Bali, Indonesia
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Island in Java Sea (3000 mi. from Australia)
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Avoid Rainy Season: Oct - Mar
Overview
** Bali **
Read travel tips for Bali from our amazing community of BLACK AND BROWN TRAVELERS that will help you find some of the best places to visit in Bali.Our variety of travel tips will definitely help you plan your next trip. Our tips range from best places to visit in Bali, affordability, nightlife, local food, where to stay and even what it is like Traveling While Black. Lastly, we are working diligently to create a comprehensive city guide for Bali. Stay tuned! But in the meantime, scroll down to read tips below!
THINGS TO DO In Bali, Indonesia Adventure-Seeker? Check out activities with a flame ( [icon name=”fire” class=”red” unprefixed_class=””] ) for some extra thrills!! The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary ( [icon name=”fire” class=”red” unprefixed_class=””] Ubud) – This forest is filled with the Balinese long-tailed monkey, otherwise known as the “macaque”. There are about 600 monkeys living in the forest, and each clan has their own “turf”. They are mischievous so be on the look-out. One of my friends got there water bottle swiped and the monkey had the audacity to drink it right in front of them. Open daily from 8:30am to 6:00 pm. Admission 40,000 IDR (~$3 US). www.monkeyforestubud.com Featured Photo: @biancamaxwell | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Elephant Safari Park ( [icon name=”fire” class=”red” unprefixed_class=””] Ubud) – As far as I can tell they take pretty good care of the elephants but do your own research. You can ride these gentle giants but to put your conscious at ease you can just feed them and give them baths. You can also have lunch at the park restaurant while the elephants take a cooling dip in the bathing lake. However, you may see some coconut sized terds floating around. You have been warned. 8:00am – 6:00pm Tickets start at $88USD. www.elephantsafariparklodge.com Featured Photo: @jennyjzhou | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Tegalalang Rice Terrace (Ubud – Must See) – One of the most glorious views of nature and man’s ingenuity. The lushly green rice paddies terraced down the hill with their unique irrigation system offer a spectacular view into the valley. Near the main road you’ll find lots of artist stands with their renditions for sale on canvas. www.raftingbali.net/tegalalang-rice-terrace-ubud-bali/ Featured Photo: @aliecee| Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Surfing ( [icon name=”fire” class=”red” unprefixed_class=””]) – If you want to be a bit more active in Bali then surfing is an excellent option. Bali has a variety of beaches and it is known to have great waves as well as great instructors for various experience levels. Some of the best locations to learn how the ride the waves are Kuta Beach and Legian Beach. Surfs up! www.odysseysurfschool.com/ Bali Safari and Marine Park ( [icon name=”fire” class=”red” unprefixed_class=””] Gianyar) – Take a jungle safari, ride the elephants, cruise through the waters with the hippos, as well as take some pictures with some baby orangutans. You can also go on a night safari and watch the fire show! Prices range from $39 US to $145 US depending on length of time spent and the number of attractions you want to visit. bes.hybridbooking.com Featured Photo: @aliecee| Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Besakih Temple (Karangasem) – Also known as “Mother Temple”, Besakih sits 1,000 meters on the slopes of Mount Agung and no. 1 temple to see when in Bali. It houses 20+ temples and is the island’s largest and holiest of temples. The principal temple in the complex is Pura Penataran Agung and you will find different areas which represent the seven layers of the universe. The quietest time to visit are early morning and evening. I missed visiting this temple while there (ugh) so if you have been there please share. It is about 1.5-2 hours form Kuta or Seminyak so plan accordingly. www.bali-indonesia.com/besakih-temple.htm Pura Lempuyang Luhur Temple ( [icon name=”fire” class=”red” unprefixed_class=””] Seraya) – An amazing set of temples that are almost as highly regarded as the Besakih Temple, this is a great option for those who are adventurous and are looking for a bit of a workout. Located close to 1200 meters above sea level you will need to trek through the mountains for approximately 1.5-2 hours until you arrive at the very top. Make sure to dress appropriately for the hike but also ensure you have the correct attire to enter the temple as well. Expect to see free roaming monkeys and awesome views. I also can’t forget the incredible doorway which is at 1st of 7 temples. A picture of this is a must and is great for sunset!! www.balitourism.nl Featured Photo: @sherri_dreambig | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Tanah Lot Temple (Beraban) – Famous for its sunset views, this ancient shrine sits on a large boulder that is encircled by continuously crashing waves. Carefully traverse the slippery stretch of rock that take you out to this Hindu temple honoring the sea god Baruna. Although you can’t actually enter the temple itself, the views alone are worth the trip. www.bali-indonesia.com/tanah-lot.htm Pura Ulun Bratan (Bedugul) – When you see a magazine or post card of Bail, it will likely be of this amazing water temple located on shores Lake Bratan. Built in the 17th century, this temple is dedicated to the lake goodness of Dewi Danu and this impressive 11 story temple can also be seen on the 50,000 rp. Expect to leave at 8:30 a.m. (as will be with most tours in Bali) and get back around 6 p.m. Don’t worry some other stops will also be included in the trip to Pura Bratan. www.baliglory.com Featured Photo: @morgan4real12| Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Elephant Cave (Ubud) – Better known as Goa Gajah, this Buddhist Temple has an unusual and borderline scary face whose mouth opens up as the entrance to the cave. It is great for a picture opportunity but that is about it. It is only about 15 minutes from the Sacred Money Forest so you can make a quick 20 minute stop here when in the area. There are also some waterfalls in the back that are worth takin a lot at but I wouldn’t plan on coming to Ubud just to see this temple. www.sorgabalitours.com Featured Photo: @christie_travelgirl_diaries| Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Volcano Trek ( [icon name=”fire” class=”red” unprefixed_class=””]) – If you are in Bali during the dry season (April-September) then doing a Volcano Trek would be a perfect options if you need a break from the beach, partying, or temples. You can also ATV’s whitewater rafting, and dirt bike adventures. www.balivolcanotrekking.com Here are your three main volcano options: Mount Batur – The easiest of three but also the most active volcano, so be sure to check that it is safe. You will have a great view of Lake Batur and you can also take a dip in the nearby hot springs. Mount Agung – The highest point in Bali, expected a 2-3 hour hike in each direction and sure to be in good shape. This is close to where Besakih temple is located. Mount Rinjani – Be ready for 2-3 day trek in the Rinjani Natural Park and witness the most spectacular view offered by any Balinese Volcano. You can swim in the Crater Lake or nearby hot springs when you reach its top. HISTORY Early History (Religion) – Bali was initially inhabited by travelers migrating through Taiwan and Southeast Asia, around 2000 BC. As these early settlers began to form communities, evidence shows that they were hunters and gatherers in addition to farmers. In 200 BC Indian merchants arrived to Bali and introduced Hinduism and Buddhism to its people. Hinduism really began to take a foothold in 200 AD as the first two major Kingdoms were Hindu. As the culture and influence of the neighboring island of Java began to develop, it stretched its Hindu identity to Bali and even helped it spread it to many part of Indonesia. As Hindu empires rose and fell, the technique of subak, a complex irrigation system used to cultivate rice, was developed and is still used today. Shortly before colonization began, Islam began to spread in Indonesia in the late 15th century, so much so that Bali would eventually be the only non-Islamic island in Indonesia today but let’s not jump the gun. Modern History (The Dutch and Ritual Suicides) – The first European settler that is credited with actually setting foot on Bali is the Dutch explorer Cornelis de Houtman who arrived at Bali in 1602. He established the Dutch East India Company, thereby opening the door for Dutch expansion throughout the latter part of the 19th Century in Indonesia. At first, the Dutch’s main intent was to set up trade posts (i.e. roads, railroads, ports etc) but eventually it was to obviously colonize all of Indonesia. The Balinese resisted colonization but after many bloody battles, the /Dutch were eventually successful. However, this did come at cost and with some international outrage. In September of 1906, as the Dutch were mounting their final assault on the southern kingdoms of Bali, the rajahs (Indian kings) realized that their loss was inevitable so instead of fighting back, they lead wave after waves of pulpotans, ritual suicide. In the end over 4000 Balinese nobility took their lives across many kingdoms and this includes the lives of women, children and men. Modern History (Bali’s Independence) – With the conquering of the last Balinese kingdoms, the Dutch were finally able to control the island but it was short lived as Bali later fell to Japan during World War II. When Japan surrendered in August of 1945, the Balinese essentially told the Dutch they were not going back under Dutch rule and proclaimed their independence. A series of battle ensued for the next four years as Indonesia struggled to attain its freedom from Dutch rule. One such battle included the death of the Indonesia National Hero, Gusti Ngurah Rai, in the Battle of Marge. At age 29, he, along with his 100 guerrilla fighters rallied a suicide attack with bamboo spears against the Dutch and were completely wiped out. He is commemorated on the 50,000 rp bill and the Bali airport is also named after him. Eventually, after close to 1400 Balinese men and women were killed (many by way of pulpoans), the Dutch recognize Bali’s independence in December of 1949. Modern History (The Powder Keg) – All was not settled in Indonesia, however, as another tumultuous period was well on its way. During the Cold War, the U.S, began to form ties with the Balinese military officers eventually creating a divide between its army ranks. On one side of the army was the right wing democratic faction that supported the US and on the other side was the left wing communist soldiers who were in favor of the Soviets. With their current president, Sukarto, in favor of traditional village system of politics wounded together with communism and this deep rooted hatred already festering over the years, the environment was just a powder keg waiting for a spark. Modern History (The Spark – The Indonesian Killings) – On October 1, the spark happened as a faction of Indonesian National Armed Forces assassinated six Indonesian Army generals as part of an attempted coup. The coup failed. However, this did not stop a senior general, Suharto, for using this as an opportunity to blame Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) as national conspirators of this coup. With that hatred already growing and a bit of propaganda the mass killings of anyone who remotely supported the PKI began. This was known as the Indonesians killings and it resulted in the death of 500,000 to 1 million communist supporters, ethnic Chinese, and even peasants. This set up Suharto to be a 32 year dictator and institute a new era for democracy, Pancasila democracy to be exact. There are different theories as to who was really behind the coup but the CIA has admitted to the desire to remove president Sukarto from power. Also, during the “purge”, the US supplied names of senior communist leaders to the Indonesian death squads, so you do the math. Modern History (Bali Today) – OK this has been a bit dark, but history is history. Bringing us current, Indonesia itself consists of over 18,000 islands, with nearly 9,000 of those having been named, and 922 having permanent inhabitants. Bali is known throughout the world for its rich religious heritage as well as its vibrant art, music, and dance. It is now a frequented vacation spot of Aussies ad many other tourist and although you can definitely feel the western influence creeping in, Bali still holds on to its rich culture and tradition. AFFORDABILITY The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the currency used in Bali, Indonesia. Change money at major banks or authorized ATM’s only. If you are going to bring currency to exchange, try to bringer newer bills – minimal wrinkles, writing, clipped corners – or the money exchanges may not take it. Also you’ll get better exchange rates at the ATM’s rather than the banks. The dollar is strong right now, with $1 USD = 13, 09 I6DR. You can easily eat breakfast, lunch, AND dinner, for less than $25 per day per person and if even cheaper if you aren’t too fancy. All in all, Bali is hella cheap! Featured Photo: @langyawmedia| Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Check out Big Mac Index to give you a better idea of buying power and exchange rate. Exchange Rate: $1 to 13,430 Rupiah (Note: Exchange rates are constantly changing. Please use link for most up to date rates) www.xe.com/currencyconverter RELAXATION Kuta Beach – Bali’s most popular beach, located minutes away from DPS airport, is the perfect place to catch some waves and practice your surfing skills. A bit crowded with tourist and locals alike, you can bask in the sun or take a leisurely stroll on the Kuta Beach Path that will take you pass the Kuta Arts Market and Discovery Shopping Mall. You can also do some luxury shopping and enjoy a variety of restaurant options at the Kuta Beachwalk. However, don’t think that once the sun goes down it is time to go. In Kuta, that is when the real party starts!! Legian Beach – Bali’s second most popular beach (not too far from Kuna) and again a great place to learn how to surf. Enjoy rows of small shops and listen to the waves crashing against the sand under your lounge chair and umbrella. Significantly quieter than Kuna, with less commercial activity, you will definitely be able to relax. Add a massage to top off the day at one of the nearby spas or from a local masseuse on the beach. After you watch a beautiful sunset you can head back home or stick around to party at a number of clubs. I vote for Sky Garden (described in Nightlife section). Featured Photo: @_janinh04 | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Seminyak Beach – This long sandy beach offers a more secluded experience and hosts the premier entertainment venue options such as Potato Head, Ku De Ta, and La Plancha (see in Beach Club section). There are a variety of fashion stores and also worlds class cuisine options not too far away as well. A relatively quiet beach and yet another great place to watch the sunset. The water is great for surfing and can be OK for swimming but be careful. Choose your location on the beach wisely as some parts have raw sewage flowing into the ocean. Jimbaran Beach – This 4 km white sand beach host the luxury hotels of the Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay and Bali Intercontinental and is your answer to a stressful world. It is very clean and is one of the more ideal beaches for swimming or fun beach activities. Of course there is an amazing sunset, but this beaches claim to fame is the amazing selection of 15+ restaurants dedicated to BBQ and Seafood. Let your taste buds enjoy some of these premier restaurants and local flavor. Also, do not miss out on Jimbaran Beach Club or go to Rock Bar that sits on top of limestone cliff overlooking the coastline. Beach Clubs You will notice that all the below Beach Clubs below are in Seminyak. That wasn’t by accident. What can I say? Seminyak is the beach capital of Bali!! Potato Head (Beach Club-Seminyak) – A stunning beach club in Seminyak that rated #1 across all of Bali. That is the perfect place to watch the sunset. The building is a take on a modern day coliseum with a Roman styled amphitheater and an infinity pool at it center. If you want to book a day bed be sure to arrive before 10 a.m. or you will not get one. This spot is in high demand! It is $50 minimum for those lounge beds and expect to pay around 120,000 to 150,000 for drinks. http://www.bali-indonesia.com/magazine/potato-head-beach-club.htm Featured Photo: @gisthyarap | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Kut De Tah (Beach Club – Seminyak) –Battling for the #1 position of beach club with Potato Head, this classy, beachfront destination will provide you with a large range of exquisite food accompanied with an even better atmosphere. Chill music will be playing in the background as you enjoy awesome service from very attentive waiters. Enjoy yummy cocktails from the forest inspired Tree Bar, get the perfect view to watch the sunset in a dedicated sunset box, or unwind in a lounge chair overlooking the pool or shaded lawn area. Relax, Relate, Release. http://www.kudeta.com Featured Photo: @lightbeachtraveler | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Featured Photo: @the_seminyak_snob | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide La Plancha – (Beach Club – Seminyak) – So although Potato Head and Kut De Tah are the top beach bars in Bali they can be a bit pretentious. If you are looking for a beach bar that is simple and laid back then enjoy traditional Spanish food and the vibrant color bean bags chairs at La Plancha. Located on Mesari Beach it is also a great location to watch the sunset and food and drinks will be better priced. Featured Photo: @break_time_baby | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Some Extras Ubud Art Market – Open each day, here you can shop for gorgeous silks, handmade bags, baskets, hats, or any other hand crafted goods. Nearly everything here is made by local artisans. If you’ve seen the movie “Eat, Pray, Love” you may recognize some of the areas. Bargaining and haggling is expected, and can be half the fun. You may want to shop around first, though, to get a general idea of the going price. The Market was hit by a fire in March of 2016, so check ahead of time to make sure it is in full operation again. http://www.balistarisland.com/ubud-art-market Featured Photo: @bhangjay | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Don Antonio Blanco Museum (Ubud) – Named for the artist himself, as it is said he is the most successful Balinese artist of all time. Visit his studio museum, sitting atop the Campuhan River, and view some fascinating pieces drawn from different periods in his career. Entry fee: about $4.00. http://blancomuseum.com LOCAL FOOD Get ready to enjoy some amazing food at a fraction of its worth!! Here are some good restaurants to check out while in Bali. $$$ – Expensive Tamade Cafeteria – (Seminyak) – A cozy family run restaurant with only about 15 seats, this simple establishment will definitely be one to be remembered! Although a limited menu, their food has amazing flavor and is very affordable. They offer traditional Indonesian food like sate babi (pork satay), nasi goring (fried rice), and bakmie ayam (chicken noodle) but also have a Western twist with but also Tamade sloppy fried and their Balinese Double Chowdown Burger. This may be some of the best burgers you have ever had with those secret sauces. [$] www.facebook.com/tamadecafeteria/ Featured Photo: @tamadecafeteria | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Featured Photo: @liiinabiina | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Restaurant Locavore (Ubud) – With 95% of all its products sourced locally, your meals will not only be delicious but also fresh. To ensure the highest of quality food, Locavore has a dedicated 5-course sampler for about $45 or a 7 course sampler for $60 l to take the guessing work. They also want you enjoy yourself and estimate anywhere from 2 to 3.5 hours for your exquisite dining experience. This is a foodie’s paradise and an epic dining experience. Be prepare to dine and not just eat. [ $$ ] www.locavore.co.id Featured Photo: @aulia_vie | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Bambu (Seminyak) – A restaurant with gorgeous decor, this Balinese Ambiance that will surely impress as you walk across bridges over ponds teaming with fish. Book well in advance and enjoy an attentive staff that were serve authentic Indonesian cuisine that will be beautifully presented. It is overpriced for Bali standards and the food could be a bit more flavorful in my opinion but still one of the best restaurants in Seminyak. [ $$ ] www.facebook.com/bambu Merah Putih (Petitenget Region) – This elegant restaurants works very hard to be eco-friendly, from its rain catching and filtering process to the alternative materials used in construction. They take pride in creating Indonesian classics while experimenting with traditional spices. Meals are served family style so everyone can enjoy a taste. Dinner and appetizers will be just under $20 USD (265,000 IDR). Start with the yellow-fin tuna appetizer, followed up by the Sulawesi reef curry with coconut and king crab. [ $$ ] https://merahputihbali.com/ Featured Photo: @merahputihbali | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide The Beach House (Echo Beach) – Enjoy some awesome BBQ at a restaurant that yet again is an ideal spot to watch the sunset. Their menu changes daily based on availability but consist of some of the freshest food from the sea. They also have extensive lunch and breakfast menus (open at 8:00am) A hearty breakfast of eggs, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, bacon, potatoes, and toast won’t break the bank at $5.00 USD [ $ ] www.echobeachhouse.com/index.html Ling Lings (Seminyak) – Amazing food meets great price at this Asian fusion restaurant. Serving food like butterfish carpaccio, tuna tataki, gyoza (dumplings) and Kimchee fries, you may have to pry yourself from your table. They also have an arsenal of unusual cocktails but there watermelon strawberry daiquiris and pina coladas (served in a pineapple) can also be very addicting. Top that with a very friendly staff and this could be your favorite restaurant in Bali. [ $ ] www.facebook.com/linglingsbali Featured Photo: @ling_lings_bali | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Ginger Moon (Seminyak) – Specializes in blending Indonesian food in a tapas style, you can enjoy a memorable dining experience for under 20 USD a person. Their pizzas with an Indonesian twist are some of their most popular items but also be sure to their spring rolls, dumplings, or their smoky chicken in cassava leaves. [ $$ ] http://gingermoonbali.com/ Featured Photo: @gingermoonbali | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide ROMANCE Massages – Lord have mercy!! Massages, Massages, and more Massages please. You can have a quality massage for an hour for no more than $10. But why just go for one hour, have massages multiple times a day. Whether you are staying at a hotel, hostel, AirBNB, or someone’s vacation rental, they are sure to have some massage connections so be sure to advantage. Our masseuses came to our house and we got a couple’s massage. I must say, heaven got a little bit closer. Balinese Hot Springs There are a number of Hot Springs in Bali but here are two that stand out the most!! Batur Natural Hot Springs – Lake Batur offers an excellent opportunity to hike up its nearby volcano (see Activities/Adventure) but for those who want to continue to unwind, you can also visit this lake’s healing hot springs. The facilities offer a variety of hot water pools that include both fresh and natural thermal mineral water and once you are done letting your muscles relax you’re your body rejuvenate you can enjoy the spectacular view of the Lakefront pier. It is located 2 hours from airport. Featured Photo: @volunteerinbali | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Banjar Hot Springs (Banjar) – This multi-tiered hot spring is centuries old and has 8 dragon spouts that flow healing waters into a smaller pool which eventually leads into larger ones. Don’t be surprised to see a bit of a sulfuric sediment that will help make this relaxing experience even more therapeutic. Located in the north of Bali, it is approximately 3 hours form that airport so it is quite the distance. It would be a good idea to group this trip with some other activities like the Dolphin Watching, Rice Terrace (Bunsungbiu), or some of the many waterfalls (Gigit, Munduk, Carat etc). Featured Photo: @ethinini | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide NIGHTLIFE Sky Garden Rooftop Lounge (Kuna/Legian) – Get ready to go on a club crawl under one roof. Sky Garden offers you 8 clubs so take the night in progressive steps. Come for dinner, and then tip over to Opus Lounge or Bang Bang for live music and karaoke, and then enjoy Pure Nightclub with some sensational DJ jams until 3:00 am. There is also the most notable rooftop lounge, the Sky Dome which plays Hip-Hop and R&B. So many options so little time! See link for more info. http://skygardenbali.com Featured Photo: @thebeatbalilive | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide VH (Velvet) Bali – (Kuna/Legian) – A great rooftop restaurant to watch the sunset and also turns into a club at night. Superior mixologists and superb laser shows combine forces with spectacular DJ’s to make this a memorable night. What else would you expect from a club called Velvet & Hypnotized? www.bali-indonesia.com/vh-bali.htm Featured Photo: @velvetrooftopbar | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide La Favela (Seminyak) – Welcome to the Jungle! A bohemian chic restaurant with a décor that resembles that of lush green amazon rain forest mixed with a retro infused cave. This amazing venue is a restaurant by day and club for many foreigners at night playing a mix of hip hop, pop, and house music. It can get quire crowded so expect for things to be bit. See if you can find the picture of Tupac. www.lafavela.com Featured Photo: @lafavelabali_ | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Bounty Disotheque (Kuta) Decorated as a legendary ship this discotheque is composed of three separate clubs (Taverm Nar, Harbour Bar, and Captain Bar) that has DJ’s spinning Hip Hop, R&B, and Fun. With a smorgasbord of nightlife options than range from karaoke, live music, foam parties to drinking competitions, go-go dancers and fashion shows, this will be another awesome place to party until the sun comes up. www.bali-indonesia.com/bounty-discotheque.htm Jenja (Seminyak) – Come to hear R&B, old school Hip Hop, and Funk with the sophisticated crowd at Jenja Bar & Club. Try the signature cocktail “Tropical Tickle” which combines lemongrass, lime, pineapple and agave tequila, or the “Jenja Moon” that is a concoction of mana straight from heaven. Things start ramping up after 10:00 and carry over until about 2:00 am. http://jenjabali.com Featured Photo: @jenjabali | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Mint (Seminyak) – Get your groove on with the young and gorgeous crowd at Mint. Terrific place for after dinner drinks and late night excursions. Dress to impress and enjoy some live music or head to the outside terrace. It’s one of the hottest spots around for both locals and tourists. www.mintbali.com Kuta Theater (Kuta) – If you are looking for a change a pace for a nightlife option then this theatrical drama is a great alternative. Filled with tricks like sawing ladies in half, levitations, and vanishing tricks, this show will keep you guessing as performers mix Balinese culture with magical entertainment. For $10 USD this will be good hour spent before or after dinner. www.kutatheater.com Featured Photo: @kutatheater | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide WHERE TO STAY Seminyak – This is an upmarket resort area, so lots of 5 star resorts and secluded villas. This is where I stayed and I lived in a house like you saw in MTV’s cribs that ran in the 2000’s. You’ll find the island’s best restaurants in this area and lots of chic clubs. It is very expat friendly and this is a great place to shop designer boutiques and for brand name clothing. Ubud – Filled with lush, green valleys, culture, and history. There are several resorts here, and you are close to the islands’ artsy crowd where you can view their work and make purchases. Night life is pretty low key, but there are plenty of museums, royal palaces, and fine dining to be had. Most people just do day trip to the Monkey Forrest, Goa Gajah, and the Tegallalang Rice Terraces which are also in this area. Featured Photo: @asiyami_gold | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Kuta – Bali’s most famous beach area!!! It used to be a quiet fishing village before it turned into a tourist mecca with tons of nightlife. If you’re on a budget, and want to party until dawn, this is the place for you. Featured Photo: @adidharmahotel | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Legian – This area is quieter than Kuta and still offers some beautiful beaches. This area is more eclectic than other parts of the island and draws a pleasant mixture of young travelers and partiers. It’s a good landing spot if you want a bit of peace and quiet, but still be able to party like there is no tomorrow. Uluwata/Jimbaran – Located on Bali’s southwestern coast, get ready for a smorgasbord of villas and luxury resorts scattered through the lush forest and cliffs of Bali. The views of some of these accommodations are absolutely breathtaking. If your are looking for a romantic getaway or just trying to relax, this is the location for you. Featured Photo: @eltonandersonjr | Tag #WWTTBali to be featured in our Bali City Guide Suggested Duration – 6-9 days Visa – Yes, a visa on arrival is required for US citizens. It will cost $35 and last for 30 days. Make sure to have cash. Airport Transportation – You will arrive into Ngurah Rai Denpensar (DPS) airport when coming to Bali. Depending on your accommodations you can schedule a private pickup or use a taxi. Official taxis are fixed price and will range anywhere from 100,000 rupiah to about 425,000 rupiah so it really depends where you are going. Here are some 2016 prices for some of the more popular locations from the airport: General Transport – The public transit is Bali would be cabs, minibuses, or vans as most sites are not close to each other. The buses and vans are shared rides and room is sparse. Dewa Bali Tours has drivers that can pick you up at the airport and get you to your hotel for as little as $11 per carload but compare to the above Taxi prices. Hiring a driver for a day can be done for $40 or less. There’s always the option of renting a jeep but you’ll need an international driving license, and lots of insurance. In Bali, everyone is also on a moped. I would not suggest this though. It is loads of fun but it would be too easy to get into an accident that will end up ruining the rest of your trip. This is coming from the dare devil by the way so take the advice. MY EXPERIENCE Pros – Everything in Bali is really cheap. It is almost the perfect mix of being Europeanized but still holding on significantly to its culture. Very tourist friendly and many cool things to do and see like Elephant Safari, Monkey Forrest, Rice Fields, and Temples. Also, best place to get a massage. I am not a fan of the Thai massages but these Balinese massage were just right. Bali is also a great place to party! Cons – I don’t really have anything bad to say about Bali. It literally has everything you would ever want no matter your travel style. I guess I just wish it a was a bit closer to the U.S. so I can take advantage of this awesome place just like the Australians do. Travel Tip – There are tons to see and do in Bali and it can be a bit overwhelming and difficult to plan out these activities logistically. I mean rice paddy fields, volcanoes, various temples, baby orangutans, elephant’s safaris etc. So first, you won’t get to everything so let’s level set. To help though, I would use this guide figure out your top 5 things you want to see and then use Viator to give you an idea of a sample itinerary and pricing. Once you have that, either call the tour company directly or use other local guides to see about a better price and then boom! You in there!!! My Experience – Bali was quite a change for pace me as part of my 7 month trip around the world. Part of it was due to me traveling with Najah and a group of Kellogg student (man these business students travel so luxuriously!!!). However, another part of was just the nature of Bali, in particular Seminyak. It was just very calm since we were not staying in Kuta or Legian so then I just kind of adapted. Another words, I went into straight relax mode. We stayed in this massive house that really should have been on MTV cribs. With 4 bedrooms, outdoor showers, cabanas, personal chef, all surrounded by a pool, it was everything!! Bali is also known for its massages so needless to say we had masseuses come to the house on at least three different occasions. I think I may even had multiple massages throughout the course of a single day lol. They are so cheap, with a massage for an hour being approximately $10 USD. This is the complete opposite of me since I’m normally trying to do crazy things like jumping off buildings or swimming with crocodiles. The R&R continues when I went to Potato Head. Luckily a member of our group did the research and ensured that some of us got their early (like at 9 a.m.) because the beach beds by the infinity pool are normally gone within an hour of opening. We were indeed successful at attaining those beds and boy was it worth it!! This was probably the first time in my life I did absolutely nothing productive for an entire day. I literally just ate food, ordered drinks, periodically took a dip in the pool,took a nap, ate more food, ordered more drinks. I just did it over and over again in no particular order for an unbelievable 12 hours!! Completely unheard of (at least for me). I definitely put on a couple of pounds that day but it was well worth as my experience at Potato Head was completely amazing!! Bali is known for its partying but this trip focus was more about seeing sites and relaxing. We did go to La Favela which was awesome but only stayed for a bit because we got tired early. When I go in relax mode, I go all the way!! As far as sites, we did go the Monkey Forest in Ubud. This was a very entertaining experience especially since two of my group mates got their water stolen by some mischievous monkeys. The monkeys are so cute but they can smell food and even more so weakness, so be sure to stand tough. In addition to playing with the monkeys, they also left me with parting gift of some poop on my shoulder. I felt so special!! In Bali, visiting an Elephant Safari is a must!! However, make sure do your own research so you feel comfortable. The one described in the Activities/Adventure section seemed to be a safe establishment to play with elephants and learn more about them. However, we went to one the day before, and just walked out because the conditions looked terrible!! At the Elephant Safari Park you have the opportunity to bathe, feed, and ride elephants. It was a really fun experience and I would highly recommend it. Bathing and feeding the elephants were the highlight and riding one was probably towards the bottom of the list (it got boring quickly and probably shouldn’t be riding these beautiful animals anyway). All in all Bali is a beautiful place. Due to timing we could not see the Tegalalang Rice Terraces or the Besakih Temple so I will have to come back, but there is more than enough to do in Bali to relax with more than enough adventure to keep you going!!
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$$ – Moderate
$ – Cheap
I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Bali. It’s super affordable from food to activities to transportation like Gojak or Grab. I will definitely return in the future.
Bali has been one of my destinations for the longest time and it has lived up to everything I have imagined. It is a place that you can come to allow your spirit to rest and recharge. You can get a full body massage everyday for less than $20. The floral baths that you see on social media does live up to the hype because it is very luxurious and relaxing. What I appreciate most about Bali is that there is something for everyone one. Whether you are coming to rest, go on an adventure, or learn more about the culture, you will leave fulfilled.
One thing to know that is very important is that the Balinese are very protective of their culture, please do ask permission to take photos of them, and DO NOT take photos of their ceremonies if you see them passing in the street. They take this very seriously and they address you.
One of the best places that I like to enjoy conversations about divinity and spirituality is Lineage which is owned by three women of color. It is a beautiful space that hosts events such as Spoken word, and new moon women circles. It is a beautiful space, and the one of the owners whom I had the time to spend with, Mallence, is very lovely.
Instagram: our.lineage
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sbpFFFrzcoK53Ap98?g_st=ic
Loved Bali! Fave travel destination so far and it’s so inexpensive there. One could definitely “ball on a budget” in Bali. The scenery is amazingly beautiful, the people are so nice and friendly, it’s so much to do there, and the food is good too. In my opinion it’s the epitome of peace and tranquility
We visited Bali in July 2023. We stayed in Ubud at a private Villa called the Sanctum Villa, which is a part of Villa Cella Bella. Our villa came with a concierge and chef for breakfast. Our concierge drove us around Ubud, outside of that for excursions, etc., there was a nominal fee. We were there for 4 days. We were picked up from the airport and driven to the airport by the concierge. The airport is about 1.5 hours from Ubud, I am mentioning just for you to factor in travel time.
Bali itself is very affordable, getting to Bali can take up to 24 hours. We flew from Chicago to ATL, ATL to Doha, Qatar and Qatar to Bali – it took nearly 2 days! We upgraded to business class, so the flights were not cheap, however, depending on the time of year, you can find some deals. Jet lag was real, but took 2 – 3 days to catch us.
Day 1 – we toured Ubud city center. There are tons of little shops and restaurants. The people are incredibly hospitable. Our first night we at at Gedong Sisi Warung in Ubud. It had authentic Indonesian food and a Western Menu as well. I tried the Tom Yum Goong and it was amazing. For three people and drinks, $60 USD and we had full meals and apps.
Day 2 – we visited the Mason Elephant Sanctuary, we wanted to ride/bath the elephants, however it was a 2 hour wait, so we opted to enter the park and just feed them. Save your money on the ride/bathe, unless you’re wanting the IG moment, feeding them is just as fun! They have free items to feed them and more substantial meals that you can purchase for very little. The “trainers”, will take your pictures and they have the elephants do tricks, like putting a flower wreath on your neck! We spent time as a group of 5 and individually with the elephants and had a blast! There are other photo op moments throughout the park and there are coy fish and turtles as well. We spent an easy 3 hours at the park. After the park we went to the tegalalang rice terrace, which is where the bali swings are. We had swings at our villa, so we didn’t do it, but we did zipline and took a bunch of pictures in the bird’s nests and other items. It is worth the visit and costs about $2 USD to enter.
That night we visited the LOL bar in Ubud which has live reggae music and great drinks.
Day 3 – we visited the Tirta Temple (Hindu water temple), it was stunning! I do suggest arriving early morning, because it gets crowded. They require men & women to wear sarees, but they give them to you free of charge, entry is nominal fee and goes to the upkeep of the temple. Women have to pull their hair back. Be warned, when you exit the temple, you walk out to a maze of shops, which is great for souvenirs, however, it takes a while to get out and they will be asking you to buy. You can barter, but it’s all cash only. Nothing we haven’t seen and they back off when you say no thank you.
After the temple, we drove the 90 minutes to Finn’s Beach Club! To get a table, you have to put down a minimum of about $350 USD – but that goes towards food and bev. We had 5 people, so with Cigars, Champagne, food and Hookah, it was easily spent, but wanted to warn. You can go to the beach from the club, they will give a stamp for reentry. It’s a great time and you could easily do a whole day!
After the beach club we had massages at our villa for $35 per person! I wish we’d done one every day, it was amazing!
Day 4 – we did drone photoshoots of flower baths, pools and swings arranged by the villa and then downtown Ubud.
Bali was a GREAT time. There is way more to do and see, but we only had 4 days! Cost wise, the flight and hotel are likely going to be the most you spend, everything else is nominal. You don’t have to tip, but it’s appreciated. Can’t wait to go back!
So I went to Bali when in business school and it is still by far one of my favorite places. You literally can get a house like MTV cribs for like $200 a night. We also had massages for 2-3 hours that may have only cost us like $20 bucks per person. It definitely is a long haul to get over from the US but once you are there it is super cheap.
So we did a lot of different activities like elephant sanctuary, Potato Head etc but I am leaving this review because of what I saw on Instagram. There is this cool natural water slide called “Water Slide Lemukih” that is in the Northern Side of Bali. I didn’t get a chance to do it but if you are going to Bali check it out:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CfeZoj5D0Wm/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Bali is still currently my favorite travel destination. I went for my birthday in 2018. We stayed at an amazing Airbnb in the rice fields because I love nature. Our driver was amazing! We went to so many beautiful temples, black sand beaches, did some snorkeling, went water rafting, a coffee plantation with the infamous “poop coffee” and of course the Bali swing. Getting the massage & doing the floral bath is a must as well. Everything was EXTREMELY AFFORDABLE. Bali is the perfect place for adventure mixed with great nightlife & relaxation. I can’t wait to get back!
Bali is such an incredible place. It was a last-minute trip for us. So we were only there for a few days over Christmas. During our time in Bali, we enjoyed the resort and had the opportunity to do white water rafting for 2 hours. Visit some temples (you must cover your legs) and watch a local show.
We were able to take surfing lessons on Seminyak beach (complete fail) haha.
We’ll definitely have to give Bali another go and hit up Gili and some other parts of the country!
Bali is an absolutely incredible Island with extremely rich culture, history, and beautiful people. As a young black woman I did get a lot of stares and a lot of attention similar to other places in Asia where the population is largely homogenous. A lot of people asked to take pictures with me or asked me to take pictures with their children. This didn’t bother me so much because I could tell it was coming from a place of pure curiosity. I also got a lot of compliments on my skin tone which is very dark brown and my hair which I typically wear in braids when I’m traveling. If you are shy and do not like attention I would definitely be more cautious when traveling to Bali as a black person. However, when they stare and take pictures it’s not because they view black people in a negative light, I actually solely received compliments on my skin tone from the local people and other Asian travelers.
I visited Bali for 10 days at the start of the pandemic back in March 2020. Luckily, we were able to enjoy it up until day 8 when Gilli T (which we were most excited about) abruptly closed its boarders. Before then, we had stayed in Canggu, Ubud and Nusa Lembongan. Canggu was great for nightlife but Ubud was really the center for relaxation, nature and wellness. Stay away from Nusa Lembongan, it’s a tourist trap where everything is overpriced and you can explore the entire island in under 4 hours (which we did in a buggy rental). The food in Ubud was amazing and if you’re a vegan like me, you can eat easily and affordably in Bali overall. When Gilli T closed we ended up in Seminyak for 2 days since it was closest to the airport. Seminyak does have great beaches and nightlife for sure, though it’s probably one of the most touristy places in Bali. In Seminyak we stayed at Villa Anksari which provided white glove service, amazing food and wonderful ambiance for under $80 per night. Overall Ubud was my favorite location, Canggu second and Seminyak last. Bali was probably one of my favorite trips but I will say that all parts of the country wasn’t as lush, serene and beautiful like you see in instagram photos, especially Seminyak and Canggu. I’m also a New York City native so the disruption wasn’t too much of a culture shock. Overall Bali was A1 and I’d rate it a 4/5 for must sees.
I went Bali in 2016 with 4 other girlfriends. We rent an Airbnb which was really gorgeous and convenient location. We were right near the W Hotel. Literally within walking distance. We ate at the W a few night for dinner and we also got massages at the end of our trip. Bali is a beautiful country. In comparison to say Thailand, Bali temples and historical structures are not that of Thailand. Bali temples are more smaller scale. We went to the monkey sanctuary which was an interesting experience. I was scared but managed to get some decent pictures lol. We also went to the Riced Fields which I would recommend doing because the sight is so gorgeous. We did elephant riding and also did white water rafting as well in the Amazon. Both very dope experiences. If you are not scared of the water to do white water rafting I highly recommend. We also did ATVs which was great because we did it through the towns and also through the forest. So we got to see the inner towns of how the locals really lived. I do not recall feeling uncomfortable or unsafe during this experience either. We visited a few temples as I mentioned. The most notable one was Uluwatu Temple (Water Temple). This was a larger temple on the water with other things to do and see as well. This temple included a native performance by the locals which was great because I can appreciate the historical aspect of all my trips. The bugs in Bali are another level so I do suggest bringing some kind of bug spray for sure. The food was good from what I remember. As I mentioned, we ate at the W a few nights and obviously the food was on the nicer side there. Local restaurants we ate at were also good as well though. I definitely would go back to Bali because since 2016, I know there has been a lot od development for tourist since its gotten a lot popular over the last 4/5 years.
The people in Bali were so sweet on my trip in April 2019. Traveling with a group trip of 20+ black girls, I didnt have any major concern for safety and didnt notice anyone looking at us weird. The nightlife is so hype with locals and tourists (we went to la favela), beaches are chil with good small restaurants and shopping in Ubud is easy especially if you know how to haggle to get more savings. I felt bad about how cheap things already were so I didnt care to haggle much. There is plenty of local and diverse cuisine so you dont have to worry about going hungry or finding something to suit your taste buds.
We stayed at vila jerami in Ubud. When I tell you it was the best customer service experience I ever received in my LIFE! They waited on us hand and foot and were cheerful about it! Spa and restaurant are connected. Flower bath included with stay. Flower pool/floating breakfast are also available.
I spent a week in Bali and didn’t really like it. Many of the must visit places are simply places to take photos for Instagram. The most popular way to get around is to hire a driver. Be sure to find a driver that is actually a tour guide and is willing to take photos of you if you’re travelling solo (like I was). My first driver didn’t do this, but fortunately, I found another driver for the second half of my trip.
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Bali is a huge island, so you’ll want to choose where you stay based on what you want to do. Activities are spread out, so be prepared to spend a good amount of time in the car. I chose to spend the first half of my trip in Ubud, the green, zen part of the island. The Monkey Forest, Tegalang Rice Terrace, and Karsi Spa (for the IG famous flower baths) are all located in this area. There are also many swings in this area. I recommend Uma Pakel; it’s cheaper than the original Bali swing and the views are lovely.
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As for the famous Gates of Heaven, I would not recommend. The reflection is created using a mirror; there is no water here. Further, you will have to arrive before the sun rises for any chance at a short line. When I arrived around 9 am, the line was 3 hrs long.
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The Southern part of the island has many beautiful beaches. I spent a day beach hopping from Nusa Dua to Dreamland Beach. Some of my other favorite experiences were the sunrise hike up the Mt. Batur caldera (easier than hiking up the volcano itself), visiting Kanto Lampo Waterfall, seeing a traditional Balinese dance at Ubud Palace, and releasing a baby turtle into the ocean.
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I stayed at Adil Villa & Guesthouse on the outskirts of Ubud. My suite was huge and included a pool, which was shared with one other villa. I enjoyed relaxing in the pool and enjoying the views of the nearby rice terrace. Their floating breakfast is also delicious.
Stayed at The Sankara Resort – Here are things I did while there!!
Things to do –
Bali Swing
Went to Udaya Resort for spa and celebration of flowers
Watch Panycmbrahma Dance
Lempuyang Temple
Rice Terrace
Bali Mall
Tirta Empul Temple
Mason Elephant Park
Omnia Pool Party (DOPE asf)
Honestly one of the best places ever.
You can experience Bali however you want… You want the ultimate zen experiences? Go to Ubud. You want crazy party vibes? Go to Seminyak/Kuta. You want something right in the middle? Go to Canggu.
Some of the most stunningly scenic locations you’ll ever see.
One of such is Tegalalang Rice Fields north of Ubud.
Having a walk through is an incredibly tranquil experience, the people there are so kind and welcoming, if you’re lucky you might the legendary Wayan. He owns a shop in the rice fields and he is hilarious!
Never had an ill experiences travelling while black throughout my stay there. You’ll definitely meet other black travellers whilst your there and everyones more than happy to link up and share stories.
If you are looking to party whilst your there, I recommend taking the trip to Omnia dayclub in Uluwatu, One of the dopest spots I’ve ever been to. Uluwatu is also a place you should most definitely visit when you’re there, it’s absolutely stunning.
Till next time Bali
I visited Bali in June of last year solo & had an amazing time! Activities, history, food, nightlife & relaxation. This destination checked off all of the boxes for me and was very affordable. I stayed in a private Villa at Ubud Raya Resort clean and good service. Activities included a hike to Tibumana Waterfall, Mt. Batur Volcano, Tirta Gangga Water Palace, Bali Swing, Island hopped and the list goes on. For nightlife; Finn’s is the perfect place; food, drinks, music, amazing vibes with an amazing views! Relaxation; if you want to get a massage everyday it is possible in Bali! Quality 1+ massages are $30 or less. I got a massage at Bliss Spa & The Udaya Resort & Spa which was amazing! Flower bath, fresh teas, facials and other. Staff was professional and facilities very clean. For good eats, check out Bebek Teba Sari & Semar Kuning Resto. Both restaurants had great food, service & amazing views. From fresh squeezed fruit juices, to the fresh ginger spritzer, crispy duck or fresh caught fried fish; you can’t go wrong. 3 courses (app, main, dessert & drink) $25. Transportation: I booked private transportation with Leping. He was always on time, professional, kind and an amazing tour guide. He can be contacted on IG @Coolleping. Overall traveling, especially while black was an amazing experience!
Helpful Links:
Hotel: Villa at Ubud Raya Resort
https://www.ubudrayaresort.com/
Nightlife: Finn’s Beach Club https://www.finnsbeachclub.com/
Spa/Relaxation: The Udaya Resort & Spa
http://theudayaresort.com/
Restaurants:
Bebek Teba Sari Restaurant
http://tebasari.com/resto/
Semar Kuning Resto
https://g.co/kgs/fnj3SN
Transportation: @coolleping
I have been to Bali twice and both times I had a totally different experience! It is such a dynamic, beautifully interesting island with sooo much to do and offer. The first time I stayed in Tegallalang at an airBnB called Umah Tis Sebatu. I highly recommend this if you love nature and want a nice getaway in the jungle. It’s super secluded in the jungle and the service is impeccable. It’s also still super close to the rice terraces and also downtown Ubud. I went with my brother and we had the time of our lives. We went to a hidden canyon closer to the south but in Gianyar as well and we loved the vibe of Ubud and just the entire energy of the island. My second visit was with my mum, cousin and best friend, and that time we stayed in the north in Singaraja. It was SUPER far from the airport. I don’t recommend this for a short visit, especially if you also want to see Ubud, which is necessary if you go to Bali. But, if you have time, it’s also beautiful. It’s a drier side of the island and lets you the opportunity to see the volcanoes, black sand beaches on the north, and some more waterfalls. Next time I go back, I plan to go to Nusa Penida, which is a small island off the coast. I love it there and I didn’t notice my blackness at all––I fit right in. Nobody looked at us funny and we were warmly treated and welcome by everyone. The rice terraces are incredibly divine and the architecture is very unique. Highly recommend! Bali isn’t the biggest island but there really is a lot to do and because of the topography, it can take forever to get from one place to the next. Keep that in mind when you plan your trip.
If this isn’t on your travel list, go ahead and mark it now! What an experience! I vacationed with my mom and I. We stayed at a villa called Dedari in Ubud. (HERE is the link to the Villa with pricing http://www.ubuddedarivillas.com) I believe we paid around $900 for 4 nights we got the deluxe package which included a photo shoot and massage
Ubud is the place to stay because it’s central to all the main attractions. It takes about 2hrs to gets there from the airport. Ubud has very affordable housing. Our Villa offered us a daily driver which I strongly recommend. We did pay him daily which wasn’t much and he was very knowledgeable and trust worthy. He took us to Heaven’s Gates, Monkey Forest and Took us to his temple to experience the Bali culture. Everyone was extremely nice and welcoming. The food was amazing especially if you like your food with an extra spice. Be sure to pack light you will want to purchase all the beautiful items from the local markets!
Also convert your money at the airport in Bali it’s much cheaper to convert! Have fun ✈️
Bali is a place with incredible views, whether they be the ancient temples, waterfalls, rice fields, beaches and scenery of the islands (Nusa Penida), or sunrise views from Mount Batur! You will be absolutely spoilt for choice for adventure and places to visit. Bali offers plenty to do and is a relatively big island. They have some amazing villas that truly feel like paradise and is a place where you can relax or go wild and party if so wish. It’s fairly cheap like many places in the region so your money will go further here, however with the increase of tourism prices are starting to rise.
Some of the negative things to consider about Bali:
Traffic: can be insane. Travelling around often could take 2 hours to get from one location to another
Beaches: the beaches on Nusa Penida were incredibly picturesque, but on the mainland I was not a far at all.
Depending on where you are some places were dirty so bare this in mind.
Travelling while black: generally quite a good experience. The people were really friendly and I didn’t have many problems at all. However! One my first day, I rented a scooter and was exploring Seminyak. I noticed that not everyone was wearing a helmet and as I went from one shop to another at one particular point I wasn’t wearing a helmet. Out of all the scooter drivers on the road (and there were a lot) that were not wearing a helmet, the police pulled me over and tried to scam me out of money. They threatened with taking me to court etc etc, but would let me off with a fine. After arguing for a while, I was let off.
Places to visit: Tegenungan waterfalls, Tirta Empul Ritual bath, Gates of Heaven, Sangeh Monkey Forest, Fountain of Youth, Elephant Cave, Mount Batur Sunrise hike, Bali Swings, Ceking Rice Terrace, Tenganan Village, Blue lagoon beach, Nisa Penida, Nung Nung Waterfall, Hot springs
The price-point and money conversion in Bali does not get any better. You become an instant millionaire after converting your country’s currency. The massages (not happy endings), the food, the drinks at nightlife venues are all incredibly cheap. The five-star looking houses for cheap is an experience you don’t want to forego. You can get an all day taxi driver (YES, drives you around all day) for less than $70. If you have a few people with you, we are literally talking about pennies on the dollar to see the country in such an efficient way!
One of the things I really love about Bali, is that there’s an endless amount of things to do and see! If you’re in the mood to relax you can unwind by ordering an affordable massage to your villa (usually the equivalent of $7-$ 20 USD). So yes, you can treat yourself EVERYDAY in Bali. If you want to turn up there’s amazing day clubs, where you can hang out poolside with lit DJ’s, good drinks, and yummy food. If you’re in the mood for a chill day/evening Bali has some amazing local beaches; between the colorful beanbag chairs, live music, fresh food, views, hookah, and calming sounds of the ocean it’s definitely a vibe! If you’re a tourist attraction junkie there’s lots of different things to experience in Bali: Famous temples, the monkey sanctuary, Bali swings, native cooking classes, rice terraces, tea and coffee tasting, and hiking to name a few. If you’re an adventurer who’s into island hopping and wants to capture some breathtaking views, Bali has many beautiful surrounding islands to explore like Nusa Penida. There’s just not enough time to experience all of Bali in one trip, which makes it is a great return destination because you’ll never get bored!
My husband and I stayed at Nyuh Bali Villas in Seminyak 2 weeks ago for my birthday and it was amazing. They provided transportation to and from the airport. On arrival, we received welcome drinks in coconuts. Our villa was spacious and beautiful, and it included a private pool. The resort was quiet, relaxing, and comfortable. We had breakfast daily at the resort plus floating breakfast which was a really cool experience. Plus the balinese French toast was delish. We also had a Balinese dinner set up at poolside by the resort staff. Our butler was very helpful and took care of everything we asked for. Our villa was also in a great location, and we were close to the beach and restaurants. We ate at Kynd Community which is a popular Instagram worthy restaurant, and is about a mile away from Nyuh Bali Villas. We also hung out at La Plancha Bali, which is a one-of-a-kind beachfront restaurant not far from Nyuh Bali Villas. There was also a lot of nightlife nearby, but we did not get a chance to check it out because we were exhausted every night. We were able to do several activities such as the the Bali Swing, Monkey Forest, Mason Elephant Park, Baturiti Luwak Coffee, Handara Gate, etc which was about an hour drive away from our villa (but of course we had a driver). We will definitely visit again. We also found out that Nyuh Bali Villas has a location in Ubud as well.
Bali is a budget backpacker paradise. It’s one of the most popular destinations in Indonesia and a hub for travelers, yoga lovers, honeymooners, and digital nomads alike.Not only does it cater to the budget-savvy vagabond, but the island offers plenty of options for the more affluent traveler as Well. The trick to traveling Bali is to get away from Ubud and Kuta. Once you do so, you’ll find a much calmer, cheaper, and less-busy island worth exploring where the touts don’t bother you and the empty beaches are yours to enjoy.
Activities
1) Dip into some hot springs 2) visit a Hindu temple 3) take a trip to Nusa Lembongan 4) Learn about Balinese culture 5) Hike Mount Batur 6) Visit the spa 7) monkey forest 8) watch a buffalo race in Negara July to October
Money saving test: 1) Bring your own bug spray and sun screen. 2) Eat local food 3) Bargain 4) Head North it’s cheaper than the south region and less tourist 5) Uber is cheaper than taxis 6) Bring a filtered water bottle also bring a small medical kit with bandaids and alcohol wipes! And don’t forgot toilet tissue, most places charge to use the bathroom on the road.
If Bali is not on your list please add it! Although it seems like everyone has gone, don’t make the mistake of not visiting! There are endless things to do in Bali as it is a whole country with many different areas.
~Barong dance- The barong play represents an internal fight between good and evil spirit. ~Tenchagaun Waterfall, Swing & Nest ~Shopping in the Silver District, Sari Dewi Gold & silver collection http://Www.Saridewisilver.com Gianyar, Bali
~Elephant Ride
~Bali Swing
~ Kaveri Spa at Udaya Resort
~Nusa Penida, Klingking Beach, Broken beach which you travel by speed ferry, then an hour by car or scooter on a broken road to SEE a few beautiful beaches. One is not accessible at all & the other requires a 45min hike down & over an hr hike back up.
I recently took a solo trip to Ubud in January. BALI is beyond amazing, I stayed for 7 nights, and despite how jam packed I planned my trip, I only touched a fraction of Bali.
What made my trip more amazing for me is that it was a solo trip and whilst I was a little apprenshive, I felt so safe once I got to Bali, Balianiese people are so friendly and so helpful.
I stayed in a treehouse type resort in central Ubud. Ubud is very cutural(I think bali in general is a very cultural place, filled with temples on every concer and in every town). Ubud is very green and very slow paced in comparison to the southern regions.
Prior to my arrival I had booked a few tours/excursions with a company called Thetripguru. My tour included, the Bali Swing, Bali’s infamous Swings and birds nest, over looking rice terraces, Bali swing was of course amazing and very picturesque(like most of Bali). I would advise to arrive early(I arrived around 9am), the lines for swings and pictures and really get very long, you can pay something like $20 to have professional photographers take your pictures(as many as you want, for as long as you are willing to line up for the swings). The pictures came out amazing and the tour included a lunch buffet. While at the swing I met so many travellers from so many different places(people come from all over for Bali Swing). NOTE they will take pictures of you, with you, with their kids(TWB) some ask, others try and sneak a picture( I asked bello my tour guide why they do this, he informed me being black/brown, they think you’re someone famous??♀️?) .
My second stop took me to Kantolampo waterfall. Bali/ubud is full of wonderful, breathtaking waterfalls,(350+ I believe),this hands down was the highlight and best part of my trip, the waterfall was located at like the bottom of a small cliff(hiking down was extreme), unlike other waterfalls, this was located in like a cave. Beautiful waters, very picturesque, friendly people taking their pictures. Again if you’re a solo traveller, they’re lots of locals willing to take your pictures for a very very small fee(they will take anything you give them and they’re pretty good).
Getting around ubud is very easy, everyone rents or jumps on a sooter bike, really cheap to get around, they’re restaurants located everywhere, my favourite restaurant was Indus restaurant(which over looks some cliffs and rice feilds) again very picturesque/ stunning views to have at lunch.
Ubud market is somewhere you really need to check out, walk around get lost, talk to people, it’s so safe and you meet other tourists as well.
As I went travelled for a more relaxing trip, I didn’t really want to check out the nightlife(although I heard great things and I town is buzzing so I’m sure it wouldn’t be hard to find somewhere).
I did take a trip to Canggu which was about 1 hour away from ubud, Canggu and Seminyak are the party and busier regions of Bali.
Canggu is filled with insane beach clubs, bars and restaurants and of course beaches.
Number 1 place to visit in Canggu is Omnia which is a beach club/club on a cliff, the second is Finns Beach club, another beautiful beach club by day club by night, both of these clubs are filled with lots of solo travellers from all over. The sunsets in the evening are amazing.(its a bloggers paradise).
Towards the end of my I spent the time going to Tegallalanga rice Terraces, another must visit spot in Bali, beautiful Terraces(again get there early). I visit the Gates to Heaven this was all facilitated by Thetripguru for about $50.
Bali is a very beautiful and I plan to visit for longer and move around a lot more now that I’m more familiar and able to get around. It’s safe, cheap and friendly and I highly recommend it.
Check out my Bali Trip @msbri_x (in case I missed something out) ??
Bali has a little something for everyone, from foodies to adventure lovers, to couples looking for a romantic escape, to the traveler hoping for a relaxing vacay. With a conversion rate of 1 USD = 13,702 IDR (according to XE Currency Converter), budget travelers could comfortably enjoy a week in Bali.
Rather than repeat what so many others have said, I will add one important tip for the ladies who plan on visiting one of the many swing companies in pursuit of that “Instagram shot”. The long flowy dresses make for amazing photos, but keep in mind that you will be put into a harness, which has to go up your legs and around your waist. This isn’t a big deal, but I recall seeing the male swing operators struggle to help a few ladies into and out of the harnesses because their dresses were so cumbersome. If you’re not keen on having to lift your dress in front of strangers, consider shorts and a removable flowy wrap skirt when planning your trip wardrobe.
Bali is a place of beautiful sunsets, so don’t miss the opportunity to catch one at Dreamland Beach Warung or even better, at the Pura Luhur Uluwatu Hindu Temple (just be wary of the monkeys lol….another story for another time).
Happy travels!
I visited Bali for a friend’s wedding. The bulk of my time on the island was pre-planned by the couple. My top experiences were visiting the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Monkey Forrest, and a day cruise to Nusa Lembongan. People were generally polite and friendly. You may have difficulties using Uber on the island because of a strong Taxi mafia. Bali has luxurious hotels from well known Hotel chains. But if you’re looking for a bargain, you will get more bang for your buck by finding well reviewed local hotels.
Things to do- Wow Bali is truly a place of wonder! There is so much to do I am sad that I did not even get the chance to do half of it. However, I will say one of my favorite things that I did on this trip was going to the beach clubs. My favorite beach club by far is Potato Head in Seminyak. The food is great, the customer service is impeccable, and the views and vibes there are to die for! If I could I would have spent every evening at Potato Head.
Local Food- The food in Bali is super fresh and delicious! One of my favorite restaurants that I went to was La Plancha. It is a beachfront restaurant where can dine on beanbags under cute umbrellas on the beach as the ocean crashes in front of you. They have food, shisha, and good drinks. The best time to go is at sunset.
Affordability- My money went really far in Bali. Everything was very affordable you can get 5 star luxury for the same cost as standard accommodations in the US. I stayed at Annupuri villas in a room with a private pool and he cost me less than $200/night.
Must see in Bali:
Bali Swing
Bali Tegallalang Rice Terrace
Tirta Empul Temple
Ubud Art Market
Gates of Heaven
Kanto Lampo Waterfall
Wanagiri Hidden Hills
Udaya Spa
Penny Lane
Finns Beach Club
Mrs Sippy Bali
Nusa Penida Island
Komodo National Park
La Plancha Bali
Where to Stay
Split your time into two areas, Ubud and Seminyak. Ubud has almost all of the sights you’ll want to visit. Seminyak gives you beach and nightlife!
How to get around
Personal Driver, do not attempt to rent a car or scooter, I repeat do NOT do either, you are not bout that life!
Cheapest airport to fly out of: LAX
What to bring: Mosquito repellant, disposable wipes, over the counter meds, universal charger for Asia, compression socks for the long flights, portable charger, and photocopies of your passport. Please make sure you’ll have at least 2 visa pages available. Check your belongings when in route to the airport returning home to make sure no drug paraphernalia is in your bags, YOU WILL GO TO JAIL!
How much will I spend? Honestly you can bring less than 1k usd and Liveeeeeeeeeee so don’t worry your money will go very far in Bali as 1 usd equals 13,000 in idr!
ali , where do I even begin when it comes to Bali. Bali stole my heart and spiritually enlightened and I feel in love with Bali. I left there spiritually awakened and realised what I wanted and needed in my life, and gained an extra dose of self love.
Bali isn’t a place, it’s a FEELING.
Bali will forever be my second home because I left there at peace with myself and happier about the prospects of my life going forward.I have never felt a connection like this before with any other trip I have been on. The Balinese embody peace, love and happiness. They are friendly, helpful and sincere.Their aura is infectious, they do their daily blessings everyday, they are grateful for everything around them and of course believe that doing good brings goodness back to you aka Good Karma.
We started our trip from Ubud and made our way up to Seminyak, others like to do this the other way around but I enjoyed starting from peaceful and tranquil Ubud and ending up in the city life of Seminyak.
Over the period of three (3) days in Ubud we went to the following :
Temples,Pura Kunung Kawi Satu, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary , Aloha Bali Swings ( I mean did you really go to Bali if you did not go on the swings,lol), Tegenungan waterfall, Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple, Silver/Jewelry Shop and Lombok coffee and tea excursion ( which resulted in two (2) people getting sick from the fried banana. Note to self, if you do not see it being cooked do not have it.)
Then over the next few days in Seminyak:
Seminyak is the big City life, it is busting of cars and scooters with the beach is near by. In Seminyak we went on excursions to Lempuyang Temple (Heavens Gates , you need to go REAL early for this one ), Rice fields, Taman Ujug and the Water Palace.
And well since Seminyak is the City , we went to the party strip , which is a VIBE and a half. So in essence a lot of partying it up was happening in the evenings and pool side chilling on some lazy afternoons.
Bali really is Peace , Love and Happiness.
I didn’t have any expectations going to Bali and I’m honestly glad I didn’t. I was blown away! Since the moment I stepped foot out of the airplane I felt this immediate feeling of pure tranquility. (Perhaps it was the music playing in the background). Everyone I met was super kind and willing to help.
Where to stay – I stayed in Rumah Sekar’s Bed & Breakfast (booked via AirBnb), located in Ubud, about an hour away from the airport. I would definitely recommend staying here. Rumah’s place is in a great location. She has four different options you can choose from for breakfast and a beautiful pool.
Things to do – Bali is filled with things to do and see. Although there are many options in Ubud, for certain activities you would need to drive 1-3 hours. I would say regardless of distance it’s worth it. I would recommend going to Tegallalang Rice Terrence, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Goa Gajah, Tirta Empul Temple, Tirta Gangga, the famous Bali swing, and Ulun Danu Temple. Keep in mind there’s so much more!
Restaurants – I didn’t experience too many different restaurants because breakfast was always at the Airbnb. However I did eat a meal at Kynd Community (vegan), Bali Cocoa Park, Alchemy (vegan) and The Elephant. Highly highly recommend!
Tips – I stayed in Bali for 4 nights and I honestly wished I could have stayed longer. I would recommend staying in Bali for 7-10 days if possible, and hiring a personal driver to take you to the places you would like to go to!
For a fairly small island, Bali is bigger than you might expect. I stayed in 3 different resorts/villas in 3 separate areas (Ubud, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua). I’d recommend splitting your stay between at least 2 areas, to make exploring the island a bit easier.
Ubud is the cultural center of Bali, where the rain forest and temples are mostly located. I definitely recommend staying here for part of your trip, and getting a nice villa to enjoy the typical Balinese holiday experience. I stayed at the Royal Kamuela Villas, and found the property and staff to be excellent. You’ll even see monkeys randomly roaming the property, since it is so close to monkey forest.
Seminyak is mostly an urban/city vibe, and reminds me of an Asian Miami in some ways. If you’re looking to party, then stay here for a couple nights.
Nusa Dua is at the south of the island, and is very much a beach area. I stayed at the Conrad Bali, and loved the property. It was a great way to just relax and enjoy the weather, private beach, and pools. If you’re not dying for beach life, then you could probably skip staying in Nusa Dua.
If you want to get lost in a foreign culture, find yourself deep in heavy lush forests, exotic jungles with stunning waterfalls, and rice paddies, with a mix of modern beach clubs, Bali is the place to be!!! Oh, don’t forget the most stunning Instagram pictures too :)
Anyway, Bali has been the most affordable destination I have ever experienced, by far! I come from South Africa, so I took about R2,000.00 (USD 140) in foreign currency, thinking that would be small change for the trip. After spending 8 nights in Bali, you won’t believe that was all the money I ever needed for food, transport, and entertainment (we stayed in a hotel that offered us breakfast, so that’s excluded).
This is one destination that will definitely not break your budget. So much value for money!
Such a beautiful country the native people are so cultured and welcoming. Very inexpensive you can find a hotel or villa for a reasonable price. If you’re planning on taking a trip to Bali be sure to book Ivan’s tour his Instagram is @balidriver_ivan. He’s very reasonable with his price, welcoming, likes to have fun with his guest. And best yet he captures all of you’re moments. A must see when in Bali is the Nusa penida Island, bali swing, gates of heaven, mason Elephant Park, monkey forest – btw they banded taking pictures with the money buttttttt (only with Ivan you can take monkey selfies ?) The food is phenomenal my favorite dish was Nasi Goreng. I would suggest staying in saminiyak area there is a lot of night life. Be sure to roam around and find places to eat there’s tuns ! Definitely save to travel to Bali while black
I loved Bali!!!!
I stayed with a group in both Ubud and Seminyak and each has a different vibe . Ubud is a lot more relaxing, chill and great for local shopping .
Here you can enjoy
Flower ? bath at Karsa Spa
Elephant ? bathing
The best jackfruit nachos at The Clear Cafe
Shopping in the local market
Hike to Mount Batur rewatch the sunrise
Bali swing
But I’m Seminyak be sure to
Got to a day/pool party at Omnia or Potatoe Head
Go to the Gates of heaven
Go to a water fall
Bali is a great place to party or relax . Go solo, with friends or bae.
I’m going to give my opinion as a solo traveler to Bali
Do it!
I loved every bit of it, you meet so many travelers like yourself. Creatives who has made Bali there home. That being said I suggest staying in Canggu and migrating around from there renting a scooter. Of course you should definitely spend the night in Ubud but your primary for meeting other explorers like yourself definitely should be in canggu. It’s also the party city
If you take a trip to Bali, please do not spend a lot of time in Kuta. It’s a good area for shopping but around the time we went the water was filled with trash that came from China and the hagglers on the beach made for a not so great time. After we figured that out we had a blast. Explore as much as you can, I recommend finding a guide most of them will let you pick what you want to do or where you want to go. Our guide took us to a restaurant on the beach at sunset it was beautiful. The rice terraces were beautiful and walking around them was so peaceful
Bali was so fun and exotic! My husband and I went white water rafting in the Ayung River. We went to the Rice terrace and rode the Bali Swing! We also went to the monkey forest and had a ball with the monkeys. Our villa was beautiful and very exotic, and the Bali people are very friendly and kind people.
Bali is the perfect place for R&R! You can get a nice massage outdoors followed by a flower bath at Bali Dacha (book in advance), or practice yoga at Yoga Barn. You can also visit the many rice fields to capture the green scenery and take a ride on the Bali swing! Visit Tirta Ganga for spiritual activities and to feed the fish in the pond! The beauty of the city will instantly relax you
One of my best trip! Plenty of things to do, 1 week isn’t enough to discover everything, as the coast of life is cheap you can plan a lot of activities
My family and I absolutely loved it here. We did absolutely everything. We visited a dozen temples. I must say I enjoyed getting in the holy water at Tirta Empul and I loved Tirta Gangga as well because I am obsessed with koi fish. When you go to Tirta Gangga buy at least 4 bags of food per person so you can get an awesome picture with the koi fish. They also have they cool pet bats you can hold when you walk in and I know your thinking of no but they were cute with fury heads lol and they had owls. Something about holding that owls and looking in their eyes was spiritual for me, idk how to explain it, just check it out. When leaving Tirta Empul make sure you stop in the shops, omg I bought home the most beautiful canvases. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary was very fun as well, not to often do you get to take a selfie with a monkey. However, don’t ask the people there to take pictures and pan handle you. You can take your own pictures, you do not have to pay them to take a picture. They tell you that you can’t feed the monkeys because that’s their way of saying you have to pay us to take the picture because feeding them is the only way you are able to get a selfie with them. My biggest tip for the monkey forest and Tanah Lot is do no wear glasses or any accessories that a monkey will snatch. They get very domineering, so just leave all valuables in the car. Also, after exploring Nusa Penida I was so upset with myself for queuing in those long lines at The Bali Swing. The Nusa Penida swing (once you make it to the bottom) is so awesome. You literally swing over the water, which is absolutely beautiful and the best part there was no line. Also, we went to Tegallalang Rice Terraces, where we rode a bike in the air and they had a swing there with a beautiful scenery and NO line. My boyfriend hated to pay to use the bathroom, idk but that really abrasively annoyed him. As for me, it didn’t bother me. Our US dollar was equivalent to like 1430 IDR, so it didn’t bother me. More importantly, I looked at it as their water is sparse and that was a form of survival for them. The best part of my trip, if you are not scared of heights, was Nusa Penida. Please take the steps down to Nusa Penida, it was very scary for me…I literally cried the entire way down, but once down there, it was refreshingly breathtaking (that’s an understatement). Oh and take sneakers, it made the crawl/walk down so much easier. I definitely recommend wearing something you don’t mind getting wet….we took a speed boat there from Sanur and there is NO ramp to get on the boat, you walk in the water. Also, carry baby wipes and hand sanitizer everywhere. Lastly, we stayed at the Intercontinental, which is right on Jimbaran Beach…WE LOVED IT. I will add pictures and feel free to check out my Instagram highlights titled “Bali” and “Bali2” where I walk you through every adventure I went on.
Bali is a very very affordable place to travel to. Based by your personal budget you can get a lot for your moneys worth. Everything from accommodation, activities and food. You’ll definitely find something that goes with your budget.
The cost of accommodation I would say you will get the most value for your money. We stayed and different places and the luxury varies betweed the villas we stayed in. For the first nights we spent at a 3 room villa with a private pool, own kitchen 2 big bathrooms and a security in the famous area changgu. And that villa cost approximately 200$ for 3 nights.
When it comes to activities some were more on the pricey side thank others, for example the famous Bali swing. We payed about 40$ dollars, for unlimited time on the swings.
We also scuba dived in Nusa Lembongan. And that was our most expensive experience but it’s still very cheap if you compare it with the price in other countries. We payed 170$. And that included pickup in the morning from our villa, snacks on the boat, a private instructor, lunch after the dive. And we went with the company “Siren Diving”.
When it comes to food in Bali I thought there would be more street food options it was mostly restaurants. And you could find really good restaurants with both Indonesian cuisine and western cuisine. The food range varied between 2-20$.
Our favourite beach club with amazing food was “The lawn”. We payed about 25-30 $ for our food for 2 people and mock tails. It’s on the pricey side but definitely worth your money.
Food at local restaurants could vary from 1-4 $ for a basic Indonesian dish like nasi goreng.
Your money goes a really long way which makes it possible to do a lot there. This is what we appreciated the most! It is a super affordable place to visit.
There’s absolutely no way you will be bored in Bali. My only regret, in terms of adventure and things to do, is that I didn’t keep in mind the long commute between Bali destinations. When you’re making your itinerary, please note the time it’ll take to get from one place to another. Most days, I was leaving before sunrise. Also, keep in mind that some temples have very long lines that will eat up a lot of your time. Overall, I was busy from dawn to dusk and I still missed some things. I booked this trip with Chidi Ashley Travels and it was not as advertised. I eventually got my deposit back because so many activities were cut and the accommodations were lacking. Bali would make a good destination for solo travelers, also. When there’s so much to do, traveling alone might make things easier when making an itinerary.
For our honey moon, my wife and I went to Bali. We stayed at the Four Seasons in Jimbarayan bay ($700/night). Easily one of the nicest & most relaxing hotels I’ve stayed. You literally have your own walled off compound with a private infinity pool, indoor and outdoor shower, and your own cabana. You really don’t have to ever leave the resort. Bali itself can be as adventurous or as relaxing as you want it to be. There are so many temples (heavens gate) being the most polpular. There are elephant sanctuaries, monkey sanctuaries(monkeys are sacred), etc. one of the most peaceful places the world has to offer. Siminyak was an area with lots of bars, restaurants and clubs, but very touristy. Overall, Bali can be as relaxing or crazy as you want it to be.
Man where do I start I honestly Have nothing bad to say about BALI. I recently Traveled for my birthday and it was the best decision. The food , nightlight , adventures , people , etc were all good. If your thinking of a destination spot Bali is a MUST !!! No matter what resturant we traveled to the food taste sooooooo goooddddd . Literally can’t find nothing bad to say at all.
I was in Bali for 8 days and it was just amazing! I certainly would visit again. Bali is full of so many activities you could just tire yourself hoping from one activity to the next, also considering that most activities are not in the same vicinity, you may have to travel a couple of hours around the city to get things done so remember to give yourself some time to rest and enjoy the beautiful nature, scenery and food especially in Ubud. Some of the things I did include rafting (do remember to take sunscreen of you don’t want to come out of this activity two shades darker due to the length of time you spend in the sun), snorkelling in kuta, nusa penida which wasn’t as easy as I thought, lol, so first timers caveat! Definitely have tea time in any resort that you stay in, definitely get a Balinese massage, the bali zoo experience is sooo amazing!, for your instagrammable photos visit Bali swing! Have lunch at kintamani and enjoy some great views of the volcanic mountain. There is so much to do in Bali so take as much time as you need and enjoy the place!
I went to Bali for 8 days. I stayed at 3 locations. The first 2 days while we waited for the rest of our group of 9 to arrive we stayed at the Vasanti Kuta hotel which was only a good 5-10 minutes away from the airport. Very nice hotel had a nice rooftop pool where you could catch the sunrise in the morning. The beach was a 7 minute walk. There was multiple good Eats in the area. https://www.vasantikutahotel.com/ …. after the rest of the group arrived we went to ubud for few days and stayed a villa in the middle of the jungle! https://t.hmwy.io/p2CxWHQlx1 The 360° view all around was amazing. Being able to relax in the pool and look at the surrounding greenery and sound of nature was tranquility at its finest. We also had a chef here which served breakfast every morning. Fresh juice of your choice with choices of watermelon , pineapple , orange , passion fruit , etc. there were choices of omelettes, you could request bacon on the side and other things for additional charge. They would cut up fresh fruit as well it was great! Even the views from outside the rooms were to die for. On the last leg of the trip we stayed at another villa in seminyak https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/5347015?source_impression_id=p3_1573502366_QkCrujO4gaBgHOiM which was also a great addition. Not too far from the beach and a day party called potato head beach club which I would recommend everyone to go to!
Bali is a beautiful island. I’ve spent 2 birthdays consecutively in Bali and both times I did completely different things! I loved walking around Ubud and visiting the Monkey Sanctuary. Please be careful the Monkeys do bite! They’ve actually stopped selling bananas as too many people have been attacked. There are also loads of sweet coffee shops and one off clothing stores with authentic pieces. Bali can be a bit more expensive in comparison to other islands in SEA but still relatively affordable. If you’re someone who likes to shop I suggest bringing 350 for a week but 250 should be just fine! Most things you’ll get into will require a personal driver which can work in your favor as you can hire for a full day and get the most out of your money.
During my time there I visited temples, Rice’s fields, the Bali swing and waterfalls. Some of my favorite restaurants were in Seminyak including Merah Putih. Be prepared to hike and/or climb a fair share of stairs. One of my favorite waterfalls Sekumpul has over 400 steps but is most definitely worth the work. There’s 3 or 4 different waterfalls once you reach the bottom within walking distance of one another.
In Bali there were lots of other black families visiting. There’s a very welcoming atmosphere and on several occasions we had dinner with our driver. Take the leap and book the trip!
Bali was AMAZINGG!! It is such a beautiful, magical and adventurous place to visit. The only downfall was that we were only there for six days! We went to the infamous Bali Swings, got climbed on by sweet little monkeys, bathe some elephants, had a Balinese cooking class, had a 3 HOUR MASSAGE and more! If only I could’ve extended my trip-top 10 vacation destination for a girls trip or baecation. It has it all :)
3 days in Bali is simply not enough. There are some beautiful sights in Bali! But the traffic makes those sights 2-3 hours away. Bali has thee dopest pool bars from Wana Jungle to Omnia they get lit! Lets not forget the gates of heaven. One of thee biggest attractions in Bali next to the Bali swing. I was able to do both thankfully and the pictures are breathtaking. While in Bali you should also visit Tirta Gangga and Tirta Empuhl. These are temples so please bring your sarongs or dress accordingly. At Tirta Empuhl we participated in the water praying/wishing which was quite an experience. Bali also has lots of restaurants and some of the best seafood. We stayed at the Mercure Bali Legian in Kuta. Bali is VERY affordable! A must visit!
We booked our trip through TripMasters. We went to Bangkok, Phuket, and Bali for about $1500. It was an amazing deal and they made the process painless. They also do payment plans. Our price also included trip insurance that we added on just as a precaution. We researched the hotels offered (there are hundreds) and we picked based off our own independent searches and reviews. So your price can fluctuate based off of what hotel and type of room you choose. Tripmasters also has an app that is absolutely amazing. Your whole trip is itemized along with your hotels and flights and they also let you check in for your flight via the app. It also includes a currency exchange calculator, maps of each country, and you can do a “near me” search for food, shops, attractions, etc.
P.S. If you need a great driver in Bali contact my boy Martin +62 821-4648-2221 on whatsapp.
Bali is an amazing place to visit. Although the flight from London is extremely long, it is surely worth it.
I stayed at an all inclusive hotel (The Maya Ubud) with great staff, delicious food and great facilities.
There’s also a lot of tourist attractions to visit such as the rice fields, the monkey forest and the ever popular Bali swings.
Overall Balinese people are so friendly and welcoming. They are the most polite people I’ve ever met! Although Bali is a tourist island,I tried to tip as much as possible because the locals are really poor. I suggest you hire a driver who will take you around or if you’re adventurous enough you can ride a scooter. If you’re staying more than a week I suggest you stay in different places. I stayed in ubud and the traffic was crazy. I’d say stay a few days in kuta, ubud, uluwatu, nusa penida and gilli( I hear it’s really beautiful there). You can change your currency at the airport or any place in ubud. Things I did- nusa penida, temples, monkey sanctuary, omnia, gates of heaven.
I didn’t realize until my 2nd trip back to Bali how much stuff I missed the first time around. To fully see everything you need at least 2 weeks that’s including adding in Gili and the nearby smaller islands. However, the atmosphere has changed, since 2017 more and more tourists are flocking over to Bali which affects the experience as a whole because now if you want to check out a waterfall you’ll now have to push around a bunch of people to see it. Bali is not lacking in the things to do department, but unfortunately, it’s now a highly commercialized island offering beautiful pics for the gram.
What my trip consisted of
Lempuyang Temple (best to go in the morning)
Tirta Gangga ( best pictures at sunset)
Ulun Danu Temple (best to go either sunrise or sunset)
Handara gate (better to go at sunset)
Tukad Cepung waterfall (best lighting from 10am to 3pm)
Tibumana waterfall (best to go in the morning before crowds)
Kamandalu Resort (best for floating breakfast)
Uluwatu Bubble hotel (airbnb) 112 a night
Prepare to come out of pocket for each location prices vary.
You can take a ferry to any of the islands nearby I used Angkal but the prices vary depending on which island you visit.
I don’t know where to start, Bali is such a beautiful island. The landscape, the history with the magnificent temples, the lovely and welcoming people, Bali should be on the top of anyone’s bucklist…
On a girls trip of 5, we did the West Bali Tour in September 2017. With the organized tour we did a maximum of visits in three days (villages and temples). I recommend them for the quality of their service, we had a great driver local tour agency http://www.balidaytour.com
My favorites visits were :
Taman Ayun Temple (The temple surrounded by water pond)
Kedaton Village (monkeys and giant fruit bats, I found the monkeys kinda aggressive )
Batukaru temple (the mountain Temple on the western part of Bali)
Jati Luwih village (the greatest and most beautiful rice terrace in Bali, there is a restaurant with excellent buffet on top of the rice terrace, stunning view!)
Tegenungan Village (visit Tegenungan water fall, the driver pause there so we can go test the water at the river, nice visit!)
Ubud (Ubud market & Ubud palace, great for buying souvenirs but you have to negotiate the prices before)
Uluwatu (temple on the cliff in southern part of Bali with the fantastic sunset panorama)
In Bali we stayed at the https://www.kutacentralparkhotel.com/ , this hotel was very clean, with great double/ triple rooms and excellent food from breakfast to diner (foodies that’s where you need to go).
It was also perfectly located with many shops and restaurants around if you want to go out and connect with the locals.
After all of the fabulous visits, we went to Gili Island for some relaxing time.
We booked four nights at Gili Hideaway, a small but charming hotel at less than one km from the beach. https://www.agoda.com/fr-fr/gili-hideaway-resort/hotel/lombok-id.html?cid=-218.
If you like snorekeling, beach ativities, street food, night life, restautants and animated bars on the beach its the perfect place.
Indonesia has this particular vibe of wild nature and tranquility that i love, i will probably go back. travel while black get a 5 stars just fantastic!
I travelled to Bali in March 2018 for 4 days . While I was there, I visited the following areas.
Ubud, Kintamani, Seminyak, Kuta, and Jimbaran . While in Ubud I visited Ubud monkey forest , Tegallalang Rice Terrace(20 min drive from Ubud), Tirta Empul Temple (30 min drive from Ubud). I stayed at Plataran Ubud Hotel & Spa for two days which came out to a total $188.
Kintamani Volcano (lunch buffet)- The restaurant is called LakeView. The food was expensive and VERY basic, nothing special. I came here just to have lunch with an amazing view of Mt. Batur Volcano. In Seminyak head to Potato head beach club. Nice spot to go to for food and drinks, and music. Very chill vibe. In the day time you can spend the day by the pool.
Ku De Ta is a where you want to spend the evening. It is a nice beach club and restaurant. I was told celebrities go there. I stayed at Kubai Villa. I had my own private pool and breakfast was delivered and prepared in front of me. It had a variety of fruits and western style breakfast. I did not go out for dinner instead I ended up having dinner at the hotel and it was delicious. One night was $103. Next up is Kuta.
Kuta is the party city. If you want to strictly go clubbing then this is the area for it. Best spot to go is a club call La Favela.
Jimbaran is the best city to go for dinner on the beach and to catch the sunset. If you are a seafood lover, this is where you want to go for fresh seafood. Different restaurants to choose from on the beach. Even though I was traveling solo, it is a great place for a romantic dinner. They fireworks, and a live band that comes up to you and performs. The best part it is 10 mins from the airport so you can go there straight from dinner.
I traveled to Bali by myself from 9/30-10/6 I was the most liberating experience I’ve ever witnessed! For starters I was nervous to be traveling there alone but as soon as my driver (discover Bali driver) picked me up from the airport. I felt at peace there!! I was quickly headed to my scheduled appointment with Udaya Spa (known for their beautiful flower baths) i picked the 2 hour plus flower bath package for $80 not bad right!! It was amazing! The property was beautiful and the customer service was top notch!! After that, I went to mason elephant park and bathe a elephant. The staff was cool and the staff goes over and beyond to take pictures for you while you’re enjoying your time with the elephants. Next was, the Bali swing. I’ve heard so many horrible stories regarding the wait time but luckily I was having professional pictures taken there and the photographer said to come 10mins before the swing close because ppl are leaving and it’s less crowded. He was correct. I basically had the whole place to myself!! (The Real Bali Swing 30 mins from Ubud) ladies if you want to rent at dress for the swing or to take beautiful pictures in I used @muse_dresses(IG) I rented a dress for $40 for the entire day! I preferred to stay in a Airbnb in Ubud for the first 4 nights. It was beautiful and they offered floating breakfast! You can just search on Airbnb for the
Perfect housing for you.
The next day was water day. I started super early, like my driver was there to pick me up at 5am to head up the mountain to visit “Gates of Heaven” it’s better to get there super early because it’s so many ppl there and the wait is 2hrs + but the pictures are amazing and worth the wait.. next was kanto lampo waterfall, the wait to take the pictures wasn’t bad and your guide takes your pictures and tell you how to pose lol then l went to Tirta Gangga Waterfall..very beautiful and magical there.. Lastly, I visited Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple. You have to be fully covered to enter the temple. Once you enter you can immediately go into the holy water. They have 6 or 7 waterfall stations and you go to each one. Praying and baring your soul whole fish kiss your feet!!
For my last couple of days in Bali I stayed in seminyak in another Airbnb. I did shopping at the night market, went to the monkey forest, had fun at the upside down house, got pampered daily with foot massages an body scrubs for less that $13 usd, ate food every chance i could, attempt to attend yoga classes when I had free time and really loved the Balinese culture!! This trip was amazing and I’ll definitely be back!!
For pictures visit my IG page @mschateau4paws
I just recently came back from Bali (Tuesday to be exact) and I had the time of my life. I went with 13 of my cousins and we celebrated 3 birthdays so we did a lot. I will cover 2 categories: Things to do & Where to stay.
Where To Stay:
Since my family and I usually travel in big groups we always stay in villas. We use luxuryretreats.com for all of them and I must say they have always been great for us. I definitely recommend them for big groups simply because you get the chance to stay in a very luxurious villa with a chef and housekeeping for a cheap price (due to so many people paying). The villa we had in Bali was called Villa Naty. The staff was amazing and the villa itself was breathtaking. The chef made us breakfast every day and we got to choose what days we wanted them to make us other meals. Since it was 3 of my cousin’s birthdays when we arrived they had flower baths in the master bedrooms waiting for them with Happy Birthday written in flowers. It was so beautiful. They also changed the flower designs in the baths every day. Anytime we needed a taxi to go anywhere the staff scheduled that and made sure the same taxi picked us back up as well. If I ever take a 2nd trip to Bali I would stay at the same place again.
Things To Do:
We only stayed for 4.5 days so we weren’t able to get to everything since there was so many of us, but if you go to Bali you have to go to the Mason’s Adventures Elephant Park, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and Bali Swing. I love elephants so I was so excited to bathe and interact with them. There were many different options to choose from such as bathing them, doing a safari ride, or simply just entering the park. They also have a restaurant/grill at the location if you happen to get hungry. I was very nervous about the monkey sanctuary because there are A LOT of rules so you don’t intimidate them. They are very interesting animals, but I had a blast. I also got a selfie with one of the monkeys so I was happy. Lastly, Bali Swing. Honestly, that place is for people who just want to take a bunch of instagrammable pictures BUT I had the time of my life. There were 13 different swings at different heights and many different nests that you could take pictures in. To have their photographer take your pictures it was only $12 USD so in total we spent $37 there which I didn’t think was bad. Ladies, you also have the option to rent a long dress so you can get some bomb pictures on the swing with it blowing in the wind.
I’d have to say, Bali is my new favorite place visited. The island is so beautiful with tons of things to do.
I’ve spent the last week there and everyday was a full itinerary. I’ve visited Ubud, north and east avail, Nusa Penida, I have had a floating breakfast and flower bath. The tours were nicely put together by Bali Customized Tours.
The locals are beyond hospitable, looking out for you in every way possible. I’ve had the privilege of staying in Disini Luxury Villa (it’s a must you stay there) and The Island House Villa. Both villas were fully equipped and the staff were available at all times.
The island is very affordable. I’ve spent a total of $200 or little less over the course of seven 7days. Yup that’s right!
Apart from all of the hype from the instagramable spots be prepared to walk and hike. Also be prepared to tow long lines for places such as the Lempuyang Temple which allows you literally a second and a half to do four poses lol. I left my villa at 4:30am because the drive is around 3 hours. Arrived at 6:45am and was number 79??♀️ Lol yes is pretty rough out there but the view is worth it.
Please checkout my ig page and highlights @dachea.elle for all of the Bali ☕️!
My boyfriend and I went to Bali for my birthday. We bought our package on groupon. Do Not Sleep on GROUPON. It was such a great deal we paid a little under $1000 per person for flight on hotel. The groupon also cane with a couple included tours. It was super beneficial because it took us to all the places to see, that we wouldn’t have thought of. The Balinese dancing, places to eat, some awesome statues, a batik factory ( where they make a special kind of printed fabric) and of course the rice fields. Honestly there was so much set up for us, the tour guide was awesome. This really is a beautiful country. The only thing I would do differently is buy a multi city trip. on our downtime we didn’t really know what else to do. Also since it was my birthday, Groupon threw in a free couples massage. It was definitely a more relaxed trip, not to many crazy experiences. Go to La Plancha beach, it is so beautiful it has these gorgeous beanbags and umbrellas, must see. Other than that I was not a fan of the food, so that was disappointing. Def worth going, but hop around!
My Husband and I completely enjoyed our BALI-MOON! It was everything w wanted it to be an more!
This was our first time to Indonesia, but 2nd time to South East Asia. We went to Thailand 2 years prior.
We saw more Black people in Bali, probably than we saw in Thailand. However, we noticed that when we spotted other black couples in Bali, they were reluctant to speak or even make eye contact. I hate to say this, but it seemed to reek of a competitive nature, or like they wanted to be the only black people in Bali. I noticed however, a totally different vibe from single black women. They’d smile and say “hello”.
I’m writing this because it makes my heart leap to see my beautiful black people traveling, and seeing new places. Let’s always remember that we need each other, and no one understands us like US. So it takes NOTHING from any of us when we give a quick smile or hello that says ” I SEE YOU BROTHA/SISTAH”!
Two of my favourite things while I was in Bali were hanging out at Ibiza Beach club and visiting the Gates or Heaven.
If you plan to visit the gates (a must) you need to arrive early early. We arrived around 8:45am and there was already a huge line up. Took us over 2 hours to finally take out pictures because of the line up and it gets longer as the day goes on. Coming from Seminyak Bali it took about 2 hours to drive out to the Gates. The staff working there are very helpful and skilled in taking pictures. There’s no cost but the custom is to tip them. You have about a minute to take you’re pictures so plan your poses in advance because they will count you out. Sarongs are mandatory at the gates for both men and women and they are provided at the front when you first arrive if you don’t have your own. So plan you outfit accordingly.
Ibiza beach club is a great place to relax during the days and even better at night as it slowly transitions into an outdoor night club. The DJs played a steady mix of R&B, Hip Hop and Afrobeats. The food and drinks are absolutely amazing, the best I had my entire trip to Bali. The service is also equally amazing.
There are so many things to do in KL. First on the list are the towers. They are most beautiful at night, but it’s good to see them in both day and night. I recommend going to the top floor of the W to get the best shot of you and the towers. It’s free to go up to the W and take pics. You have to go before midnight though because the lights go off midnight sharp.
Next on the list are the Batu Caves. It wasn’t very busy when I went around 2pm but it’s always best to go to earlier to avoid congestion. It’s free to walk see the caves and walk around the temples. If you’re wearing something short, revealing or too tight, you’ll have to buy a sarong before you can go up the Batu Caves stairs and get to the temples a sarong is 5 ringgit which is less than a $1.50 usd. You get 3 ringgit back for returning the sarong.
I also recommend the Central Market and Chinatown also known as Petaling Street (side by side about 5 minutes walk apart). Great for buying gifts and souvenirs really cheap. You can also bargain and buy wholesale should u choose.
The Museum of Illusions KL is also another spot you should definitely visit. Tickets are $35 ringgit if you buy them in advance on Klook. That’s less than $9 us.
Make sure you visit the night Market (Jalan Alor) for some tasty streets including coconut ice cream, boiled peanuts and lots more:
Bali in August of 2019 was an amazing trip, I will share my highlights in two areas ”where to stay” and then further down I will share one of my many ”adventures”. I decided to stay at the Padma Resort Ubud which was so incredible. Here’s why the resort is located in the jungle/village area of Ubud. The drive from the airport in Denpasar was around an hr and a half which we didn’t mind. The cost for 5 nights and 6 days was around $1200. The resort has an extremely beautiful infinity pool which we fell in love with and it was a must-have for us. Upon check-in, we greeted with hot ginger tea and hot towel with beautiful small flower detail. Once arriving in our room we had fresh fruit and fresh flowers. The view from our patio was beautiful it overlooked the jungle. The resort had so many beautiful features we were very impressed the hospitality. Even though we seem to be the only African Americans during our stay we felt like we were treated like royalty. If you want a peaceful quiet relaxing location you will fall in love with the Padma Resort in Ubud just as we did……………………..(for photos and details you can check out my Instagram @ebony_hidden.gem )Moving along to one of my adventures. My friend and I fell in love with the idea of the elephants. I booked a trip with @goadventurebali on Instagram they have package tour options. Their prices were reasonable for an entire day the fee for transportation was $40USD that included hotel pick up activity drop off hotel return lunch etc. We traveled to Mason Adventures which is a rescue elephant sanctuary. The park admission, elephant safari ride, jumbo wash, and buffet lunch was $90USD ( they accepted USD and well as the driver) During the planning of the elephant adventure we rented dresses in Bali (from @muse_dresses on Instagram) she delivered our dresses to our resort the day before she was very kind and came with a different try on options. The rental and delivery fee was $65USD (she accepted USD and IDR) we also hired a photographer/video creator for a few hours (his name is @kamastory on Instagram) he was super patient and truly amazing (he as well accepted USD his fee was $300USD) my friend and I was pleased with all the footage he captured. So outside of paying for the fees for the park, we had to pay an additional fee for the area for the photoshoot which was a private village directly outside of Mason Adventures. We paid Mason Adventures an additional $300USD for 30 minutes and around $25USD was paid to the village. Overall the experience was priceless the elephants we’re all so amazing and gentle the park staff treated us as if we were celebrities (seriously plus we were the only African Americans) the guides had a great sense of humor, they were also very knowledgeable about the well being of the elephants. The lunch buffet was amazing. My experience was everything I Imagined I wish we could have stayed longer.
We were enjoying ourselves at a day party at the most famous hot spot in Bali. We had a beautiful view of the beach while we ate and danced. We all ordered food separately from the same waiter but at different times during our time there. One of us received our check before the others and we were shocked by what we saw! It said “Nigga” on the top of the check. Can you believe this? Out of all the things that could be written on the check the waiter chooses to use this term to describe a group of people he was serving.
Now, you probably thought we started “wildin” once we saw what he had written but that was far from the case. Initially, we thought maybe this could have been the waiter’s name, trying to be positive but after asking him what his name was it was far from what he had written on the check. We then proceeded to speak with the manager on duty, who of course apologized and after a few minutes, decided to return the money that our friend had already spent. After that, we all decided to head to the exit before everyone else received the food they had ordered and requested to speak with the associate manager. After waiting about 10 minutes to see the associate manager we just decided to leave (because in the words of Kendrick Lamar we were not going to let this b**** kill our vibe.) Before we hoped in our taxi to head to the next location, the associate manager ran out to “sincerely” apologize and said that he would deal with that particular waiter. He offered our friend who received this on his check a bunch of free stuff if he and our group were to return but that was not enough.
Visits ( https://www.melaninoverseas.com/blog/whentheyseeus ) to see a copy of the receipt
Bali is hands down one of my favorite places I traveled to. Because I solo travel a lot I went alone and did not stay in the traditional Airbnb places but I stayed at a Marriott. The hospitality was on 1000, super friendly and helpful. While there I did the famous “Instagram Tour”. They picked me up from my hotel and dropped me back off after tour so be prepared for a full day of adventure. Pick up was at 5:30a.m and I got back to hotel after 7p.m. While on the tour I made some friends, two girls from South Africa and a girl from Australia; as they were doing the tour also with another tour guide. The night life was fun. And the food was amazing. I did went to Mason Elphant Park. These elephants At Mason Elephant Park were saved from captivity, horrific and ill fitting conditions. They were trained and are being taking well cared for. This is a non profit organization and because the government of Bali do not fund this sanctuary they use tourist to help fund the facility so they can continue to keep these elephants in great living conditions. They also pick you up from your hotel and take you back. First you eat breakfast and then you are able to bath, swim, and ride the elephants. Hands down the highlight of Bali, they were the elephants are so smart and friendly. They joy they have brings joy. You can go to “getyourguide.com” search Bali: Breakfast and bathing with elephants , and also on the same website Bali Instagram Tour: the most scenic spots.
https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Ubud&et=105242&utm_force=0
Bali has a combination of everything. From nature, to culture, to food, to temples, to sceneries, to nice pool villas/hotels etc etc. Their nasi goring and bami goring is definitely a food that I would recommend trying out there. The same goes for their satays. Besides those their fruit/smoothie bowls and coconut water is a must.
We stayed in 3 areas. Ubud, Canggu & Kuta. All 3 were different so visiting all 3 was a very good choice for us. Bali is pretty cheap but having to bargain for everything you want to buy, is a bit annoying. One area is more expensive than the other.
We did things like Bali Swing, waterfalls, rice fields, temples, monkey forest, malls, streets markets and more. Most of them we arranged with personal drivers.
One of the highlights of the trip was our stay at Kayon Jungle Hotel in Ubud. It was a pretty new hotel at that time. The staff is very friendly. The iconic main pool is incredible. The hotel has a unique style with breath taking views. Our room was very nice and had a private pool with an awesome view. They arranged a breakfast basket for us so we could eat in the pool. It was wonderful.
All by all Bali was worth visiting and we’ll definitely go back in the future to explore some more areas and things we haven’t got time to complete.
If you want to see more travels, feel free to follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kess_global/
Bali is amazing!! Such a beautiful country to visit. The people are very polite and accommodating. Bali is one of the most picturesque places I have visited.
I visited Bali for 12 days in May with my best friend. The weather was good, it only rained once and that was early hours of the morning. The food was great with lots of variety. Local food is good too.
First we stayed at Anumana hotel in Ubud. While here we did all of the usual activities like (Bali Swing, Monkey Forest, Elephant Sanctuary ect).
We then went to spend 2 nights in a beautiful bamboo house in Selat which was just magical. We enjoyed some nice local food here.
Then we went to a beautiful private villa (Aksari) in Seminyak where we were able to unwind and chill. Each room has its own pool and jacuzzi.
It’s definitely a must to visit both Ubud and Seminyak when visiting Bali. Both places offer a different feel of Bali. Seminyak has lots of cool places to eat and shop. Definitely the place to purchase any gifts or souvenirs.
We then spent a few nights in Ayana hotel and Spa in Jimbaran. That hotel is amazing and was a brilliant way to finish the trip.
Overall I would definitely recommend Bali to anyone. I was previously told that it was a honeymooners destination however I can now say after my experience that you can make a trip to Bali anything you want it to be (Girls Trip, Baecation, Family, Friends, Relaxation, Adventure, Romantic, Fun ect).
Bali give you so much to love. The island is expansive and offers a unique feel. We have an opportunity to stay in Kuta, Canggu, Ubud and Seminiyak; however, my favorite place to stay was Ubud. During out time in Ubud we visited the rice fields, Bali Bahama Swing, the Ubud Traditional Art Market and a few local restaurants where we were able to eat as traditional Balinese do. We spent roughly two days in Ubud but I would suggest spending about four days in that area if you do not want to feel rushed.
Stayed in Seminyak and heard crushing waves the whole time. The weather was amazing and got to experience the mason elephant park, the Bali swing, and waterfalls. Got sick from the food on the first night ordering room service, so pack medicine and purchase travelers insurance. The doctor personally came to the resort and gave me an injection and prescribed me some medicine. I didn’t contract Bali belly nor do I believe it was an issue of poor hygiene from the staff. My body just had to adjust to the new diet. I was back to normal the next day. Never got to experience the night life though. I stayed in a villa at the seminyak resort and spa. It comes with a villa butler and personal infinity plunge pool. I also stayed in a villa at the The W. They were both nice but Seminyak resort offered a better view. The W had a 24 hour spa which was nice because I work up every morning around 5 AM due to the time change. Seminyak resort had free yoga classes at 8 AM every morning. Seminyak was more romantic vs The W is more for friends.
Bali is one of those destinations that has the best of everything, from the hospitality of its people, great service, nightlife, relaxation and culture. I have been to Bali twice once with my girlfriend and again with a group of 33 friends of Africa descent. Both experiences were different but great in every sense. If you are looking for a local guide I highly recommend Komang +62 813 3826 4052. He was exceptional good. I did the usual tourist stuff (Bali swing, temples, rice fields). I recommend the New Moon Cafe in Kedonganan, the restaurant serves fresh seafood and has tables set outside by the beach (it’s a little pricey but worth it) and the BebeK Tebasari restaurant in Ubud set in the rice fields. One of highlights of my trip was hiring a professional photographer for a photoshoot at Pandawa beach. We each paid 20$ (economies of scale given we were 33) people. Check out the photographer’s instagram page @balistudiophotography he is an amazing photographer.
I had an amazing time in Bali recently.
It’s a very affordable place to stay. There are several things to do in Bali however they can be pretty far in distance from each other. The best way I found to get around is to hire a taxi driver for a day who will take you to wherever you’d like to go for up to 10 hours for as little as $45 usd.
There are several things to enjoy from Elephant parks, butterfly farms, ATV’s , beautiful beached, several temples and ever so popular rice terraces.
With only a two day duration in Ubud, I, by far, had the best time in Bali than I have had in any other location. Bali has something to offer for everyone. I spent the most adventurous two days of my life part-taking in activities that you wouldn’t otherwise see elsewhere. I got in touch with a gentleman, IG: @Komangbali_Driver, with an affordable and hospitable transportation service that came highly recommended by Travelers who had frequented Bali and raved about his services. He charges by the car as opposed to charging per head. I had the luxury of participating in anywhere from 4 to 5 activities per day all for just $50 per day. I even went as far as 2 hours South of Bali, for the standard $50 with no additional cost to me. The Driver, while not a full on Guide, waits for you at each location despite the duration of your stay and also operated as photographer for me as I was traveling solo.
In addition to transporting me to each site, I was offered airport pick up and drop off for an unbeatable $25. His service is unmatched and I’m sure his 16K followers on IG can vouch for that as well.
My trip started out with me going to “Bali Swing.” Bali Swing is comprised of any where between 10 to 20 difference scenic/picturesque props from a variety of nests, swings, beds etc. to create the perfect Instagram photo. Women, such as myself, came dashing in the most beautiful dresses with trains reminiscent of that of a woman on her wedding day all to capture the “right” moment. Upon leaving Bali Swing, we proceeded to the Tegallalang Rice Terrace that sits behind a strip filled with Vendors that carried the most beautiful Buddhist items. Though a set entrance fee is not required, a donation is. I trekked to the Tirta Empul Holy Water Tample after leaving the rice terrace. The ritual at the holy water temple left me feeling as if a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. After a long day, a much needed spa treatment was appreciated. I pre-booked/prepaid a celebration of flowers bath at the Udaya Resort and Spa. This experience was for sure top three of my Balinese experience. The flower bath lasts for 45 minutes and it comes with ginger tea, paired with honey and lemon grass. I would highly recommend this treatment. I spent day one of my travel on the move however, day two was filled with nothing but relaxation and being pampered. I started my day off with a floating breakfast at the beautiful Villa Sonia. My breakfast consisted of banana pancakes, Bacon, fresh fruits, tea and a natural fruit juice, all for the equivalent of $20USD. I changed off and headed about 2 hours South to The Edge. Listen, by far the most breath taking view I have ever seen. The Edge is a day club that offers various packages. VIP seating was approximately $45USD and most of that money is issued back to the guest as a food voucher. The Edge is a glass bottom pool that sits cliff side over looking the ocean. Absolutely nothing like it-anywhere I can guarantee it. To top off this beautiful scenic view was the fact that the food was to die for. I had the most delicious grilled prawns the size of lobster. I cannot make this up. This was for sure the best meal I had while on Bali. Upon leaving this beauty, I proceeded to another day club by the name of Omnia which was approximately 15 to 20 minutes from the Edge. Omnia runs a strong competition with the Edge as they are both so lush with a great atmosphere and an even better party vibe. Omnia had has different sections based on what you are searching for. They offer day beds, cabana’s etc. if you do not wish to reserve a section/bed then feel free to enter as a guest as I did where you can proceed to the cube restaurant & bar that also sits cliff side overlooking the ocean. I am not a party goer however, the DJ had me jamming and I was there solo. The party atmosphere in this location is unmatched. I wrapped up day 2 by heading back 2 hours into Ubud where I spent 30 minutes of my evening soaking in the most beautiful flower and oil bath along the river at Fivelements Retreat. I highly recommend all of the places mentioned.
Bali is a beautiful and varied island with a lot to offer. There’s plenty of food and activities to try. The people are soo kind and welcoming. Also very easy to travel without a guide if you have internet connection as you can hire a bike and simply use citymapper or google maps. Also the weather is amazing and the landscapes are breathtaking especially if you choose to climb their volcanos.
Bali has quite a few places that offer various travel experiences depending on what you want from your vacation. We’ve stayed at in these areas and this is what we found…
Kuta & Seminyak- probably the most “touristy” area in Bali. Very busy and commercialized.
Ubud- More serene than any other place we’ve ever been. This is where you want to go if you want to visit the different temples and large rice paddies.
Lembongan Island- A beautiful island that is a ferry trip from the main island. Amazing resorts and villas with stunning views.
Overall, Bali was an amazing location. I have absolutely no complaints! I traveled there may 2-13 with 6 other women. I began to solidly travel plans October of 2018. I chose to book large homes on Airbnb because I wanted this trip to feel inclusive. The first home that I chose was a 5 bedroom treehouse amid rice field and nature, located in Ubud, hosted by Ana Lestsri. The architecture of this home was complex, yet simple. While it was primarily made out of stone With a huge tree being the base, the execution of the design was very creative. The back yard was my favorite part about this home as it was mainly a pool surrounded by trees and nature, real jungle vibes. My least favorite part about this house was the critters. This homes design called for screenless windows which is an open invitation for bugs. We seen a plethora of geicos and mosquitoes. However, I was prepared with mosquito coils and off bug spray.
The second home, located in South Kuta had the most breathtaking design. It was listed as, Amazing ocean view, sleeps 10. This home was definitely ultra luxurious, beyond sexy. It included 2 master bedrooms, 3 different pool areas and spa bathtubs in every room. Additionally, each room had canopy styled beds, giving off extra sultry vibes. My favorite part about this home was the pool/outside area. The house was perfectly centered around it. Therefore if you wanted to be a part of the pool festivities but didn’t want a tan you could sit inside the living room area but still communicate with others in the pool. The retracting glass doors in the living room made this possible. Additionally, the staff at this property was extremely attentive. They did everything from ordering late night “carry out “ to preparing breakfast, every morning. The downside to this home was the critters, yet again. This home has the whole iguana family present in every room! The staff was definitely good at removing them but still! After witnessing those things in your room one time, PTSD is in full effect. They also made weird noises and could be heard crawling on the roof of the bedrooms if they were made out of bamboo and wicker.
The last home, The Muse, Seminyak was very luxurious as well. This was my personal favorite because I did not spot one critter, nor did I hear them. Finally, I felt safe lol. This home had about 4 levels so there were a lot of stairs. If you don’t like daily exercise this home isn’t for you. However, if you’d like a coy pond in your home in addition to a rooftop pano pool, do indulge! The design of this home waa award winning and its location was perfect. My party and I walked EVERYWHERE! This was a big deal because you definitely needed daily transport in the other homes. The staff at this spot was also very attentive.
Each home made it beyond easy to arrange activities, food and transportation. All of the home managers spike English and were extremely friendly. The homes are definitely a part of the Balinese experience so choose, strategically.
Happy Traveling,
Travelanista
I only stayed in Ubud. Ubud is more for nature-lovers and there are plenty of places that cater to vegetarian and vegan diets.
I had an amazing time!!! Very cheap vacation spent a total of $1100 flight & villa w/ chef.
If your looking for a fun filled adventure, look no further then this beautiful island called Bali. From stunning beaches, to exotic mountains hikes, Bali has it all to offer. There are dozens of options for affordable villa stays that can include your own private pool. Airbnb is a great place to start. If you are looking for a private pool, check the descriptions on Airbnb very carefully to see if the pool is being shared by other guests on the property. The food there is out of this world fresh. I didn’t eat one thing that I didn’t enjoy! Make sure you take advantage of the exotic fruit you can get here. Visiting temples here is a must. It’s much more exciting then visiting a boring museum. You get to learn a lot about there culture and history with these types of visits. I much preferred Ubud instead of the more popular Kuta. Kuta is fun for a night out, but Ubud is very quaint, and has its own unique character. I suggest doing yoga on a beach at sunset. A very memorable moment that you’ll never forget. Affordability is very doable here. Your money stretches a long way. Just don’t get caught up with expensive Trip Advisor tours that you can do on your own, if you want to save a little cash. Traveling while black I had no problems what so ever. You don’t get stares like you do in other countries. The locals will treat you with the up most respect, so be sure to respect them and there culture.
Decided to stay and visit Seminyak Bali for our honeymoon. We One Eleven hotel that offered private villas with a large swimming pool and a private spa gazebo. Although the accommodation was more expensive than surrounding hotels ($340/night) the hospitality and location were unmatched. The design of the villa was sleek and modern and the hotel offered free shuttle service anywhere in the Seminyak area. Breakfast was included and is chosen daily from a special menu the day before and there are lots of options then it is cooked and prepared in villa exactly as specified. We recommend visiting the world family Potato Head beach club which is one of the premier sunset bars in the country. In order to grab one of the daybeds with the best location that have a min spend ($88) for the entire day get there before 9am. This will allow you to pick the best location since you cannot make reservations. Our hotel connected us with a driver for 8 hrs ($50) to take a day tour up to Ubud for the monkey sanctuary, bali swing, and couples massage with flower bath at Calma Hotel and spa. Our driver even recommended a great Balinese restaurant called Bebek Tepi Sawah, which surrounds a rice plantation, for lunch that had amazing crispy duck. The hospitality and customer service we experienced in Bali during our trip was sensational and it also helps that the American dollar is strong.
I visited Bali April 2019. I absolutely loved Bali, it was soo beautiful and relaxing. There is a tons of adventures to do in Bali. My friends and i visited the monkey sanctuary, which was fun. I will say please be careful there and follow ALL of the rules listed before entering. The monkeys are friendly and will bite (I saw a lady get bitten for not giving up her bottle of water). We also washed and had brunch with elephants, which was absolutely amazing. That was probably my favorite part of the trip. We also did a 10 hour tour around the island to all of the temple and histrionic places. The only take away i will say about the trip is that we stayed in a villa. Don’t get me wrong the villa was absolutely gorgeous, it came with a private chef and driver (we found it through Airbnb) HOWEVER, with it being a villa there were lizards EVERYWHERE; in the bedrooms, bathrooms, EVERYWHERE. If you like me then will NOT be comfortable. Next time i return to Bali i will be staying at an enclosed hotel lol. The link for our villa is https://abnb.me/CjhOy164hW again it was super nice I just didn’t like the lizards.
I must start of by saying that I live to eat .I’ve eaten my way through over 19 inheritances in great restaurants so I know what good cuisine is all about. Local foods plays a huge role in my trips so giving you guys some tips on the local food in Bali would be my utmost pleasure. Indonesia’s fine cuisine is liken no other. The yummy Indian spices used are sooo sensous and are filled with subtle flavors that’s really erotic to the taste buds. Here’s a list of my favorite restaurants located in Ubud
The Legend*(5⭐️)
Taco Casa* (5⭐️)
Mama Mia * (3)
CasCades* (3)
Bridges (5⭐️)
Tukies Coconut Icecream*(5⭐️)
Be-je-na* (5⭐️) [In Tanahlot]
Clear Cafe (5⭐️)
Monkey Legend (5⭐️)
Black Beach Cafe (5⭐️)
Caramel Cafe*
The entire country is beautiful and relaxing noise is the least of your worries when you travel to Bali. If you’re looking for the local, cultural feel you get more of that in Ubud. If you’re looking for the night life experience, travel about an hour and a half to the town of Seminyak they have about two or three nightclubs which are called La Favela, Motel Mexico’s and Da Maria on Sunday’s. They also have some cool beach clubs such as Finns Beach Club, Potato Head beach club and Mrs. Sippy. Also a lot of what is considered to be instagrammable locations, cool restaurants and larger variety of eats and small boutiques. They even have a mall that features H&M! So if you wanted to add to your wardrobe while out in Seminyak you can definitely do so at the mall.
I solo traveled to Bali, Indonesia last September and had an amazing time! I was there for 9 days total, spending 4 days in Ubud and 5 days in Kuta. Ubud seems to be the more traditional and spiritual side of Bali. I visited the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, which was absolutely beautiful and refreshing. There you can take a ride on the famous Bali swings which is a must do! The monkey forest is also a must do, but make sure you keep a close watch on your personal belongings as the monkeys tend to literally steal cell phones, glasses, etc. If you’re looking to visit a nice temple near Ubud, Pura Tirta Empul is a popular one that is known for its sacred holy spring where you can participate in purifying ritual. You must have a Sarong to visit the temple. Many people will try to aggressively sell them to you on the way to the temple, but when you pay admission, you can borrow a Sarong at the entrance. If you’re a cheapie like me, the Ubud art market is the place to be; tons of clothes, bags, and art work that you can bargain for cheap prices; I highly recommend.
Kuta is a very cool and hip beach town with a lot of nice (very expensive) boutiques and bars. If you’re looking to see beautiful views of the sunset in Bali, try visiting La Plancha. La Plancha is restaurant with seating right on the beach, decorated with colorful umbrellas and bean bag chairs. It’s very popular so it’s best to get there early or make reservations! Kuta is full of fancy beach clubs with good music and food (expensive); Finns and Potato Head are a couple I visited and would recommend. If you’re looking for nightlife, Kuta definitely has that down pat. Definitely check out La Flavela; it’s definitely a must see just for the decorations inside. Sky dome is a big and crowded techno-ish type club that is on a street with tons of other bars/clubs; great spot for bar hopping. There are people who will try to sell you drugs, women, etc in this area; very sketchy so stay away from them if they approach you. If you are looking for artsy vibes and enjoy street art, you should definitely visit Canggu.
I could literally write a novel about all the things to do and see in Bali. I was there for 9 days and still had sooo many things I didn’t get the see. It’s such a beautiful place and pictures do it no justice. If you truly want to explore Bali to it’s fullest I’d recommend planning to stay 2-3 weeks. I don’t tend to travel to the same place twice, but I’m definitely planning on going back to Bali in the future.
Bali gotta be the best trip I’ve taken thus far! The island is just so beautiful. I was there for a total of 5days and although I did so many activities, I feel like I have to go back because there is still so much to do there that I wasn’t able to do. I feel like you need a good 10days to be able to truly see majority of the island.
We researched a lot on what to do from what we saw on Instagram that we liked and made our plans accordingly. We selected a customizable tour from getyourguide.com for $80 for 2. They have set tours where they have a list of where they take you but we didn’t like that because they usually make sure to stay in only one side of the island. With the customizable tour you’re able to plan your whole. You just tell the driver where you would like to go to and he would take you. After talking with our driver, he told us that he only receives a small portion from what we pay on trip advisor, so we agreed to give him $50 a day and he remained our driver for the whole trip. The following are the activities that we did:
– Handara gates
– Hidden hills
-lake Bratan
– tanbana Baturiti coffee field
– UNESCO rice field
– Bandog Sangeh Monkey Forest. If you want the monkeys to jump on you for pictures go to this one. Food is prohibited at the “Bali monkey forest”
– Kanto lampo waterfalls
– Bali zoo
– Omnia pool party
Bali is such a beautiful place. I stayed here with a friend after spending New Years in Singapore. Let me start by saying Bali is beautiful, I love it! It is hands down the cheapest country I have ever been to.
I stayed at Royal Samaja Villas which is a luxury villa in Seminyak. My villa had a private pool with a spacious living room outside by the pool. Breakfast was included and pretty tasty. The hotel was located around tons of restaurants and shopping malls, all in walking distance. It was also located in close proximity to the beach.
We learned that everything we wanted to do in Bali was pretty spread out. So instead of getting an expensive taxi we hired a a private driver for about $34 for 10 hours. He took us anywhere we wanted as long as it was in a 10 hour time frame. He was very responsive and friendly via WhatsApp +62 831-6307-9345. I would also recommend using an app called “Grab” which is their version of Lyft and Uber. This will save you money when traveling.
We got to experience the Bali swing which was so cool. You are literally on a huge swing in the middle of the jungle. Not to mention the scenery there is perfect for pictures. Other activities we did included the Mason Elephant Lodge, where we washed and fed elephants and the Aling Aling Waterfall. This was such a beautiful waterfall with such stunning views and pretty blue water. We also jumped from this waterfall, and hiked through it, which was amazing!
My favorite part of Bali was Nusa Pineda! This is such a hidden gem! This was by far one of the prettiest places I’ve ever seen! There is a makeshift staircase leading down to the beach which can be pretty dangerous if you’re not careful. But totally worth it once you reach the bottom. I would caution you, going up and down the staircase is quite the workout, especially in the scorching hot sun. I would highly recommend bringing some water for the trip up and down.
I definitely would recommend Bali! The culture and really cheap food makes this place a must see!
Went to Bali in September with one of my girlfriends. We had an AMAZING time! One of my best trips yet. Bali is truly inexpensive, and there are plenty of things to do. During our time in Bali we stayed in Ubud and Seminyak. Personally, I prefer Ubud. There is much more to do, and everything is easily accessible. Visiting the Sacred Monkey Sacruary is a must! Also, if you’re physically fit, I would suggest Mount Batur Sunrise Hike. It’s a 4 hour hike and you go up about 1700 meters. Totally worth it once you get to the top! Definitely won’t regret it.
Nusa Penida – One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to, the views are unreal. This was on my bucket list for a long time and I felt so blessed to tick it off. The journey to get to this gorgeous island isn’t easy, you’ll take a boat to the island followed by an hours bumpy ride. If you suffer from motion sickness then you will definitely struggle so I’d suggest taking the necessary tablets an hour before starting the journey. But it’s completely worth it. I took a day trip here however there is an option to stay over night and explore further, something I’ll be doing next time I visit.
Cabina Bali – Great place to have brunch, with the option of a floating brunch in the pool. The cocktails are good. Food wise I would recommend sticking to Balinese food, I had the fried rice and it was amazing. It’s not the place to order chicken and waffles. Also if you’re like me and love taking snaps, then you’re in luck because there are a lot of photo opportunities here (very Instagramable venue). Book online for floating breakfast/brunch.
My husband and I went to Bali for our honeymoon. We stayed at the Villa Jasmine Dewata in Seminyak which is a tourist region near the coast. We found our villa through Airbnb and for a 2 bedroom/2 bath with a private pool, you are going to pay less than you would at a hotel in the US ($80/night). If you are looking for somewhere that has a ton of restaurants, bars, and people who speak English, Seminyak is the perfect destination. Definitely check out some of the beach clubs that have drinks and music (it’s like a day party all day), our favorites were Mrs Sippy and Potato Head. However, I recommend doing a day tour in Ubud for the other fun cultural stuff: waterfall, temples, coffee plantation, rice fields, bayou swing. We did a day tour through Airbnb ($40) with a guide and full transportation all day ($15/person more for transportation outside of Ubud) and it was AMAZING. Overall our trip was so much fun and eye-opening. Your American dollar will get you very far in Bali, 100,000 rupiah is the price of a fancy meal at a nice restaurant and it is $7 USD, but always remember to to negotiate with the vendors to get even better deals. We didn’t have any problems taveling while black but you may get a few curious stares as they don’t see us very often. If you’re considering visiting Bali, DO IT!
Bali is one of the most beautiful and cultured place I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. There’s a lot of things to do in Bali, you’ll never have to worry about being bored. My only worry was not having enough time to do more. Saying that, I was in Bali for a week! This is absolutely not long enough to enjoy Bali but I got a taste and now I can’t wait to go back. A few things I would advise while in Bali:
1) Transportation – make sure to download the “Grab” or “Go Jek” app these are great, cheaper and very easy to use. You can choose to pay cash or card on the app. If you do find yourself in a normal taxi or bike, make sure you agree on a price before you accept the ride. From my experience they will over charge you at the destination and get quite aggressive if you question it.
2) Data – if you’re anything like me then data and maintaining connectivity is a big thing. In which case I’d suggest buying a SIM card from the airport, it’s about 250 Rupiah which is roughly $18/£14 for one week unlimited data. If you’re staying longer there are other price plans.
3) General – As a black woman/man be prepared for a lot of staring (especially in groups) and people taking pictures/videos of you. Some will ask your permission but most won’t.
– Be prepared to eat a lot of rice, it tastes amazing. It’s what they’re known for but it can be a lot.
– Leave early for tours, it’s hard waking up but it’s worth it. Even in low season (March when I went) it gets very busy and the wait to do things can be exhausting.
I travel often and one of the things I loved most was how affordable everything was. The highlight of my trip to Bali was the fact that you are able to get luxury travel at such a low cost starting with the Hotel, to the food, to everyday excursions. I stayed at The Stones hotel..4 star resort and I payed 86 dollars a night with full breakfast included during my stay. I also booked several day trips to Ubud from the Legian area and had my personal driver daily for a cost of 47 dollars from 7:30am to 6pm. We made several stops, while he told me the history of the place and took me to several local restaurants and everything ranged from 2-7 dollars. Any true travel lover knows once you haul a flight from your home country, cost becomes a factor on the number of activities you partake in. Bali is the place where you do not have to sacrifice food, entertainment and lodging to survive there, from a few days to a week stay without worries. Once ur flight is booked ur set :)
I’ve been to Bali twice last year in July for two weeks and the second time in October for just one week. Both experiences were amazing. Both villas were incredible and very affordable. I stayed at Villa Hening where I paid around $550usd for two weeks. I did so much stuff within my time there. From visiting temples, waterfalls and also the beach clubs. Bali is one of my favorite destinations to travel to. Locals are quite friendly, I didn’t have any problems getting back and forth to and from my villa. Watch out for some of the taxi drivers in Seminyak they would try to over charge you and also at the airport it’s better to contact your hotel and ask for pick up because the money would be a bit confusing at first. But I would highly recommend traveling to Bali!
Do not let the beautiful Instagram pics fool you. Bali is very inexpensive there is a reason why so many Instagram models flock here yearly. The U.S dollar holds an extremely high value in Indonesia. {$1 USD = $14,000 IDR} A budget traveler can easily survive on $10 USD a day. Let us not forget it beautiful here! From the white sand beaches to the jungles, rainforest, and wildlife Indonesia has a whole new world to offer you.
I went to Bali 3 weeks ago with 9 other friends/ family members and we had the most incredible time! We were there celebrating a 30th birthday but we had no idea that this trip would be so special. We rented a 5-br villa (which was beautiful), visited different temples, went snorkeling, partied at beach clubs, fed elephants and just had the most amazing time together. My crew and I travel all over and often but this one particular trip was felt in the soul for all of us. The locals in Bali are so nice and it was great to be able to drive through the cities and see different villages. So many countless to be grateful! This will definitely be a destination that we visit again and I can honestly see myself spending a couple months there in the future. I highly recommend a trip to Bali, whether it’s with a group, a couple, girls trip….whatever! Go to Bali! It’s beautiful and will change you for the better.
I recently travelled to Bali with my sister for a much needed vacation. We stayed in Seminyak at a place called Kumpul Kumpul villas and we paid $300 for 4 days. Now, I am usually very savy at finding good deals but this time I dropped the ball. I was very busy at work so ended up booking last minute. The prices change by the minute so ended up paying way more than i should have. Airbnb is a good place to look for places to stay, combined with youtube/instagram search of the places to make sure its all good. Do i recommend kUMPUL kuMPUL? NO!! They invested so much in the office area and the pool area but the villas themselves are old and impractical. This is one thing I found, the pictures look great but the places are a far cry from the pictures, so be really careful when picking a place. What you see is not what you get. LOL. the breakfast was average and they were very inflexible with check-in times , also all their advertised services were more expensive than just paying for the service on your own.
The next thing we did was try to cut costs and get a driver for the day to hit all the spots we wanted to. The cost was $50 for the whole day. You will be responsible for paying all entrance fees to places you visit. I would only recommend this if you have specific spots you want to hit and have done all the research beforehand. Also, have it in writing when you discuss rates with the driver because in our case, we thought we had agreed on where to go but some things were lost in translation and we ended up having to miss going to certain spots and just improvising on the go.
Also, keep in mind the drivers get commission to bring you to certain places so make sure you insist on where YOU want to go (do your research). Our driver took us to one place for the Bali swing, another place for pictures and then the tea plantation, when we could have just gone to the tea plantation for all 3. Or you could book scheduled tours which charge about $60 per person inclusive of all entrance fees and lunch, that way all the research is done for you and you know what you are getting upfront.
I got a massage in Seminyak for approx $7.50 and it was divine. Will definitely head back for that alone! Mani/Pedis / facials were also around that price!!!
Another tip: do not change your money at the airport, you get way better rates in the city.
I would definitely return to Bali, and now I am definitely more savvy :). My plan is to stay in Ubud this time, since I only stayed there for 1 night and absolutely loved it. I hope this review saves someone a dime or two.
Bali was amazing and I will be back! It was relaxing yet packed with adventure! My Airbnb was a villa and as a solo female traveler from the city it did that some getting used to with all of the critters from outside. There were several affordable massage options and English is widely used. If people don’t speak English they know enough to get you where you are going. Download the Grab app for taxis they are really cheap! It’s like Uber. There were plenty of nightlife options just use google. As far as all the awesome instagram pics, you can pay a driver from your Airbnb connection or a taxi you meet I mean you can literally go to Bali with no plans and find days worth of things to do. Bali swing on Instagram gives all the swing spots and gives driver options also! Drivers are no more than $30-$40! I mean everything is cheap. Also, my flight to Singapore was only $30 from Bali and less than 2 hours so that’s another thing to do and passport stamp!
Beware that there is a plethora of other tourists, some who have never seen black people and will ask for random pictures as if you are a celebrity!
*Our Airbnb villa https://abnb.me/1L2RN2UENU
Our Airbnb day experience https://abnb.me/uOPtU13ENU
I traveled with my best friend to Bali in November of 2018. We stayed at the and the Inaya Putri Bali Nusa Dua Resort but hired the most amazing tour guide, Kadek Sudirta (found on IG for $180 for the day) to take us around the island. Completely trustworthy! He picked us up early so our day started at 6am so we could get to the Gates of Heaven before the rush made the line super long. This place was almost a 3-hour drive from our hotel, but WELL worth the drive. We had to wear sarongs, which Kadek had for us, but there was a stand to purchase if not. The Gates to Heaven is a popular picture site and is best visited on clear days, so you can see the volcano in the background. The hike up is a bit tiring but well worth the view up in the clouds. Take a tip for the photographer who is there to capture the “illusive” moment. The photo memory is well worth it.
Our next stop was the Tirta Gangga Water Palace which was also beautiful. Our payment to Kadek included our entry fee to the palace and we bought food to feed the Koi fish which made our time there super memorable. Highly recommended because the fish flock to you as you walk through the pond and it makes for amazing pictures. For an additional fee, we paid to actually go to the part of the water palace where we could swim in the Holy water. This was a treat, but it was very cold. Very spiritual and serene.
The other stop was the Tukad Cepung waterfall. Our guide paid the entry fee to this place as well. Now it was a good little 15-20 minute hike down but pretty magical once you got down there. It is somewhat like walking through the jungle so there is wild life. We did see a snake, but we just kept it moving! Plenty of photos to be taken at the waterfall and not far to walk to get into, under or behind it. It was refreshing! The view up to the top of the water fall allowed the sun rays to peak through which made it absolutely beautiful. Beware of the hike back—it’s uphill and the stairs are steep so it can test your stamina!
Overall, we agreed that adding this tour was one of the best decisions of our trip to Bali!
Bali, Indonesia is one of the most beautiful Southeast Asian cities that I have ever had the pleasure to visit. Scenery, culture and pleasant smiling faces of local people come to mind when I think of this cities charm.
I am not sure about you, but when I go to a new country I like to fill my days with many activities, including traveling from city to city. I was in Bali from February 16th- 25th 2019. I visited 4 different places that gave vastly different experiences from one another.
Candidasa:
Candidasa is very small town located on the coast of Bali. Since it is on the outskirts of Bali you can enjoy a relaxing day at the beach, having massages arranged at your hotel, or doing water sports, such as snorkeling or scuba diving. We stayed at Abalone Resort and it was extremely nice, and very cheap. The staff was very friendly and anything that you wanted to do they were more than willing to schedule it for you. I took a snorkeling trip to Blue Lagoon and it was great! The water in some places is shallow because of the coral reefs, so if you are not the greatest swimmer, this is great for you. You will have a private boat as well so you will not feel rushed while there. I also visited the city center there. To be honest, it wasn’t much of a city center, but you can’t really expect too much from such a small town. The food there was just ok. I was not blown away by any of the dishes, not even the local ones. You should definitely be aware that most, if not all, things close at around 7:30ish. So if you want to have a late night snack I suggest that you stock up at the convenient store.
Nusa Penida:
The second place that I visited was Nusa Penida! If you are an outdoorsy person who loves nature and adventure then this is definitely the place for you. There are so many interesting things to do here. I was here for 2 days, but I wish that I had a bit more time to explore the beauty of this island. The first day I arrived I just explored on my own. The streets there are very narrow. When you are in a car it feels like you are on a roller coaster. Most of the roads are undeveloped so be sure to put a seatbelt on and hold on. The second day I bought a tour. The first part of the tour was snorkeling. This was an amazing experience! They take you to 4 different places. At the first snorkeling site I was lucky enough to see a manta ray! (tip: if you want to swim with the mantas be sure that you take the tour very early because when the boats come to where they are, they quickly swim away). The other 3 places I saw many different fish ranging from big to small, and you may be lucky enough to see a sea turtle. The second half of the tour we went to 2 different beaches. The first was Broken Beach, a sight to behold. The color of the blue water, the jagged representation of the rock with the lush green vegetation that complimented them was something that you imagine you only in movies. This a great place to take pictures. The second place (which was my favorite place) was Kelingking Beach. This place is a place that I suggest everyone to experience at least once in their lifetime. You have a great view of the peninsula that protrudes from the beach. I also suggest that you climb down to the beach. Getting to the beach below is not an easy task, nor is it for the faint at heart. I will promise you that although the climb down is hard, it is worth it. Not many people do it, so when you make it down, there are not many people there. If you didn’t bring water don’t worry, there is a guy down there that will sell it to you. We stayed at Kuwera Homestay. This place was very nice and clean and the house keeper made an amazingly delicious breakfast for us each morning. Food and nightlife in Nusa Penida is more or less the same as in Candidasa except there are a few 24hour convenient stores that you can visit.
Ubud:
Ubud was a bit more livelier than the two previous places–being that you can have a nightlife until about 11-11:30pm. Here, there are many things to do. The first thing we did was a trekking tour up Batur Mountain (which is also an active volcano). You start the tour very early at around 4am in order to watch the sunrise in the morning. This is also a tour that you will need a lot of energy to complete because the path up is very rocky and steep. Be sure to wear very comfortable shoes and pack water in your bag. When you make it to the top of the mountain you will quickly realize that the view is worth every step and drop of sweat (because there were a few times that I second guessed my decision to make the trip). There are people, besides your guide, that will help you up the mountain, but you will have to tip them. At the top you can take amazing pictures with an even more amazing background and breathe the fresh air. Later that day I decided to rent a motorbike and show myself around the city. Renting a motorbike is very easy, fun, and convenient. I went to visit the Tegallalang Rice Terrace. This is where they have that famous swing that you can get amazing pictures. You need to donate some money in order to enter the Terrace, but 5,000 was enough. Last I went to visit Tegenungan Waterfall. Before arriving, it rained earlier that day, so the water was mud brown, but it did not take away from the beauty of it. The food Ubud was a bit better than the last two places because there were a lot more options. The hotel that I stayed at, Sri Ratih Cottages, was so great. The room was very large and the bathroom was a place that you could stay in for hours just sitting in the bathtub. The staff was superb and very knowledgeable of anything that one would be interested in doing in Ubud.
Seminyak:
After about 7 days of relaxing it was time to party, and Seminyak is the place to do just that! You are not too far from the beach so there are many beach bars. My favorite bar by far was Potato Head. The ambiance of this bar is just perfect. They are open all day so you can spend hours there. Any and every thing that you need is there: drinks, food, the beach, and most importantly cool, friendly and beautiful people. I did not spend time exploring the city because I was there to party and let off some steam from the past 7 days. The drinks at the bar are quite expensive in relation to how much you will spend on food. I found that all of the drinks in Bali were quite expensive comparatively, but they are quite strong so unless you have a high tolerance, it won’t take too many drinks to get you where you need to be :). I stayed at The Grand Mas Hotel. It was quite nice, clean and located very close to the beach, but the rooms reminded me of a college dorm. It’s a nice place to stay if you plan to be out all day exploring the city, or shopping.
Overall, my Bali trip was a really good one. You get the best of both worlds, you can relax and find your center and/or you can be in the thick of it all. This place gives you many options and it is quite cheap which makes it a premier place to visit. I will definitely be back!
I traveled to Bali Jan. 22 – 26 and it was rainy season. We stayed in Ubud at the Ubud Dedari Villas. http://www.ubuddedarivillas.com/ . I loved this place. We stayed for 4 days and booked the 1 bedroom villa with breakfast and he total was $288.41. The people there are extremely nice and go above and beyond for anything that you need. We originally booked for Jan 21 – 25 but we missed our flight so we came a day later. They allowed us to change our reservation at no charge. Our villa was beautiful, and big! The bathroom was outside but enclosed so beware of bugs and lizards. We just kept the door closed and locked until we actually had to go in there. Breakfast was amazing! The banana pancakes and the Bali breakfast are a must try! The pancakes do come with honey instead of syrup btw. All you do is call and order your breakfast in the morning and they will deliver it straight to your room. They do have a free shuttle to the Ubud center. The shuttle is on a schedule but if they aren’t fully they will take you whenever you’re ready if you jus ask. The actual property is very beautiful and scenic for great pictures. And the do have an infinity pool !! Can’t fault this place at all. Highly recommend.
My favorite part of Bali was the $10 one hour massages I had everyday when I was there. The great thing is that they are so cheap you don’t even have to bargain with them. Also, most of the massage spots come with a foot soak before hand, a one hour massage, a 30 minute flower bath and a cup of tea once you finish up. Also, there is an abundance of massage spots in Bali so it wont be difficult for you to find some.
Also, if you want that Instagram pick that everyone has in the pool eating the bali breakfast, you should note that most hotels don’t allow you to have this breakfast in their pool unless you are staying there. In fact because we stayed at a villa it was actually difficult even finding a place that would allow us to stop by for breakfast in the pool. But I wouldn’t stress too much about this because most of the spas will offer a similar setting just without the breakfast
Ubud: If there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I’ve grown accustomed to a life of being around wild animals. I visited the Monkey Forest in Ubud, Bali and that place is right up my alley. It cost me 40,000 IDR ($3 USD) and I spent an hour and a half there. The Ubud Monkey Forest, also called the Sacred Monkey Forest, is one of Bali’s most popular tourist attractions. It is the home of the Macaques Monkey, the most widespread primate across the globe, native to Asia and Northern Africa. There are multiple paths to take when walking in through the vast amount of trees, and there are so many sections to discover. Deep the forest lies Hindu temples that serve an important spiritual role in the life of the local community. Statues throughout the forest give the area even more of an ancient feel. It reminds me of the old Nickelodeon game show “Legends of the Hidden Temple,” and that’s how it felt being there. I found myself debating whether or not I should choose the road less traveled (or not traveled at all) and test my luck with the monkeys down in the stream. The Monkey Forest is a must-visit when in Ubud, Bali. They provide a safe, once in a lifetime experience to interact with one of the most popular monkey species on earth.
We stayed in two villas one in Kuta the other in nusa cennigan. My favorite location was in Kuta. Nusa Cennigan is relaxing but Kuta has everything centrally located. Just a grab taxi away to get around town.
Bali is one of my best trip. I love the Balinese people, so friendly and welcoming.
Kuta is a very attractive city and you have to visit Ubud for the rice fields. To get there, my cousin and I rented a private taxi with driver, it isn’t that expensive. We went to kanto lampo waterfall, Ubud village and the Ubud Kajeng rice fields. This experience is unique.
Bali was full of adventure and lots of activities. On our first day, we biked to the beach to the beach. We rented bikes from our hotel and biked to the nearest beach. There were an array of restaurants that served everything from hamburgers to lobsters. We noticed a cute spot so we stopped there to have lunch which was very affordable. Next door to the restaurant was a massage parlor so we both enjoyed an hour-long couples massage for about Rp 600,000 banknotes this price was included with two sarungs I purchased from them. Which is actually about $41.00 USD. We went to the Bali swing and this was one of the main things I wanted to do when I started researching Bali. I follow a few travel pages on Instagram and everyone always visits the swings so of course I was excited to finally get the chance to swing. It was such a fun experience something everyone should do when visiting Bali. The elephant ride at the Bali Zoo was an unbelievable surreal experience. We actually rode an elephant!!! OMG!! It was such a fun experience. The ride was about 30 minutes. You have to try the Sea Walker where you go to the bottom of the sea and feed the fish. You’re down there for about 30 minutes and make sure you pay for the pictures and videos so you can have as memories.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali has gone into my books as one of my favourite destinations to visit, and yes, you must visit Bali at least once in your lifetime. I loved it so much, I just celebrated Christmas 2018 in Bali and I am not booking another one week stay in Summer (August 2019).
Now here’s why I love Bali
Where to Stay:
* Bali literally gives you an option of both worlds. The JUNGLE or The Beach. Both are about 3 hours away from each other so you can always make a day or one night stay trip if your big on road trips like I am.
My mister and I really wanted to explore the Jungle side of Bali, so we found this spectacular resort called Pramana Watu Kurung in Ubud. My GOD! This place is heaven. Google it. I wish I could attach pictures here. When we arrived, we were put up in a two storey detachable condo, it was spacious, had a private pool and two baths, once downstairs and one upstairs. It comes with other amenities such as TV, Wifi, Fridge, etc. Compared to a lot of places, for a five star, it was quite affordable. We stayed 9 nights and paid about $2500. Out of the 9 nights, they upgraded us to the Royal/Presidential Suite. We were celebrating out anniversary so it was such a fantastic gesture.
Things to do:
* Asia is probably the one place you will find cheap but VEEEERY good massages on every corner you turn to. When we discovered Carla Spa in Ubud, we started going there everyday for massages. We literally paid about $10 per person for a two hour full body massage.
* Bali Swing: A must do. Bali is very well known for this. During my trip I wanted to visit a swing where I did not have to queue in line to get pictures i.e. The famous “Bali Swing” which is on rice fields. I managed to get a newer swing called Hideaway Swing Bali which also has several swing options. I took some of my best pictures here.
* Waterfalls in Bali : Really loved visiting the waterfalls in Bali and capturing some really amazing moments. Bali has so many waterfalls, you’d be spoilt for choice. You just need to google one and make your way.
Local Food
I found local food options a bit limiting but maybe it’s the restaurants I went to. We really loved the wontons from Arang Sate Bar Ubud.
Bali is one of my favorite places to visit because
1. It’s affordable
2. Has a variety of great food options
3. PLENTY of things to do
4. Have the nicest people in the world
So I paid less than $1000 for the entire trip. Here’s a quick breakdown: my flight was $500 round trip and my accommodations at a Bed & Breakfast was $160 for 5 days ($80 of which I paid since the cost was split between a friend and I). This price included breakfast everyday. All activities were $75 and I paid about $85 for transportation (approx $24 for 1/2 day of driving). Spent approximately $100 – $150 on food.
The food was great. There’s a slew of restaurants that stay opened pretty late. Three Monkey’s Cafe was a dope and chill restaurant. They played Nina Simone and Sade while I was there.
Activities: Below are some of the activities I checked out while in Bali.
Bali Swing ($35), Tengalalang rice terraces ($1), Tira Epul Holy Water Temple ($2.06), Tegenungan Waterfall ($1), Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary ($4), Karsa Spa ($7), Sea Walking ($23).
From bathing in a tub of flowers to experiencing marine life walking on a sea floor. From feeding monkeys to swinging between two trees in a forest, overall Bali was a magical experience with the nicest people I’ve ever met. I can’t wait to go back!!!
My boyfriend and I stayed at both the udaya resort and spa and the Ubud heaven sayan villas. The Ubud heaven sayan villas were gorgeous with beautiful handmade carvings in the roof, marble bathroom floors and a gorgeous private pool that wasn’t too hot or too cold. The beds are comfortable and room service was very tentative to our needs. These also contained a beautiful patio area with a fridge filled with beer and other beverages, complimentary coffee, a cooking area and outdoor seating. On top of all that there was also another private area to the left of the Villa perfect for physical activity such as yoga. The area was surrounded by Lush trees and flowers. It was so peaceful waking up in the morning to the sound of roosters. The Villa was well Insulated and air-conditioned. The food was pretty good with many choices to choose from. These villas go for less than $100 a day. In saying that, these will be good for travelers who want to stick to a decent budget but also be able to experience many of the luxuries that Bali has to offer.
For the udaya resort and spa and spa, this villa Is for those individuals who don’t mind spending more money And Are looking to go all out. These villas were perfect for honeymooners and setting the romance. This villa came with a huge private pool and chaise lounge chairs, with lush plantation and a fountain. The villa contains a gorgeous bath and two showers with a king size bed. Complementary Kureige coffee was available along with a bowl of the local fruit and other snacks. We arranged for a flower bath which contained A truck load of Beautiful flowers that smelled amazing and filled the tub with at least an inch thick of flowers. We literally felt like we were in heaven at this resort. It was a dream come true. Spa services were amazing though a little bit on in the pricier side. We also upgraded to the floating lunch which tasted amazing and had a beautiful presentation. Definitely worth the money if luxury is what you are looking for. Expect to spend over $200 a night here.
Both resorts were about a 10 minute car or scooter ride from downtown Ubud. I would definitely stay at both again!
I’m currently in Bali, Indonesia and am staying at the Rimba Hotel in Jimbaran. Rimba is the only hotel to to stay when visiting Bali for the following reasons:
– 7 pools
– 8 restaurants
– private beach
– 2 different gyms
– world class spa with holistic healers
– envy worth views
– the only bar on a cliff in all Bali
– amazing and attentive staff
Make sure to ask for room 4407, 4408, 45007 or 4408 because the views are post card worthy and exactly what you see in the brochure. I was blessed enough get one of these rooms and it’s SPECTACULAR. http://www.ayana.com
Bali was by far the BEST trip I’ve ever been on in my 3 years of travel. I was there for 7 days but that wasn’t enough, you need AT LEAST 10 days to really explore Bali. Everything was amazing there. It was very affordable, the villa I stayed in was really dope and super cheap, there was endless activities to do, everyday I had a packed day full of activities, the food was so amazing, the culture was awesome, and the people, oh my god…THE PEOPLE there was so nice to me and treated me like family. I remember halfway through the trip I made a mistake and left my debit card in the ATM, and I didn’t pay for my activites for the rest of my trip because I was paying by day. I think I had maybe 4 days left of activities but not enough money to last nor pay for the remaining days. The tour company Bali Customized Tours owner Ketut Supanca asked if I could PayPal him the money instead, and for some reason I could not login into my paypal. I asked him if I could wait until I got back to my hometown to send it, and he allowed me to continue my activities, and even gave me extra spending money for whatever else I needed. That was by far the best experience EVER! The driver I had for the activities name Agus was so cool, we became friends and he took me to his home to meet his family, it was just a great a experience overall. Bali is definitely the place to visit! I’m definitely going back.
Bali is truly a magical place! It has been at the top of my bucket list for quite some time and I have to say that it lived up to my expectations and more! Pictures just don’t do it justice! The scenery is absolutely dreamy from the lush greenery to the torquioise blue waters.
I went for 9 days and stayed in 3 different areas of Bali, first being Seminyak. This is anywhere from 20-50min from the airport depending on traffic. This area is fairly modern with a strip of restaurants and plenty of shops. Everything is within walking distance but renting a scooter is most convenient ( & cheap! ~$7/day) to get around anywhere on the island really. While there, I ate at MamaSan & La Lucciola, two amazing restaurants with beautiful ambience and even better food. We also went to Potatoe Head Beach Club which is a fun spot with daybeds & food/drinks.
Ubud is about 1hr away from Seminyak and is more for nature lovers and relaxing. We went to Tegenungan Waterfall ( which has a swing to take pictures) & D’Tukad River club at the top of the waterfall is a must! There you can see the beautiful rice fields! We also hiked Mount Batur ( a volcano), which is close by.
Lastly, we stayed in Sanur which is known for its beautiful beaches. I found the hotels to be overpriced ( stayed at Fairmount), however it’s convenient if you want to take a day trip to neighboring Bali islands, as the docks are there. We went Nusa Penida where we went to the hidden gem Kelingking Beach! The views were unbelievable!
The only thing was I got food poisoning (“Bali Belly”) but I pushed on through and made the most of my trip! Overall, I would highly recommend this destination to everyone! You’ll fall in love!
Bali is Magical!!!
I recently spent 3 days in Bali (yes only 3 ) in November, but was able to do so much thanks to my personal tour guide @mano_balitourguide.
Do not exchange money at the airport maybe just a small amount for transportation to your accommodation. There are many exchange bureaus around where you will get a better rate.
If taking a taxi to Seminyak do not pay more than $200,000 rp ($15usd).
Bali is very inexpensive, food is good, people are friendly and as a solo female traveler I felt pretty safe venturing out on my own. A must do is a Flower bath (instagram worthy pics ?) I paid $22usd for a 2 hour massage followed by a flower bath from Spa Bali in Seminyak. I visited :
– Ubud Monkey Forest
– Tirta gangga water palace
– Tirta Epul Holy water Temple
– Tukad Cepung Waterfall
– Lempuyang Temple (Gate of Heaven)
– Bali Swing
There is a small fee of less than $5usd to enter these attractions except the Bali Swing which is $30usd and includes food.
BALI is a MUST DO!!! I definitely will visit again.
Bali is AMAZING. Its definitely worth the hype and so much more. The pictures don’t do it justice, it’s a place everyone should experience for themselves. There’s so much to see and do. I highly recommend all of the following places: Tirta Gangga, Ulun Danu, Taman Ujung, Pura Lempuyang, Karsa Spa, Bali Swing, Ubud Market, Tanah Lot, Tegenungan Waterfall, and Tegalalang Rice Terrace. I definitely recommend hiring a driver to take you to all the above mentioned places and wherever else you’d like to go. I used @mano_balitourguide. You can find him and contact him on Instagram. He was great! My friend and I sent him a list of all the places we wanted to visit and he organized a personalized itinerary for us. He also has his own itineraries if you’re not sure where all you’d like to go. And the cherry on top, he takes awesome pictures so no worries there if you’re a solo traveler. All in all, Bali was one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been and I will definitely be going back in the near future to experience even more.
Bali is beautiful and inexpensive to travel to. Bali is the type of city that you need 2 weeks to explore. Ubud offers activities like the Monkey Sanctuary ( entry was on 3 USD) and Sanur offers the beautiful beaches. I believe a budget of 25 USD will cover all activities and food the day.
I visited Bali in March 2017 and I must say its definitely in my top 3 favorite travel destinations, so much so that I’m throwing a group trip there next year. The photos that you see posted on social media of Bali does the place no justice. Its truly a magical place. I like to say heaven on earth. Anything you’re looking for in a vacation destination to relaxation, affordability, good food, adventure , culture, nice beaches and just an overall 5 star luxury experience Bali offers it. I stayed in a gorgeous beach front airbnb and also at the luxury hanging garden Bali hotel. Activities varied from the rice terrace, monkey forest, riding and bathing elephants, the gorgeous beach club (Sunday’s beach club), ATV’s and awesome massages. The people were so welcoming and accommodating. I never felt judged or treated differently because of the color of my skin. Bali is a MUST and should be on everyone’s travel wish list.
Bali has no shortage of activities to choose from- water sports at West Bali National Park to water slides at Waterbom to ATV, White Water Rafting, Surfing, Sea Walking, Hiking Mt Batur, horse back riding at Black Sand Beach, Snorkeling, boat trips to neighboring islands, temples, Monkey Forest (which I personally avoided like the plague because I am not about that life ?), Bali has something for everyone whether you are traveling as a couple or traveling as a family. You don’t have to pre-book many of these activities (unless it’s a guided tour) but, research & know that the prices online will not necessarily match what they offer in person. Depending on the establishment, you can show them the price online and they will match it.
Transportation:
We hired a driver (Fb: discover bali driver or http://www.discoverbalidriver.com) for the duration of our time in Bali and he created an itinerary based on the sites I wanted to visit. I highly recommend having a driver but, know that your experience may not be the same as someone else’s. Nyoman is the owner of discover Bali and he was sweet but, it was someone else who drove us around. The driver was prompt but, not much of a guide. He couldn’t answer any questions I had about historical monuments and he walked us right into what some may consider tourists traps. Example: Sekumpul waterfall -the driver drove us to the registration point where the locals insist you have to pay for a guide to get to the waterfall. I am all for supporting locals because just about any waterfall in any other country wouldn’t be free to access so that wasn’t the issue. This waterfall became popular due to Instagram and travel bloggers who insist that you don’t have to pay to reach which is part of the problem. Support the locals! The reality is I had done my research and knew that our driver could by pass this registration point and continue on to a car park closer to the access path (series of stairs) that leads to the waterfall. When I said this to the driver, he insisted that we go with the locals. That meant riding on a the back of a motorbike down to the path. I would have gladly paid the guide that led us to the waterfall, what I did not want was to ride on the back of a motorbike (in a dress) when I could have been driven down that path by the driver I hired. Overall, I liked the convenience of not having to google map my way around or worry about safety so hiring a driver is still the way to go.
IG: camempress
I’ve just returned from Bali for my second honeymoon and had an amazing time. We stayed in Bali for 5 nights but split up the cities we stayed in. I wanted a villa in the middle of no where with lots of greenery and a private pool so we stayed in Ubud the first few nights and it as amazing … we didn’t go out at night so not sure there’s much to do.. but after being out all day coming home to peace and quite with just the sounds of insects birds and roosters was dope. If you love nature and lush greenery you should stay in Ubud. The other days we stayed in seminyak which is about an hour or so from Ubud. Seminyak is dope! Lively nice to walk around. Also incredible vegan restaurants. Check out Kynd community and Bali boa. Delicious and super cute for instagram photos. Seminyak we stayed at Montigo resorts which is next door to the W hotel which has this amazing treelined entrance that makes for a great photo. Seminyak is fun for shopping partying nightlife cheap massages and beach clubs! Don’t forget to visit potato head beach, Finns, or Mr. sippy. Fun places. Potato head beach club is right on the water, hip music and great food. Perfect ambiance! Enjoy! And experience both cities!
I was so excited when our driver suggested we visit a new attraction in Bali, the GWK Cultural Park. Visiting GWK was on my bucketlist and I am so glad we went! We were able to experience a traditional Balinese dance performance at the ampitheater. The performance was amazing! The statues are breathtaking. We were able to see the world’s 2nd biggest statue of Lord Vishnu riding the mythical bird Garuda. GWK was a great cultural experience. If you are ever in Bali check it out… you won’t be sorry.
Bali was incredible! Bali has been on my travel list for some time now and we finally got to visit. It’s about a 20 hour flight from the U.S. so brace yourself! We stayed at Crown Bali Villa in the Seminyak area and the villa accommodations were impeccable. We got a personal driver to take us to all the tourist attractions that interested us because it was more affordable that way. We visited the Bali swing which is such a popular thing to do in Bali. We also visited the monkey forest and elephant forest. We then visited the tirta Ganga and the hot springs. There’s so much to do and see in Bali and it’s such a beautiful place! The food is delicious and affordable! The people are nice and they speak English. It’s definitely a place I would visit again!
Bali was simply incredible!! It was hard to choose where to stay when planning but I suggest “New Seminyak” Area. We stayed at a hostel called Capsule Hotel Bali – new seminyak. It was only $10/night!! It’s definitely a party hostel so you’ll be sure to get that Bali nightlife experience. We were the only black people at the place at the time but everyone was super friendly and the locals that worked at the hostel know people who give tours to other parts of Bali i.e. Ubud monkey forest, famous rice fields, waterfalls, and tea sanctuary. It was so easy to talk to the staff at the hostel and everyone who was staying there to receive recommendations on what to do while there. The accommodations at the hostel were pretty standard. It was great for the cost and they also offer breakfast for a few dollars. We felt welcomed and had a blast.
There are so many beautiful places to see on this island an depending on what part you are staying in they will be a far distance away. I recommend hiring a personal driver for the day that can plan a itinerary for you. This is the most cost and time efficient way to see the landmarks instead of booking single tours through Viator an such.
There is sooo much to do here….if you are on honeymoon would definitely recommend going to ubud, stayed at hidden hills for a few days and the view there is unreal. For party life Semiyak is your go to… i personally preferred the chilled out vibes. Uluwata has a lovely hotel if you prefer a one stop trip, I would recommend Ayana . Its also close to the rock bar which seems pretty popular because of its gorgeous views. You get to queue jump if you stay there.
if you fancy going for a road trip, pop over to aling aling water falls, everything is ridiculously cheap around there and you get to do a few activities for under £50 for two people.
For some adventurous activities like riding a bike in a zip line I would reach out to @krisnaadventures on Instagram.
Bali to me is one of the few places where I feel there is something for everyone . Try not to limit yourself to one town and more around as well as explore as much as possible.
Bali is very inexpensive, as most islands are. There’s tons of activities to do and because American dollars are worth so much, you can definitely do a lot for a little. I hired a personal driver for 12 hours and he only charged us $30. He took us all over the island and stopped while we ate, shopped and stopped at a beach! The people are incredibly friendly and you can haggle for lower prices with street vendors. In touristy areas the vendors can be kind of pushy, but just say no and keep it moving.
Birthday Trip to Bali
By Sweetmelanin2x on Instagram.
My stay in Bali was unforgettable. Amazing is an understatement. We stayed in a 2-bedroom Airbnb in Kuta Utara called Orchid villa.
I had the pleasure of staying at the Orchid Villa for 4 days. Where should I begin… our host, Andrew, and his 24hr staff were exceptionally phenomenal. Andrew was extremely responsive, kind, and helpful. He checked on me throughout my stay to ensure that I was having the best experience at his villa and Bali. He took the time to prepare a mobile manual that can provide you with everything you need to know about the villa, the location, and Bali. His staff was refreshingly nice, accommodating, and easy to communicate with. Very kind people and helpful. They made sure that the villa was clean and the beds were made every day. They welcomed us with refreshing drinks and a friendly atmosphere. It was definitely a 5-star experience. Wayan, the driver, was kind, personable, funny, accommodating, informative, and nothing short of amazing. Wayan picked us up from the airport (included) when we arrived in Bali, and dropped us off to the airport (small fee) when we departed from Bali. Wayan took us on a tour for a small fee around Ubud. We enjoyed our experience during the tour with our driver, especially going for a swim at the Tegenugan waterfall and the breathtaking views at each stop. Collectively, Andrew, Wayan, and the staff made us feel like royalty during our stay. The villa is at a perfect location in Seminyak. Everything is in walking distance. There are so many restaurants, spas, gyms, and beach clubs to choose from. The restaurants are all Instagram worthy and they serve spectacular food. The preferred mode of transportation in Bali is a moped scooter, which can be easily rented. However, there are taxis available every step you take near the villa. All and all, the location was ideal. The villa looks better than the pictures. It truly felt like I was living in paradise. The villa is luxurious. My favorite aspect of the villa is the bathroom/outdoor private shower. It felt like I was at a spa each and every time I stepped into the bathroom. The Air Conditioner worked well. The pool was very nice. They spray the villa so that mosquitos are not an issue. The rooms were so spacious with plenty of natural lighting. Truly felt like paradise. I will highly recommend this Villa to everyone planning a trip to Bali. I will definitely stay here the next time I return.
Check out Sweetmelanin2x on Instagram for pics of our trip.
Bali is one of my fave places, I went back for the second time this year. Spent a couple days in Canggu, it has lots of cool restaurants and bars. I stayed at the “farm hostel” £10 a night, great hostel with two pools and the staff was great. Moved on to Ubud and stayed at Puri Gardens hostel which was £12 for dorm rooms again another lovely hostel, did a tour with them that took us to the rice terrace, a school, waterfalls and coffee tasting which I believe was only 200 IDR for a full day of activities. The monkey forest is also a must whilst in Ubud and was located right around the corner from my hostel. I then moved on to Uluwatu, which is quite spread out so I would suggest renting a bike for the day and exploring all the different beaches, dreamland beach is favourite of mines. Finally make sure you check out all 3 Nusa islands, Lembongan, Penida and Ceningan. So many amazing beaches on each island.
Bali is amazing and totally BEAUTIFUL. I spent 5 days in Bali and I wish I could have spent more days. We organized a driving service called The Bali Driver, you can find them on Facebook or on their website (thebalidriver.com) these guys are cool and never late. The whole time we spent there they charged us about $20-30/day. The nice thing is they also organize an plan for you based on the things you would like to do.
For the 1st few nights in Bali we stayed in Ubud and we checked into our hotel called The Athaya Ubud (more details on airbnb). The hotel is nice and has an awesome swimming pool. They have their own restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner, as well as its own spa service that has amazing prices from as little as $10 a massage.
Top 5 things we did and recommend you check out:
1. Lempuyang Temple. This place is always packed and it’s becoming famous so I recommend you Get there early. (Took around and hour to get a picture at each place) cost: $5-10
2. Tirta Gangga Water Village.
I also advise to get here early. Gets a little packed around lunch time and for those who have drones it will cost you around $50 to fly it. The Koi fish are friendly we actually touched a few. Cost: $5
3. Tegenungan Waterfall. Best place to drone. Usually gets lacked after lunch. That was the only waterfall we managed to visit. Cost: $2-5+
4. Rice Terrace at Tegalalang. Make sure your drone is charged for this one.
Cost: free (they normally ask for a donation)
5. Bali Swing. This place is amazing and you will probably spend the whole day here. Ticket comes with access to all (12) swings and a buffet lunch.
cost: $30+ The food is good.
Last two days we spent time in Kuta. The place is mostly filled with foreigners and it’s known to have a good club and restaurant scene. We stayed 10min walk away from the beach. I will advise you keep to the local beer it’s actually amazing.
5 days and totally cost of he whole trip was around $500
Totally going back soon to experience more of what Bali has to offer.
Bali was a thousandaire’s dream! A few hundred dollars equated to millions in IDR (Indonesian Rupiah). I literally spent $400 max over the course of one week. That included tours, several $7 massages, food, and nightlife. (Beware of swanky Westernized clubs as their drink prices are about the same as a club in a major US city: $10-$11). The overall trip 10-day trip cost me approximately $1500. My flight on China Southern was $625 out of JFK. The 7-Bedroom Villa for the week that I split with 13 other people was $415. And, I budgeted $360 in expenses for the week. I hit the ATM up on the second to last day (I took out the equivalent of $32) because I thought I was gonna “ball out” at the market and I still ended up with a good bit of IDR left. A wonderfully affordable trip!
Bali and it’s locals were nothing short of amazing. At first, we were thrown off when we (myself, fiance, and 2 other black couples) first arrived at the Bali (Denpasar) airport because we got disgusted stares from two men (they weren’t Balinese though, I believe they were middle eastern or Indian). We thought that this may be our reality for the next 2 weeks, but this was far from the truth. Balinese people were warm, welcoming and generally very interested in us. Many of them have never seen black people in person before so we got many stares but none were harmful. We were called charming. A local told me “hair good” when I wore my wash-n-go. My fiance and his brother both have locs and many of the locals told them that their hair was nice (one person even curiously asked if their hair was a hat, lol). They were all very intrigued by us and were all in all very warm and welcoming people. Not once did anyone in my group ever feel unwelcome in Bali. I’d certainly recommend it.
Bali was nothing short of amazing! I spent ten days split between Ubud and Seminyak. In Ubud I stayed at the Anahata Villa and Spa. The villa was huge and the staff was very helpful. They cleaned the pool every morning and provided great room service at all times of the day (literally). The breakfast was the best part! In Ubud we booked our adventures through Baliku and had a diver named Sunny who took us everywhere. He was very patient and listened to what we wanted out of the trip. I never experienced the nightlife in Ubud because I was so exhausted from all the activities throughout the day, but from what I read it’s nothing to really talk about and plus you come back from the excursions (Bali swing , monkey forest, rice fields) pretty late. I would highly recommend the night safari tour (they put you in a cage and have lions jump on the cage ) and breakfast with the orangutans. Those two I wish I did while I was there, but was short for time . However I learned about them from my tour guide and other tourists that raved about them. Seawalking was amazing but beware of those who offer multiple activities for a very very low price. We almost got sucked into paying 40$ for seawalking and parasailing from one company when others were charging approx. 60$ , not a huge difference but our tour guide introduced us to someone who worked at at the cheap company were initially planning to go to and he stated that some of those cheap companies take u down and then other boats come on top of you while your down there which isn’t safe. But overall great experience !
In Seminyak we stayed at Villa Dakoda. I would highly recommend and choose the breakfast option as it is only 3$ a day. Yes three dollars ! The best club atmosphere to me was La Favela. The music selection was by far the best I experienced while there and I saw a lot of black people throughout the venue . The drinks were also strong (big plus !). The best happy hour in Seminyak is the bar connected to Dash hotel which is located across from Potato Head. Don’t go on the rooftop just sit out front (the bartender is better). Those two for one drinks are LIT okay! It’s definitely more of a pregame place though but if you go with a large group you won’t even care . The music is also good as they play hip-hop, reggae etc. The area the Sky Garden club is located (can’t rememeber the name ) is where you want to go if you want to experience the Las Vegas strip scene . They look very similar and is filled with both locals and tourists. However, if you do not like smoking some of those bars WILL NOT be for you I’m telling you. I came back to the villa reeking of smoke. Besides that the bars are really fun. You can walk into any bar on that’s strip and have a good time. They have bungee jumping and bull riding between two bars located across from Sky Garden. Also if you plan to go to Sky Garden, do not be discouraged by the price it’s worth it as it includes food .
Bali, Indonesia is one of those countries that will make you feel lik a millionaire lol. You really can’t go wrong with any hotel/ villa you stay at. I stayed at the mandapa ritz Carlton hotel in Ubud and I felt like I was in paradise. During my week in bali( which I don’t think is just enough time to spend lol) I made sure to visit some of the main tourist spots such as the tegalalang rice terrace , the Bali swing , pura lempuyang etc. One of the most things I enjoyed during my stay was the spa. Karsa Spa is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!! For an hour long full body massage and a 30 min flower bath it only came out to $16 !!! No joke !! Please tell me any where else u can get this ??? Yeh no where !!! Lol n the massage was Excellent by the way. The People there are so welcoming also. I would encourage every one to add Bali to list of places you must go.
We stayed in the Hanging garden of Bali! We stayed for three nights, but wish it had been longer.
The location is absolutely beautiful among the forest. The facilities and staff were wonderful, they become familiar with us and greeted us by name. The room was special we were by the river which was quite loud at night, but having our own pool and day bed was great.
Go. To. Bali!!!
Literally enjoyed every minute of my trip. We went for 10 days and I wish I did more. Great for friends, coupes, or even solo; there’s so much to do while you’re there. Here’s my roadmap:
Ubud
– Get a motorbike to get around (not as cheap as Thailand but not crazy)
– Visit Monkey Forest
– Go to a class at Yoga Barn (best yoga venue I’ve ever been to)
– Get a massage…anywhere you can find
– Spend a day to an afternoon at Jungle Fish. This hotel has a bomb infinity pool in the middle of the jungle (Another dope infinity pool is at Hanging Gardens hotel but I didn’t go to that one)
Kuta:
– Beach day (I’m not a huge beach person but this is a famous beach in Bali. More of a surfers paradise than a place to wade in the water. People told me there are way better beaches in the north for chilling)
– Clubs… I thought Kuta was hella touristy, not really my scene. I like Ubud to straight relax and for beaches I would go to other areas. I have to ask around for the name of this place that is supposed to have a great pool party.
– Optional: The cultural masked shows are cool but can be sorta long. Worth it for the experience
BONUS: Gili Trawagan is a 2 ish hour ferry ride from Bali. Good party island. The island has no police. No cars. You can walk the whole this in like 1.5 hours. Great photo opportunity on a swing in the water. There’s a party boat… go on the party boat lol. It’s also cool because pretty much the whole island moves to different clubs in unison. Only one or two are open at different hours each night so it makes it easy. More backpacker/college style party so you’re not going to find a VIP area here. Fun though.
Gili Air is right next to Gili T (the short name for Gili Trawangan) and is good if you tryna get some nature in. Great scuba diving, I hear. There’s a volcano to hike in Lombok I wish I did but I think you’re looking for more relaxation than adventure.
There is no shortage of site seeing in Bali. I stayed in Ubud for a few days to take in the cultural side of Bali. Of course we hit up the Ubud Cultural market. Go there first thing in the morning, the first sale of the day is good luck and you can bargain better prices. One of my favorite places to visit was the Tegenungan Waterfall. The trek to the falls isn’t bad and there lots of photo ops along the way. The Bali Swing closes at 6 and is best to come right before closing, the lines are much shorter. If visiting the Tegallalang Rice Terraces make sure you walk with cash donations. You will be charged a donation to cross the bridges and to take pictures at some signs. The remainder of my trip was spent in Seminyak which is very touristy. Finns Beach Club is a must. If you are into fine dining Merah Putih will hit the spot. We partied at La Favela and finished the night off at Boss Man burgers which is open until 4 AM. I also an amazing tour driver. If you are looking for a local to show you sites and charge a fair price call Made Tour Driver +62 812-3946-6504. He’s on what’s app. Hope you have great and safe travels!
Our Bali trip was absolutely STUNNING! We were in Bali for 5 days and we always had something to do. We used a driving service called The Bali Driver (thebalidriver.com) and they were amazing. This driving service took us anywhere we wanted to go no matter where we were located for about $20-30/day. We literally did EVERYTHING.
Once we got to Bali we checked into our hotel called The Athaya Ubud. This place was beautiful and quietly tucked away from the crowd. This hotel has it’s own restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner, as well as its own spa service (Highly recommend this place). After we got some rest we started our adventure. Things I recommend you check out:
1. Lempuyang Temple (Get there early because it’s always crowded because of popularity)
2. Tirta Gangga Water Village (Stunning and the Koi fish are our favorite things ever!)
3. Tegenungan Waterfall (If you have a drone, use it here! That waterfall is one to capture)
4. Rice Terrace at Tegalalang (Another gorgeous place to get those perfect pictures and drone shots!)
5. Bali Swing (This place has about 12 swings and different nest for great photo opp and especially great for couples. Ticket to this place comes with access to all swings and a buffet style lunch)
All the attractions in Bali costed us about $5-15 depending on what we did.
We loved Bali so much and plan to go back soon!
Bali. Indonesia is AMAZING, listen… MUST DO IT!
And the price speaks to ALL pockets, very tight budgets all the way to honeymoons or college students. If done correctly I stayed a total of 12 days and spent with housing, Tours, Food, Drinks, and extra here and there items.. $315 :)
Housing is a true BEAUTY here, you can go down many routes of comfortbility from Airbnb, Hotels, and my favorite is Hostels :). Now a lot of people have this negative stigma/ rep for being nasty or sketch but there are honestly cleaner hostels than hotels sometimes. In Bali I paid $6/night and spent less than 5 hours in bed. So it’s a win in my opinion.
TAXI situations: For the most part no one has a true set price and you can bargain with them for honestly 100,000rp (7.00usd) to anywhere.. but you must know your destinations and not let them cheat you.
Food: TRULY the best part, all traditional meals are under $5 for some FIRE plates.. I can’t speak for all the tourist spots, they vary with price to Appel ovvisouly to travelers.
Tours are extremely affordable and you can make and create packages with a guide or place, just depending on what you want to do, and last but not least.. massages :) they are ALWAYS under $10
Hope this was enough to convince you, if not, just got to google or #Bali on IG!
Here are some links to where I stayed as well
https://abnb.me/b4PeaFiplQ
https://abnb.me/O5dzKkmplQ
Bali is a paradise for vegetarians and vegans. Often when I travel I have few to no options I can eat, and even the “vegetarian” options are at least cooked with a meat or fish base. Bali is the exact opposite. The island is majority Hindu, and vegetarianism is completely accepted. Every single restaurant has had many many vegetarian and vegan options, and several have had full vegetarian menus. There is a huge focus on healthy living and eating, so you’ll also see a lot of clean eating restaurants with healthy/detoxing ingredients. In addition, when you say “vegetarian” at a restaurant you won’t have to explain what that means, and waiters will go out of their way to check whether you have any allergies and what exactly you can eat. The food is also full of flavor, and you won’t be limited to salads and pastas (unless that’s what you like). In Ubud Milk and Madu is a delicious cafe, and Kismet is a good bar and restaurant. In Seminyak Merah Putih and Cuca are beautiful. I couldn’t recommend Bali more.
Let me start by saying there’s absolutely no way you’ll experience the best of Bali with a short trip. To really appreciate all that the island has to offer, you honestly need at least a week. Even though I tried to pack everything possible into 3 days, best believe I have it on my mind to head back to Bali at least 2 or 3 more times. My favorite part of the trip was the Seawalker tour in Sanur. For about $40 (the most I spent on anything while there), we were able to walk the sea floor, for what felt like 20-30 minutes, with hundreds of fish swimming an inch away from our faces. Also, I don’t even know how to swim, so you know the experience had to be dope to be my favorite. Then, we headed back to our amazing Airbnb villa in Ubud (only $40 per person for two days) for a relaxing night by the pool. Don’t sleep on the Airbnbs here. I know Instagram will have you going straight for the luxury resorts in Bali, but if you can, spend at least one night in a local village villa. While in Ubud, which is a must-visit for the island, we made our way to a traditional Legong dance performance, ate every time we got the chance for about $2 a meal, and of course explored the famous Tegallalang Rice Terraces . *Keep in mind, that if you ask for help, directions, etc. while at the terraces, the locals will expect a tip. However, out of all of the Asian countries I’ve visited, the people we encountered in Bali were definitely the most welcoming. As a Black woman, I’d feel comfortable going back to Bali solo and not worrying about any racially-motivated setbacks.
Mount Batur… u can do a day hike to the volcano. Or there’s a nice restaurant on top of a hill directly across w amazing views. Bottom of hill has natural hot springs u can swim and relax in.
If youre not a PETA person n wamt to experience something crazy, try to go to a cock fight. Sorry ladies. This is a men only thing.
Monkey Forest is so fun. Tons of monkeys. Buy a few bananas and they’ll be crawling all over you. Just watch ur shades. They steal. Lol
The rice patties are beautiful to visit.
The famous Bali swing is a must.
ATV riding thru the village, the rice patties and in the river was an adventure. See the people in their element.
White water rafting w hiking. Beautiful waterfalls along the way. Mile long Rock carvings along the river. Very scenic. Not too crazy.
The Rock Bar at The Ayana Resort n Spa. Omg. It’s literally a restaurant/bar carved into the side of a cliff. Amazing views. Take a littl tram down the side of the cliff, then take a walk thru a little cave to your seats. Sunset is best. Music/food/drinks.
The coffee plantation was great. Learned a lot. Loced the little pld ladies roastong beans over a fire. Great gift shop. Coffee n tea tasting. Crops. N that little animal that shits coffee beans that they sell for a ton of money. Lol.
Visit a Buddhist temple. So picturesque and peaceful.
The Bali zoo is nice and you can ride elephants and feed them.
If u have time to take in a traditional play do so. Very entertaining.
Hope this helps. Bali was one of my favorite places to visit. Wish I had more time to do more things.
My experience in bali was one incredible one and very Romantic most persons thought it was my honeymoon but it wasn’t. I did A segment of hotel hopping and visited different cities in Bali not just ubud to get a chance to see and feel what Bali life is really all about. My first airport hotel was exactly what it was an airport hotel but the first resort I stayed was the Udaya resort and Spa absolutely stunning resort located in the Ubud area. It’s very quiet and relaxing and offers the most beautiful baths, the food was amazing and the most beautiful people. It was the most relaxing experience to start off my vacation. We went on from there to the Alena resort and spa another beautiful location in Ubud but slightly different from the udaya. This one we got our own private pool to our suite and we had the breakfast on a boat in the pool in fine style it was absolutely amazing and everything tasted sooo good and fresh! While there we visited the Bali zoo the Bali swing while at the zoo we have time with the elephants had breakfast with the orangutan and the swing wa scary but over all a great experience! From there we went on to uluwatu which is another beautiful city in Bali while there we stayed at the bubble hotel which is the most daring experience i have Ever had. It’s basically at one with nature and they take u to a secret location from a 20 minutes hike to your bubble with no light only a small lamp so it’s u and the wild it was scary but also really romatic. From there we went to Kuta where we stayed at another beautiful hotel it’s more of an airport hotel but still very nice with a nice jacuzzi and ambiance. All in all i had A really great experience in Bali and would recommend the edge Bali and Hanging gardens Bali as 2 other hotels to stay at since we visited both those hotels while we were in Bali but didn’t stay there as they were both completely booked out. Also some advice please book in advance for any hotel in Bali as they are always booked out since Bali has become one of the biggest tourist destination.
Bali is literally paradise on earth. It’s got to be. Its affordable, it’s beautiful and it’s relaxing. My girlfriend and I traveled from NYC to Detroit, then to Tokyo, and from Tokyo to Bali. It was a long journey, but it was worth it. We stayed at a residence Bije Villa ( amazing and affordable) we had a private residence, including a private pool for about $50 the night. It included free breakfast and the people wereAMAZING. Go to Ubud, and Seminyak. It’s way more convenient to rent a small scooter if you are not afraid and just tour the city on your own. Dont be afraid to get lost, Bali is safe, and the people are always willing to help you get on your way. Or just download google map. And of course the number one rule while in Bali, BARGAIN BARGAIN AND BARGAIN. Bargain everything with everyone, even for a bottled of water. Dont be shy, embarrassed or feel bad. Believe me they’ll always get the best of you, its like an unwritten rule, there is the tourist price and local price im Bali. So always bargain…but overall its an amazing city, a must visit place.
I went to Bali for 4 days in December as a birthday treat for myself. My friend and i stayed in Ubud for 2 days in Abirama Ubud Villa (private pool & breakfast included ) then Kuta in Rhadana Hotel for the other 2days of our short trip. Both cost us around $500 and we had also booked a personal tour guide to drive us everywhere which cost another $ 160 including pick up and drop off to the airport. On our first day we visited the bali swing where i had the opportunity to take the most beautiful pictures and also the tegallalang rice field which took my breath away. The weather was particularly humid so we ended our day with a lovely dinner in the standing stones restaurant by the beach watching the sunset. Second day i wanted to visit mount agung but it was closed down due to volcano eruption which really upset me as i was looking most forward to seeing it .To change my mood i went to see Mount Batur instead which was really beautiful and finished off the afternoon by going to the art market. I found the art to be so creative and portraits made out of wood something which i have never seen before. Third day we drove down to Kuta to settle in our new hotel. After a long drive we decided to just relax in kuta beach then we decided to visit Uluwatu Temple. The temple is inhabited by monkeys and luckily i didn’t get attacked by one . I particularly enjoyed the amazing cliff views by the sea . Our tour guide has told us that the best place to watch the sunset was tanah lot temple and he was not wrong! This was overly crowded as everyone wanted to see the spectacular views. At this point the weather changed and we decided to spend our last day on shopping for friends and family. Overall i really enjoyed Bali, people are so kind and friendly the trip was not expensive at all , food is halal (i’m muslim so this is important ) and absolutely delicious. Only downside was that i didn’t see Mount Agung and i do plan on going back soon just to see it.
absolutely AMAZING experience!!! GO!! Try everything the culture has to eat with your significant other!!!
My travel to Bali, has been one of my favourites in recent times. I loved the food. We just ate and ate till I could no longer stand the aromas, I took a break from the local food for a day and a half and had continental food. I especially love seafood, and there we had amazing seafood dishes. We spent half of the time in Legian near the coast to enjoy some water activities. We hired a driver we took us around all the tourist points we wanted to visit, and when we wanted food he took us to really good local restaurants. I food out later on that these drivers have connections with the restaurateurs and will get a commission when they bring people over. I think great, if they recommend great places for you, you can’t be mad at that. All the places we went had great food. On our way to Tanah Lot, we stopped by Sari Amerta Agrotourism to try Luwak coffee and also tasted some amazing herbals teas. We bought a few of the teas too. At Tanah Lot, walking to see the sunset our driver recommend some snack to try, and then dinner later at Jimbaran Seafood. I would highly recommend Jimbaran to you. In a line-up of beach cafes on Muaya beach, our driver recommended one to go to. Shrimps, clams, lobsters, and squid, fishes, I was in food heaven. We had planned to get a different drive to Ubud but he was so great that we asked him to drive us to Ubud. We did some sightseeing on route to Ubud, we went to UC GOLD silver, also Tegenungan waterfall in Kemenuh. In Kememuh we had a lovely meal in a local restaurant. Since we didn’t have to research any restaurant at all, it wasn’t easy remembering the names; we took business cards but lost them at some point either on the trip or after. All this to say that the Balinese cuisine is amazing, from the nasi campur to satays and crispy duck. I am sure even without a guide telling you which ones to go to, you will find amazing food. Lastly the villas we stayed also provided amazing breakfast option. Variety of exotic fruits, eggs just how you want it and fresh juices. I cannot wait to go back.
My boyfriend took me to Bali as a gift for my college graduation and I can say it’s was the best gift ever.We are from New York it’s took us about 23 hours and 3 different flights to get to Bali but it was worth it.We stayed for 10 days we spent 5 days in Ubud and 5 days in Semyniak.we booked a villa through Airbnb called bije villa in Ubud with our own private pool and semi-indoor shower.We rented a scooter to get to different places.Bali is expensive for tourist we have to learn to bargain and will definitely get a good price.The villa offered free breakfast and made us feel special Everytime.We hired a driver for a day to tour Ubud,many rice field volcanoes it was beautiful.PS all the nice pictures in Instagram are taken in Ubud.Take advantage of the street market if you planning on buying gifts and souvenirs.The remains 5 days we spent in seminyak.it was super hot and the staff are not friendly. we stayed at Seminyak villa estate and spa.the breakfast buffet was great we had different dish to choose from,they had and an infinity pool and direct access through your bedroom but the room were outdated and the customer service wasn’t great.the hotel was located near the Main Street which was convenient for us.but there’s wasng much to do in senyniak just a typical city.They had a lot of bars and fake designer shops.overal I loved Bali I wished I stayed longer in Ubud and ALWAYS BARGAIN.
Lots and lots to do. If you’re into adventures this place is certainly for you! Hiking nature you’ll definitely love it there the beaches are endless and seafood amazing.
I traveled to Bali with the UrbnTrvl group and everything that was set up there definitely exceeded my expectations. There’s plenty to do on the island and I’ve seen reviews naming many of the same experiences I had during my stay there on the Island of the Gods. One of the things I did there was take an overnight one day trip to one of the remote islands off Bali, the Gili Islands. Gili Trawangan is the specific island (there’s 3 total) that we decided to hit up and also the largest of the three with the most infrastructure. There’s no petrol on the island so you won’t see any scooters, mopeds, or any motorized transport of any sort. The island is small enough to walk around in 2-4 hours and there are small horses with wagons that can transport you and any luggage you may have around.
Getting to the island from Bali was pretty cost efficient. We took a fast boat there and we had a driver come pick us up from our villa in Canggu, and drive us an hour to the port. The boat ride can take between 1-2 hours. After we returned our same driver took as back to our villa. It was a group of 6 of us and all of that cost about $45/person.
Once we got to the island we found really good accommodations just walking along the beach and looking into villas before deciding to purchase. You could book in advance, but you’d lose any leverage in regards to negotiating a more fair price, which is what we ended up doing. All spa services were available to be done there at the villa or just less than 100 feet away on the beach itself! The food we had was great and there were more than a few night life options to hit up when there.
Overall, great experience and a nice break up of a week + long trip to do a mini get away within the get away.
I spent 10 days in Bali split between Ubud and Seminyak. As a black female solo traveler, I was concerned as to how I would be received. However, to my surprise, there wasn’t a single day that I wasn’t stopped (by local men and women) and told they loved my dark skin. The cynical side of me thought it might have been a sales tactic, but that wasn’t the case at all. Our melanin is treasured and celebrated there in a way that is truly refreshing. It’s very different than some parts of the world, where blacks are almost like circus animals who are approached for pictures and photographed randomly for exploitation. In Bali, they would simply make it a point to vocalize their appreciation for our melanin and then keep it moving.
Tips:
-I got my round trip airport taxi for $18 CAD on Expedia
– Komang was my driver/tour guide for two days and he was amazing. I hired him for the day to take me to various attractions. He took many of my
Pics and videos as well. Really great guy. WhatsApp him for fair pricing: +62 819 16783102. Let him know Nikki from Canada sent you.
-The Bali swing in Bongkasa Pertiwi is the best of them all. 3 swing options, nest pic, etc. the Telalagong rice terrace (the biggest one) is right beside it.
– The Tekud Cepung waterfall is the best of them all and the least explored because it hasn’t caught on yet which is great. No congestion/hoards of people. It’s a mission to get to with a steep hike, but entering the cave and feeling the rush of the falls is amazing. Great photo ops too. Many locals haven’t even visited. Best to arrive between 9am -11am for best lighting for photos.
-Potato head beach club gets packed very early. To ensure you get a beach bed, arrive by 10am. No, really…that early. Or risk the lengthy wait list. There is no time limit for a bed, so you could be on that waitlist all day.
– La Favela in Seminyak is a great restaurant with a very unique decor. It’s fortress but you can’t tell until you’re inside.
-Most things are negotiable, but ensure you’re being fair and respectful
I had an amazing time in Bali. To date, it was my best trip yet. Everyone was so nice and accommodating. We literally did not have a terrible interaction. Even the taxi drivers were nice. You just have to make sure they use the meter when they take you places. I traveled at the end of June and the weather was perfect. I don’t believe it got above 82 degrees. There were times that I even felt a bit chilly in the evening. Bali exceeded my expectations and I would definitely visit again.
I spent 1 week in Bali. I spent 4 days in Ubud and 3 days in Seminyak. In Ubud I stayed at the Lumbung Sari Ubud hotel. This was located in the middle of downtown Ubud. It is close to restaurants, the Monkey temple and the market. The rooms are really nice, from the décor to the amenities. The beds are comfortable. The bathrooms has both a standing shower and tub. The pool is good. The free breakfast could be better though. They do offer transportation from the airport for 400,000 Rp which is around $30 usd. The hotel is about 1 hour away so I would recommend booking the airport transportation before you get there. The hotel also offers tour guides. Our tour guide Wayan was great. He took us around for about 5 hours and I definitely got to visit most of the sites that I wanted to see. He even took us to the next hotel we would be staying at so I did not have to worry about getting my own taxi. The next hotel we stayed at was The Haven. It is a popular hotel in Seminyak and it is located on a street with many restaurants and shops. Once you get there, you are offered a welcome drink at one of their restaurants. The rooms are good. I stayed in a twin bedroom, so it was normal size. We had a balcony which was nice. The rooms are clean. The pool is really nice and guests love lounging there. They offer a shuttle to the beach, as they have their own beach club which you can use for free. We used it and glad we did. The beach in Seminyak is nice, but the sand can get really hot, so be careful. We had breakfast at the hotel, there are many options so you will find definitely will find something to eat, depending on your diet. We had one of their dinner buffets, the food was delicious and you won’t leave hungry. The entertainment was cool and fun as well. I enjoyed my stay at both the Lumbung Sari Ubud and the Haven.
To anyone thinking or considering Bali, Indonesia my advice is to just go! I enjoyed watching the sunrise on mountains, watching sunset at cliffs, feeding elephants (please don’t ride them!), learning about the culture at temples & meeting the kindest people. Also indulging in amazing food fresh & organic! I don’t want to say what to or not do. Everyone’s experience is different. Research everything YOU want out of this trip & then hire a driver to take you (very budget friendly options for picking drivers) . This way you can take in all the beauty at your own pace. I want to note I was a solo traveler & felt completely safe at all times! And had really the best time. One of my favorite travel experience! Happy exploring all!
Bali was one of my absolute favorite travel destinations! From the beauty of the land to the endless smiling faces, my boyfriend and I had an amazing time and it was perfect for just us two!
The weather was pretty hot and humid so we packed light and comfortable cotton clothing. It’s also a relatively chill city, so there wasn’t a need to wear much other than chill clothing and sandals or sneakers most of the time. At some of the temples, you are asked to have your legs covered so it’s best to wear pants or they will provide you with sarongs once you get there.
I suggest breaking up the trip into two areas — the main area Seminyak was perfect for going out and the more touristy activities and sites, while Ubud was much more relaxing and peaceful and perfect for unwinding and just enjoying the scenery. There is also Kuta for beach and fun combined; this area is more crowded with commercial hotels or Canggu or Echo Beach to escape the crowds and for quieter villas! We chose to stay in villas over large hotels which I would recommend to anyone. Most of the villas are way less than $100 a night and come with their own concierge front desk as well as a private pool inside! Can’t beat it!
We got around using Uber (which is fairly new here) as well as taxis and renting our own scooter, which we found to be far more cost efficient. However, everyone there is a pro at riding their scooters so unless you are comfortable, I don’t suggest you rent your own just yet!
Bali is definitely cheap depending on your travel style, you can easily spend only $2 on a meal in some places and American prices upward of $20 on a meal but it all depends on location. The good part is that cards are accepted at most places, so you can use your card or just take cash out of the ATM which will automatically convert your money into Indonesian Rupiahs for you.
Another awesome perk we enjoyed was getting a tour guide for the day at just $50 for the entire day. We told him what we wanted to do and he mapped it all out for us which was so fun. Most speak great English so that was no barrier as well!
Overall, Bali is amazing and I will definitely be returning either with my partner or a group of friends!
Amazing cultural trip! I feel in love. Although I ventured to Bali for two weeks for business (huge swimwear market) for a client, I managed to squeeze in some exploring. The people are super friendly and the vibe is exotic. The taxis are cheap – $3-$5. Yummy food options everywhere. Lots of rice, spicy foods and curry dishes. It was hard to find hard liquor. I loved Motel Mexicola – nice mix of dancing and good food. The tours were inspiring! The rice fields were my absolute favorite. It’s humid so dress appropriately. No need for makeup because you will sweat out your hair and your foundation lol! Great energy. I’ll be back :)
Bali became my first solo trip! It did not disappoint.
The only downside was that I could only stay for 5 days.
My first tip is if you go you have to at least stay for a full two weeks to be able to go to other islands and get different experiences. I only stayed in Ubud, so I don’t have much to say about the nightlife.
This trip was more of a early rising, explore all day and then rest for the next day type of trip.
Let’s talk about my first adventure, which was Mount Batur. For most of the packages you get, you have to be ready for pick up about 2:00- 2:30am. For my package, which was through Bagus Bali Sunrise Trekking, they offered a small group tour. I would recommend this option for solo travelers, so you don’t get lost in your group. Even though you sign up through different groups there are many groups who go every morning, so there are tons of people hiking at the same time. This tour is not for the lighthearted. While the sunrise is definitely worth the hike up the volcano, be prepared for a two hour trek up a very steep mountain. I can say I was not prepared for how enduring it was since I am not an avid hiker, but my tour guide was very helpful!
Next I visited the monkey forest and did the Bali swing. Both were great experiences. If you want a picture with the monkey on your back get one of the employees to give you corn. The monkeys are not as devious as people say, unless you don’t follow the rules. Don’t have any loose items and don’t agitate them. That includes walking near the monkey forest too! They also roam on the outskirts, so if they see you with a water bottle, they will run up on you.
Please book a cooking class. I booked mine through airbnb. We got to got to the local morning market, and then to their farm, and then we cooked using the fresh ingredients with the farm view in front of us. It was beautiful and I learned so much.
If you’re looking for a nice, quaint place to relax one night look up folk pools and gardens. Good music and good vibes. If you’re there at night they have a restaurant/ bar right upstairs that was playing live music the night I went.
The Tirta Empul Temple( Holy Water Spring)- if you would like to cleanse your spirit in the spring, you have to rent a sarong once you enter the temple so make sure to bring atleast 10000 Rp in.
Campuhan Ridge Walk- pretty long walk. The views along the way are amazing though, and I purchased my art pieces from the shops along the walk. If you walk all the way to the end you will reach Karsa Kafe which has amazing scenery.
Karsa Spa- Amazing! I got the 60 minute traditional massage, which also came with a body scrub and body mask. The ambiance, the location, the smell of the oils. Just amazing! I can’t really explain any other way. I opted for the detox bath to end my trip!
If you are looking for a driver who takes great pictures, loves to talk and tell you about the history, and has cheap prices hit up my driver Putu! His whatsapp is +6281239213002. He also told me he does the cooking class.
There is no getting away from all the fun things to do in Bali. Beach life, day tours to temples, upon temples, upon temple. Rice terrace life, Bali Swing, your instagram will be lit in Bali. But don’t be a afraid to check out the local food. The inner, fully suppressed vegan in me was awaken in Bali. Smoothie bowls, salads, juices, quinoa, all that jazz was in abundance and YUMMY!!!
While for their famed walls and decor Cafe Organic and KYND are popular their food is actually amazing. I stumbled upon KYND and really happy with their selection and price point, same for Cafe Organic. A must do for the healthy you!
Bali , the “island of the gods”. After merely 9 days in this amazing place I fully understand why it has been dubbed this.
My friend and I traveled from South Africa in the last week of January to do a Topdeck Bali Island Hopper. This Topdeck tour was a first for both of us, but it was something I had wanted to do for the longest time.
*Travel*
Initially we had booked flights in late November of 2017 but we rescheduled the trip due to certain obligations we both had. Thank goodness we rescheduled as the very weekend we were scheduled to land was the weekend that the volancoe erupted. :/
We found that by shifting our trip to the end of January, flight prices dropped by approximately R3’000. We opted to fly via Singapore using Singapore airlines – a great choice as the service was wonderful . Unfortunately, the main reason for this price drop is that our travel dates fell within their rainy season. However, despite it being the rainy season we were able enjoy quite a few sunny days , with a few showers here and there.
*Topdeck*
So the perks to doing a Topdeck or Contiki tour is that there are quite a few things which are already organised such as accommodation and certain activities. This is a wonderful cost-saving method as the groups are usually discounted for entrances to most places (if entrance isn’t covered in the package) and the tour guide is always well informed about things like food choices, where to buy great souvenirs and great spots to visit independently.
Some of the activities included in our Topdeck package;
– Marine Walk
– Banana Boat
-Snorkeling (Lembongan & Gilli T)
– Balinese traditional Dance
– Visit to Tangalalang Rice Fields
– Coffee Plantation Visit
So I will break down the rest of the review region by region of Bali
*Seminyak*
We stayed at Grandmas Hotel Seminyak. The hotel was average – room space is a bit cramped, but it’s still comfortable so it was ideal for us because we were only here for one night before our tour starts.
The streets of Seminyak are always super busy – traffic here knows no exact road rules, so just be careful, even if you’re just an innocent pedestrian. As this city is usually filled with tourists there are quite a a few restaurants with Western food . There are also lots of market stalls where you can great souvenirs and I found that the prices here were fairly lower in comparison to other areas and thus I would suggest buying you gifts from here.
A popular spot in Seminyak is Potato Head Beach Club – although I didn’t get a chance to go there, a few of my friends from the tour did go and they absolutely loved it.
*Lembongan*
Our next stop was Lembongan . Here we got to do the water activities such as banana boat, snorkeling and marine walk. Although the weather wasn’t great, Bali is still fairly humid even when it rains so you can still enjoy the water. Our Topdeck tour guide organised for us to see some of the sites and so we hired the open back cars (each of us paid IDR 50’000) and we were able to visit Dream Beach, the Panorama Look out Point and we were able to see a a lot more of the island. I would really recommend doing this as you get a lot more out of your time spent there rather than trying to go to each place separately. Finding a good meal here is not at all a mission. All the hotels are located right next to each other on the beach and each offers a wide array of choices , some even have live music.
Our Hotel Sammada Beach club was amazing !There were 2 infinity pools – one of which was on teh beach front. Service was great and the food was good.
*Gili Tragwangan*
An absolute paradise !!! Gili T is breath taking !
It’s about a 2h fast boat ride from Lembongan to Gili T. Th eride is comfortable , but if you are prone to motion sickness I would really advise getting some medication so that you avoid the inevitable. Also, try to stay hydrated as the heat may also get to you.
We stayed at Villa Ombak which was definitely the best resort of the entire trip. The hotel had everything you could possibly want – 2 pools, beach front views, a clinic, and they even screened movies on the beach .
Some of the activities you can do whilst here;
-snorkeling (IDR 150’000) and scuba diving (IDR 490’000) – great opportunities to see the underwater statues and swim with some turtles or feed some fish.
-hire a bike and cycle around the island (Bikes may be hired from your hotel or from a local store for about IDR 150’000 for 24h) P.S. there are no motorized vehicles on this island
– visit the turtle conservation Centre (free)
– visit the infamous swings (although there are tonnes of swings all around the island)
– laze on the beach and drink cocktails :p
The night life on Gili T is amazing !! If you’re out for a good time then you really will find it here. Drinks are super cheap and each bar offers a different feel – reggae, hip hop etc. I swear every hour is happy hour or some kind of drink special.
*Ubud*
The cultural hub of Bali. The moment you touch down you realize that you’re back in the hustle and bustle of the city, but there is something so magical about Ubud. We stayed at Anumana Hotel Ubud which was right next to the sacred monkey forest.
Ubud is a bustling city with tonnes of restaurants , bars and tattoo parlors. For me the cultural influence was the best. d
Some things to do and places to visit;
– Tanah lot & sunset cocktail tour (IDR 520’000)
– Kintamani Mountain cycling (IDR 820’000)
– White Water Rafting (IDR 600’000)
– Ubud Cultural Dance show
– Tirta Empul Hot Springs ( the temple is beautiful !)
– Kopi Luwak Coffee Plantations (You will get some coffee and tea tasters and you can buy a cup of the famous Luwak coffee for IDR 50’000)
– Tegalalang Rice Fields (A must see !!)
– Sacred Monkey Forest (IDR 50’000)
Overall Bali is an amazing destination for romantic or platonic getaways!
TIP : Water will be one of the items you will buy most frequently. Opt to buy the larger bottles (1L) – for IDR 10’000 more you will get more water .
Bali is sensory overload. The sights, the smells, the tastes – nothing short of amazing! During my time there I was based in Ubud and Gili T. While I enjoyed Ubud well enough, I absolutely loved Gili T. I planned a trip there after seeing a friend’s pictures on Facebook! I arrived to the island by boat from Bali (Sanur). It was a 2 hour ride, which was really comfortable. The ferry arranged pick up from my accommodation in Sanur to the dock. In Gili T, I walked from the spot we got dropped off at to my accommodation. I stayed at Guava Garden, which was perfect! I had my own bungalow, with a great patio (where you’d eat delicious breakfasts) and an outdoor shower to bathe under the stars. And it wasn’t expensive! I rented a bike from Guava and spent the day paddling around the island. Biking is the best way to get around the island. Take those obligatory pictures at the ocean swings (I saw them at two different establishments) and be sure to catch the sunset. It’s phenomenal. Everyone on the island is very friendly. It’s the perfect place to chill and relax. They have a night market where you can get cheap meals but I opted to eat at a thai restaurant. There’s lots of food places to choose from. Gili T was definitely the highlight of my trip to Bali. It’s one place I definitely want to return to.
Bali is the best place to go if you’re looking for romantic and affordable luxury! I’m talking large villa homes with fully equipped kitchen, dining room, living area, spa-like bathrooms with outdoor showers, personal chef, and best of all private pools. The type of accommodations couples spend thousands of dollars on for a honeymoon suite in The Maldives. But in Bali, you can get all of this for a fraction of the cost. I stayed in a beautiful luxury villa near Denpasar, Bali called Arwana Estates. This is in the southern region of Bali, close to Seminyak. We paid approximately $300USD/night +taxes. It included a personal chef who was available for breakfast and dinner. You would pay for the cost of the groceries, and she/he would cook anything you requested. Private drivers were available upon request, and would take you anywhere you needed to go for an additional cost as well. I was very happy with the accommodations and service. Would definitely go back. Here is a link to the website, go check it out http://www.arwanaestate.com/
Bali is so far my most favorite place. It is great, nice, warm, and most of all, cheap.
I stayed at Ayana resort and it has been great. The service is awesome, the breakfast is great and the pool is out of this world.
You can relax, lay, swim and flip over in the pool of you wish. Just some awesomeness.
I toured Bali in 2 days.
I went to the water temple, the gate to heaven temple(lempuyang) with a donation as an entrance fee and the Bali swing ($35 for all swings and nests)on the first day.
Then I went to the Tegalalang rice field($5 admission fee) with donations along the way. There are some farmer that will give you their basket for few bucks for you to take some great shots.
Then I did some shopping there for my souvenirs, you can bargain a great deal by the rice field. Some great Asian hats, clothings, souvenirs, and some varietry of beautiful shaped bamboo bags.
I then went to the local markets. The settings, the atmosphere and people were welcoming. I didn’t buy anything but I love the area and it was just like the farmers markets but with more relaxing and layback vendors.
There is a ferry that goes to the Gili island, and I didn’t have the chance to do that.
I had a personal driver that toured me around. You can contact him ahead of time and send him your details, and he will get you covered. He has all the infirmstion about the Gili island also.
Iwayan:+6281338735308
I can see myself living in Bali.
Bali is (so far) my favorite place in the world. There is so much to see and do there. If you’re a nature lover, I highly recommend you go and visit Ubud. Take a walk through the rice fields, explore hidden waterfalls, glide above the mountain in the famous Bali swing, dance with the elephants at Mason Sanctuary.
If luxury and good eats are more your style then visit Kuta and Seminyak. You’ll find streets of fine dining for cheap and the nightlife there is amazing.
If you can plan it, take a trip to Nusa Penida (a small island next to Bali). Visit Kelingking Beach, Angel Billabong, Broken Beach and so much more. There are some great spots for cliff jumping if you’re feeling daring!!
Bali is amazing!
I went to Bali in 2015 and I really need to go back!
Kuta beach is a popular surf spot with a great night life. We took a trip on a scooter from Kuta to Lovina, north of Bali Island which was so adventurous!
A sunrise dolphin cruz is a must in Lovina!
The Gili islands and Lombok are also very beautiful.
Bali stole my heart the minute I stepped off the airplane! So I travel pretty often and I prefer to do Airbnb stays when I’m visiting new countries, mainly to get a full feel of what the destination has to offer on more of a local viewpoint and it helps me to indulge right into the culture and community. I stayed in Bali for a full week and lived in 3 different areas; Nusa Dua, Ubud and Seminyak. All 3 locations were amazing for there own reasons. In Nusa Dua my Airbnb was an awesome beach villa located right on the beach, not far from many of the popular resorts and restaurants. We had an amazing staff that came with the Airbnb such as a chef, driver and cleaning crew. We participated in water sports such as jet skis, flying fish, parasailing and speed boat rides all for under 50 usd each. Daily our chef made a huge breakfast spread consisting of classic and local dishes that was phenomenal. Our driver took us all around Nusa Dua and gave us a lot of knowledge and background of the island. Our next location was Ubud!! Ubud is where majority of your “IG” pictures are taken lol. We stayed on a beautiful rice field in a two story villa with views that were life changing to say the least. Breakfast was included at the Airbnb but no driver but getting around ubud is a breeze if you stay close to city center. We visited temples, rice terraces, swings and waterfalls while staying in ubud. We even did a 3 am mountain trek to witness the most breathtaking sunrise ever. Ubud was quite the adventure and definitely a area to stay in at least 3 nights of your trip. Before leaving ubud we spent a day at the ubud traditional spa which had the top ratings on trip advisor and after receiving the best 90 min massage of my life i couldn’t agree more, by the way a full day there cost like 20 usd and that’s with everything!!!! Last but surely not least we stayed in seminyak which was probably my favorite, mainly because after days of being a tourist in ubud you’re ready to party a little and just have fun. Seminyak beach is amazing and very relaxing but you have to spend the evening at La plancha watching the sunset with great drinks, vibes and music right on the beach. Seafood was pretty good everywhere in Bali but seminyak had way more options in my opinion. Along the beach walk there are tons of stores, food, shops. Renting a scooter in this area is recommended if you aren’t afraid of the driving in Bali. The nightlife in seminyak was fun and the music is great you can pretty much find hip hop, reggae and a little r&b just about every where. Overall this trip was amazing and I’ll definitely go back. They love our culture there and are amazed by braids lol so don’t be surprised if they smile and stare or ask for pictures. It was one of the least expensive trips I’ve taken in a while which was so surprising because i did so much there.
A lot to do in Bali. Seminyak is a great area expensive for hotels but has some of the best sceneary. canngu is also amazing and affordable. Make sure you get over to Gili trawagan.
Bali was one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen! Whether you want to relax on a beautiful beach or go exploring temples and rice fields it is definitely a trip to take. The Hotel: We stayed in The Mulia which is divided into three parts. (Hotel, Resort, & Villas) If you do decide to stay here make sure you know which one you are booking. We stayed in the Villas which was reasonably priced. The hotel is about 20 minutes from the airport and sits directly on the beach. It has multiple pools, great views and places to take pics, and the largest selection of food I’ve ever seen at any hotel! There is actually a temple (which Bali is known for) that sits in the middle of the hotel. The only downside I would say about the hotel is that it is located about 45 minutes to an hour from the temples and elephant park! Other than that, I would highly recommend this hotel. The Adventure: We visited Tanah Lot which was super packed so get there early! We also went to Mason Elephant Park & Lodge which was about an hour from the hotel but well worth the trip! The tickets are cheap and you can buy ahead of time! We were supposed to go to Pura Ulun Temple but it rained that day. By the way they have a rainy season that ends in March I believe so if possible try to go after that! I would highly recommend a trip to Bali. If you’re ever visiting one of the neighboring cities, try to book a flight from there which will save you a lot of $$$!!
I am not personally attracted to certain Asian typed but the people in Bali are a different kind of Asian… They are beautiful! Most importantly, they thought I was beautiful too! They loved my hair, skin, and smile and I had absolutely no problems getting to know people.
Like most single travelers, I often use a dating app to find companionship for the evening but the amount of messages I was receiving in Bali was over the top…. These messages weren’t from ugly people either!
I spent most of my week between canngu, seminyak, and ubud and each of those places seems to lure in the most beautiful and fit people on earth. Everyone there seemed to be gorgeous and interested in romance so I’ll certainly be returning.
LOVE Bali. It’s beauty blew my mind and the people were among the friendliest I’ve met on my travels. I went in December 2017 to bring in the new year. We stayed in Kuta Beach for NYE at the Citadines which is located right across from the beach in the middle of the hustle and bustle. Since it was New Years, the hotels were a little more pricey than usual. Kuta is very packed during that time of year and isn’t ideal for relaxation. On NYE they started shooting fireworks from about 6pm until 1 am, non stop, along the beach as far as the eye can see. Traffic was bad. I would recommend staying in seminyak for more relaxation. My favorite part of the trip was Ubud, hands down. We stayed at the Padma Resort. It was about $800 for three nights. The grounds were beautiful and the food was delicious. We actually cancelled our canyoning excursion to enjoy the resort more. It is in the middle of nowhere, but offers a free shuttle service to and from Ubud center. The breakfast, infinity pool and views are unbelievable. They offer free activities on the grounds as well. The morning yoga was relaxing and refreshing. Bali is one of the two or three places I would like to go back to sometime soon. Although the flight was brutal (from NYC), I would highly recommend!
I fell in love with Bali! I went there for 2 weeks with my best friend and it was amazing! Canngu is a nice places to go out (Olds Mans) and eat amazing bowls (@ The Crate) and overall to relax at the pool at The Lawn and Finns Beach club. We went for sunset to the temple Tanah Lot. It was gorgeous!. The rice fields and temples in Ubud is a must to see. The view is amazing. I also took a holy bath in Ubud. When you’re in Bali I shouldn’t skip Uluwatu, seminyak and island hopping!!
My advice when traveling most anywhere, would be to book your stay on a platform such as Airbnb. This allows you to experience the culture of the place you are visiting more than booking in a tourist laden Sheraton for example . Tell your host about your plans while you are in town and they can arrange transportation for you, for a great rate. Our booking in Bali came equipped with cleaning and cooking staff which really came in handy and did not cost any extra.
My recommended cities to stay in while visiting Bali would be Ubud and Seminyak. While Kuta is in close proximity to the airport, it is over run with Australian party goers (Australia is just a few hours away) and any problems ever reported in Bali, always happen in Kuta. I do not say this to scare anyone, however I find that information to be quite helpful.
One word for Bali is MAGICAL!!!
From expansive rice fields to pristine beaches to $5 full hour & half Balinese massages; Bali is the kind of place that leaves you in awe and keeps you longing for more. Popularly known as the “island of the gods”, Bali is deeply steeped in spirituality and is one of the purest, kindest and cheapest destination you will ever visit. I mean if you looking to live your BEST life on a budget, Bali is where is at.
Accommodation:
Our Airbnb was super trendy and extremely affordable. Located in the Kuta Selatan neighborhood, we paid less than $250 for our 3 nights/4 days stay in paradise.
Nightlife:
Put on your dancing shoes and head over to Kuta Beach for a memorable nightlife with the crew! I highly recommend the Sky Garden.
Adventure:
Bali is full of many adventures.
1. Kecak Fire Dance
2.Ceking Rice Fields
3. Bali Zoo
4. Luwak Coffee Plantation and Bali Swing
5.Pantai Pandawa Beach
6.Tirta Empul Temple
Local Food:
Try the traditional Balinese Duck at the Bebek di Bukit restaurant. Delicious and Affordable!
Bali was amazing. I have traveled extensively but this was my furthest (flightwise) solo trip and I enjoyed every bit of it. I was there for 7 days/6nights and it wasn’t long enough. The first 3 nights I was in Uluwatu and the last 3 nights in Ubud. I recommend both areas. Uluwatu is definitely quieter than Ubud and a place to relax, hang by the pool and lay out at the beaches. I stayed at the brand new Renaissance Uluwatu and the resort is beautiful. The views were stunning and infinity pool is top notch. I visited the Uluwatu Temple, which is located on a sea cliff and it is not to be missed. Plan a visit to the temple when its close to sunset and also plan to attend the Kecak Dance, you will not be disappointed. I also spent a day at Dreamland and Padang Padang Beaches. Dreamland is a beautiful because its somewhat untouched but beware of high tide as your belongings may get swept away. Padang Padang is a popular, crowded beach with stunning views; however, the water seems to be a bit cloudy/dirty and littered with trash close shore. Once you get a little further from shore the water is beautiful. In Ubud, I stayed at the Pita Maha, which is a traditional Balinese hotel. The hotel literally backs to the jungle. The hotel grounds are so beautifully kept. The rooms are very romantic and the views from the room and infinity pool are breathtaking. While in Ubud I visited several temples (Besakih, Ulun Danu, and Tanah Lot), Bali Swing, the Monkey Sactuary, Tegalalang Rice Paddy, and
Coffee Plantation. The Besakih Temple was absolutely beautiful. When I arrived the Balinese who live in the village had just begun decorating the temple in preparation for a celebration so it added to the beauty. I highly recommend Bali, there is so much to see and do. The cost of the trip can be how cheap or how expensive you want it to be. There are so many afforable villas and hotels and there are plenty luxury villas and hotels as well. The cost of the trip including activities and meals is also very afforable. One thing that I’d recommend while in Bali is to hire a daily driver, who will work with yiu in advance of your trip to create a daily itinerary. My driver cost $40USD/day. It was worth it because the traffic is so crazy and stressful to.
I went to Bali on my spring break last year. It was amazing!!My first night I stayed the Ping Hotel Seminyak Bali. It wasn’t the best hotel but the location was perfect! We then changed hotels and stayed in a beautiful villa in Seminyak called Villa Seminyak Estate & Spa. It was absolutely beautiful! We were able to hire a driver for our stay. He picked us up every morning and took us to all the locations we wanted to visit. On our first day we went to the Rice Terrace Tegalalang, Luwak coffee Plantation and the butterfly garden. Some other places you must visit is the Uluwatu beach, Kuta beach, and the Tegeningan waterfalls. Don’t forget to get a massage everyday!!! It’s so cheap!
Tabanan, the city in which the holy temple “ tanah lot temple resides”. Once you step foot in the holy waters you can feel the energy of the water resonating with your spirit. It’s a beautiful harmonious place. Warung Segara is a lovey restaurant right in front of tanah temple,where you can see the most amazing view of the sunset. Drinks and food are affordable and tasty. I highly recommend this location and restaurant.
Ubud my favorite city in Bali. It’s full locals. You will find great affordable food and spas. As well as traditional and daily praise ceremonies.If you love naturally sweet healthy food.Checkout Açaí Queen.The best Açaí bowl I’ve ever had! I highly recommended this place.
Kuta, is where the night life is. You will find conveniently located hotels throughout the city of Kuta. Hotel Neo is a fabulous, affordable, clean hotel. Free breakfast every night you stay. The breakfast is buffet style. I highly recommend this hotel. To see more about Bali, check out my blog at http://www.therhythmicgypsy.com.
Bali is a beautiful island with an abundance of activities to do for all ages and athletic abilities. I stayed equal parts in Ubud and in Seminyak. In Ubud and surrounding towns there is the “Bali Swing” where you pay around IDR $400.000 to get in and you can enjoy all of the swing attractions, take pictures on the Bali Rock and in the “Bird’s Nest”, also there is a small Buffett included in the price. The monkey Forest is a great place to get up close and personal with adorable monkeys IDR 50.00 admission fee. You can stay as long as you’d like in the forest playing with and feeding the monkeys. Nearby is the Tirta Empul a Balinese Hindu Water Temple, it’s a nice activity if you’re interested in cleansing the spirit, praying, or mediating while on the island. “Cat-Pu-Chino” is a walk through coffee plantation where you get to learn about the fermentation process of Bali’s famous Luwak coffee, at the end a myriad of teas and coffees are offered as well the ability to shop in the gift shop for specialty teas, coffee, herbs, incense etc… In Seminyak and Kuta (extremely touristy) there is great shopping, high end stores, surfing stores, local cuisine, and known restaurants. I suggest the restaurant named “Ganesh” in Jimbaran the tables are lined up on the beach and thee menu includes classic Balinese seafood, for two people expect to spend around IDR 1.000.000. Last but not least, “Make your own Coconut Oil” can be booked through Airbnb also the host can found on Instagram under cocoil_bali. This was one of the best experiences ever!!!! The host Ray makes you feel at home, he offers fresh goodies to eat, intricate information about the history of coconut oil, and an in depth oil making process from start to finish. There was always somewhere to go whether you have a person driver or you rent a motor scooter as most locals do. Bali is exceptional!!
What can I say about Bali. It’s beautiful, cheap, and the people are wonderful. Definitely a must see. I recommend renting a motorbike and tour the whole island. You can rent a motorbike for under $5 dollars a day. I definitely recommend visiting ubud, kuta, and possibly getting up north it’s beautiful. Bali is the ultimate backpacker and traveler destination.
Bali was awesome, I stayed in Kuta in the south of the island and Lovina in the north. I highly recommend a night of food and party at Bali Sky Garden in Kuta (for about 120k you can eat and drink alcohol as much as you want between 6-9pm).
In the North, I visited the Instagram famous Handara Golf & Resort, Munduk Rice terraces (much less touristy than the popular Tegallalang terraces in the south), Sekumpul Waterfall, Banyumala Twin Waterfalls (absolutely amazing), did dolphin watching (depart from Lovina Beach very early). On the East of Bali, I stayed at Black Lava Hostel and hiked Mt Batur (the hike starts very early in the morning to catch the sunrise at the top). Then I visited Ubud in the center of the Bali where I saw plenty temples in the erea (it should be easy to find the temples as you’ll be offered countless rides to either or all of them). In the south of Bali, there are plenty waterfalls n beaches to visit, every Hostel/Resort will have day trips to these and others spots. Be sure to check out Benoa Watersports too, they do jet skiing, parasailing etc. at around 380k per person.
I recently went to Bali for a brief vacay in February and had such an amazing time. Definitely one of the best trips I’ve been on. I’m an adventurer at heart and Bali definitely had a plethora of things to do to fill that thrill seeker hunger. 1. Bali Swing is a must there’s one in ubud and you can also purchase some really good coffee while your on the plantation, 2. Check the sunset at the uluwatu temple,views are breathtaking and you get to meet some very disrespectful monkeys,but they’re harmless (just keep all belongings out of their reach lol) 3.Go take a coffee making class,their a lot of them around Bali,it’s worth the experience especially if you like coffee,4. Make some time to take a day trip to Nusa Penida,there are ferries that leave at specific times of the day so I suggest you get there early in the morning if you want to take a whole day to experience the island. I would definitely reccomed getting a driver/tour guide to take you around (cost is $40 a day,plus it boosts their economy) it will make your trip a lot more easier and plus they take pretty good pics for you if you’re a solo traveler.
You can never get bored in Bali which is one of the reasons I moved here.
I’ll list a few fun things to do around the popular areas:
Ubud or quick hop from Ubud
– Ecstatic dance at Yoga Barn on Friday evenings (dance like no one is watching)
– Folk Pools and Garden (arrive or stay into the evening if you can, the ambiance is magical)
– Sangeh Monkey Forest ( safer and less crowded than Ubud Monkey Forest)
– Tibumana Waterfall (less crowded and better than Tegenungan because you can have a proper swim)
– Bali Swing (a wonderful upbeat experience with great staff and better views)
-Toya Devasya Hot Spring Resort ( becoming pricier every month, but well worth the money to see the views and experience the healing waters-it actually does heal)
– Tirta Empul (get an an English speaking guide to learn the interesting history of the temple and Hinduism in general)
Canggu/Seminyak area
– Uluwatu Temple (stay until sunset to catch the famous Kecak fire dance)
– Finn’s Beach club (typically good Top 40 music and fun atmosphere)
– Pretty Poison (cool skater hangout with really good music and vibes on Thursday nights)
Other places
– Jatiluwih Rice Terrace (recommended over Tegalalang if you have more than 5 days in Bali)
– Nusa Penida (fun day trip from the main island, but mostly a photo trip)
– Tabanan region (tons of waterfalls and trekking)
Too much to list, but enjoy!
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Date: March 2018
Weather: The average temperature this month is 27°C (80°F). There was casual rain during my visit
Currency: 1 Indonesian Rupiah equals 0.000073 US Dollar
Stay: IZE Seminyak
Cost: $311 USD/per night
Review: The staff were very professional and welcoming. The room was clean and neat. The pool was very relaxing with an open bar (can order food).
Highlight: The food was amazing at the hotel. The people were friendly. The weather was warm but relaxing.
Adventure/Highlight: Breakfast and bathing elephants ((Mason Adventure))
Cost: $105 USD
Review: This excursion was amazing. The only downside was that many of the elephants were changed down in open land. Some of the staff utilized a sharp object that was in the shape of a hammer to keep the animals in control. Outside of that bathing them was an amazing experience and the food was great!
Adventure/Highlight: Full day tour that included the Bali swing, Monkey Forrest, Rice terraces, lunch, and waterfall.
Cost: $65 USD
Review: Everything was so rich in culture. Full day tours are definitely worth it. The swing locations are definitely picture worthy.
My Experience: I had a blast in Bali! I stayed at the Ize Seminyak Hotel. The food was amazing and affordable. The staff were very pleasant. The pool was relaxing and had an open bar where you can order food and beverages. The first day I went to the Mason elephant park and lodge. I love elephants. Unfortunately, many of them were chained and trained. Overall, the experience of being up close and personal was magical. I also did a day tour through trip advisor (hire a driver-Ubud). I went to the jungle swing, rice terrace at Tegalalang village, sacred monkey Forrest, and had lunch at a nice restaurant in Ubud. It rained every day but it didn’t last all day. When traveling check the weather. Also, the day that I left I took an early flight out to Singapore due to the Holiday. Everything was closed down.
Bali is absolutely the best place I’ve ever been!!! My husband and I were amazed of every single place we went to. A lot of existing things to do, a huge number of places to visit, breathtaking beaches… We tried to visit many places as much as we could but there are many more left on our todo list. We just loved and enjoyed each and every one of them. We did:
-Monkey Forest
-Elephant Drive (Bali Zoo)
-Bali Zoo Tour
-Batuan Temple
-Tegenungan Waterfall
-Tegallalang Rice Terrace
-Tanah Lot
And for BEACHES We did:
-Broken Beach
-Angels Billabong
-KelingKing Nusa Penida
One Word: AMAZING.
Bali was one of my favorite destinations thus far. The people are so kind, everything is super affordable, and there is an endless amount of things to do. You will never get bored! If you love monkeys and nature as much as me i highly recommend checking out the Monkey Forest. You can interact with and feed the monkeys. The tegalalang rice terrace is also a great experience. You can trek through the terrace, take in the beautiful views (that make amazing backdrops for photos) and even shop at nearby markets. Karsa spa is another gem. I got an hour long massage and flower baths for about $15 (usd). You can also travel to other islands such as nusa ceningan. This island is absolutely amazing. Only a $35 boat ride to get there and once you’re there you can rent a motor bike to explore, cliff dive, zip line, or even snorkel. I decided to be my own tour guide as this was much cheaper than buying tours off of various websites but either way you go I’m sure you will have the time of your life!! Enjoy!!
Bali is absolutely gorgeous and def worth a visit! You can check out some of the temples, visit waterfalls, the monkey forest, explore the rice fields and more. I took a bike tour through a rural area of Ubud and the beauty was breathtaking. We made a few stops along the way that taught us more about the island. You can also do ATV rides, go see cultural shows, or do yoga. I recommend taking a trip out to the Gili Islands as well, especially if you’d like to dive or snorkel. Whether you’re into relaxation or adventure, there’s no shortage of activities in Bali to suit your needs!
Bali is one of those places that steals your heart and leaves you longing for more. Its the perfect combination of culture, relaxation, adventure & fun!
What makes Bali even more amazing is its affordability!
When choosing where to stay I recommend splitting your time between Ubud And Seminyak as well as other parts of Bali if you have the time. This is because the island is so big ans staying in any one place makes you miss out on everything else bali has to offer. You will also save time driving from place to place.
Ubud Bali – Perfect for a true Cultural experience of bali, here you will find a lot of traditional style buildings, rice fields, temples and authentic balinese food. Ubud is comparatively much cheaper than most other places in bali, I recommend staying in an airbnb to get the most vakue for your money. You can get a whole villa with a pool & hotel like services for $40-$50 a night. I even stayed at an amazing villa for $18 a night during my stay. From ubud you can also get to places like gitgit waterfalls and tirta ganga.
Seminyak – This is the more white washed touristy part of Bali, however it is beautiful, Seminyak has amazing beaches, great nightlife & multi cultural restaurants. Hotels and airbnbs here tend to be a bit more expensive but you get a lot of value aswell.
If you have time spend a few days in the gili islands, you wont regret it!
Bali is HUGE! There is so much to do, so much history, so many beaches, so many rice fields and it’s CHEAP!
It has some of my favorite foods. I ended up paying $15-$20 a day with accommodation. I stayed in cheap but really nice hostels with pool. I also rented a motor bike for $4 a day so that i didn’t rely on cabs and such.
The traffic is very bad in the bigger cities but the smaller towns I did not have to worry much about. Be careful driving.
The people vary, in bigger cities full of tourism they aren’t as nice as the other places.
I really loved Bali and felt my trip was too short. I would go back!
Bali has been one of my favorite destinations. The country of Indonesia is so beautiful and rich in history. While it is highly impoverished, it is full of charm and there are tons of activities. Ubud and Tanah Lot are gorgeous temples and — if you can stand the drive — Sekumpul Waterfall is a MUST SEE. I went by myself and was not bored one single day. Everything is super affordable and I would recommend EVERYONE to stop in Bali if they can.
Soooooo, you’ve picked Bali! Now what area? Better yet what Hotel?!
W Hotel – Seminyak
Now we know we got W Hotels all over the world and they’re becoming a lot more popular but the W in Seminyak is a Gem, the staff bend over backwards for you and nothing is too much. Rooms spacious and equipped with all the necessities. In a great lively area full of great restaurants and clubs and bars. Be sure to hit up Potato head club. But really book the W! You won’t be disappointed.
Bali is amazing! One of the things to do when visiting Bali is to take a speed boat to the Gili Islands, where you can relax on beautiful beaches, snorkel, and much more. One of my favorites is Gili T, but keep in mind that there are no cars or motor bikes on the island so the only way to get around is using bikes or horse carriage! Nonetheless, I’ll say that the sunsets on Gili T were the best sunsets I have ever seen in my whole life.
But if you are staying mainly in Bali, one thing I’ll definitely suggest is taking a trip to Ubud! Absolutely beautiful and lots of things to do there. We visited the Elephant Cave Temple, beautiful, and went for authentic coffee tasting, even tasting the world’s most expensive coffee (just look it up, super interesting). And don’t forget to go to the amazing lush green rice fields! Ubud is a must in Bali
I was in Bali in January with my husband and our daughter. We specifically stopped in Ubud and Nusa Dua. I loved every moment of Bali. The people were so friendly and welcoming. The food was so delicious. The landscapes, greenery and weather were absolutely delightful. We went to the Bali Swing in Ubud and spent a whole day there. The staff was very cheerful and really looked like they enjoyed their jobs. In Nusa Dua, we stayed local and went to the beach, which was very relaxing. I would highly recommend visiting Bali. Shopping was also very cheap and the market vendors were open to negotiating.
Bali is a MUST!!! I went with my boyfriend in December 2017 for 4 days and we had an amazing time! We stayed in Ubud which is in the village and less “touristy”. For the duration of the trip we had a personal driver named Joni who I had booked before arriving. He has a native of Bali and the owner of his service. He drove us anywhere we wanted to go in Bali and even offered suggestions. During our stay we visited the Bali swing, Ubud monkey forest, Ubud Palace, Tegenungan waterfall, Mrs. Sippy, Bali gates at Handara Golf & Resort, and Nusa Penida. I loved all the activities but Nusa Penida was my favorite! It is absolutely breathtaking!!!! I advise anyone who travels to Bali to go there! It’s a bit of a trek especially if you stay in Ubud (1hr car ride to the beach, 40 min boat ride to the island, 1 hr car ride through rough terrain to other side of the island) but it is 100% worth it!
The only negative I had about the trip the food. I did not think it was good at all, flavorless and unappetizing. Other than that there was nothing to complain about.
I would definitely recommend traveling to Bali!
If you’re looking for a holiday that contains the relaxation of the beach, excellent food with the adventure of hiking active volcanoes and expansive rice terraces – look no further than Bali.
Bali is one of those places that has SO much to do, you will be planning your return within the first few hours of your landing. I’ll give you the run down:
– Seminyak/Kuta: If you want to party – YOUVE FOUND IT! Seminyak and Kuta alike are the party centrals of the island of Bali. From 7 storey high discos to halloween themed karaoke bars, these two towns are full to the brim with happy tourists and locals alike. In Seminyak, you’ve got to head to Potato Head beach club after eating pancakes at the Fat Turtle restaurant (you will not regret this decision – JUST DO IT). Then walk all the way down the beach to Double Six where the party lasts all night. Kuta is all about the SKY GARDEN. Order a buffet, start drinking then start dancing to burn off the buffet – rinse and repeat.
Ubud is the zen capital of Bali and probably has more vegan restaurants and yoga houses than white people with dreads and no shoes on. I personally went to The Yoga Barn and treated myself with great food at Watercress cafe. For those of you that prefer the outdoors then head on over to Campuhan Ridge walk. Be sure to head over first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon when it’s cooler. The views at the top will not disappoint. For the animal lover, look no further than Monkey Forest. But be sure to keep personals out of sight as the monkeys, whilst being cute, are thieving little buggers. The Blanco renaissance museum and the Museum Puri Lukisan are also must visits…for the culture.
Northern Bali – Lovina Beach – spend a couple days here!!! It’s worth it. From the awesome scuba diving to swimming with dolphins, Lovina Beach is little known to the tourist contingent and so remains Bali’s peaceful patch.
What I’ve missed: Tegallalang rice terrace (you pay to enter and pay to go down each rice paddy), pura tirta empul – where you can bathe in holy water and Mount Batur.
Nearby Bali:
The Gili’s – with Gili T being my personal fav, you HAVE to go the Gili’s if only for the diving.
Nusa Lembongan – also big with divers, a lot quieter than the Gili’s.
Komodo island – home to the Komodo dragon and some of the best diving on the planet.
Java – the most under mentioned, under estimated close friend of Bali, Java is full to the brim with ancient temples, fantastic food, active volcano hiking and some of the friendliest people on earth.
Ubud! Ubud! Ubud! I can call this place home now cause I definitely left a piece of me there :) Ubud is in an amazing relax jungle setting. It was everything I hoped it would be and more. The people are so humble and kind which makes the stay more enjoyable. I stayed at viceroy Bali which is in the more expensive category because it was my birthday. However, there are lots of affordable places to stay in Ubud with the same relaxing, soul searching vibe that this town has to offer. Breath taking water falls, rice fields, Bali swings and a pampered experience awaits you in Ubud Bali. Amazing location that I will definitely be going to again.
Avoid south bali as much as possible. Sure spend a night or two here but you need to escap this area in order to really feel the different vibes of Bali.
My best location recmmentaion is a 10trip split into 3 parts.
These places are special and eye opening compared to the touristic central/south bali areas named seninyak, kuta, canngu. They are only worth a day trip in my opinion or the party scene. But to be honest the party scene is still basic. ( Gili T and SingleFin are the only parties worth not missing!!)
Here are better areas to stay and book 2-3nights accomadations for your 10day bali trip.
-uluwatu
-Ubud
-Gili islands
I spent 5 weeks in Bali and had the time of my life!
Places to visit:
– Monkey Forest: It’s a touristy place and you only need about 20mins there but it’s cool to see the monkeys interact with each other and other travelers. They’re so smart! Remember to pack your glasses, water and food away because they will take them from you with a quickness!
– XL Shisha Lounge: Live music by Jack & Roll on Monday nights. This band is so good! They really pick it up during their second set. They play american and British rock songs but with a softer sound. The place has a really chill vibe. Order a bottle of wine and some shisha (hookah) and enjoy their music. I promise you won’t be disappointed. I wasn’t into rock before I went but I enjoy listening to them live. This place accepts cash only.
– No Mas Bar: The best night to go is on Thursdays to again see Jack & Roll but they really rock out here. They pick up the tempo and the lead singer will hop on tables and gets the crowd to sing along. Again, even if you don’t like rock, you will enjoy this band, trust me and thank me later. The pizza and drinks are good there as well.
– Folk Pool: This place is located below No Mas bar in the back and they charge 50K Rupiah for a towel before 5:30pm. It has a chill vibe and the pool is beautiful with a swim up bar. The drinks are delicious too!
– Aling-Aling Waterfalls: Beautiful waterfalls with a fun hike along the way. Book this tour once you’re in Bali versus on an online website because they will give you a better rate in person.
– Tegallalang Rice Terrace: Rice fields are everywhere in Bali but this one will leave you in awe. It’s so beautiful. Take a trip there, bring some lunch (or purchase from nearby restaurants) and just have your alone time to think and reflect. Make sure you have bug spray to keep the mosquitoes away!
– Tirta Empul: Popular water temple where you’re able to participate in the Hindu cleansing and prayer in their pool. Cool experience.
Tanah Lot Temple: Beautiful views and beautiful temples
Ubud Center: Fun time walking around
Great food and cool people to talk to
– Penestanan Village: Meet cool locals here and they will give you an amazing local experience
I had a great time in Bali. Especially Ubud. There were lots of temples to visit and beaches to sit on. It was a little hard to get around. We had to tire a driver to take us everywhere which got expensive after a few days.
Bali is the most beautiful place I have ever visited. Every corner is picturesque and filled with history or lush scenery. The beaches are breathtaking, and make for a great day of relaxation or for water sports. If you visit the less touristy area of Amed, take a boat out to the Japanese shipwreck that is not far from shore. And if you’re in more modern Canggu, have a drink at Old Man’s after attempting to brave the waves at Canggu beach (trust me, you’ll need it!).
I spent 7 days in Bali and overall, I enjoyed it! It was hot and humid and rained a couple of days (December). Also- beware of mosquitoes and use the local repellent as it works best! The people are very nice, friendly and hospitable and speak English. I went with 2 girlfriends of mine (we live in New York and Boston). We rented a spacious 3 bedroom Villa, which gave everyone privacy when wanted. We went to a restaurant called “Chicken Brothers” for hookah (shisha) and drinks for happy hour- it’s super affordable and they let us play any music on their TV! Waxing at Kimberly Spa was super affordable as well. We went to the Monkey Forest, Tanah Lot Temple and the closest Rice Terrace- We did that all in one day. We also went to one beach and went out near the Sky Garden area for dancing. Other than the typical tourist activities, there isn’t a TON of things to do. You can do snorkeling and more water activities, elephant riding is done there too, but it’s unethical and they abuse the elephants and take them from their mothers and torture them to be submissive. We are going to a sanctuary in Thailand to feed and bathe them instead of ride them. So overall, it was a cool place to visit.
Bali is a place that is a definite must go. There is so much to do and the food is amazing. I fell in love with Bali after being there for a week. I even considered moving there lol. To get the most of our trip there, we decided to stay at two hotels. Each place was found at Airbnb. The first villa was a place in Ubud. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/12891870 Ubud is in the northern part of Bali. The villa was amazing. At first I was hesitant because there wasn’t a tv in the rooms, but it’s definitely not needed. By the time you are done with all of your activities, all you would want to do is go to sleep once your head touches the pillow. The villa was also near the main city in Ubud, which allowed us to take a scooter to and from the villa. The other airbnb was located in Canggu. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/6888389 This location was near the southern part of Bali. This allowed us to see the tourist attractions in that area. The traffic is horrible so it was helpful that we were staying in the area to be able to see a lot more than if we stayed in Ubud the whole trip. I would recommend to anyone who is planning to go to Bali to spend half of the trip in a hotel or Airbnb in the northern area and the other half in the southern area to avoid spending most of your days in the car!
Bali it’s amazing! Too many thing to do!
Temple, rizière, beach, whaterfulls, SUNSET TIME (Uluwatu, beach66, KUDETA), night life are amazing (Apache bar for some live reagga music, Favela in semyniak or Skybar).
Place to go: Ubud, Amed, Gili Trawangan, semyniak
But Bali start be to busy of tourist Australians everywhere but LOMBOK (the island juste frond of Bali) are juste AWESOME! So Real!
Bali is the best place to go, if you go there you cannot stay in just one place because it has so much to offer & each place is different. I visited Ubud, it is very cultural, I would advise that you definitely visit the temples, the rice fields, monkey forest and more. I visited Gili Air and it was fantastic there were no cars and we were travelling by bike, we also got to go snorkelling which was an amazing experience and we spent lots of time at the beach. We visited seminyak and I would say that it is more busy, it is filled with tourists from all over the world, the night life is probably what attracts people there. I would definitely recommend getting a Balinese massage whilst in Bali & trying the local fruit. I had the best time
NIGHTLIFE: – Balinis definitely a good destination for an affordable, relaxing and romantic getaway, but if you are searching for some night life please keep in mind the following:
Ubud is a very religious city and nightlife even though is acceptable its more live music bands and small lounges, if you are out there and want to have some fun would recommend these 3 locations: CP lounge, laughing budha or LOL bar. Now if you are looking for real partying with a DJ I would head to the beach side and visit these locations – Canggu: Old Mans and the Lawn. Both are walking distance from one another so you can check both out to see where its poppin. And when the party is over,don’t go home because the party moves into s pop up beach party after clubs are closed so go check that out after
-Seminyak: was the ultimate party zone I would definitely visit La Favela and Champagne Bar which as well were across the street from the other. Bars do not have cover but keep in mind that alcohol is not Balis strength so cocktails are rarely good
LOCAL FOOD – The food scene in Bali is pretty good, not only is the ambiance and deco amazing but the food it self is impressive. Being a carnivore (haha) i was hesitant about the vegan food options but let me tell you you will not regret it and may even end up going vegan..or at least for the trip. Don’t get me wrong us carnivores have plenty of options but the vegan menu is everywhere and very varied. One of my favorite restaurants in Ubud was Kissmet and in Seminyak La :aguna. If you are looking for a quick snack you can go to the green window (order their smazing smoothie bowls or sny of their sandwiches) or to “locavore to go” in Ubud, if you are in Seminyak make sure you try la Barraca pizza (you’ll thank me later). Locavore though has 2 restaurants, its got the to go version where u can get fast food and the EXPENSIVE dinning option PLEASE DO NOT EAT AT THE DINNNING PLACE its over priced and the food is the worst ive ever had. They have 1 menu per night, serving sizes are extremely small and decoration is zerooooo, its a very well known restaurant which fully booked for months but trust me eating there is not worth it , now the locavore to go experience is totally different and totally worth it (which is what tricked us into believing that dinning would blow out minds)
Bali its really the place to be , it’s so Huge and you are plenty of things to do , you can dive or snorkeling in the near Gilli Island , you can do some nice excursions in Ubud, you can have fun with the monkey at the Monkey Forest or you can just relax whit a chep massage in one of the thousands place in the Island
Tips :Rent a Scootwr if you can couse the traffic is crazy ?
Bali was the second destination on my honeymoon. Absolutely perfect. $15 couple massages dawg! We stayed away from the town for a few nights and was the most relaxing experience I’ve had traveling. A villa overlooking the ocean for less than $100. ONly in Bali .
Bali is easily my favorite destination, the first time I visited in 2013, I stayed for 8 days. My second visit, I stayed for a month (August, 2017). I keep returning this this amazing island for its prolific luxury stays which are affordable. I love the rich layered Hindu culture, it’s quite beautiful. Make sure to move around while on the island, check out the countryside of Ubud, hipster vibes in Canggu & Seminyak, surf the south in Uluwata, and visit the north black sand beaches of Lovina! The great part of Bali is you can be comfortable, and experience remote exotic experiences. I think my next trip, I will be me moving there! I’ve blogged extensively on Bali at TravellersBazaar.com, from staying in a rice paddy treehouse, to sleeping next to Obama’s villa at the Grand Hyatt, the experiences have been life-enhancing.
Bali, literally has has everything!! I have been to 50+ countries and this is one of the few cities I would love to go back to. However, my comment will be with regards to relaxation, which is ironic since I am typically one that loves Adventure. Going to Potato Head and spending literally 8 hours eating, napping, and eating was the laziest I think I have ever been. I highly recommend it. There are gorgeous accommodations that are in Ubud and the massages are so freaking cheap at $5-$10 per hour you have not choice but to relax. Love everything in Bali!