I'll tell you straight up how it is. I envy you that your Bali trip is coming up. After traveling on a low budget in Bali during my studies, I had the opportunity to experience the entire diversity of Bali after my studies. The southwest and the islands are the tourist hot spots. On the other hand, the north and east of the island still offer many quiet places where you can also follow and experience the life of the locals.
In this blog post I take you to the most fascinating places in Bali. Each of these places has its own special features and captivates travelers with unforgettable experiences for every budget. In my opinion, a trip of 2 weeks or more is worthwhile. With a minimum of 3 weeks vacation you can see all my must-see places in Bali. It also includes the Gilis, which are part of Lombok but are often combined with a Bali trip.
Tips before your trip:
- Check out my Blog Post TOP 12 Things to Do and the Tools in my Shop to combine all these places in one optimal itinerary and, above all, which activities you should not miss in each place
- Get a SIM card via Klook* before you arrive. I couldn't find a cheaper and easier alternative locally, as you do all the paperwork in advance and you will receive your SIM card directly at the airport.
- Download the Grab and/or Gojek app. The main means of transport are taxis and scooters. A taxi from the airport to Canggu costs about 200k IDR.
1. Canggu/Seminyak/Kuta - The Bali with a western influence
Most travelers start their Bali adventure in Kuta, Seminyak or Canggu. Kuta is the party hotspot. Seminyak can be a more glam choice if that's what you are after. Canggu has a more laid-back surf and beach culture. In all 3 places there is a very well developed infrastructure, numerous varied (international) restaurants, hip party possibilities, great yoga studios and spas and of course the proximity to the sea including surfable waves. The beach is a beautiful, wide, gently sloping sandy beach that invites you to enjoy the sunset with a drink at a beach bar. If you like partying and want to connect with many young people, this is your place to be. After a long flight I recommend to stay 1 or 2 nights to arrive and find your way around. If you are timely limited and want to enjoy the real culture and unique experiences you can skip this part and drive directly to Ubud.
You can rent scooters from most accommodations or rental shops. The longer the duration, the cheaper. I payed around 45k IDR per day, which is very cheap. But I rent it for 25 days end of high season.
2. Ubud - Cultural treasure trove and center of the arts
Next up is the small town Ubud. Approx. 1h drive from Canggu. the cultural heart of Bali, is a paradise for art lovers, spiritual seekers and nature lovers. Surrounded by dense forests and rice terraces, Ubud offers a haven for creative souls. Here you can explore the famous Monkey Forest, admire traditional handicrafts and find tranquility in holy temples. The city is also known for its yoga retreats and spa services that balance body and mind and numerous waterfalls around Ubud. In Ubud itself you can stroll around the alleys on foot. For excursions I recommend a scooter, taxi or private driver. I've never been to Bali during the peak season, but even in the off-season central Ubud can be very crowded. Despite everything, it is one of the must-see places for me and I recommend to stay at least 2-3 nights. Ubud is also considered a possible starting point for many tours on the island. So if you don't plan on exploring the island independently and are more of a fan of tours, I recommend you stay longer.
In order to escape the tourist crowds, there are a few insider tips on Bali that are not yet well known. Like visiting the Sangeh Monkey Forest instead of the tourist hot spot Sacred Monkey Forest. For more (secret) tips check out my Google My Maps Pins in my Shop.
3. Munduk - Hidden beauty in the mountains
After the hustle and bustle of Ubud, head to the quieter north of Bali. Munduk, a picturesque mountain village in northern Bali, is a real insider tip. The region delights with lush rainforests, impressive waterfalls such as the Munduk Waterfall and coffee plantations that produce some of the best coffee in Bali. The cool climate and peaceful atmosphere make Munduk an ideal place for hiking, relaxing and experiencing the beauty of Balinese nature. On the approx. 2 hour drive from Ubud you drive along epic rice fields and imposing temples. I recommend to stay 2-3 nights here.
4. Amed - Underwater paradise and authentic fishing villages
Head east from Bali to Amed. The drive from Munduk along the coast takes about 3.5 hours. But you can pick a little warung on the beach to take a break. Amed offers a fascinating view of the volcano Gunung Agung and is a paradise for divers and snorkelers. The underwater world is rich in coral reefs and marine life. Here you can explore the USAT Liberty wreck that has been turned into an artificial reef. The relaxed atmosphere of the fishing villages and the black sand beaches convey an authentic Balinese ambience. I recommend to stay 2-4 nights here depending on whether you plan to take a diving course.
The best accommodation here is the Aquamarine Beach Villas*. In addition to the beautiful pool villas overlooking the sea, you can snorkel directly to the USAT Liberty wreck from here. It's a bit outside of Amed so I would definitely recommend a scooter.
5. Sidemen - Immerse yourself in Bali's picturesque rice terraces and traditions
Sidemen, a quiet mountain village, takes you into the world of rice terraces. Here you can enjoy the sight of endless green plains surrounded by majestic mountains. The region is also known for its weaving skills and traditions, which you can experience up close in the local villages. A walk through the rice fields and a glimpse into the daily life of the locals offer an authentic Bali experience which you can easily book in a tour. My husband and I stayed 3 nights and did the Mount Batur Sunrise Tour, which I can highly recommend.
In this area I recommend booking one of the incredibly beautiful bamboo villas. It is truly a unique experience and the views of the surrounding rice fields are spectacular. You can find the most impressive bamboo villas in my Google My Maps in my Shop.
6. Gilis - Tropical paradises for snorkeling and relaxing
The Gili Islands - Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air - beckon with their pristine white beaches and crystal clear waters. Here you can relax in a hammock on the beach or explore the colorful underwater world while snorkeling or diving. I can highly recommend doing a snorkeling trip to see all the underwater highlights around the Gilis. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the islands, creating a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy island life to the fullest. Gili Trawangan is the island with the most bars, while Gili Meno is the quietest of the 3 islands and known as Honeymoon Island. Gili Air offers the perfect combination of the two islands. I was on both Gili Trawangan and Gili Air for around 3 nights each and can recommend them both as you can find busy as well as quieter corners on both islands.
The inhabitants of the Gilis are predominantly Muslim. Therefore, there are mosques on every island that call for prayer at least twice a day. This is often at 4 a.m., so I recommend booking accommodation further away from the mosque if you are a light sleeper.
7. Nusa Penida / Lembongan / Ceningan - Adventure and natural wonders
Known as part of the Nusa group of islands, these three islands offer unique adventures and breathtaking views. Nusa Penida impresses with its fascinating cliffs and breathtaking beaches such as Kelingking Beach. Nusa Lembongan is known for its relaxed ambience and mix of rolling hills and coastline. Nusa Ceningan, the smallest of the three islands, enchants with its turquoise lagoon and famous Yellow Bridge. If you have to decide on an island I would recommend Nusa Penida as this is where you have the most activities for around 3 days. It is best to rent a scooter and explore the Islands but a friend of mine booked a tour and was overwhelmed of Nusa Penidas landscapes.
Make sure to enjoy the sunset at Amok Sunset. Here you have an incredibly great view over the sea from the pool. Especially for sunset I would recommend you to make a reservation. The road to get there is a bit difficult, but definitely possible with a scooter. Otherwise, the restaurant also offers a shuttle from the main street.
8. Uluwatu - Temples, surfing and breathtaking sunsets
Uluwatu, in southern Bali, is a paradise for surfers and nature lovers alike. The Uluwatu Temple, perched on the cliffs, offers not only spiritual glimpses but also breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The surrounding area is a hotspot for surfers who can enjoy Uluwatu's legendary waves. The spectacular sunsets over the sea make this place an unforgettable experience. You can easily spend 3 nights here.
If you are there, you should definitely take the opportunity to experience the cultural highlight Kecak Fire Dance. In addition to the impressive performance, you can also enjoy a beautiful sunset.
If you are now wondering how you can combine all these places in one optimal itinerary and, above all, which activities you should not miss in each place. Check out my TOP 12 Things to Do and the Tools in my Shop to be perfectly prepared for your upcoming vacation.
*The links marked with * are so-called affiliate links. If a purchase is made via such a link, I will receive a commission. There are no additional costs for you. Where, when and how you buy a product is of course up to you.
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