Bali consistently ranks among the top travel destinations worldwide for various compelling reasons. It offers something exciting for every traveler, regardless of their budget. The rich culture and warm hospitality of its people further enhance the experience. With the growing popularity of Bali, I felt compelled to explore this tropical paradise. I spent three weeks there, dedicating one week to each city I visited. Join me in this blog as we delve into Uluwatu, Canggu, and Ubud, along with a day trip to Nusa Penida, recounting my adventures in each charming locale.
Getting There
- Flying from California to Bali took more than 24 hours, making it the longest travel day of my life. I lost track of time and felt extremely sleep-deprived. When selecting our flight, we aimed to minimize layovers, so we opted for a one-stop flight. This led us to depart from the nearest international airport, SFO (San Francisco International Airport), which was 3 hours away but offered cost savings by eliminating an extra flight.
- Upon arrival in Bali, most likely at Ngurah Rai International Airport, assistance is provided for visa registration on-site. Many travelers are unaware of the visa requirement to enter Indonesia, but the process is straightforward and shouldn’t add any unnecessary stress to our journey.
- The optimal time to visit Bali is typically recommended to be between May and August when the weather is warm and sunny. While July and August tend to be crowded, experts advise considering May, June, and September as the prime months. Based on my own trip to Bali, I visited in late May and early June and noticed some tourists but not as many as in other popular summer destinations. We didn’t have to pre-book many excursions and never felt crowded or overwhelmed by the crowds.
Week 1: Uluwatu
Our initial destination in Bali was Uluwatu, renowned for its culture and stunning beaches. This area is famous for its scenic photo opportunities that you often find online. Some of the most captivating spots I encountered were in Uluwatu, offering unique experiences you won’t find elsewhere. Missing out on Uluwatu would be a mistake; I wholeheartedly suggest exploring its magnificent beauty and nature while in Bali.
Where to Stay
- During our time in Bali, we aimed to experience a variety of accommodations like hotels, hostels, Airbnb, and more. When we visited Uluwatu, we chose to stay at a private hostel with a shared kitchen. Our hostel resembled an outdoor hotel setup, where each person had their own room in a spacious and open environment.
- An important point to remember is that our hostel, along with many other accommodations, only accepts cash. This information will be provided on their website, but it’s crucial to go through it and have cash on hand as a precaution.
- We chose to stay in the city center as it was more budget-friendly than staying right by the water. However, I suggest opting for accommodation closer to the water if feasible, as it will reduce the daily commute to our destination.
What to See and Beaches
- Uluwatu temple
- Oneeighty day club / The Edge (Beach club)
- Traditional Balinese massage at Fresh! Spa
- Bingin beach
- Green Bowl beach
- Suluban beach
- Padang Padang Beach
Where to Eat and Drink
- Single fin (Beach club)
- Savaya (Beach club)
- The Cave by Chef Ryan Clift at The Edge
- The Loft
- Il salotto (Beach club)
- Gooseberry
Week 2: Canggu
Canggu is a town bustling with tourists and Australians. While Canggu’s beaches may not match up to those in Uluwatu, its appeal lies in the modern restaurants and vibrant nightlife. It’s a perfect spot to socialize with friends and fellow solo travelers. This city is known for its lively atmosphere, offering a distinctive experience since many other Bali towns lack nightlife altogether.
Where to Stay
- When in Canggu I stayed at a hostel, a quite nice one at that. My friend and I chose to stay at a hostel because we wanted to make friends and this one was the perfect one to do so. We stayed at Kos One and they have private and shared rooms, a water slide, and a pool and bar. On specific days of the week, they had different activities and had a Whatsapp group chat. We even saw couples staying there because it really is a nice hotel. This is also a perfect place for people who are remote workers, I was in school at the time and had enough space and outlets to do my work.
Where to Eat
- Da Maria
- Black List coffee
- Luigi’s Hot Pizza
- Penny Lane Bali
- Lola’s Cantina Mexicana
- Rabbit Hole Bakery Project
- Valle Bali
Night Clubs and Beach Clubs
- Mejan
- Finns beach club
- Vault Nightclub Bali
- La Brisa Bali | Beach Club
- Luigi’s Hot Pizza – on a Monday night
Week 3: Ubud
Ubud, without a doubt, stood out as my ultimate destination in Bali. This city boasts picturesque locations, yoga spots, and an overall positive atmosphere. Surrounded by lush greenery, despite being away from the water, it was a truly incredible experience in a surreal setting. If you can only visit one place in Bali, Ubud would be my top recommendation. Additionally, I discovered that Ubud offers the most diverse range of activities to enjoy.
Where to Stay
- During our time in Ubud, we opted to stay at an Airbnb slightly beyond the main area. Seeking a more luxurious accommodation with a pool, we chose a villa offering two rooms, an outdoor kitchen, and a pool. Our host arranged poolside breakfast and a flower bath upon request for an extra fee.
- I suggest staying within town. If you prefer exploring more places like we did, you’ll need to be comfortable either riding a scooter or having a driver.
What to See and Do
- Traditional Balinese Flower Bath at Kaveri Spa in The Udaya
- Floating Breakfast – Our Airbnb host provided this for an extra cost.
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace
- Cretya Ubud
- Hanging Gardens of Bali
- Ubud Yoga House
- Cooking Class
- Monkey Forest
- Pura Tirta Empul
- Leke Leke Waterfall
- Silver Making
- Nung Nung Waterfall
Where to Eat and Drink
- Blend Cafe
- Yellow Flower Cafe Ubud Bali
- Mixue – Ice Cream and Tea
Nusa Penida Day Trip
- A recommended additional destination is Nusa Penida, which I highly suggest visiting. While you can do a day trip from Ubud or Uluwatu, it’s advisable to stay overnight. A day trip might feel rushed, but it is doable. Consider renting a car instead of opting for a full tour with a driver.
Practical Tips
- Feel confident to embark on solo travel adventures or stay in a hostel in Bali, as it is incredibly welcoming for solo travelers and is a safe destination, even for solo female travelers.
- Navigating Bali is most convenient with Gojek, similar to Uber, offering scooter or car options. Riding scooters is not only enjoyable but also budget-friendly, costing around $1 per trip on average.
- Tip: To familiarize yourself with the app and its functionality, download it in advance.
- Bali is generally a safe island, yet individuals may encounter health problems related to food and water sources.
- After that, it is advisable not to consume tap water in Bali or ice cubes; request beverages without ice when dining out.
- Make sure to take the required health precautions and contemplate obtaining health insurance while you’re there.
Cultural Insights
- Ensure safe driving practices on the roads; during your visit. I noticed many drivers getting pulled over for reckless driving without the required documentation in Bali.
- Experience authentic Balinese cuisine; personally, I enjoyed their dishes consisting of noodles, rice, eggs, meat, and vegetables. This affordable option can help you save money if you’re on a budget.
- Encounter the kindness of Balinese locals; the online portrayal is accurate, as they are friendly and willing to take your photos.
- Remember that beach access comes at a price; have cash with you at all times because they only expect cash.
- Respect Bali’s strong religious culture; while accustomed to tourists, it’s important to cover up when exploring towns and not just at the beach.
- Getting local currency (the Indonesian rupiah) in advance, if feasible, can be very beneficial. We did this and it saved us a lot of time. Since many places only accept cash and tipping is customary, having extra cash on hand is convenient.
Bali is truly a unique destination, captivating visitors with its stunning beauty and charm. It’s a top recommendation whenever someone asks me for travel advice. I hope you have a wonderful time exploring Bali, and feel free to browse through my other blog posts while you’re here!
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