The island of Bali is located west of Indonesia and has over the years become a popular tourist destination. Rightfully so, because Bali has a multiple things to offer. From the shopping streets in Kuta, the cultural capital of Ubud to the quiet Lovina. The Gili Islands are right next door, so make sure to hop on that ferry and spend a few days baking in the sun. Here is a list of things to see and do while you are in Bali.
A lot of people will tell you that renting a motorcycle will be the easiest and fastest way to see the island. They are right. Though I was not comfortable enough to drive around Bali by myself. Traffic rules are slightly different in Indonesia, so you must be on your guard the whole time. Honestly, I don’t even have my driver license yet. How could I survive driving a motorcycle in Bali? With a bit of negotiating about the price, taxi is another good way to get around Bali.
HOW TO COVER KUTA
- Spend a night at the small but luxurious hostel Bali Caps. It’s close to Denpaser airport, inexpensive and perfect for solo travellers.
- Visit Uluwatu Temple, the home of the kleptomaniac monkeys. Try not to get robbed, (they like sunglasses), and breathe in the scenic Buddhist temple on the shore of the beach and grab a Bintang at Pedang Pedang Beach.
- Don’t miss Skygarden, a disco/bar where you can eat (and drink) buffet style the whole evening for only 100.000 Indonesian Rupia (+/- 10 AU$)
HOW TO COVER UBUD
The heart of Bali, beautiful Ubud hardly needs an introduction anymore. I was mesmerized with everything Ubud has to offer; culture, architecture, religion, tradition, fashion, food and so much more.
- We had booked a dorm room in Puji Hostel, but due to an overbooking, we got upgraded to a bungalow! The taste of too much luxury after Australian hostels was bittersweet, so we booked the rest of our stay in the private houses. It’s still a holiday, okay guys?
- Explore the cheap markets, local shops, and don’t miss out on the delicious Balinese Coffee.
- Hike up to Mount Batur. You leave the hotel at 2 AM, arrive at the foot of the volcano and started our way up with hundredths of other tourists at 4 PM. With flashlights in hand, we became part of the light of chain from start to top of the mountain. The hike up isn’t too easy, but when you make it at the top at 5.30AM, high five each other and try to catch your breath. Sit in darkness as you see the sky change colour and the mountain in front of you take shape. And as the city below you wakes up, and the clouds and fog clears, you think in that moment, you have never seen anything so beautiful before.
- Stop by the rice and coffee plantations.
HOW TO COVER GILI TRAWANGAN
- Board the ferry, and head over to one (or all three) of the Gili Islands. For some party time, make sure to visit Gili Trawangan.
- Enjoy the dolphin show on your way to and from the Islands.
- Take a picture by the famous swings at Sunset Bar
HOW TO COVER LOVINA
Lovina is a quiet, small beach town with few tourists. It is a perfect place to go after a few days of Gili T.
- You will see sunsets that leave you breathless, guaranteed.
- Go to Jimi Hendrix Dance Group School, to see children from ages 5 to 12 perform Balinese dance
- Visit Hot Springs, Buddhist temples and a secret Garden.
Have you been to Bali already? What were your favorite things and what are things that I’ve missed?
Interested in doing a Souteast Asia backpacking trip? Check out my Southeast Asia’s adventures.
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