Bali is an amazing destination, so much colour, a must see for any travel fan. Only 10 minutes’ walk south of the town center in Ubud, the Monkey Forest, also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, is one of the top attractions in this tourist town and a must-see for animal lovers and photographers. Besides the entertaining troops of grey long-tailed macaques that make their home here, a large part of the appeal is the evocative jungle setting where the monkeys roam free. Paved pathways lead through thick forests of giant banyan trees and nutmeg, where moss-covered statues and ancient temples loom through the dense foliage, imparting an almost mystical feel. The forest is intended to represent the harmonious coexistence between humans and animals. It also conserves rare plants and is used as a location for researching macaque behavior, particularly their social interaction.
The largest of the Gili Islands, Gili Trawanagan (usually shortened to Gili T) is the one to visit if you want a few drinks and a dance after a long day of relaxing. It’s the most built-up of the Gili Islands and there are accommodation options to suit all budgets. There isn’t a lot to do during the day apart from diving and snorkeling, but if you want to spend some time sitting on world-class beaches while eating good food you can’t go wrong. The beaches on Gili Trawanagan (and its two neighbours) are better than any I’ve seen on Bali itself. Read more details at Bali to Gili.
Located in Ubud, the Sacred Monkey Forest is a natural forest where many macaque monkeys swing through the trees and scamper across the ground. There are shaded paths leading through the forest, where you’ll spot an array of other fauna and flora. Sacred temples of old are scattered throughout the forest, and there are many interesting statues and sculptures too. Although generally well preserved, many of the old structures are covered in moss and slightly overgrown, adding to the wild and mysterious atmosphere. You can explore the site independently or walk around with a knowledgeable guide to learn more about the monkeys and the forest’s significance.
Ulun Danu Temple lies at the edge of Baratan Lake in Bedugul in Bali. This pretty building is dedicated to the goddess of the lake and is one of the quietest and most serene places on the island. Make sure to check out all the different shrines, each one dedicated to a different god, and look out for the ornate architectural touches such as the intricate carved gates.
Gili Air is a fair bit smaller and more refined compared to Gili Trawangan. Compared to both Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno, it is safe to say that Gili Air offers the best of both worlds and is the second most popular island to head to after the more established Gili Trawangan. Source: https://giliferries.com/.
