Bali is a popular destination for travelers who want to experience the beauty, culture, and spirituality of Indonesia.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach getaway, an adventurous jungle trek, or a cultural immersion, Bali has something for everyone.
But how do you get there from Chicago? Here are some tips and information to help you plan your dream vacation.
Best time to visit Bali
The best time to visit Bali depends on your preferences and budget. Bali has a tropical climate with two main seasons: dry and wet.
Dry season runs from April to September, and the wet season runs from October to March. The dry season is generally more favorable for outdoor activities, as the weather is sunny and less humid.
However, it is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowds. The wet season is less crowded and cheaper, but you may have to deal with rain and mosquitoes.
The cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Bali is January, according to KAYAK. You can find round-trip flights for as low as $610 with Cathay Pacific. However, January is also the rainiest month in Bali, so be prepared for some showers.
The most popular time to fly from Chicago to Bali is July, according to Skyscanner. This is when Bali celebrates its most important festival, Galungan, which marks the victory of good over evil.
You can witness colorful ceremonies, processions, and offerings at temples and villages. However, July is also the most expensive month to fly from Chicago to Bali, with round-trip flights costing around $1,500 or more.
Flights from Chicago to Bali
There are no direct flights from Chicago to Bali. You will have to make at least one stop along the way. The most common stopover destinations are Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, and Manila.
The flight duration from Chicago to Bali ranges from 21 to 30 hours, depending on the number and length of stopovers.
You can find cheap flights from Chicago to Bali by comparing prices from hundreds of major travel agents and airlines on websites like KAYAK and Skyscanner. You can also filter your deals by cabin class, free Wi-Fi, baggage allowance, and more.
Some of the airlines that offer flights from Chicago to Bali are Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Singapore Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Philippine Airlines, and United Airlines. You can check their websites for more details on flight schedules, fares, and policies.
What to Do in Bali
Once you arrive in Bali, you will be greeted by the stunning scenery of mountains, volcanoes, rice terraces, beaches, and temples.
There are so many things to do and see in Bali that you may have a hard time choosing. Here are some of the highlights that you should not miss:
Visit Ubud, the cultural and artistic center of Bali. You can explore the Ubud Palace, the Ubud Monkey Forest, the Ubud Art Market, and the Campuhan Ridge Walk. You can also take yoga classes, cooking classes, or spa treatments.
Experience the Balinese Hindu culture at one of the thousands of temples in Bali. Some of the most famous ones are Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, Besakih, Tirta Empul, and Ulun Danu Beratan. You can admire the architecture, join the rituals, or watch the traditional dances.
Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf at one of the many beaches in Bali. Some of the most popular ones are Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Nusa Dua, Sanur, and Jimbaran. You can swim, snorkel, surf, kayak, or just relax on a sunbed.
Explore the natural wonders of Bali at one of the many national parks and nature reserves. Some of the most spectacular ones are West Bali National Park, Mount Batur Volcano Trekking Tour (Kintamani), Sekumpul Waterfall (Singaraja), Tegalalang Rice Terrace (Ubud), and Jatiluwih Rice Terrace (Tabanan).
Indulge in the delicious Balinese cuisine at one of the many restaurants and cafes in Bali. Some of the dishes that you should try are nasi goreng (fried rice), sate ayam (chicken skewers), babi guling (roast suckling pig), gado-gado (mixed vegetable salad), and pisang goreng (fried banana).
Conclusion
Bali is a dream destination for many travelers who want to experience a different culture and a beautiful nature. However, getting there from Chicago can be a challenge due to the long flight duration and high cost.
By planning ahead, comparing prices, and choosing the best time to go, you can make your trip to Bali more enjoyable and affordable. Happy travels!
