DISCOVER BALI, Indonesia
🌺 Welcome to Bali—One of My Favorite Places on Earth
Bali holds a special place in my heart for so many reasons. From sun-soaked coastlines to spiritual jungle hideaways, this island offers a vibe for every kind of traveler.
Follow my journey through the vibrant towns of Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, Uluwatu, and the islands of Gili Trawangan and Lombok—each one with its own charm, energy, and unforgettable moments.
Known for its energy vortexes and ley lines, Bali has become a magnet for those looking to "find themselves." It's a global hotspot for remote workers, digital nomads, soul searchers, and adventurers alike.
Whether you’re here to network, party, meditate, or experience some of the best snorkeling and dive sites in the world, Bali has something for everyone.
And here’s the truth: after two trips, I’ve still only scratched the surface. There’s so much to explore, experience, and fall in love with—so take your time, follow your curiosity, and let the island surprise you. Check out a fun video of Bali below.
Things you should know before visiting:
Bali is magical, but it definitely comes with a few surprises—some that caught me off guard on my first trip! Here are a few real tips to help you feel more prepared, safe, and stress-free so you can enjoy the island for all its beauty.
🚱 Don’t Drink the Tap Water
This one’s important! Stick to bottled or filtered water—even for brushing your teeth. Many hotels and villas provide free filtered water, so bring a refillable bottle.
💸 Bargaining Is Normal (and Expected)
Whether you’re shopping at local markets, grabbing a taxi, or booking activities in person, don’t be afraid to negotiate. It's part of the culture and totally acceptable—just do it with a smile!
🚕 The Taxi Mafia Is Real
I’m not exaggerating here—some taxi drivers in tourist-heavy areas will try to charge you 2–3x the going rate. The Grabapp (similar to Uber) is legal, but certain areas are “restricted,” especially around Canggu and Seminyak. Here’s what I recommend:
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Walk a few blocks away from the busy/touristy zones before ordering a Grab.
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If someone approaches you offering a ride, politely say you’re all set.
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Can’t get a Grab? Look up the app’s price and use that as your baseline when negotiating with a taxi. Don’t be afraid to walk away if they’re overcharging.
🌊 Ocean Currents Can Be Strong
Bali beaches are gorgeous but can be unpredictable. Pay attention to the red flag warnings on the beach and avoid swimming alone, especially in Uluwatu or Canggu.
⚠️ Watch Your Step
This one’s random, but very real: sidewalks in Bali are not always well maintained. Watch out for large holes, uneven pavement, or open drains—especially at night. One of my friends took a nasty fall, and let’s just say... flip-flops weren’t ideal.
🐒 Monkey Forest = Cute but Crafty
Visiting the Monkey Forest in Ubud? It’s an unforgettable experience—but those monkeys are smart (and sneaky). Hold your phone, sunglasses, and anything shiny or edible tightly—they will grab it. Seriously. Read the rules at the entrance and stay alert.
🤢 Bali Belly Is a Thing
“Bali Belly” is basically food-related illness (similar to traveler’s stomach). Some people never get it. I did—for a full week—after eating a gorgeous smoothie bowl filled with tropical fruit.
Tips to avoid it:
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Stick to fruit with a peel (like bananas or oranges).
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Wash your hands frequently.
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Pack anti-diarrhea medication just in case.
☀️ The Good News?
Once you know these things, you can enjoy Bali even more. A little awareness goes a long way, and most travelers—myself included—keep coming back. The beauty, people, and culture make it 100% worth it.
For more, check out my Bali Checklist Guide with all you need to know here.
Waterfalls
Traditional Dancers
Rice Terraces
Explore More..
Whether you're here to explore ancient traditions or chase the next adventure, Bali delivers on every level. From traditional Balinese dance performances and mesmerizing fire dancers to live music, beachside DJ sets, and international festivals, there’s always something happening. You’ll find yourself wandering through lush rice terraces, flowing through poses at world-renowned yoga studios and wellness retreats, snorkeling vibrant coral reefs, trekking through jungles, and sipping on every kind of tropical elixir and health tonic imaginable.
No matter where the island takes you—spiritual, social, or somewhere in between—Bali guarantees good vibes, eye-opening moments, and memories you’ll never forget.
What to Do:
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Bali a few times, and each trip teaches me something new—about the island and about myself. Bali is ever-changing, especially post-COVID. Some beloved spots like Pretty Poison, a once-iconic Tuesday night hangout with skateboarding, live music, and great drinks, are no longer open. But trust me—there’s still so much magic to soak up.
Whether you're chasing waves, jungle waterfalls, or soul-refreshing sunsets, Bali truly has it all. That said… don’t try to squeeze everything into one trip. Getting around the island takes time, and burnout is real. You can always come back. (And you’ll want to.)
I'm sharing my favorites as well as places I wish I could've explored. And, feel into the moments. I had more planned but chose to do alternate routes because of people I met along my journey and those connections were worth it. I had some days where I left my group and did solo things- which I highly recommend also.
🌴 Places & Areas to Explore in Densapar:
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Ubud – The heart of Bali’s soul: rice terraces, Tirta Empul Temple (sacred temple), yoga studios, jungle swings, markets, and temples.
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Sidemen – Just outside Ubud, this serene region is home to breathtaking jungle views, handcrafted bamboo homes, and treehouse Airbnbs that feel straight out of a dream. Think: quiet, misty mornings and mountain backdrops.
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Canggu – Trendy cafes, beach bars, surf breaks, and a digital nomad hub.
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Seminyak – Great for boutique shopping, beach clubs, and sunset cocktails.
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Uluwatu – Cliffside views, white sand beaches, a surfers paradise, home to one of the most famous clubs in the world (Savaya) and some of the best sunset spots.
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Kuta – A bit more chaotic & not safe to stay, but great for day trips of people-watching and watching surfers.
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Lovina – Located on Bali’s quieter north coast, Lovina offers a more traditional and spiritual side of the island. It’s known for its early morning dolphin tours, where you can watch pods swim alongside boats at sunrise. One of the most memorable experiences here is visiting a Balinese cleansing temple for a traditional water purification ceremony—a truly grounding and healing ritual. Lovina is perfect for travelers craving authenticity, slower travel, and meaningful connection to local culture.
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Other Island Escapes
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Nusa Penida – Home to the iconic Kelingking Beach (T-Rex Cliff). If you're up for an adventure, rent a dirt bike and explore at your own pace.
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Gili Trawangan (Gili T) – No cars, just bikes and horse-drawn carts. Crystal clear water, coral reefs, and some of the best snorkeling in the world (yes, with sea turtles!).
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Lombok – I visited briefly for a spur of the moment charity day and ended up staying in the most beautiful place (more in blog)! More off-the-beaten-path but great for hiking and waterfalls. Home to a Pink Sand Beach. We stumbled upon one of the most beautiful and unique places I've ever stayed at for a reasonable price, Mentigi Bay Dome Villas! And, fun fact, this was the ONLY resort that didn't collapse during a 2018 tragic earthquake.
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🌾 Experiences to Add to Your List:
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Cretya Day Club or really any pool club (they're all fun) – Poolside parties surrounded by the jungle and rice terraces in Ubud. Definitely a vibe.
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Visit Savaya & make a night out of it- Enjoy the beats over cliffside views. Book a stay nearby and enjoy Uluwatu. It is a journey to get to Uluwatu and it is way too beautiful to not check out other areas. A surfer's paradise and it's cool to watch during a sunset.
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Tegalalang Rice Terraces – One of my favorite memories is spending hours just wandering through.
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Monkey Forest (Ubud) – A must-do! Just hide your snacks... and sunglasses.
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Chase Waterfalls – Tegenungan, Tukad Cepung, and Banyumala Twin are all stunning.
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Beach Sunsets – Don’t miss catching a fiery sky over the water really anywhere! Bali is known for incredible sunsets! Some of my favorite sunsets were in Gili T and Uluwatu.
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The Gates of Heaven (Lempuyang Temple) – A journey! It’s about 3 hours from most major areas. You can book a private driver for 6–10 hours at very reasonable rates.
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Yoga + Wellness – Yoga Barn in Ubud is well-known, but there are beautiful, peaceful spots all over the island.
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Attend a networking event even if you're not a nomad. They are fun and you'll be sure to meet new friends! Outpost is great for coordinating meetups.
🛵 Pro Tip:
Bali looks small on a map—but it takes time to get around. Traffic and winding roads can make short distances take hours. Leave space in your itinerary to chill, be spontaneous, or simply watch the sun go down with a drink in hand. You’ll thank yourself later.