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Bali is the uncontested number one must-visit travel destination of all time, right? While Bali offers travelers a well-trodden path to an island overflowing with wonder, there are always opportunities to discover something new.
Areas like party-central Canggu, classic-coastal Kuta, and the cultural cacophony of Ubud will always remain firm favorites in the shared traveler psyche. These cornerstones create space for other areas of Bali to emerge from the background.
One such area is Bangli Regency. It may be the only Regency in Bali to be landlocked, but don’t let the lack of ocean put you off. Away from the busy beaches, bustling markets, and even commercialized resort districts, Bangli Regency offers a taste of the Bali of old.
Culturally proud, genuinely authentic, and abounding with breathtaking natural wonders. Nightclubs and shopping malls may be hard to find in Bangli, but what you will discover is the true essence of Bali.
Bangli Regency is home to Kintamani District, where travelers will find magnificent and sacred Mount Batur, the island’s most active volcano. Often associated as a destination for quick day trips, Bangli Regency is looking to position itself as a destination for slow travel, a home-from-home for digital nomads, and a place for cultural exchange.
Boasting 2855 hectares of lush rice paddies and over 9000 hectares of dense jungle forest, two-thirds of the Regency sits between 900 and 2150 m above sea level.
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With interest steadily growing in Bangli as a travel destination, the discerning traveler will be pleased to learn that a large swathe of landscape sits within the UNESCO Global Geopark. This protected status means that development in the area is limited and must align with the protection of the region’s unique flora, fauna, and cultural heritage.
Whether you’re a culture-curious wanderer, a nature-obsessed nomad, or an intrepid explorer, Bangli Regency is the next big cultural hotspot in Bali, and you’re going to want to get yourself there ASAP!
Where To Visit In Bangli Regency In Bali
You could spend months exploring the vast expanse of Bangli Regency. Here are the must-visit destinations in Bangli Regency and a few hidden gems that are not to be missed.
Penglipuran Village
Perhaps the most famous village in Bali, Penglipuran Village, has become the picture postcard of the island’s countryside. The village welcomes thousands of tourists annually and offers visitors from around the world insight into life in a traditional Balinese village. Visitors can learn about Balinese Hinduism, the communities agricultural practices, and traditional crafts.
@wonderfulid Clean and serene. Two words that truly define #PenglipuranVillage in #Bangli Regency, #Bali. ?️: @HIDWII #WonderfulIndonesia #tiktoktravel #fyp ♬ original sound – Althea Descutido
Mount Batur & Lake Batur
With the help of a guide, you can hike Mount Batur. Yes, that’s right! Sacred Mount Batur may be an active volcano, but tourists can follow the hiking trail to the summit. Though some sources online will say you can climb Mount Batur without a guide, don’t chance it. Conditions can change quickly on the mountainside, and it’s best to have an expert by your side. Closer to sea level, stroll around Lake Batur, stop for a Bali Coffee, and just breathe it all in.
@montanadarby One of my best travel experiences ever! ?Mount Batur Trek #bali #mountbatur #backpacking #travelling #budgettravel ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim
Pinggan Sunrise View
Another epic hike is to the Pinggan Sunrise Viewpoint. Well worth the early start, the Pinggan Sunrise Viewpoint offers utterly breathtaking views of the Kintamani landscape that are certain to make you feel grateful to be alive.
Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur Temple
In Bangli Regency, the iconic landmarks just keep coming. The next must-visit destination is the Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur. Located on the banks of Lake Batur, this temple is one of the most significant Balinese Hindu temples. Dedicated to the goddess Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers. A visit to the temple gives you the opportunity to rest, reflect and appreciate the sacred landscape.
@fossythefox A floating temple called Pura Segara Ulun Danu can be found on Lake Batur,Kintamani Bali. The scenery of the mountains can be seen in the background. ?Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur ? by Donations ⏰ 0630 ~ 1730 How to get there? by car, motobike. . . . . . . . . . . #travelphotography #travelvlog #baliindonesia #kintamani #indonesia #solotravel #outdoors #nature #travel #bali #balivlog ♬ original sound – marianne
Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Bangli is bursting with waterfalls, the most famous of which is Tukad Cepung Waterfall. Although one of the biggest waterfalls in the Regency, it remains much quieter than many of the waterfalls surrounding Ubud. Definitely worth a visit to get that jungle fix. Honorable mentions for waterfalls in Bangli should also go to Air Terjun Kuning, Goa Rajo Waterfall, and Pelisan Waterfall.
2023 Will Be Big For Bangli, Bali
The Indonesian Tourism Board, Wonderful Indonesia, has announced a partnership with Airbnb to titled Live and Work Anywhere Bali. The campaign is designed to encourage digital nomads to make the most of the new digital nomad visa in Bali and explore different areas of the island. You’ve guessed it, Bangli Regency is one of the postcard destinations of the campaign. Specifically the quaint villages of Kintamani, which are noted as some of the most highly sought-after destinations on the Island of the Gods.
Just last week, it was confirmed that Bangli Regency would receive over USD 50,000 in resources and training to up-skill the tourism workforce in the area. Even more, interestingly, the Regency has also received an official visit from the Governor of West Java, who confidently told the media of his intentions to develop high-level tourism in the area with as much investment as he can throw at it.
Where To Stay in Bangli
One major bonus point for Bangli Regency is the affordability of the accommodation options. As accommodation prices in Ubud, Canggu and Kuta are increasing no end, prices in Bangli are amazingly affordable. From luxury Airbnb escapes to rural campsites, from budget guesthouses to authentic homestays, Bangli has something for every budget and every travel style.
The Cute Cabin with Mountain View is a super popular spot on Airbnb. There are some super luxurious private villas tucked away in Kintamani too.
If you’re looking for a hotel experience, check out Villa Jempana and The Tira Vilanga Suites and Spa for a lavish jungle getaway.
How To Maximise Your Time In Bangli
It is now easier than ever to stay in Bali for extended periods. Whatever your budget, you can stay in Bali for up to six months at a time. If you’re visiting Bali for a short vacation, you can pay for your visa on arrival. The visa costs IDR 500,000 (About $32), and everything can be arranged at the arrivals hall. With this visa, you can stay in Bali as a tourist for up to 30 days. You can extend this visa by another 30 days for an additional IDR 500,000.
The best option for digital nomads or anyone who wants to experience living in Bali is the 6-month B211a socio-cultural visa. Also known as the digital nomad visa, the B211a offers remote workers a route to relocate to Bali. The single-entry visa is valid for 60 or 180 days.
The processing time is four working days once the application and payment are complete. Everything is completed online The visa costs IDR 2,000,000 (USD 135) for 60 days or IDR 6,000,000 (USD 400) if applying for the full 180 days before arrival.
If you want to stay in Bali for up to 10 years and have USD 100,000+ in your bank account, you can apply for the brand new second home visa.
Bangli Regency may be Bali’s best-kept secret, but it won’t be for long. If you’re traveling to Bali in 2023, make sure to explore all that Bali has to offer. Canggu, Kuta, Ubud, and the Gili Islands all have unique personalities, but it’s surely Bangli that’ll steal your heart.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com