Bali in February: features and interesting recreation opportunities in the most unpredictable month

Bali - the “Island of the Gods”, opens its arms to tourists all year round. However, the winter months, in particular February, have their own specifics that you need to be prepared for.

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Weather in Bali in February

February is one of the months of the “wet” season, and it is called that for good reason. It is January - the first half of February that is considered the rainiest on the Divine Island. Nature will pour 130 to 250 mm of precipitation on your heads. The number of rainy days in February in Bali ranges from 9 to 16. These can be either downpours for several hours or long, terribly annoying “drizzle” that lasts for a day.

“How lucky you are” are the key words for a February holiday in Bali. February is one of the most unpredictable months here. You are equally likely to witness partly cloudy skies with occasional sunshine and evening or overnight drizzle. So you end up in captivity of long-term downpours with wind and thunderstorms. The higher you are above sea level, the greater the chance of getting the second option. Mountain ranges amicably delay the monsoons, which pay them with life-giving moisture. Fortunately, in the second half of the month, as a rule, there is less precipitation. Test your luck.

Despite the clouds that often cover the Balinese sky in February, experienced travelers advise not to forget about hats and sunscreen. You can “burn” in such a hidden sun in a quarter of an hour.

Humidity during these periods is simply off the charts, reaching 95 percent. Provided that the temperature remains stable at 29-30 degrees during the day and 24 at night, welcome to the natural steam room. On the other hand, high humidity gives a feeling of coolness that is difficult to find in the summer months. At night, due to the wind, it can even be a little chilly.

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February sea in Bali

The water temperature at this time usually does not drop below 29 degrees, but you won’t be able to swim to your heart’s content in the steamy water. The main reason is storms. And accordingly there are big waves, a lot of algae and fragments of wood on the shore. Also, forget about advertising pictures with the transparent turquoise surface of the ocean - the water in Bali in February is cloudy and not particularly conducive to long-term water procedures. However, it won’t hurt to jump on the surf.

But there are also positive aspects - there are orders of magnitude fewer people on the beaches than in the dry season. There is an opportunity not to feel like a flattened seal in a dense mass of vacationers.

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What to do in February in Bali

But still, the “wet season” is more conducive not to a beach holiday, but to other activities, of which there are plenty in Bali.

Surfing

February will fully delight board lovers with waves. However, according to experts, this period is more suitable for experienced surfers who are starting to be careful.

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Sailing, kiting

These activities are dependent on suitable wind conditions and you cannot be completely sure that the weather will be on your side. However, there are chances in February, and good ones. What did we say about luck?

Snorkeling

On the one hand, the turbulence of the water near the shore cannot be considered an advantage of scuba diving in February. On the other hand, you can always find a place to explore the underwater world. And hit excursions, such as snorkeling with stingrays near the island of Nusa Penida, are popular all year round.

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Spa treatments

You can do them just at a time when the rain pelting outside the window does not encourage more active types of recreation.

Various types of massage, both therapeutic and wellness, skin care, scrubs, baths with flower petals, yoga, meditation. A real holiday for body and spirit. You can also find spas with ocean views.

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Shopping

And how could we not go without a trip to buy souvenirs! Shopping centers, small shops and bazaars will give you the opportunity to buy whatever your heart desires. From designer clothing from famous brands to authentic pieces from local artisans and memorabilia that will warm your heart on long snowy evenings.

While shopping, don't forget to try the local cuisine in one of the many restaurants or cafes. In the markets it is not considered shameful to bargain.

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Visit to thermal springs

Hot springs are one of the hallmarks of Bali; many natives consider these waters sacred. At least relaxing. And the temperature is from 37 to 50 degrees, mineral salts make them also beneficial for health.

The springs are divided into temples, thermal spas and private pools in villas and near villages. Temples will be of interest to those visitors who do not forget about the spiritual side of life.

Access to the vast majority of sources is paid. As with almost all the tourist highlights of the island.

The activities, in general, are not boring, you say, but almost all are available in any tourist corner of the planet.

But there are a lot of amazing places on the “Island of the Gods” that you won’t see anywhere else.

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What to see in Bali in February

Volcano Batur

It is an active volcano with a height of 1,717 meters and last erupted in 2000. The Batur is a lake of the same name, which arose in one of the craters and is sacred to the island’s aborigines.

It is, of course, better to come here in dry weather in order to fully enjoy the magical views of Bali. This kind of weather doesn’t often happen in February, but we should rely on luck for the third time. The average tour takes about 2 hours and includes transfer to the base and breakfast at the top.

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Monkey forest in Ubud

The monkey kingdom is inhabited by about a thousand primates. It is worth considering that the tailed aborigines behave at ease and love to borrow food from a gaping tourist. There are also three Hindu temples in the forest.

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Ubud city

It is reputed to be the cultural center of the island. Here you will find many galleries with works of art by local and foreign artists. Half a dozen interesting museums, including the house-museum of Antonio Blanco. And, of course, don't miss the traditional Balinese dance Tek Tok, which is performed four times a week at the Balinese Cultural Center. Just the thing on a gray rainy day.

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Rice terraces, the most famous of which are Tegallalang and Jatiluwih

These steps, on which the most popular crop in these parts are grown, have become another highlight of Bali.

Tegallalang is located a 20-minute drive from our previous hero, on hills 800 meters high. Known for the terribly popular swing on Instagram overlooking the fields. A plantation of the most expensive coffee in the world, which is grown nearby (a coffee shop where you can taste it is attached).

Jatiluwih is located at the foot of Mount Batukaru on an area of more than 300 hectares. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In addition to rice, here and there you can see shrines dedicated to the patroness of fertility, the goddess Devi Sri.

Be prepared to encounter a fair amount of mosquitoes and don't forget repellent.

And, of course, ask the nature of the island for one more dry day, because after the rains the terraces look especially bright.

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Tanah Lot Temple

One of the variants of the name sounds like “Earth in Water”. Tanah Lot is built on a small island that becomes inaccessible at high tide. Protected by UNESCO. Only Hindu believers are allowed to enter the temple itself, but even seeing it from the outside is worth a lot.

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Besakih Temple Complex

Located on the slope of a volcano. It is considered the main one on the “Island of the Gods”; it includes 23 (!) temples dedicated to different gods. The central ones are those dedicated to the Hindu Trimurti. According to one of the legendary versions, it was built in the 11th century by the joint efforts of all the Balinese kingdoms. To visit the complex you need special clothing, which, however, can be rented right on the spot.

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February holidays in Bali

Chinese New Year

Central celebration of February, lasting 15 days. Lunar New Year (aka Imlek, aka Spring Festival) begins on the second new moon of the year. The color red is required to scare away the bloodthirsty monster Nen, which, according to Chinese beliefs, came to earth on the first day of the year. Exploding firecrackers and loud screams serve the same purpose. Streets and stalls are filled with lanterns, the first day of the new year is celebrated with grandiose fireworks, fire shows, exquisite incense and rich feasts. But there should be nothing white on the table!

Lantern Festival

The final day of the Imlek celebration, which stood out as a separate mesmerizing event. About half a dozen legends are associated with it, each telling its own version of the origin of the “lantern” tradition. On this day in Bali, lanterns of different sizes are literally everywhere. Sizes, shapes and colors vary. It is on this day that the famous procession with a stuffed long-tailed dragon takes place. You can see dances on the streets, the most popular of which is the Tiger Dance. At night, thousands of lights are lit, and along with fireworks, balloons with lit lanterns rise into the sky. An unforgettable sight!

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Valentine's Day

It is not customary for residents of the island, especially older people, to celebrate this holiday, but tourists can easily enjoy a romantic day in the romantic atmosphere of the “Island of the Gods.” Excursions for lovers to iconic places in Bali. Entertainment programs in restaurants, nightclubs and hotels. Cozy candlelit dinner on the beach. Watching the sunset with your significant other - we recommend leaving early, because by 6 pm it usually gets dark in Bali. Sharman!

Also in February, as in any other month, you can witness Odalan - the birthday of the temple. One of more than six thousand Balinese temples (at least three in each village). From small family or clan to famous all over the world. Worship and offerings to the gods to whom the temple is dedicated, ritual songs and dances. At the very least it is educational.

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Cost of holiday in February

Now we have reached the most pleasant bonus of the Bali “vacation in February”. Prices for housing, tours and last-minute tours this month are about 30 percent lower than in the dry season.

Typically, the average cost of living in a reasonable budget hotel in Bali ranges from $10 to $15 per night. At 15-25, 2, 3-star hotels with air conditioning value themselves. 4 stars start from $40-60. For five-star ones, be prepared to pay at least 200, but rather 300-400 $ (there are options for 60-80, and 500-600 $).

In addition to hotels in Bali, villas that are rented entirely for a family or company are quite popular. Their prices range from $40 to $600, depending on the number of stars, amenities, location and availability of a pool.

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"Island of the Gods" is waiting for guests!