Bali is a small island located in the country of Indonesia. Most people have never even heard of this place, and if they have, it is all thanks to what we have seen in the movies or heard about in the media. However, we all know that a movie representation is never really a true depiction of what any place is like. I've always believed that you can't have a true sense of understanding about what a place is really like, until you have experienced it for yourself. I first visited Bali back in 2015. My experience was nothing short of what I had imagined, but time did not allow for me to have the full appreciation of the entire island. I had literally less than a week to explore all of what Bali had to offer - which I didn't realize was SO much! The time I spent there wasn't enough - and throughout the years I kept finding myself daydreaming about visiting this beautiful island again. It wasn't until recently that I was finally able to make that dream become a reality again. I was lucky enough to have spent 5 amazing weeks exploring the ins and outs of all that Bali has to offer, and so much more! There are so many incredible hidden gems in this place and even more stunning towns to visit and explore. Some of my favorite places include: Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, Canggu, and Uluwatu. Below I will provide my list of top things to do and see in each place visited. the best of ubudSacred Monkey Forest I have to admit, I was reluctant to visit the Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest, and I'll explain why. A few years ago, my best friend and I were visiting Bali for the first time ever, so of course what we were most excited for was the Monkey Forest! I had seen it all over travel blogs and instagram, and the idea of being surrounded by heaps of monkeys just seemed so wild! Well, it was definitely something! Let's start from the beginning - as soon as you enter the forest, after paying the entrance fee of 50,000 Rupiah, you immediately pass by a banana stand where crowds of tourists, and monkeys, are all gathered. My first initial thought was: if I buy some bananas, a monkey will want to come up to me. Being naive and uninformed, I paid the 50,000 rupiah for the bunch of bananas, which by the way was a complete rip off! (side note: if you ever decide to visit the forest, DO NOT buy the bananas at the entrance... they are overpriced and given in small quantities). Moving on! I think I walked about 10 feet until I realized there were a swarm of hungry looking monkeys coming straight towards me. Now, the first rule at the Monkey Forest is - do not look the monkeys straight in the eye. So naturally, I did what any sane person would do in that moment: I panicked, threw the bunch of bananas, and ran as far away and as fast as I could! The rest of my time spent in the forest that day was filled with anxiety, fear, and worry. None of which were conducive for getting those insta-worthy grammable pictures! Now, going back to my previous statement above, I'm sure you can understand my reluctance to not want to go back to this place after my frightful encounter the first time around. So, what made me change my mind you might wonder? Well.. besides the fact that the Monkey Forest is a well known tourist destination, I wanted to remain open-minded when it comes to traveling, and most of all I was hoping for a different outcome this time around. Besides, it's been over 3 years since I last visited Bali, and I would like to think that within that time I've developed into a more experienced traveler with a deeper sense of adventure. I can honestly say without a shadow of a doubt that this time around was 100% different. First off, I did not buy the bananas at the entrance, but instead watched as all the other naive tourists got ransacked right away by all the monkeys. Secondly, I waited until I felt more comfortable with my surroundings before opting to take any photos. With that being said, they have workers spread out all around the forest who will provide you with food for the monkeys as well as taking a plethora of photos of you with the monkeys for a small fee. Most of them will charge 20,000 Rupiah (for 2 people) and some will just ask for a small donation of whatever you wish to give. The further into the forest you go, the less you will have to pay. The forest itself is pretty spread out, so I would plan on spending at least a good hour to hour and a half. Although there isn't much to see other than all of the monkeys, they do have a few cool hidden nature spots you can visit and capture beautiful pictures of. I definitely think it's worth visiting, especially if you plan on spending a whole day in Ubud.
Traditional Art Market If you've ever seen the movie Eat.Pray.Love. then I'm sure you'll recognize the scene where Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem walk through the crowded alley-ways of the Traditional Art Market. The Ubud Market, which is also known as Pasar Seni, is located just across the street from the Royal Palace. Nowhere in Bali will you find more handmade arts and crafts than here. This bustling market sells everything from clothes, to sarongs, to souvenirs, to paintings, and so much more. It's definitely a fun place to spend a few hours working on your bargaining skills and perhaps checking off some must get souvenirs from your list. The number one rule in Bali is: always, and I mean ALWAYS bargain! You should never buy anything for the first price you are given. Try to at least start at a quarter or half price of what the seller first offers. A good tip is to try and walk around and explore the market first, so you get an idea of the what they sell and what kind of prices to expect. The market is quite big, and even when you think there's not more to see - I can guarantee you there will be! Often times you will get the best prices the further inside you walk. Trust me when I say that the sellers are relentless, and more times than not, they won't stop following you around until you buy something from them. I had a few weak moments myself where I was suckered in to buying stuff I didn't really want just because they wouldn't leave me alone. They obviously know how to haggle, so be prepared!
Royal Palace & Legong Dance The Ubud Palace, where the Ubud royal family still lives, is in the heart of the town and was built sometime around 1917. The Palace is beautifully decorated with statues, stone carvings, and ornaments, and most of the compound is open to the public. It is pleasant to stroll around the Palace during the day, but it can be packed with tourists, especially when the tour buses arrive. Every night there is a Balinese Legong dance in the Palace that takes place at 7:30 p.m. Legong is a traditional dance, where the dancers wear heavy make-up and colorful costumes, and it`s all a bit theatrical. Pay extra attention to their eyes during the dance, as they convey a lot of emotion through their eyes. The dance lasts for almost an hour and a half...it does tend to get a little tedious and redundant after awhile if you ask me. I would suggest buying a drink before going into the dance area. It doesn't get too crowded, or at least it didn't when we went. They have bleachers or 'tiered' seating set up in the back and it allows for a better viewing of the show. Don't expect to be blown away by this performance or anything, because if you've already been to the Kecak Fire Dance in Uluwatu, then you've probably already seen the best dance in Bali.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces The first time I saw a picture of this place I thought to myself "I ABSOLUTELY NEED TO GO HERE!" It literally looked like something straight out of a fairy tale. And I can honestly say that I was not disappointed when I finally got to experience the rice terrace firsthand. I will say this though - it's definitely not a place for people who: a) don't like to hike, b) are afraid of heights, and c) don't enjoy long car rides. In order to get the full effect of the rice terrace, it does require a bit of walking. I would 100% recommend applying lots of bug repellent beforehand though because they have massive amounts of sand flies that when they bite - it not only stings but it leaves a long-lasting burning sensation that never seems to go away. On that note - the hike itself is really dependent on how much you want to see and what types of pictures you are looking to capture. The further down the path you go, the better the views become. The paths are very narrow, and the steps very steep. You are literally stepping onto tiny pieces of cement that are in the shape of squares placed along the rice terrace pathway. When I say that this isn't intended for people who are afraid of heights, its only because how the rice terrace is situated. There aren't any type of safety rails and the higher you go, the steeper it becomes. In order to get to the rice terraces you must endure a rather lengthy car ride. Depending on where you are coming from, all roads seem to lead in one direction and the amount of time spent in the car can become pretty long. The drive is not great for people who suffer from motion sickness either. Most roads consist of endless twists and turns and drivers who swerve in and out of traffic constantly - all of which seems to be completely normal. You are 100% putting your lives in the hands of your driver every time you step foot into a taxi. Don't let any of this discourage you from visiting the rice terraces though, because I can assure you that it is a pretty incredible place filled with breathtaking views. Although I will admit, it's a lot smaller than I had imagined so most of it can be done in like two hours.
Tirta Empul Temple I know what you're thinking...once you've seen one temple, you've pretty much seen them all, right? Well... this temple was actually a bit different than your standard southeast Asia temple experience and I'll tell you why: first off, this temple is known for its 'holy water spring' which yes, you can actually bath in! The spring feeds various purification baths, pools, and fish ponds surrounding the outer perimeter, which all flow into the Tukad Pakerisan River. Various sites throughout the region and many other archaeological relics relate to the local myths and legends. As with any visit to a holy place, it is always important to dress respectfully. It is required to wear a sarong wrap around the lower body, which is provided for you by the temple. It is forbidden for women to enter any temple or sacred site during 'that time of the month' and may only have access to the outer perimeters. The water itself is pretty warm, however, you must wear a different type of sarong to enter the baths (either your own, or one that you purchase at the temple). It is said that only pilgrims and devotees can enter the water, but I can assure you that I saw mannnnny tourists in those baths. When you are finished visiting the temple, the exit leads you through a path, that we like to call the gauntlet, lined with art markets and rows of shops selling various items. I'm not joking when I say that it feels like a never ending path until you finally reach the parking lot. As always, you will be harassed and followed and given a 'good price' by all the locals trying to make some kind of a profit.
Bali Swing I don't even know where to start with this one. All I can say is - tourist trap! Out of all my Ubud adventures, I was most excited to visit Bali Swing. I had seen so many amazing pictures on Instagram and read so many cool travel blogs that I didn't want to miss out on the experience. So I won't sit here and criticize it too much because there was a small part of me that did enjoy the rather 'short-lived' experience of being on the swing. Upon arrival, you are immediately directed to a table where you will find a 'consent' form that needs to be filled out before entering the premises. I'm still not entirely sure why you need to fill it out, but I guess it was for legality purposes, because there wasn't really anything dangerous about being on the swings. Anyways, moving on...there are 3 options to choose from: 1) pay entry and have access to ALL swings, nests, Balinese buffet, and drinks. 2) pay entry and have access to ONLY Balinese buffet and drinks. 3) pay entry and have access to ALL swings, nests, Balinese buffet, drinks, and personal photographer. If there was one thing I regret the most, it was not paying the extra $5 for a professional photographer to follow me around and take pictures using a quality camera. On the other hand, unless you are willing to spend ALL day, and I mean literally, ALL DAY at the Bali swing, then having a personal photographer is not worth it. After entering the premises, you are in direct view of the entire place. It was nowhere near as big as i thought it was, and all the swings are lined up directly next to each other. Oh and did I mention the crowds? We arrived around 1:00 p.m., so it is possible that if you go at a decent hour, you won't have to wait as long, but there's never a gaurentee. I chose to do the most popular swing they offered that swung you out high over the hilltops and gave beautiful views of the green fields and small river in the distance. Well, given that this was the most popular swing, meant that the line was unbelievably long. I'm not kidding when I say that I waited about an hour to experience a 1 minute thrill of soaring high above the hilltops. That's not even including the heat as a factor. Be prepared for the sun to be blaring down on you the entire time you wait in those lines, because there is no doubt it will be. So, was it worth it? Meh...it's all relative and that's something that will vary by person. Don't get me wrong, it was an incredible minute, but to wait that long....it was a bit much. It took away from being able to experience everything else the place had to offer. Not to mention, it was a bit pricey for only staying for 2 hours. The Balinese buffet consists of your standard white steamed rice, chicken, salad, and some fish.. I think? And the 'open bar' didn't mean what we thought it meant - simply soft drinks (coca-cola, sprite, and fanta) were all they were offering. Sorry to disappoint folks! It's really hard to say whether or not to visit Bali Swing, because although it is a really cool place, it takes a large portion of the day to fully experience everything. If I had to do it all over again, I would plan to arrive super early and start as soon as possible, before any tour buses and other large crowds arrive.
TOP PLACES TO EAT IN UBUDTHE BEST OF kutaLegian Street Most people will tell you to steer clear of Kuta because it is considered to be party central. And I'll be honest - they aren't lying. And Legian Street is the heart of the party. This street consists of extreme nightlife that includes bars, restaurants, lounges, clubs, and of course during the day - shopping! Most of the clubs don't become busy until after 9:00/10:00 at night. So if you do plan on hitting the town, I would suggest going out to dinner first and then heading over to one of the hot spots. People, especially tourists, stay out very late and the streets are very loud until the early morning hours. If you are looking for a more relaxing place to hang out, then Kuta is probably not idea. Also, there a lot of sketchy guys that will stand along the streets and try to sell you drugs. Be careful because you never know what you're actually getting. During the day, Legian Street is where you'll find most of the area's daytime shopping and dining spots. Many small art shops let you hop from one to another while practicing your bargaining skills (def utilize this). They also offer fixed price shopping with brand outlets such as Rip Curl and Surfer Girl, which have their flagship stores here. Massage and reflexology spas also welcome you on almost every corner for a pamper break.
GWK The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is one of those places in Bali that, for some (me included), a one time visit is more than enough, but also a must a see. This cultural park is located near the southern tip of Bali, close to Kuta. The park is very well maintained and very clean. There is an entrance fee of 100,000 IDR to get in, which is equivalent to about $7.00 USD. The highlights of the park include the two gigantic copper sculptures of God Wisnu (Vishnu) and his magical bird Garuda. I would recommend visiting if it is your first time exploring Bali, but expect to walk a LOT... and if you are visiting during the hot months, then definitely wear a hat or something to cover your face. I visited back in 2015, and during this time there was still a lot of construction going on. I haven't visited again since, but I have heard that the statue has been completed as of 2017.
Kuta Beach Kuta beach can be extremely overwhelming if you've never never experienced any type of southeast Asia country before. If you are looking for a beautiful beach to relax, have some peace and quiet, and embrace the solitude of being alone, then I wouldn't recommend coming here. The streets and beach are full of locals trying to sell you anything and everything - from handmade bracelets, to back massages, to surf lessons. You name it - they've got it! This particular beach is HUGE on surfing and you won't be surprised to see swarms of instructors, perched outside their huts, attempting to lure you into a lesson, one after the next after the next. I will say this though - If you have never experienced surfing before, then this is definitely the place to try it. Not only is it relatively cheap but the the water is tame and conducive for first time learners. You can also find loads of other things to do while visiting Kuta beach instead of just the ocean. There are ere a slew of restaurants that are parallel to the beach, along with a big outdoor shopping mall.
Amnaya Resort The Amnaya Resort was the hotel we chose to stay for the first two weeks of the trip and there aren't enough words to describe how absolutely incredible this place is! When the taxi driver initially pulled up to the hotel, we were immediately greeted by the staff with smiling faces and kind words. This continued throughout the duration of our stay. The workers at Amnaya go above and beyond to make sure you are properly taken care of at all times. Every morning there is a lovely breakfast offered down in the dining area. They offer a wide-selection of an American style spread along with juice, coffee, or tea. I definitely took advantage of this every single morning and found that the french toast option was my favorite. Aside from the breakfast, they also offer delicious choices for both lunch and dinner. I couldn't get enough of the fish and chips and indulged in this meal numerous times throughout my stay here. The Amnaya resort is centrally located in Kuta, within walking distance from the beach, shopping malls, and many quality restaurants. The facility itself has a gorgeous lap style pool, computer room, gym, massage parlor, and afternoon tea and pastries along with music and Balinese style dancing. Each room comes with a flat screen TV, separated bath tub, and a small cabana outside on the patio. If you are looking for a luxury style stay at an affordable price, then my recommendation would be to stay at the Amnaya Hotel.
Top PLaces to eat in kutaTHE BEST OF SEMINYAKBali Boat Shed Bali Boat Shed is a concept store with a multitude of local and international brands for both ladies and gentlemen. You can find a good assortment of short sexy dresses, long beach dresses, swimsuits, sunglasses and some jewelry. With its colorful exterior, it is also a great Instagram location! Ideally positioned in the heart of Seminyak’s most popular shopping strip, Bali Boat Shed is a quirky multi-brand boutique. Catering to fashion-lovers, its wide range of threads and accessories include colourful resort wear, swimwear, lounge wear, streetwear, sunglasses and even a small collection of lingerie. Stocking more than 40 independent local and international designer labels, alongside its in-house “Bali Boat Shed” brand, its diverse collection of island-inspired wares appeals to tourists, locals and expats alike
Seminyak Square This quaint square provides a convenient stopover on your tours around Seminyak. Located on the famous Jalan Kayu Aya, where you'll find a large arcade with two levels lined with shops, restaurants and cafés. At ground level, an open-air art market welcomes you after a large parking space. Seminyak Square also features sports and fashion outlets, a batik store and a leading bookshop, as well as a children's, souvenir and jewelery outlets. These come together to provide a full shopping experience under one roof, while food outlets such as Bali Bakery, Casa Gourmet and others offer a large variety of Eastern and Western cuisine.
Seminyak Beach Seminyak is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bali. People gravitate here for that little bit of luxury and relaxation that lacks in its neighbors Kuta and Legian. One thing you shouldn't miss is watching a beautiful sunset either on the beach or at one of the many beach bars located in town. This was absolutely one of my favorite parts about visiting Seminyak. I've never seen such vibrant colors in the night sky with such beautiful warm temperatures. Bring a blanket or a towel, perhaps even some champagne or beer, and get lost in the beauty of the Bali sunsets.
Tanah Lot Just 30 min north of the surf-side, backpacker’s heaven town of Canggu, the famed Pura Tanah Lot is there, seemingly floating in the ocean for all to see. Pura Tanah Lot is an ancient Hindu temple, dedicated to the gods of the sea with origins back to the fifteenth century, that still remains a site of religious significance to Balinese people today. As a tourist, I was blown away by the natural beauty of this spectacular landmark, located just off the coast of Bali. I went during low-tide which takes the effect away of a “floating” temple, but gives you the opportunity to walk down on the beach and view this mysterious temple from a different perspective. If you are able to go during sunset, then you will be able to catch remarkable views, however, it is also most crowded during this time.
TOP PLACES TO EAT IN seminyakTHE BEST OF uluwatuCocktails at Dreamland Beach Dreamland Beach is now one of the most famous beaches in Bali and it is said to rival even Kuta Beach. On a trip here you will find a long section of golden sand which looks out over a colorful reef and this is a top spot for anyone who is an advanced surfer and looking for some challenging waves in a beautiful setting. They also offer beginner surfer lessons, but while I was there the tide was to high and the water was not conducive for surfing. If you prefer, you can simply rent a sun lounger on the beach with a shady parasol and watch everyone else doing the hard work. They also offer a bar/restaurant that overlooks the beautiful water while sipping on some cocktails and snacking on some delicious appetizers.
Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Fire Dance Uluwatu Temple lies just outside Jimbaran but it is widely considered to be one of the top attractions in the area. The temple is known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu in Indonesian and it is one of the most iconic sights on the island. The temple sits atop a craggy scenic bluff looking over the Bukit peninsula and is one of the most important sea temples in Bali. Not to mention, the views are absolutely spectacular. The temple is surrounded by forest lands which are full of cheeky monkeys who have been known to steal things from tourists so make sure to keep your personal possessions close to you as they are unlikely to relinquish pilfered items unless you placate them with fruit. If you plan on coming during sunset then don't miss out on the amazing Kecak Fire Dance. The show starts at around 6:00 p.m., just before sunset, but it is best to come early for good seating. The Kecak Fire Dance is one of the most famous traditional Balinese dances, and it is not to be missed while visiting Uluwatu!
Surf at Padang Padang Beach Located on the north-western coast of the island's Bukit Peninsula, not far away from the famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu / Uluwatu Temple, Padang Padang Beach is one of the famous surf spot in Bali. Padang Padang was not well-known in the past. The beach only became a famous tourist attraction in Bali after a couple of scenes from the romantic movie "Eat, Pray, Love" starring Julie Roberts and Javier Bardem were filmed here in 2010. Padang Padang Beach is also the shooting location for the music group "Micheal Learns To Rock'' music video in 1996. Located at Jalan Labuhan Sait, Pecatu Village, Padang Padang Beach is also locally known as the Pantai Labuan Sait or Labuan Sait Beach. The beach is guarded by a temple and wild monkeys. Just like the monkeys in Uluwatu Temple, these monkeys are extremely adept at snatching and stealing belongings from visitors. So, make sure you watch out for these mischievous monkeys along the way. With its crystal clear waters, soft yellow sands and amazing limestone cliffs, Padang Padang Beach is famed for its natural beauty and stunning landscapes.
TOP PLACES TO EAT IN uluwatuTHE BEST OF cangguLove Anchor Bazaar If you are looking for something fun to do or if you are in the mood for some bargain shopping then I would suggest checking out the Love Anchor Bazaar in Canggu. It is the most popular market in town and one of the most hipster markets in Bali. Here they sell everything from clothing to souvenirs and lots of beautiful jewelry. It’s undoubtedly the perfect set up with music playing and happy faces. A real good vibe, and a great way to explore the city by bike.
The Lawn Beach Lounge If you are looking for a relaxing dinner, a beautiful sunset, or a quick cocktail, then The Lawn is the place you will want to be. It is one of my favorite places for a sundowner as you can laze on the pillows or sun chairs with a drink in hand. They have a pool area with a swim up bar now, as well as beach deck where you can crash on one of the day beds in the sun. Or come to The Lawn for a romantic star lit dinner on the Top Deck. Every Friday from 7 to 11 pm The Lawn offers a happy hour which they call 50Fridays and you can buy a selection of cocktails, wines, beer and pizza at 50% off. It's a great way to start the weekend in Canggu!
Pretty Poison Easy to get to by bicycle or motorbike, pretty poison is located in the heart of Canggu. Not only do they offer a pretty crazy nightlife filled with hip hop music, live MC's, and even live graffiti, but you can also get a tattoo while you are there! Crazy right? The outside area is home to a giant skate bowl, or empty pool, which was inspired by the ones in Lords of Dogtown. Local skaters are paid to skate the bowl and visiting ones can give it a go too. It’s so fun watching them do their tricks and runs and an amazing atmosphere. There’s tons of seating outside as well as a big outdoor screen showing classic skating films. It's worth visiting if you are staying in the Canggu area.
Yoga at Serenity Guesthouse There are so many yoga studios in Bali, and it can be a little bit overwhelming. For the sake of straightforwardness, I'm just going to suggest places in Canggu, although there are so many different yoga studios throughout Bali. Canggu in on the coast, located about 45 minutes from Kuta Beach. Serenity Eco Guesthouse offers many styles of yoga classes throughout the day. The first class starts at about 7 a.m., and the last class ends at around 8:00 p.m. These classes are great for all levels ranging from beginning to advanced. The only downfall is that it gets very HOT during the day, and most, if not all, classes are held outside with no air conditioning.
Top places to eat in canggu
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