Insider tips to discovering the dreamiest destinations in Bali.. A guide to planning an unforgettable trip
I was trying to location tag a photo on Instagram recently and a geotag popped up referring to Bali as "Island of the God’s" and instantly I knew exactly what that meant.
A place covered in unreal natural wonders, forested volcanic mountains, beautiful beaches with stunning coral reefs to snorkel above. Oh, I cant forget the waterfalls too 😍
The scenery is only half of it...
Tip: Don’t try to go everywhere...
Plan where to go based on how much time you have.
Pick a few of the destinations I have listed below, if you only have a few weeks don’t aim to go to them all, or else you’ll just wear yourself out moving around so much (traffic in Bali is a lot to handle consistently.)
If you only have 2 weeks in Bali, stick to the areas that you can transport to within a few hours from each other; Ubud, Uluwatu and Nusa Lemboghan.
Skip the tour to Komodo National Park unless, you have 3-6 weeks vacation time. In that case hit up every destination I have listed!
Tip: The area of Bali is quite small, renting one room for your entire stay, and taking short trips to other destinations is a great idea if you plan to be in Bali for a month or so.
Why do I rent monthly even though I’m moving around?
For starters, the monthly rate can be up to 40% cheaper. I also find it more convenient for myself to keep majority of my stuff at one place and always return when I please…
Now where to begin…
Here’s where you should stay and visit along the way, if you want to see the best of Bali on your first visit.
Prepare yourself to get sucked into the good-life Vibes of Canggu
RECOMMENDED TIME TO STAY 2-5 DAYS
A low-key surfer's haven, just 20-minutes from Seminyak (a much larger touristic area.) The food here is unbelievable, and the energy is addictive. My favourite spot in all of Bali, I won’t be surprised if it ends up being yours too.
CHECK OUT:
Berawa Beach
Old Man's Beach Bar (Wednesday Night)
Pretty Poison (Tuesday Night)
Lv8 Resort Pool (Afternoon)
Finn's Beach Club (Afternoon)
Shady Shack Cafe (Lunch time)
Sprout Cafe (Breakfast, Lunch)
Deus Ex Machina Restaurant & Bar (Sunday Night)
I personally locate myself in Canggu. I rent from the same place every time, Matra Bali Surf Camp.
Now besides Canggu where's where else should you be wandering to?
Escape to the beautiful beaches of Bali in Uluwatu
RECOMMENDED TIME TO STAY 2-4 days
I’m going to call it the surfing capital of Bali, even though that statement may not be true, it sure as hell feels like it!
There’s almost as many surfers in Uluwatu as there is locals.
One of the most beautiful temples in Bali is located on the cliff side of Uluwatu, you can’t miss it!
If you want to discover stunning crystal blue beaches (Hello, it’s me you’re talking to ...BLESS, of course!) This is the area you want to be.
CHECK OUT...
Padang Padang
Dreamland
Blue Point
Bingin Bingin
Side note: Stop at Kelly’s Warung at Bingin Bingin beach for a yummy wrap, or smoothie that will curb your afternoon appetite.
ALSO Spend a Sunday night at Single Fin’s and you won’t regret it. (best party in all of Bali) Read more here
Surround yourself in an enchanted forest in Ubud
RECOMMENDED TIME TO STAY 1-3 days
Let me guess, you would love to get a picture with a monkey in a rainforest? Don’t we all?!
Located in the centre of a forest that's home to hundreds of monkeys, they have NO reservation's when it comes to communicating with the public...
I mean that! Hide your watch!
CHECK OUT...
Ubud monkey forest
Goa Gajah
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Pura Desa Temple
Balinese full body massage
Tip #3 I personally wouldn’t stay in Ubud for more than a day because of how over populated it is by tourists but I know some people who would disagree, and base themselves at yoga retreats located here. So, to each their own you might love it.
Get lost in the hustle and bustle of Seminyak
RECOMMENDED TIME TO STAY 1-2 DAYS
Seminyak is a good area if you’re looking to lounge at fancy pool bars and shop down the endless streets of stores.
I find Seminyak overpriced, and too congested.
However, I know many tourists LOVE it, either because they enjoy being in the centre of the “action” or they didn’t know where else to go?
CHECK OUT...
Potato Head Beach Club
Cafe Organic
The W Resort & Spa
Circus Circus Cafe
La Plancha
Often referred to as the turquoise treasure of bali, Nusa Lembongan
RECOMMENDED TIME TO STAY 1-2 days
An easy day trip over from Bali.
You can reach this island in under an hour by boat ride.
This is a day trip you MUST experience.
Rent a scooter for the afternoon, explore, and return to Bali by night.
CHECK OUT...
Mangrove forest
Snorkelling tour
Devil’s Tear’s View Point
Dream Beach
If you Plan to spend the night here, head to Nusa Penida for a day and take in the view at: KELINGKING SECRET POINT BEACH.
Tip #4 Save an hour at the end of your day to have a yummy cocktail while overlooking the insanely gorgeous ocean front of Nusa Lembongan at The Deck Café & Bar
Drive up north of Bali to uncover extraordinary waterfalls
RECOMMEND TIME TO STAY: 1 AFTERNOON
Hire a driver for the day, grab your squad (or solo mission it) and make the trip up to the mystic north end of Bali.
The drive is foggy and narrow which makes for an entertaining journey.
CHECK OUT:
Air Panas Banjar Hot Spring
Sekumpul Waterfall
Gitgit Waterfall
Pura Ulun Danu Batur Temple.
Tip #5 Bring cash, no shops accept card
destinations you might want to check out if you're feeling Adventurous and want to explore more of Indonesia
CHECK OUT:
Gili Island: Trawangan, Air, Meno
Nusa Pendia
Komodo National Park
Pulau Flores Island
Lombok
Super jealous you're heading to Bali, it really is one of the most magical destinations I've ever been 😇
If you have any concerns about how to travel safe & smart, check out the tips I wrote after spending 6 months in Bali here
