One of the 17,500 islands that make up Indonesia, Bali is often referred to as paradise on earth. Bali holiday packages include visits to many of the pristine beaches that offer surfing, diving and other water sports and have other entertainment as well as a vibrant nightlife. There are many beaches in Bali, each with a different atmosphere ranging from the international boating centre of Bali to beaches with 16th century temples, rugged coastlines, black sand and spectacular sunsets. There is more to Bali than beaches including these five things to do in Bali.

Bali Elephant Safari Park

This park is not a zoo it is a wildlife centre where visitors can actually interact with the Indonesian Elephants. Visitors can see them in their natural setting and even feed them. There is a 30 minute Elephant Safari ride for anyone willing, to a lake where the elephants will bathe and play in the cool water.

The Satria Palace

If you visit Bali at the right time, you can witness Balinese dances that are regularly performed in this palace. Located two kilometres west of Jalan Thamrin No. 2 Denpasar, it also contains a royal temple that holds a ceremony every 210 days that features dances that are only performed on this stage on this day. There is also a fascinating collection of kris daggers that were used in 1906 against the Dutch colonial army.

Lake Buyan and Lake Beratan

These lakes are very near each other in the district of Sukasada and are 1000 metres above sea level. Surrounded by evergreen forest, the area is always cool. Visitors can rent a traditional yacht and fish or just cruise around the lake. Lake Beratan has a major Hindu temple on its west side. There are private villas, bungalows, restaurants and a traditional market for your convenience.

Ubud

Bali holiday packages will not miss out on a visit to Ubud. Famous as Bali’s cultural centre foreign artists and intellectuals make it their home. It has many art galleries, museums and shops that sell woodcarvings, stone carvings, textiles and many other handicrafts. There are several villages that each specialize in one particular art.

Tanah Lot

A temple built on a huge rock off the west coast of Bali is surrounded by water during high tide. It is a popular place for visitors to watch the sun set, and Bali holiday packages will include the holy monkey forest which is nearby.