Bali relaxes Covid rules: why the island is the ultimate dream destination

Bali fans had to wait a long time for this news: From mid-March, vaccinated travelers will be able to vacation on the popular island without quarantine for the first time. A booster vaccination is not necessary, but a PCR test upon arrival and another on the third day.

Bali is reopening to tourists

The relaxed entry regulations are intended to help the Hindu island in the Islamic State of Indonesia get back on its feet. Because Bali and the majority of its approximately four million inhabitants are largely dependent on tourism. What holidaymakers experience on the tropical island is unique: rice terraces that stretch up steep slopes and are still tilled with water buffalo according to old tradition. Many temples and colorful offerings. Lived Hinduism, traditional dances that belong to the most aesthetic and demanding of dance art. Hospitable and warm people who love to laugh.

Three active volcanoes and of course lots of white, golden and black colored beaches. Everyone will find the type of vacation they dream of here: We present the most beautiful spots for surfers, divers, yogis, hikers, artists, connoisseurs and those looking for relaxation.

1. Luxury and Lagoons

At the southernmost tip of the island, which is 80 kilometers long and 145 kilometers wide, is Nusa Dua – a beach resort for holidaymakers with high demands. The luxury resorts here are far apart from each other and are all no higher than the surrounding palm tree tops. Miles of white beaches nestle around lagoons. Coral reefs offshore hold back high waves and dangerous currents in the turquoise sea. Peace seekers will find romantic spots here. The Laguna Resort & Spa is one of the most beautiful hotels in Nusa Dua.

The 270 rooms, studios and suites of the 5-star complex are all newly renovated and are spread out in a large tropical garden and around lagoons. Many of them have direct access from the terrace to the lagoons, where you can also swim. The interior is Balinese style with teak floors, hand-woven carpets, stone carvings on the walls and special beds that promise the highest sleeping comfort.

The Laguna Resort & Spa also attaches great importance to the culinary art: at the breakfast buffet there is a fresh juice counter, a barista station and a bakery that produces fresh pasta. Three additional restaurants serve typical Indonesian dishes and the “Ocean Terrace” directly on the beach serves freshly caught fish from local fishermen.

• Prices: 6 nights in a double room from 333 euros per person

2. Relaxing in the rainforest

The artist town of Ubud is located in the heart of Bali. So far away from beaches, but surrounded by rice fields, mountains, temples and tropical vegetation as well as the monkey forest. Tourists love the old moss-covered Hindu temple complex in the jungle, which is home to more than 600 long-tailed macaques.

The monkeys are everywhere – on the paths through the nature park, in the bushes, on trees and sometimes even on the tourists themselves. Getting the ultimate photo with a wild monkey is not without its dangers. Because the cheeky and nimble animals like to grab smartphones, sunglasses and everything edible and disappear with them into the jungle, never to be seen again.

Not far away is the Maya Ubud Resort & Spa. It is also only about one and a half kilometers to the center of Ubud. The 5-star hotel has been one of the most popular houses for years because of its heavenly beautiful and quiet location: embedded in terraces between rice fields and rainforest. The 100 Balinese-style rooms and villas give guests the feeling of being in the middle of untouched nature.

The spa can also call itself exceptional. Because it is a riverside spa. This is on the Petanu River, which runs through the resort. Two swimming pools in the jungle invite you to bathe and relax in style.

• Price: 6 nights in a double room with breakfast from 381 euros per person

3. Yoga, meditation and healing as in “Eat, Pray and Love”

At least since the movie “Eat, Pray and Love” with Julia Roberts, Bali has been the destination for yoginis from all over the world. In order to find a mindful lifestyle and balance in body, mind and soul, there are more offers on the island than in any other place in the world – after all, there are many things in common with the attitude, belief and thinking of the Balinese: yoga Studios, yoga centers, yoga teacher training courses, yoga festivals and hotels specializing in yoga, meditation and healing retreats.

This also includes the “Padma Resort Ubud”, which is located in Payangan, around 13 kilometers north of Ubud. In a river valley, surrounded by bamboo forests and small rice terrace fields, 149 rooms and suites offer fantastic views of the countryside. The highlight is the 89 meter long infinity pool with panoramic views.

Different yoga classes are offered every day in the 5-star resort: Beginners at 6:30 a.m., experienced practitioners can float through the air at 7:30 a.m. and at 8 a.m. there is a course for all skill levels. The “Padma Resort” is also child-friendly, because in addition to a children’s club and a playground, there is also a koi pond and small animal park where otters, pigeons, chickens, civet cats, turtles, rabbits, guinea pigs and various birds live and can be fed.

If you want something adventurous, go on a jungle trekking. Those who prefer to focus can practice archery or golf swings on the in-house driving range.

• Prices: 6 nights in a double room with breakfast per person from 502 euros

4. Water Sports, Water Palace and Bat Temple

In the east of Bali lies the coastal town of Candi Dasa. A quiet place, away from mass tourism and an ideal starting point for excursions to the most beautiful sights. For example to the lotus lagoon with its countless pink and purple lotus blossoms.

Opposite, on a mountainside, is the Pura Candidasa Temple with spectacular views. Just three kilometers outside is the village of Tenganan, which because of its isolated location has retained its pre-Hindu culture – a fascinating journey into another world. Major Hindu shrines include the 11th-century Pura Goa Lawah bat temple and the Tirta Gangga water palace.

It is located in a park and impresses with its water features and runs over three levels. But Candi Dasa is also made for water sports enthusiasts such as snorkelers and divers.

A popular accommodation is the 4-star hotel “Candi Beach Resort & Spa”. The 124 rooms and bungalows are furnished in Balinese style and if you want you can also eat typical island dishes in the “Biru Restaurant”. But Western cuisine is also offered in the “Ocean Terrace Restaurant”. Two swimming pools with a separate children’s area and whirlpool as well as the hotel’s own spa are available for relaxation.

• Prices: 6 nights in a double room with breakfast from 542 euros per person

5. Surfing in warm water and against a tropical backdrop

Every surfer has heard of the top spot Bali – the finest reef and beach breaks. The island is known for its consistent and sometimes very demanding waves and well developed surf spots for every level. And that with year-round water temperatures of around 27 degrees! During the rainy season from October to March, the surfing community flocks to the east coast. In the dry season from April to September, the southwest coast is a hot spot for surfers.

Here is also the 2.5 km long sandy beach Legian Beach with its famous beach break. And the enchanting sunsets. In the Padma Resort Legian, surfers, athletes and beach lovers will find ideal starting conditions. The 5-star hotel with its large gardens is only separated from Legian Beach by the beach promenade. If you prefer fresh water, you have five pools to choose from, and when it comes to cuisine, the dimension with seven restaurants is huge. A tennis court invites to hot matches and then it’s off to the pool bar.

• Prices: 6 nights in a double room with breakfast from 476 euros per person

6. Diving with manta rays and wrecks

Reef sharks, manta rays, sunfish, seahorses, hawksbill turtles and dolphins: these marine animals are common in the waters around Bali. The good dive sites, including a 120-meter shipwreck, and reasonable prices attract divers from all over the world. The best diving season is from May to November. In the months of April and May manta rays cavort here, from August to October sunfish, the heaviest bony fish in the world.

They can grow up to three meters long and weigh two tons. On the other hand, life is very easy in the “Siddhartha Ocean Front Resort & Spa” on the northeast coast, at one of the best diving spots. The boutique hotel has been awarded five stars and impresses with its architecture. Its 30 bungalows and villas are located on a terraced hillside with a direct view of the sea. Behind the hotel, which has its own diving center specializing in divers, rises the 3241 meter high Gunung Agung, the highest and most sacred mountain on the island.

For the Balinese it is the seat of the gods. The cuisine at “Siddharta” is also divine. The kitchen describes itself as “Asian Fusion” and attaches great importance to local top products and presents its creations on tables lavishly decorated with flowers.

• Prices: 6 nights in a bungalow with breakfast from 228 euros per person