active volcanoes, ancient Toraja burial rites, Manta Rays and colorful coral reefs, all in two weeks. And you will be charmed by the hospitality of the locals. The people alone will make you want to stay. And the best part is that you can experience all this at an affordable cost. The prices are almost comparable to prices in India and you can easily spend two weeks in Indonesia for under INR 70,000 (US$ 1000).

2 week Indonesia Itinerary

Indonesia Visa Requirements

Citizens of over 140 countries, including India, get FREE Visa on Arrival at any international airport. For a full list of 140 countries – Visa on Arrival (VOA) Countries. The free visa on arrival is valid for 30 days from the day of the arrival. It can be extended for another 30 days at a cost of US$ 35. The extension can be done in Indonesia.

Where is Indonesia

Map of Indonesia

17,000 Indonesian islands (8,000 inhibited) straddle the Equator between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It is south and east of Malaysia and north of Australia. It is world’s largest island country, 14th largest in the world, and 4th most populous country in the world.

Indonesian Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) Comparison Table

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How to Get Here

Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali, and Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Java are the two main international airports in Indonesia. Thus, international flights to these two airports are usually cheaper. It is sometimes possible to find cheap flights to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar, Sulawesi.

Hot Tip: If you are flying from India to Bali or Jakarta then it usually cheaper to fly from Kochi, Chennai, and Kolkatta

4 Ways to Find Cheap Flights

How to travel between islands

You will be doing some island hopping in Indonesia. Flights between the major islands can be reserved for cheap in advance. Therefore, Indonesia is one place where some advance planning is necessary to keep the costs down.

Unless of course, you plan to take the Pelni ships. Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (Persero) is national shipping companies that provide sea transportation service to travelers looking to travel between islands. Pelni ships are cheap, comfortable, and a very authentic way to experience Indonesia life and culture. They are a good alternative to flying. Of course, they take a lot longer than jets. You can book online or at the port. Sometimes the ferry tickets for popular routes are sold out. So, it helps to check in advance.

How to travel within an island

Finding reliable public transportation on different islands is quite a challenge. If you plan to return to the origin then renting a scooter or car is the best way to explore and experience the islands. Of course, you should be comfortable riding a scooter and/or driving a car in Indonesia. If you have past experience of riding/driving in South or South-East Asia you should be okay.

Here are different rental options:

Scooter/Motorcycle Rental: Ideal for solo travelers with limited luggage. Cheapest way to explore an island costing about 80,000 IDR (US$ 6/ INR 400) per day + fuel,

Self Drive Car Rental: Ideal for two to four Travelers. Car rentals start at about 250,000 IDR (US$ 19/ INR 1200) per day + fuel for hatchbacks and Toyota or Suzuki SUVs,

Car Rental with Driver: If you are not comfortable driving then you can hire a car with a driver. It will cost you approximately 1,500,000 IDR (US$ 112/ INR 7,000) per day including fuel and driver charges

If you are more than two people then renting a car will cost you more or less the same as a bus. Albeit, buses are infrequent and take longer. Although, buses were my preferred choice when doing an overnight journey. Reserving a bus online is difficult, nigh non-existence. In most cases, you will have to go to the bus station to reserve bus tickets.

I have mentioned bus, car, and scooter rental options for each island in their respective detailed itinerary post.

How to travel within a city or town

Local ridesharing options such as Grab and Go-Jek are the cheapest way to get around a city. Uber also exists but is slightly pricier. Downloading and setting up an account is straight forward for both Grab and Go-Jek. The process to book a ride is the same as other ridesharing apps. You can pay in cash so you don’t need a credit or debit card to register. Both Grab and Go-Jek have motorcycle ride options which are cheaper than cars, ideal for solo travelers.

Two Weeks Indonesia Itinerary under US$ 1000 (Rs. 70,000)

All rates are best approximations. Of course, slight deviations can be found from one island to another.

Accommodation

Agoda, Bookings, and Hostelworld are the best websites to reserve accommodation

Double Bed in 3-star hotel: IDR 250,000 (US$ 19/ INR 1,200) per night

Hostel Dorm Bed: IDR 100,000 (US$ 8 / INR 500) per night

Homestay Double Bed: IDR 200,000 (US$ 15/ INR 950) per night

Food

Widely available vegetarian entrees are Gado-Gado, Veg Fried Rice, and Veg Noodles

Vegetarian Entrée: IDR 30,000 (US$ 2.25/ INR 150)

Pizza: IDR 40,000 (US$ 3/ INR 200)

Pasta: IDR 50,000 (US$ 3.75/ INR 240)

Beverages

Tea/Coffee: IDR 4,000 (US$ 0.50/ INR 20)

Bottled Water 1L: IDR 3,000 (US$ 0.40/ INR 15)

Bintang Beer 650ml: IDR 25,000 (US$ 2/ INR 120)

Local Arak: IDR 20,000 (US$ 1.50/ INR 100)

Bottled Arak 750ml: IDR 150,000 (US$ 11/ INR 700)

Transportation

Bus Ticket (8 hours journey): IDR 250,000 (US$19 / INR 1200)

Scooter Rental (per day): IDR 80,000 (US$ 6/ INR 400) + fuel

Car Rental Self Drive (per day): IDR 250,000 (US$19 / INR 1200) + fuel

Car Rental with Driver: IDR 250,000 (US$19 / INR 1200) base + IDR 55,000 per hour (US$ 4/ INR 250)

Average Tourist Attraction Entrance Fee

IDR 100,000 per person (US$ 7.50/ INR 500)

Two Week Indonesia Itinerary

Rather than a traditional two-week itinerary, I will give you a one-week itinerary for each of the four islands I visited namely – Bali, Java, Flores, and Sulawesi. Any two of the four islands can be visited with each other on a two-week travel of Indonesia. Therefore you can combine these individual itineraries and create your own two-week itinerary for Indonesia.

One Week Bali Itinerary

Bratan Temple, Bali Indonesia

Bali is the prime tourist destination of Indonesia. And, it’s the first place that comes to many people’s mind when you say ‘Indonesia’. It deserves the title with numerous turquoise beaches, ancient Balinese Hindu temples, green and gold rice fields, and a tranquil vibe emanating from smiling faces of friendly locals. Being the tourist capital of Indonesia, it feels a bit too crowded. But, it is well worth your time since you won’t get to see 1000-year old picturesque Balinese Hindu temples elsewhere in the world. And, this is coming from an Indian who has seen his fair share of temples.

For accommodation, transportation, attraction, and restaurant recommendations read the Detailed Bali Itinerary

Here is a brief Bali Itinerary:

Day 1: Land in Denpasar and check-in to your hotel in Denpasar or Kuta

Day 2: Uluwatu Temple in the morning. Sunset at Tanah Lot Temple. Traditional Kecak dance at Tanah Lot. Night stay in Denpasar or Kuta

Day 3: Check-out. Denpasar/Kuta to Besakih Temple (62 km, 2 hours). Besakih Temple is the Mother Temple for all Balinese temples, a must visit. Besakih Temple to Ubud (42 km, 1.30 hours). Night stay in Ubud

Day 4: Explore boutique shops, rustic cafes, aromatic restaurants, and lively streets of Ubud. Visit Goa Gajah Cave Temple and Pura Taman Saraswati Temples, both within 5 km from downtown Ubud. Night stay in Ubud

Day 5: Check-out. Ubud to floating Pura Bratan temple (45 km, 1.30 hours). Pura Bratan temple to UNESCO acclaimed Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (22 km, 45 minutes). Night stay in Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Day 6: Check-out. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces to Denpasar/Kuta (55 km, 2 hours). Beach activities and water sports on postcard perfect Kuta beaches

Day 7: Onto your next destination

One Week Java Itinerary

The island of Java is home to 55% of Indonesia’s population making it the most populous island in the world. Yet it has enough space to house active volcanoes, world’s biggest Buddhist monument, world’s largest acidic lake, and Southeast Asia’s largest city Jakarta. Java has a wide array of places that boggles one’s mind. It is a true heritage of Indonesia.

  Mount Bromo, Java Indonesia

For accommodation, transportation, attraction, and restaurant recommendations read the Detailed Java Itinerary.

Here is a brief Java Itinerary (Coming Soon)

Day 1: If you are starting your Indonesian endeavor in Java then you will be most likely flying into Jakarta. From Jakarta, take a flight or train to Yogyakarta.

If you are coming from another Indonesia island then you can choose to fly into Yogyakarta or Surabaya. I will share the itinerary for both scenarios.

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4 Day Sulawesi Itinerary

The highlands of Sulawesi harbor houses built in the shape of boats. One Game of Thrones phrase that comes to mind is ‘What is dead may never die’. Yes, the dead refuse to go away. They are housed, cared, and fed for at least a year after they have taken their last breath. The burial ceremonies celebrate the dead and the afterlife. The burial sites and post burial rituals are awestruck. Toraja culture of the Sulawesi highlands is a Pandora’s Box for a culture vulture.

Tana Toraja Indonesia

The ancient Torajan burial ceremonies take place from June to August. Although there are smaller ceremonies year round, June to August is the best time to visit if you want to witness the elaborate burial ceremonies.

For accommodation, transportation, attraction, and restaurant recommendations read the Detailed Sulawesi Itinerary (Coming Soon)

Here is a brief Sulawesi Itinerary.

Day 1: Arrive in Makassar and take the overnight bus to Rante Pao

Day 2: Arrive in Rantepao. Visit burial ceremony, Ke’te’ Kesu’ boat shaped houses and Lemo cliff graves

Day 3: Visit Londa cave graves, Kambira tree graves, and Bori megalithic stones. Take the overnight bus from Rantepao to Makassar

Day 4: Makassar to your next destination

3 Day Komodo Itinerary

You go to Labuan Bajo, Flores to see the cold blooded creatures from the days of the dinosaur. Where the continental plates collide, lies the domain of the Dragons. Komodo Dragons are the largest lizards in the world. And in the wild, they are only found on the islands of Komodo and Rinca, both accessible from Labuan Bajo.

Detailed Komodo Island Itinerary for accommodation, transportation, attraction, and restaurant recommendations

Komodo Dragons, Rinca Island Indonesia

Here is a brief Komodo Island Itinerary

Day 1: Land in Labuan Bajo, check-in to your hotel, and book a ‘Komodo Island’ day tour for the following day

Day 2: Komodo Island Tour – snorkeling amidst colorful corals, visiting Pink Beach, swimming with Manta Rays – the angels of the underwater, and of course experiencing the feisty fire of Komodo Dragons

Day 3: Labuan Bajo to your next destination.

That sums up the brief two week Indonesia itinerary. Two weeks will give you a good exposure to the tip of the Indonesian iceberg. Here are the detailed itineraries

Bali One Week Itinerary

How to visit Komodo Island to see the Dragons

1 Week in Java amongst active volcanoes, largest Buddhist monument, and mythical Crater Lake (Coming Soon)

4 Days with the Walking Dead of Sulawesi (Coming Soon)

2 Week Indonesia Itinerary under Rs. 70,000 (US$ 1,000) was originally published on Winds of Travel

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Travel to Bali for Under Rs. 20,000 ($300)

Travel to Bali Guide is part of Indonesia 2 Week Itinerary article

Bali is the prime tourist destination of Indonesia. And, it’s the first place that comes to many people’s mind when you say ‘Indonesia’. It deserves the title with numerous turquoise beaches, ancient Balinese Hindu temples, green and gold rice fields, and a tranquil vibe emanating from smiling faces of friendly locals. Being the tourist capital of Indonesia, it feels a bit too crowded. Travel to Bali is not just about the beaches and nightlife. There are ancient Balinese Hindu temples, some thousands of years old. UNESCO acclaimed golden terraces of rice, and some excellent off-the-beaten-path destinations in the northwest.

1 Week Travel to Bali Itinerary for Under Rs. 20,000 ($300)

All the prices are per person unless other wise noted. All prices are listed in Indonesian Rupiah (US$ / INR) format

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Total Cost = 3,825,000 IDR (US$ 300 / 20,000 INR) per person

* Average price of a double occupancy room

^ Total accommodation price divided by two to get per person price

** Average car rental price which can fit a total of four people

^^ Total car rental price divided by four to get per person price (Plus Fuel)

Bali Cost for Solo Budget Traveler

All the prices are per person unless other wise noted. All prices are listed in Indonesian Rupiah (US$ / INR) format

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Total Cost = 3,325,000 IDR (US$ 250 / 16,000 INR) per person

* Average car rental price which can fit a total of four people. Advisable to find other travelers in the hostel and rent a car together.

^ Total car rental price divided by four to get per person price (Plus Fuel)

Bali Little Known Facts

Bali is known as the island of a thousand temples. Each city, town, and village in Bali has at least 3 temples (More info at the end)

In Balinese, “Pura” means temple

The entrance of Balinese Hindu temples are marked by a ‘candi bentar’, split gateway signifying that visitors must enter the temple with an open mindset

Bali is the rice-basket of Indonesia. Volcanic soil and rainwater trickling down from mountain slopes into the valley result in highly fertile soil

Jatiluwih rice terraces follow 1200-year old traditional water management cooperative called “subak”, a UNESCO-recognized irrigation system

In the Subak water management system, irrigation water is brought from rivers or lakes to the terraces via canals. But before entering the fields, the water must pass through a temple

Travel to Bali – 1 Week Itinerary

Bratan Temple, Bali Indonesia

Day 1: Land in Denpasar and Check-in to your hotel

Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar is the main airport in Bali. From India, airfares to Bali are usually cheaper from Kochi, Chennai, and Kolkatta. Pre-book your airport transfer with Bali Airport Taxi or if you plan to rent a self-drive car with Bali 4 Ride then get it delivered to the airport.

Majority of the people prefer to stay at a seaside resort in Kuta. We stayed in Denpasar. I recommend following hotels – Bali Jepun Guest House and Taman Suci Suite & Villas. Both had excellent ambiance, friendly staff, rustic décor, and tasty breakfast. They can be booked from – Booking.com

Day 2: Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot Temple, and Kecak Performance

If you don’t plan to rent a car or hire a taxi, then rent a scooter with Bali 4 Ride. Both Uluwatu and Tanah Lot temples can be reached by a scooter from Denpasar and Kuta.

After breakfast, head to 1000-year old Uluwatu Temple (INR 145/US$ 2), the Temple at Land’s End. It is a cliffhanger of a temple sitting 250 feet above the Indian Ocean. It was built 1000-years ago and is dedicated to Siva Rudra, the Balinese Hindu deity of all elements and aspects of life in the universe. The temple is believed to protect Bali from evil sea spirits while the monkeys in the temple protect from evil land spirits.

From Uluwatu temple head in the direction of Tanah Lot temple. On the way stop for lunch at Giridhari Vegan restaurant for mouth watering vegan Indonesian delicacies. The sampler is a must order to taste the different flavors of this beautiful island nation.

Uluwatu Temple, Bali

Get to Tanah Lot Temple (INR 290/US$ 4) slightly before sunset. Pura Tanah Lot is a 400-year old temple dedicated to Balinese sea god Bharat Sagar. Nirartha, founder of the Shaivite priesthood in Bali, inspired local fishermen to build Tanah Lot in the 16th century. Catch a traditional Kecak dance-theater performance at the temple right after the sunset. Before heading to your hotel dine at NU DELHI Indian restaurant.

Bali Fact: In Balinese, “Pura” means temple and Tanah Lot means “Land in the Sea”.

NOTE: To reach the places mentioned below, you will need to rent a self-drive car or a private taxi.

Day 3: Besakih Temple and Ubud

After breakfast and check-out, drive to Besakih Temple (62 km, 2 hours).

Besakih Temple, Bali

If there is only going to be one temple you are going visit in all of Bali, then make it Besakih Temple. Besakih Temple (INR 170/US$ 2.75) is ‘The Mother Temple’ of all the temples in Bali. There are 23 temples built on six levels. Believed to have been built 2000 years ago, Besakih temple is a pilgrimage for the Balinese Hindus. Tell a local in Kuta or Ubud that you are going to Besakih and notice the smile on their face. In 1963, lava from the erupting Mount Agung passed through the temple complex without harming any of the temples. The walls of the complex were then built from lava rock, hence the black color. I highly recommend hiring a guide otherwise you will miss on the intricate details of the temple.

Bali Fact: The entrance of Balinese Hindu temples is marked by a ‘candi bentar’, split gateway signifying that visitors must enter the temple with an open mindset.

After Besakih temple drive to Ubud (42 km, 1.30 hours). Check in to your hotel. I recommend staying at Duana’s Homestay. It is an eclectic homestay with a green common area, chirping birds, swimming pool, lavish breakfast, and within 5 minutes to downtown Ubud.

Day 4: Exploring Ubud, Goa Gajah Temple, and Saraswati Temple

Ubud is the hipster heart of Bali. It dances to its own music. And, losing yourself to this music is the only way to experience Ubud. That and visiting its boutique shops, rustic cafes, aromatic restaurants, and lively streets. I highly recommend visiting JamBali Cafe for Caribbean vibes, playful Jamaican flavors, and the friendly and charming owner Michelle. The vegan cheesecake at Earth Cafe is delicate and dream-inducing. Right across Earth Cafe is family run Warung Komang restaurant serving delicious vegetarian Gado-Gado, fried rice, and home-distilled Akira, a local alcohol distilled from coconut. Two other good vegan/vegetarian restaurants are Bali Buda Cafe and Veggie Table.

Visit Goa Gajah Cave Temple (INR 75/US$ 1), 6 km from downtown Ubud. Goa Gajah is a 1000-year old ‘Elephant Cave’ with three stone idols each wrapped in red, yellow and black clothes representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The name Goa Gajah has Sanskrit bearing, Gajah being an elephant in Sanskrit. There is an idol of Ganesha inside the cave hence the name Elephant Cave.

Pura Taman Saraswati Temple, walking distance from downtown Ubud, is another beautiful temple worth visiting.

Day 5: Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Check-out of your hotel in Ubud and drive to the floating Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple (45 km, 1.30 hours). Built in 1633, Pura Bratan temple is dedicated to Pura Bratan. The temple complex is located on the shores of Lake Bratan. Lake Bratan is one the World’s 20 Most Beautiful Lakes according to Huffington Post. Lake Bratan is also a major source of irrigation water for rest of Bali. A unique feature of the temple is the figures of Buddha meditating in the lotus position on the left of the entrance to the first courtyard. Only Hindu temple in Bali with Buddhist idols.

After visiting Bratan temple, drive to Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (22 km, 45 minutes).

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, Bali

Have you ever seen gold grow in the soil? Visit Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (INR 145/US$ 2) to witness the alchemy of nature. 600 Hectares of rice terraces dancing across the valley is a treat both for the eyes as well as the lens. The largest and most picturesque expanse of paddies, Jatiluwih rice terraces follow 1200-year old traditional water management cooperative called “subak”, a UNESCO-recognized irrigation system. In the Subak water management system, irrigation water is brought from rivers or lakes to the terraces via canals. But before entering the fields, the water must pass through a temple. Therefore, you will see a temple at the highest level of these terraces.

I highly recommend spending a night here to truly admire the landscape at different times of the day and witness variant colors the sun lends to these historic rice terraces. Numerous walking trails lead you to the myriad of green and gold. Dasa Vayu Cottage is a good option

Day 6: The Postcard Perfect Beaches of Bali

Drive from Jatiluwih rice terraces to Kuta (55 km, 2 hours). Today is all about the sun, the sand, and the surf. Find an idyllic beach among many postcard perfect beaches with golden sands and turquoise waters. Go snorkeling in the waters around Kuta or get wet and wild with water sports. Night stay in Kuta. Head to one of the world-renowned clubs to experience Bali nightlife.

Day 7: Onto your next destination

Bali Hotels

Hotels in Bali can be booked via – Booking.com

Denpasar/Kuta Hotels: Bali Jepun Guest House and Taman Suci Suite & Villas

Ubud Hotel: Duana’s Homestay

Jatiluwih Hotel: Dasa Vayu Cottage

Bali Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants

Not all the restaurants mentioned are 100% vegan or vegetarians but they definitely have good vegan and vegetarian dishes

Denpasar/Kuta: Giridhari Vegan Indonesian, Living Food Lab, Nu Delhi Indian, Ruchira Indian Restaurant

Ubud: JamBali Cafe, Earth Cafe, Warung Komang, Bali Buddha Cafe, Veggie Table, La Pacha Mama Mexican, Warung Sharaswhaty Indian Vegetarian

Indonesia Alcohol Beverages

There are a few local Indonesian alcoholic beverages that you must try. And, Bali is the best place to buy alcohol since it has the widest variety of local alcoholic beverages available. Bintang Supermarkets has the widest collection of alcohol beverages. Circle K stores also have a decent collection. So, what Bali Alcohol Beverages you should try?

Arak: coconut palm flower or rice liquor

Bali Moon: coffee, pineapple, banana, coconut, and melon flavored liqueur

Tuak: Rice wine

Hatten and Sababay local wines

Anker and Bali Hai beers. Better than widely available Bintang

Bali is known as the island of a thousand temples. And each city, town, and village in Bali have at least 3 temples. One for each of the Hindu Holy Trinity. The temple of Brahma (the Creator) is located in the center of city/town/village. The temple of Vishnu (the Preserver) is located near a water body since water is the preserver of life. The temple of Shiva (the Destroyer) is situated near cremation ground.

3 Days with the Dragons

1 Week in Java amongst active volcanoes, largest Buddhist monument, and mythical Crater Lake (Coming soon)

4 Days with the Walking Dead of Sulawesi (Coming soon)

Travel to Bali for Under Rs. 20,000 ($300) was originally published on Winds of Travel