Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. What makes Bali special is its rich culture that mixes with amazing wildlife. The island is well suited for people looking for a harmonious combination of beach holidays, excursions and active pastime. In this article we will talk about the features of a holiday in Bali in March, as well as the cultural events and entertainment that you can enjoy this month.
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Weather in Bali in March
March marks the end of the rainy season. This period is still characterized by unpredictable tropical showers, but their intensity gradually decreases towards the end of the month. The weather is warm, with fairly high humidity. It would be a good idea to pack both a light raincoat and sunscreen in your luggage.
There are no significant temperature fluctuations in Bali throughout the year. Approximate temperatures in March are:
- During the day: 28-31°C
- At night: about 23°C
- Water: about 29°C
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Prices for Bali in March
The month is not very popular among tourists, but it provides an excellent opportunity to relax on a tropical island at a reasonable price.
Approximate prices for one night's stay in a double room in popular tourist areas are:
- Champlung Mas Hotel (Legian) - a hotel for budget travelers, located close to the beach, BeachWalk shopping center, nightlife and entertainment. There are standard rooms and suites, a pool, two restaurants, a bar and a spa - from $33.
- IZE Seminyak is a stylish 4-star hotel in Seminyak. Convenient location, beautiful rooms, some of which are equipped with a jacuzzi, excellent kitchen, 2 swimming pools, including a rooftop pool, well-equipped gym - from $70.
- Rama Beach Resort & Villas (Kuta) is a cozy green hotel decorated in Balinese style. Clean, beautiful, convenient location to the beach, shopping center, restaurants and tourist attractions - from $75.
- Grand Mirage Resort & Thalasso Bali (Nusa Dua) - 5 star beach resort operating on an all system inclusive , offers comfortable accommodation, varied cuisine in 6 restaurants, 3 bars, a spa with 16 treatment rooms, a children's club and a mini-water park for children, as well as a wide range of entertainment for adult guests - from 111 US dollars.
- Padma Resort Legian is a luxury 5 star resort hotel set in the tropical gardens of Legian. Extensive number of rooms, 4 swimming pools, a good fitness club, sauna, spa, tennis court, children's club and other amenities - from 198 US dollars.
- Double-Six Luxury Hotel (Seminyak) - a beautiful hotel within walking distance from the beach. Stylish rooms, several gastronomic options including a bar at 15 meters above sea level, which is one of the largest rooftop bars in Bali, a comfortable spa with stylish design - from US$244.
- The Ritz-Carlton Bali (Nusa Dua) is a fashionable beach resort with well-groomed grounds, excellent cuisine and a wide range of entertainment - from $317.
All prices include breakfast.
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What to do in Bali in March
In general, the month is suitable for sightseeing, beach and active recreation. Besides relaxing on Balinese's many beaches, the most popular activities during this period include exploring ancient temples and rice terraces, a variety of water activities, fishing, and visiting animal theme parks.
Theme parks
Mason Elephant Park & Lodge, located in the village of Taro, near the famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces, offers tourists accommodation in a luxurious eco-hotel, as well as encounters with Sumatran elephants, who can be treated to fresh fruit. In the park you can not only have a good rest, take a walk along the Treetop path Walkway at an altitude of about 5 meters, but also ride on the back of an elephant, and also watch the majestic giants bathe. By the way, the park was visited by such world celebrities as Kim Kardashian, accompanied by the legendary rapper Kanye West, actor Christian Bale and British billionaire Richard Branson.
The Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud offers walks through a vast green area, a tour of three temple buildings built around 1350 and, of course, an introduction to the main inhabitants of the park - a large population of cynomolgus macaques that inhabit the reserve. The location is quite popular and attracts more than 10,000 tourists every month.
Bali Safari and Marine Park is an exciting adventure for the whole family. Here you can discover the world of wildlife and learn more about a variety of animals, including tigers, elephants, hippos, African hippos and even the famous "dragons" of Komodo Island.
The park provides a range of services and entertainment: from several types of safaris to colorful, traditional dance shows.
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Visiting temples
Bali is known as the "Island of a Thousand Temples". These temples (pura) are important to Balinese culture and religion, and are among the most visited tourist attractions on the island.
The most famous pura in Bali is the Besakih Temple, perched on the slopes of Mount Agung. This is the largest and most important temple complex on the island. It consists of twenty-three temples, each of which has its own structure and purpose.
Pura Tanah Lot is another famous temple located about 20 kilometers from Denpasar. The temple is located on a small rocky island and can only be reached during low tide. This is one of the most photogenic temples on the island and a popular place to watch the sunset. The temple is dedicated to the Balinese sea gods and is believed to have been founded in the 15th - 16th centuries by the brahmana Nirartha.
Wulong Temple Danu is located on the shores of Lake Bratan and is one of the most picturesque temples on the island. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of the lake Devi Danu, and is visited by believers from all over the island. The temple is surrounded by a beautiful garden offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Tirtha Temple Empul is famous for its holy water springs. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu and he is believed to have healing powers. Local residents come here for ritual cleansing to bathe in holy water.
These are just some of the most famous temples in Bali. Each one has its own unique history and meaning and is definitely worth a visit.
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Holidays and festivals
In March, Bali hosts several festive events that are extremely important to the local population. Let's tell you more about them.
Nyepi
Balinese New Year (also known as Silence Day) is a traditional Hindu holiday that is unlike any other and is the most important and holiest Hindu holiday on the island.
For 24 hours, the Balinese do not leave their homes, spending this time in reflection and observing complete silence. The silence ceremony lasts from 6:00 a.m. on Nyepi day to 6:00 a.m. the next day.
On this day it is not allowed to engage in any activity, not even to turn on the light. Businesses and schools are closed. Logistics problems may arise, so tourists are better off not planning any activities for this day.
Ogoh-Ogoh parade is held - a large-scale, noisy procession with torches and large, colorful figures of evil spirits and demons made of papier-mâché. At the end of the parade, the figures are burned as a symbol of the victory of good over evil.
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Melasti
About 3 days before the Balinese New Year, you can watch the Melasti ceremony on the island - a prayer procession of local residents dressed in traditional attire. The procession, as a rule, takes place near water sources and symbolizes purification with the help of water.
Tumpek Animal Worship Festival Kandang
Locals traditionally revere domestic animals, especially cows, and this holiday is a way to express their gratitude to the animals. They can be dressed in special clothes and treated to the most delicious food.
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