(To start… No, Bali is not its own country. It is part of Indonesia.)
It goes without saying that Bali is quite literally the “paradise” it’s made out to be. It is a bucket-list destination for all different variations of people visiting a place. It suits the newlywed couple about to embark on their honeymoon. It suits the couple that isn’t married yet. It suits the family holiday in search of some famous SE Asian heat in one of the beach clubs that line Canggu’s shoreline. And it also suits the group of friends looking to experience Kuta’s famous nightlife. Whether it’s trendy dress-up dining or back alley £
1 street food meals, Bali has it all… in style as well. And if it isn’t the gorgeous nature that attracts its heaps of visitors every month, then it’s the 5-star (looking) hotel rooms for around £10. £10!? You’re lucky if you spend that on dinner in London. And it goes without question that when weighing up a Nando’s medium butterfly pita with peri chips or a spacious bedroom overlooking the Balinese jungle with a private plunge pool, there is an objective answer… Nando’s.
Getting there
But although Bali charges less for rooms than TFL charges to enter zone 1, getting there will strip a few digits from your bank account. The cheapest return flights to Bali in peak season average around £1000, and that’s the cheapest. Often with 2 (or 1 if you’re lucky) stops each way and a flying time of usually around 20-40 hours including stopovers, it takes more willpower than money to go to Bali. This is however not the only option, it’s just the cheaper option, with a bigger budget, although you can’t get to Bali still in no less than maybe 16 hours from Heathrow, you could opt for a more direct/better-timed flight. Admittedly, it is a less complicated (and a more bearable) journey but it all depends on one’s desires and comfort. For those with more cash to splash, a business-class cabin will take away all discomfort, but consequently also a lot of money. And the longer travel time doesn’t always end up being the cheapest option either. Because what do you do when you stopover somewhere else? Spend money.
In fact, at every point of your journey from A to B, you’re basically a walking wallet, and the more time someone spends in an airport the more money they are statistically likely to spend. Water alone costs £4! But you’re in an airport so you can’t argue… you just have to pay for it. And think about every other desire being advertised to you as you await the next leg of your journey. Why else do you think airports are trialling shorter security so people could spend more time in the shopping areas? And why do you think you have to walk through the entirety of duty-free and its army of perfume triallers to get anywhere else? It’s all designed to make you spend the very money you saved not buying the shorter flight time.
My Bali Experience
So, I loved Bali. I loved every bit of it. And my expectations were set high. It’s never good to think of a place as amazing before visiting it, and despite my research I remain optimistic but open to my experience in individual places. But Bali is one of those places where… Well, it’s just Bali. I’d seen photos of rice terraces towered by volcanoes and sunsets. I thought if heaven was a place it would be Bali, and it probably still would be. But I think because I’d seen it as this haven for natural nature and local life (silly of me to expect I know) I guess I had this idea of perfection with the island. And it wasn’t perfect. Bali, despite probably being one of the most famous holiday destinations globally, it’s still for the most part operated on single-lane roads. So when you have 10 flights an hour coming in from all continents, it calls for a lot of post-airport traffic.
And boy, is it crazy.
What would’ve been a 35-minute journey from the airport to Canggu getting us to the beach town at 5 pm approx ended in us having to stop for a meal along the way and not getting to our Airbnb until maybe 9 pm.
Where we stayed
Unbearably sweaty, annoyed, and tired I was only met with a climb to get into our Airbnb for the next few nights. We were staying in a treehouse in the middle of a rice field above a river. The only way of getting to it was either a swing or an unstable log bridge. I opted for the walking option, of course. It was a fantastic Airbnb, from the rooms to the exterior it was just great. It felt a world away from Canggu’s modern hip eateries yet it was so close by cab. We woke up amid the trees, spent the day in the sea, and watched the sunset from the balcony of a beach club, our favourite being La Brisa.
We then moved on to Ubud. I feel we had really conquered the tourist trail here in Bali, started by the SW coast and moved onto the famous jungle town. I could see the impact of heavy tourism on these areas, but I also saw what it was that attracted these heaps of tourists. They were beautiful. Seeing ruins of temples in the jungle and experiencing the serene beauty of the rice terraces at sunrise was truly mesmerising. Ubud had a different vibe compared to the coastal areas. It felt more cultural and spiritual, with its numerous yoga studios, art galleries, and traditional Balinese dance performances.
One of the highlights of our stay in Ubud was visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Walking through the lush forest surrounded by playful monkeys was an unforgettable experience, although we had to be cautious of our belongings as the monkeys were quite mischievous!
After Ubud, we headed to the Gili Islands for some relaxation and snorkelling. The crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life made it a paradise for underwater enthusiasts like us. We spent our days lounging on the white sandy beaches and exploring the colourful coral reefs.
Best Time to Visit Bali
Bali, being extremely close to the equator, is hot all year round. However, many people often forget that, unlike summer in the Mediterranean, Bali experiences tropical weather. This means you shouldn’t expect dry, clear skies for weeks on end at any time of year in Bali. However, there are still some times that are better than others.
You’d be surprised (well, it surprised me) that Bali follows a more European seasonal schedule, which goes against the typical Southeast Asian high season during the UK’s winter. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons in Bali:
Wet Season (November – March):
The wet season in Bali brings more frequent rainfall and higher humidity. While it’s not the ideal time for sunbathing or outdoor activities, the lush landscapes during this time can be incredibly beautiful. The wet season can also be a good time to visit if you’re interested in cultural experiences, as there are fewer tourists, and you can witness traditional ceremonies and festivals. The wettest month in Bali is typically January, which sees the highest average precipitation levels, with frequent rain showers and occasional thunderstorms.
Dry Season (April – September):
This period is generally considered the best time to visit Bali. From April to September, the weather is typically dry and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as exploring beaches, temples, and rice terraces, as well as enjoying water sports like surfing and snorkelling. The driest month in Bali is typically August. However, even during the dry season, you might encounter occasional rain showers, especially in the afternoons or evenings.
Shoulder Season (April, May, September, October):
The shoulder seasons of April, May, September, and October offer a good balance between fewer crowds and reasonably dry weather. Prices for accommodations and flights may be lower during these months compared to the peak tourist season.
Obviously, visiting during the dry season is ideal, but if you’re really wanting to avoid the busiest times, aim for one of the shoulder season months. I would personally avoid the wet seasons only because so much of what there is to do in Bali is completely outdoors or weather dependent, and you don’t want a week-long storm to severely affect your plans.
How to Get Around
It depends on the distances we’re thinking of covering. Bali is massive with so much to see…
By Foot/By Bicycle:
If you’re looking to explore locally, then walking or cycling to your desired location is a great way of getting there. Not only does it allow you to pace yourself and notice things you wouldn’t see otherwise, but it also means you can stop and start wherever you please without having to park a moped, etc. Many accommodations have bikes on-site for guests or can easily get them delivered to you. However, this is a slow means of transport, so not to be used in a rush. Also, obviously in Bali, it gets very hot, so walking without shade can be quite uncomfortable.
By Moped:
Probably the most famous mode of transport in Bali (or SE Asia), especially if you’re a British teen without a driving licence, is a moped. Much faster than a bicycle but just as unprotected, it’s no secret that moped accidents (particularly involving drunk tourists) happen way too often. In fact, I think the Indonesian government is putting strict laws in place to take control of the situation. Despite being great and convenient to explore locally (but much further than by bicycle), don’t expect these mopeds to take you across the island. It is possible, but it’s just too far (and too easily avoided) to warrant sitting on a bike for that long. Also, a lot of bike rental companies only rent out bikes to be ridden in that local town/region.
By Car:
The biggest, most traffic-attracting, but also most comfortable mode of transport, of course, is by car. Apparently, it is possible to drive your own car, but why bother? The car rental and insurance itself will be so similar to if you just had a driver. And the convenience of having a local who knows the roads, the way of the roads, local hidden gems, and about any other tip or trick is unmatched. There is a benefit with this type of transport. Despite costing the most, if your driver can speak good English, then you also get a tour guide! On top of a great companion. We really enjoyed the company of all of our drivers and found it fun travelling and talking with them, we even had some cool-looking cars like this totally pink interior below…
(image: pink taxi)
By car, you can also cover any distance across the island comfortably. However, as mentioned before, unlike being able to swerve around traffic on a moped, in a car, you’re forced to stay put until it starts moving, which can feel like it takes forever. For this, I wouldn’t recommend a car if you’re just moving around the compact SW areas like Seminyak and Kuta. But for the longer journeys like from the coast to Ubud or to the north or east part of Bali, I would definitely rely on a car. Also, every accommodation has a connection to a driver, so these are so easy to sort out!
Where to Eat in Bali
Now, I am a massive foodie, and a big part of planning a trip is looking at good food spots I have to try. Bali, being a world-class destination, has already got some great places for local or global cuisines, and it’s only getting better. This list mainly consists of those modern ‘fancier’ restaurants, as the local food is bound to be great wherever you try. Regardless, here are a few of my top eats while I was in Bali:
Penny Lane: Canggu
Arguably the most beautiful restaurant interior out of most of the places on this list, and if not, it’s definitely up there. This bohemian-style restaurant boasts a gorgeous interior from the low-hanging plants, floor tiles, to even the bathrooms; this is a place for the insta-pics. But fear not! The food actually does taste good, so effort isn’t just put into the decor! Definitely a fun dinner, and the bigger the group, the better. But expect nothing local (also reflected in the price), you could find more local Indonesian spots in London or New York.
Mason Bar and Grill: Canggu
Another good restaurant but perhaps a little more upscale. Again, skylights, plants, wooden furniture… What is there not to love? Great food and a great idea if you want to try a few different flavours between the tables. Again, don’t expect ‘Bali’ prices here, but rest assured, for what it’s worth, it’ll still be less than the same meal in your home city.
Crate Cafe: Canggu
A great breakfast/brunch spot in Canggu perfect for even a quick stop by (if you’re lucky and there’s no line). Yes, this place is popular, but it moves fast, so I wouldn’t think you’d have to wait more than 10 mins? The smoothies here are so, so, so good.
Touche: Canggu
Another great spot for brunch foods. Bright white interior, this place lets all the natural light in, which is perfect for staring at (and indulging in) the fluffiest pancakes!
Shelter: Canggu
A thought-out menu with flavours that work so well! Simple and rustic interiors, but still a pretty setting, Shelter is going to be a good meal. Definitely don’t miss out on this one!
SKOOL Kitchen: Canggu
Located inside ‘The Lawn’ beach club, this meat-heavy menu is all worth it. Overlooking the beach at sunset is an unmissable dinner view, and this meal is an unmissable dinner in itself! Flavour, flavour, and more flavour left my mouth wanting more. I loved it. Even if you don’t want to eat here, visit the beach club during the day.
La Favela: Seminyak
This is a famous spot, so make sure to book in advance. Really cool (perhaps overdone) interior decor, and the food in this place is just as good as the atmosphere. If you’re here on a Saturday, it turns into a club later in the evening, but any other evening will still be packed with vibrancy.
Donna: Ubud
One of the best meals you can have in Ubud. I feel like I’m saying this about all of these restaurants, but the truth is they are all that good. This one, though, had us ordering dishes 2-3 times!
As you can see, a lot of the great food spots are in Canggu; it really is a trendy area. One thing that you may find slightly irritating is the need to book (well) in advance. For a lot of these places, they had month-long reservation lists, but if we didn’t book in advance, we managed to find last-minute tables, but that’s only if you want to risk it. If you can, book. And if you can’t, don’t worry! If anything, try and steer away from all the busy places and ask around for the best local hidden gems in the area.
What to Do in Bali
One thing about Bali is you cannot get bored. There is so much to do, so if just relaxing days on end isn’t your forte, then don’t worry, you’ll be kept busy. Here are some of my favourite sites and activities… and some not so favourites.
Beach Clubs:
A popular activity due to the abundance of them is visiting a beach club, and Bali has some amazing ones. Our favourite (and most popular) was La Brisa, but it did feel a little too overhyped. We just loved the view at sunset. Some other great ones are The Lawn, Palmilla Beach Club, Sundays Beach Club, and Cretya (pool club). In my opinion, though, the food in some of these beach clubs (particularly in La Brisa and Cretya because of how popular they are) isn’t that great, especially for the prices they charge. But a fantastic spot for a cocktail and a good view… Cretya, in particular!
Drinks:
What is a trip to Bali without a hangover? The island is renowned for being a top party spot in SE Asia, particularly with young Aussies! The SW coastal region is jam-packed with bars, clubs, discos, and other establishments open until sunrise. Some of our favourites were:
Motel Mexicola: Insane party
Old Man’s: Fun social bar
La Brisa: Vibes vibes vibes
The Shady Pig: Speakeasy with great cocktails
Balijoebar: A fun (gay) bar in a busy area
Sites Not to Miss:
Bali, unlike most of Indonesia, is a largely Buddhist place, so the island is filled with old stone temples with intricate detailing amid the jungle. It feels like you’re walking through a Studio Ghibli film in some areas.
Tegalalang Rice Fields (or any rice field area really?)
Ubud Palace – centre of Ubud and hosts traditional shows at night
Campuhan Ridge Walk – a beautiful walk just outside of Ubud
Monkey Forest – a must in bali – a forest full of monkeys
Pura Tirta Empul – pretty old building amidst the jungle
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple – feels like a fairytale, visit at sunset
Pura Ulun Danu Tamblingan – huge ancient ruins by lake
Aling Aling Waterfall – a great waterfall not to hard to reach
Sekumpul Waterfall – beautiful waterfall but a long hike away
Tanah Lot – temple on the shoreline near canggu
Uluwatu Temple – temple in uluwatu (obviously)
Taman Ujung – really beautiful gardens with ancient buildings
Beaches:
The entire coastline is blessed with gorgeous beaches, but these are some of my favourites:
Nyang Nyang Beach, Uluwatu
Canggu Beach, Canggu
Padang Beach, Uluwatu
Bingin Beach, Uluwatu
Virgin Beach, Candi Dasa
Tours & activities:
Cooking Classes:
Immerse yourself in Balinese culture by taking a cooking class and learning to prepare traditional Indonesian dishes. We absolutely love cooking classes wherever we go. It’s such a fun (and tasty) way to get accustomed to a different culture and even learn about food science itself. Visit a local market to select fresh ingredients, then participate in hands-on cooking sessions guided by experienced chefs. It’s a fun and interactive way to learn about Balinese cuisine and culture.
Traditional Balinese Cultural Performances:
Bali is renowned for its vibrant culture, which is often showcased through traditional dance and music performances. You could recommend attending performances such as the Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple, Legong Dance in Ubud, or Barong Dance in Batubulan. The dance in Ubud palace in my opinion is particularly beautiful.
Dolphin Tour (Lovina Beach):
This tour involved waking up super early and driving a couple of hours north from Ubud to Lovina. We were driven to a beach and transported onto a cute wooden boat that was driven deeper into the sea. Before we knew it, we were in the bluest sea I’d ever seen, far from shore and chasing dolphins alongside the boat.
So, this tour was fun, and I’m happy I did it, but I don’t know if it was all the greatness it was made out to be on social media. For starters, you’re not the only one on the tour, and you’re not the only boat out. And with hundreds of petrol engines chasing the same 4 dolphins, it’s often hard to get a real good long swim with them, and they seem quite frightened by the engine noises as well. On top of this, I spent so long in the water completely occupied by looking out for dolphins I didn’t realise how many jellyfish there were. So, I found myself having to dodge them left and right as I couldn’t reach to tell the driver to stop. Also, the sea is REALLY deep so anyone with a fear of those kinds of things or sharks (like I do) it maybe isn’t the most calming of situations lol.
Still, the experience is undeniably a gorgeous one. You’re then taken to a spot to do some snorkelling, nothing special but a beautiful spot to relax. Before you know it, the tours are over, you have a tan line where your mask sat, and the salt drying on your skin makes you feel like summer, it’s great. They did try to scam us at the end by telling us we hadn’t paid (we had confirmation that we did) but after a while of back and forth, they gave up.
Climbing Mt Batur:
This is something I unfortunately didn’t get to do while there, but I wish I did. A friend of mine did around the same time and I’m forever jealous. It looks like a great tour. Not much I can say on this as I didn’t do it, but I’d recommend checking it out if there.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling:
Explore Bali’s vibrant underwater world by scuba diving or snorkelling in its pristine coral reefs. Indonesia is one of the most affordable and best places to get your diving licence and within just a few days you could be a ‘professional’ diver. Discover colourful marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral gardens. Some of the best dive sites can be found off the coast of Amed, Menjangan Island, and the Gili Islands.
Where After Bali?
Although there is a lot to do in Bali itself to keep you busy for a good while, why not venture to one of its neighbouring islands? (All of these are accessible by boat but may be more convenient by plane).
East Java:
The huge island on the left of Bali is Java and is home to Indonesia’s first and second largest cities (including the capital – Jakarta). East Java in itself is bigger than probably 4 Bali’s, so safe to say it’s packed with things to see. This includes huge ancient temples, volcanoes, waterfalls… and much bigger and better than those found in Bali!
Lombok:
To the right of Bali is Lombok, similar in size to Bali but left almost completely unnoticed by international tourists. Despite being so geographically similar to Bali, Lombok is a hidden gem. Waterfalls without crazy entry prices, beaches with no one else on them, restaurants without having to book a month ahead… but just as beautiful. What is there not to love?
Nusa Penida:
This island, although smaller than Bali, is still a pretty big island and would need a moped or car to get around. Beautiful beaches (including the famous one) and other gems, this island has a lot to offer.
Gili Islands:
Probably one of my favourite places on Earth and just a 2h speed boat from Bali are the Gili Islands. Off of Lombok sits 3 islands named (in order of size) Gili T: main party island, Gili Meno: most relaxing (and in my opinion most beautiful) island perfect for honeymooners, and Gili Air: a mix of the two on a smaller island. I could talk for hours about my love for these islands.
Tips for Staying Safe and Sane in Bali
Download Gojek app
The motorbike taxi service will get you anywhere as quickly as possible and at a very good price.
Make sure you have WhatsApp as almost every company or accommodation will contact you through this.
Make sure you have bug/mosquito repellent.
It goes without saying that a tropical jungle has some of the worst mosquitoes you could imagine.
BALI BELLY!
The famous one, Luckily we never got it (and we didn’t stick to the rules as much as we should’ve), but a lot of people get affected by it. Don’t have drinks with ice and don’t eat ANYTHING raw except fruit, not even vegetables. Also, try and eat in local places where you can ‘see’ the kitchen, and where you’re sure the food is cooked fresh (like at a market stall or street food stand).
Bring a sarong or long sleeve/trousers:
If you enjoy visiting temples and other cultural sights, make sure you’re dressed appropriately out of respect. These also may be useful when looking to avoid the harsh sun.
Get a local SIM:
The 4G connection in Bali is quite good and works in a lot of places. However, the Wi-Fi we found in some accommodations either didn’t exist or didn’t work.