About:
Dr. Bharatkumar Bhate is M.S. General Surgeon (Gold Medalist) by qualification with an experience of 30,000+ operations and is based at Rajkot, Gujarat. He is an avid reader and a passionate writer. In this blog, he shares his travel experiences and creative writings.
Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrBhateRajkot
Blog:
🌴 Blog 02 of 12 | Introduction to Bali – The Island of Gods
By Dr. Bharatkumar Bhate
Visited in August 2024
This is the second blog in my 12-part Bali travel series, based on my visit to this fascinating island in August 2024. In my first post, I introduced the rich geography, culture, and diversity of Indonesia as a whole. Now, we zoom in on Bali, the most iconic and spiritually vibrant destination in the archipelago.
As someone who has spent a lifetime in surgery observing the complexities of human anatomy, I find Bali to be an equally intricate cultural organism—one where religion, nature, aesthetics, and hospitality coexist with remarkable harmony.
🕉️ Why Bali Is Called the “Island of Gods”
Bali is often referred to as Pulau Dewata, meaning the Island of Gods, owing to its more than 1,000 Hindu temples scattered across the landscape. In fact, most Balinese homes have private shrines, blending daily life with spirituality in a way that feels both grounded and elevated. In Bali, even routine feels like celebration.
While Bali is just one of the 17,000+ islands in Indonesia, it stands apart in culture. Unlike the rest of Indonesia, which is predominantly Muslim, Bali’s population is 87% Hindu—a reflection of centuries-old Indian influence, now deeply rooted in local customs.
📍 Geography & Quick Facts
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Province: Bali (includes Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan)
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Capital: Denpasar
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Airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport
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Main Tourist Area: Kuta (close to airport)
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Land Area: 5,780 sq. km
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Population: ~4.3 million
Bali is Indonesia’s most visited tourist destination and contributes up to 80% of the province’s economy through tourism. In recent years, Indian travelers have ranked among the top visitors, with over 200,000 Indians traveling to Bali annually.
☀️ The Dry Season (Best Time to Visit)
From April to October, Bali enjoys sunny skies, low humidity, and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities like:
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Trekking
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Surfing
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Scuba diving & snorkeling
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Cycling
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Water sports
Notable Festivals:
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Galungan – Celebrates the triumph of Dharma (good) over Adharma (evil)
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Bali Arts Festival – Held in June–July; a visual feast of traditional performances
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Bali Kite Festival – A unique cultural spectacle celebrated with elaborate kites
🌾 A Destination for Every Kind of Traveler
Bali offers a unique blend of experiences:
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Scenic: Beaches, rice terraces, waterfalls, and volcanoes
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Spiritual: Temples, rituals, and ancient traditions
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Artistic: Sculpture, painting, batik, metalwork, dance, and music
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Adventurous: ATV biking, forest treks, rafting, and underwater exploration
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Family-friendly: Elephant safaris, Monkey Forest visits, and cultural parks
As we explored the roads of Bali, I noticed that almost every village intersection features large stone sculptures of Hindu gods, demons, or animals—most carved from volcanic rock. In Ubud, wood carvings and local handicrafts are abundant and highly refined.
🎬 Global Recognition
Bali has hosted major global events:
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Miss World 2013
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IMF Annual Meeting 2018
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G20 Summit 2022
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Indonesian International Film Festival (held annually)
It has twice been named the World’s Top Destination by TripAdvisor (2017 and 2021), further cementing its reputation as a world-class travel destination.
🇮🇳 Why Bali Appeals to Indian Travelers
Bali is among the most preferred honeymoon and family destinations for Indian tourists due to:
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Affordable and frequent flights from major Indian cities
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Visa on arrival for Indians
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Availability of vegetarian & Indian cuisine
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Cultural similarity—Balinese Hinduism feels familiar yet distinctly local
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Options for luxury, mid-range, and budget accommodations
✈️ How to Reach Bali from India
There are no direct flights from India to Bali. Most flights involve a layover in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, or Singapore. We flew via Malaysian Airlines, which provided a smooth journey and good in-flight meals.
Our Travel Itinerary (August 2024):
Outbound:
MH 107 (23-Aug): Ahmedabad → Kuala Lumpur (22:45 → 06:45)
MH 715 (24-Aug): Kuala Lumpur → Bali (09:00 → 12:05)
Return:
MH 714 (30-Aug): Bali → Kuala Lumpur (12:55 → 16:00)
MH 106 (30-Aug): Kuala Lumpur → Ahmedabad (18:50 → 21:45)
However, our return journey was delayed, and we arrived in India 36 hours late. Malaysian Airlines arranged a 4-star hotel stay in Kuala Lumpur, giving us an unexpected opportunity to visit:
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Petronas Twin Towers
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KL Tower
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Central Market
🛂 Visa, SIM, Currency & Connectivity Tips
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Visa on Arrival: USD 35, valid for 30 days
✅ Passport valid for 6 months
✅ Return tickets & hotel confirmation
✅ Travel insurance recommended
✅ No COVID test or vaccine certificate currently required -
Arrival Formalities: Details like passport info, baggage count, accommodation, etc., must be entered digitally (not on paper), and a QR code is generated for immigration.
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Currency:
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Bring USD from India; Indian Rupees are not accepted
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Avoid exchanging currency at the airport due to poor rates
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Authorized money changers in the city are preferable
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Approx. ₹1 = IDR 187, 1 USD = ₹84
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Credit card payments may incur a 2.5% surcharge
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Local SIM Card:
I recommend purchasing a Telkomsel SIM upon arrival.
My Indian roaming (Idea) did not work reliably. -
Power Adapters:
Bali uses 220V / 50Hz power. I had carried two types of adapters, and both were needed at different hotels. -
Travel Insurance:
A must-have. Choose a plan that covers medical emergencies, baggage loss, flight delays, and cancellations. -
Time Difference:
Bali is 2.5 hours ahead of Indian Standard Time.
🏨 Where to Stay in Bali
Bali offers accommodations for every kind of traveler:
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Ubud – For culture & nature
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Seminyak – For luxury experiences
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Canggu – For beach lovers
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Kuta – For nightlife & shopping
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Nusa Dua – For family-friendly resorts
Top Hotels (By Category):
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Luxury: The Legian, Seminyak
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Beachside: Ayodya Resort, Bali
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Budget: Candra Asri Bungalow
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Scenic: Alila, Ubud
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Wellness & Uniqueness: Fivelements Retreat
Our Hotels (as senior citizens on a tour package):
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Kuta: 4 nights at Kuta Paradiso Hotel (5★) – Deluxe Room
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Jimbaran: 2 nights at Lumbini Villas & Spa (5★) – 1-Bedroom Pool Villa
Both properties offered excellent hospitality, clean rooms, hearty breakfasts, and polite staff. Our coach was comfortable, and our guide was knowledgeable and professional.
🚖 How to Travel Within Bali
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Private car with driver: Best option for families and senior travelers. Fixed daily charges, no parking hassles, and personalized schedules.
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Scooters: Popular among young couples and solo travelers.
⚠️ Requires international driving license. -
Taxis: Use Bluebird (trustworthy and metered)
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Ride-hailing apps: Gojek and Grab are reliable
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Day tours: Many operators offer packages with pickup/drop
👁️ My Initial Observations of Bali
Within my first hour in Bali, I noticed:
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Very few multi-storey buildings; even luxury hotels rarely exceed tree height
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Almost every home features a sloped roof and decorative finial
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Numerous small shrines and roadside statues
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Roads are narrow but scenic, often lined with temples and greenery
We spent our first day relaxing at the hotel, having Indian food nearby, and preparing ourselves for sightseeing starting the next morning.
In the next few posts, I will begin describing each day’s itinerary, covering temples, beaches, cultural spots, volcanoes, local cuisine, and more.
Stay tuned for Blog #3: "A Day in Kuta and Uluwatu – Beaches, Temples & Fire Dance"
Until then,
Dr. Bharatkumar Bhate