Bali
travel guide
Oh my Bali! The dream destination, one of the ultimate bucket list beach spots! It’s absolutely a must-see and experience! I first visited Bali in 2016 for a Yoga Teacher Training in the city of Ubud, at the Yoga Barn. This intensive program lasted nearly a month from early mornings and well into the dark starry nights. The Yoga Barn really set the mood for a truly mystical experience. If a yoga retreat isn’t in your cards, I would at the very least recommend taking a yoga class here or coming for their ecstatic dance events. The sense of community here is really special. After that intense month of training, I bopped around the island for another month and found some amazing places. A few to mention were, Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu, the Gili Islands and Nusa Lembongan.
As far as getting to Bali, you will have to fly into Denpasar and connecting through Hong Kong. I recall flying with Cathay Pacific on a massive plane and it was a lovely experience. Do brace yourself for a VERY LONG flight. Getting there is not for the faint of traveling heart. I first visited in October/November and then again in April and June. The weather is usually warm, with the occasion of weather and storm here and there. Definitely pack cool clothes, shorts, all weather comfort shoes, dresses, hats and sunscreen! As far as currency acceptance- most places take card, make sure you have a good travel card that doesn’t have foreign transaction fees. Also take out cash while you’re there to shop at little street markets. Now let’s get to my recommendations!
Ubud
Considered the cultural and spiritual center of Bali.
Check out the Ubud Central craft market- here you can buy so many beautiful handmade items like straw grass purses, dresses, jewelry, toys, sandals. Bring cash!
Maya Resort & Spa - stay here or buy a day pass to enjoy the infinity pool and spa services. This is where most of my yellow petal flower bath photos were taken. The floral baths here are divine and sit privately right next to a jungle river.
Hanging Gardens of Bali Resort - another place that sits right against the edge of the jungle. You will see green for miles and miles. Come here for a drink, hang, or infinity pool moment.
Yoga Barn as mentioned earlier for yoga, fresh & delicious vegan food. My favorite meal was the Tiger Bowl.
The famous rice paddies, come here for a bit of a hike and beautiful nature photos.
Zen Hideaway has the big swing overlooking the jungle. Also photos.
Bali Dacha a secluded Russian Spa. This place was so cool! It was a total hidden hangout complete with hot eucalyptus sauna rooms, tree houses, overlooking the fresh water pools.
Mount Batur hike, this hike starts around 2am to catch the sunrise from the top. You’ll see the clouds below and the sun slowly rise from the bottom. Good luck with this one! Not easy.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is also an interesting place to visit. I went twice, noticed the monkeys were VERY aggressive. They will come up to you and literally try to steal from you. If you go, please be careful! I saw this tourist get attacked by one because a monkey jumped on his backpack and of course the tourist was startled, which then startled the monkey. Really beautiful architecture and it also reminded me of Indiana Jones.
Also rent a motor bike if you dare! They’re so much fun.
Canggu
This was by far my favorite town! Pretty small beach town at the time but absolutely growing. Easy to get around.
Easy one! Go surfing! There are so many little small businesses that rent boards and offer lessons for cheap. I mean what better place to learn? No one knows you and the locals are super sweet.
The Lawn fun restaurant and bar facing the water. Big vibes here. Music, good local food, drinks and music. You’re bascially hanging out on someone’s big lawn party.
Old Man’s Bar - the one local bar EVERYONE goes to. This place has been around for a minute. Also great music and fun place to meet people. They also do a farmer’s market during the week.
Ruko Cafe is the best brunch spot in Canggu. Hands down. You have to have the smoothie bowls in Bali they are NONE OTHER!
Shady Shack another cutie cafe to enjoy. Jungle vibes and healthy meals.
Nalu Bowls has some of the best açai bowls! They can be found in Uluwatu as well.
Deus Ex Machina another cool hangout for everyone. They sell motorbikes if you’re looking to do a biking trip through Bali. If not, come here to shop their cult cool merch and enjoy the crowd.
Seminyak
The party town of Bali! This is their little Vegas / Cancun / you name it. Party place.
Motel Mexicola - Mexican motif bar. Also featured in my photos. Very colorful, very fun!
Potato Beach Club - pool party club
Mad Pops - yummy fresh fruity paletas
Revolver Cafe - obsessed with their coffee, food, staff and overall vibes. Super cool place.
Lots of shopping & restaurants here! Definitely more commercial area.
Uluwatu
Big Pro Surf town, high cliffs and major waves. Beautiful views.
Uluwatu Temple come here for the culture, traditional dancing and rituals. So much respect for the Balinese people.
Sundays Beach Club beautiful resort style restaurant with straw roofs, beach front dining and very laidback vibes, like Sundays.
Bingin Beach come here to hang and drink right on the beach. Somehow there are beanbags to chill on?
Sunsets at Single Fins restaurant overlooking the tall Uluwatu beach cliffs. Enjoy local food here and Nalu Bowls nearby!
Gili Islands
Gili M, Air, & T each one has totally different energies.
Gili T is the crazy party island, all the youngins come here to pop off.
Gili M is much more chill but still has a bit of social activity.
Gili Air is the most chill. They attract more family oriented groups and romantic getaways.
Great place to get scuba certified. This is where I got my certification and swam deep underwater. I got certified with Manta Dive Gili Air and they were amazing! Super helpful with every step of the way.
They’re all very close to one other and require a short ferry ride from one to the other.
Nusa Lembongan
Where I ended my Bali travels. The best for last. This was another secluded island getaway with crystal blue waters.
Small intimate hotels and streets. There were no cars here, only bikes or small horse carriages.
Another great place to go scuba diving. The water is beautiful and the landscape is lush.
Wow! As you can see, this guide was WELL overdue! I hope you get to go to Bali some day and enjoy all these magical places and then find some of your own. Enjoy connecting with the locals, they are truly some of the kindest people ever!