January 2024
General Tips / Notes
- Gojek & Grab are the ride sharing apps in Bali
- I made friends with my driver Kadek, and can send you his contact info. He was a great guy and can drive you around the island and is easy to communicate with via WhatsApp / you can schedule out in advance
- Traffic is horrible. Try to section off your time between cities and not travel frequently from city to city or you will find yourself spending lots of time in the car
- Bali has become very touristy. It is still beautiful and there is plenty to do, but it is not as authentic as maybe some other places in Southeast Asia
- There are many things I didn’t get to do, such as going to the island Gili T, going to Lombok, or going to Java and seeing the volcano with the blue lava (do some research into this, it looked incredible but it’s far)
- For shopping, many people will tell you to go to the Beachwalk Shopping Center. This is just a regular mall and you will not find real Southeast Asia deals here (although it’ll be cheaper than US, it isn’t anything crazy). Go instead to The Flea Market in Seminyak and you will find much better deals for art, clothes, shoes, souvenirs, bags, anything really. If you are looking for shoes, you can go to F.A. Store and while they won’t much bargain, it’s a good deal
- There is an art market not too far from Ubud called “Sukawati Art Market” which has some neat paintings / souvenirs
Ubud
City in the center of Bali with much to do from an excursions / activities perspective.
Lodging
Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel
- Awesome social hotel with comfortable private rooms, a nice pool / laying area, a solid restaurant attached, and in the center of an area of many massage places, restaurants, and other activities
Food
Ivy Cafe
- Attached to Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel, food is fine and they have decent pizzas
Seeds Eatery
- Good Thai food with some of the best (certainly the biggest) oysters I’ve ever had
Nightlife
CP Lounge
- Massive bar with areas that are more chill with pool tables / outdoor seating and areas that are less chill and like a club
- Get the rainbow shots
- They won’t let guys in with a tank top
Donna
- Place with awesome ambiance and different areas for different purposes: restaurant downstairs, bar upstairs, club-esque space in separate room upstairs
The Blue Door
Activities
Whitewater Rafting (Ayung River)
- Absolute must do, it is so fun and not strenuous but be prepared to get wet
- Can combine with ATVing
ATVing (Quad Biking)
- Go through amazing scenes such as passing waterfalls and going through caves
- I went with a company called Kuber Bali Adventure
- Can combine with Whitewater Rafting
Mount Batur Sunrise Hike
- Hike up a volcano and watch the sunrise with a breathtaking view
- Departure for this hike is 1:50AM
- Hike is not a walk in the park- it’s a climb
Mount Agung Sunrise Hike
- I didn’t do this but believe it’s tougher than Mount Batur and departure might be around 10:30PM
Monkey Forest Ubud
- Just what it sounds like, lots of monkeys around (keep your belongings safe, they steal things like phones & sunglasses)
- Only need about an hour or so
- In December 2024 a tree collapsed in the Monkey Forest which killed 2 people and injured at least 1 more. It seemed safe when I went but this is obviously a major concern so might be worth looking into further
“Ubud Day Trip”
- Includes many activities such as visiting waterfalls, rice paddies, etc.
- I didn’t get to do this but looked fun
Canggu
Beach town that is one of Bali’s most popular areas. Filled with young people looking to party, surfers, and expats. Tourism is rampant here.
Lodging
Nunu Bali Eco Friendly Retreat
- An absolutely incredible place to relax and retreat, an amazingly put together space with cabins and pools
- Staff & owner are awesome, as are the types of people you’ll meet here
- Not the typical Canggu place, it is about 20 min away from downtown Canggu and is typically not for partying
The Farm
- Definition of a party hostel, don’t think they have private rooms available
- Fantastic time if you’re looking to go out and meet people, otherwise don’t stay here
Food / Activities / Nightlife
Finn’s Beach Club
- Most popular beach club in Canggu, big parties and pools overlooking the beach
- Also have pretty good food and lots of options
La Brisa Bali
- Beach club with amazing ambience, came here for dinner and it was sweet with really nice food
- Not sure how their parties get as I came only for dinner (if they have parties? Assuming they do)
The Bench
- Sports bar
Old Man’s
- Club
Surfing Lessons
Seminyak
Beach town with very similar vibes to Canggu. I did not spend too much time here, mostly just a night.
Lodging
My Capsule Lodge
- Pretty average hostel, not great but not too bad either
Food
Waroeng Bernadette Seminyak
- Modern Indonesian restaurant with good food. Owner uses recipes from his mom (Bernadette), and they have multiple locations but this one is his favorite
Nightlife
La Favela
- By far my favorite bar / club I went to in Bali. Sweet setup and location is massive
Uluwatu
Southern tip of Bali, considered one of the most beautiful parts of the island (and in turn, the world). I did not stay here overnight and only came for a day.
Activities
Water Sports
- Technically not in Uluwatu, I went to Water Sport Adventure Bali Dolphin & went jet skiing and fly boarding
- Bring some extra cash as time is very limited and it is not cheap but they allow you to extend a decent amount if you just give them a little extra cash
Uluwatu Temple & Kachek Dance
- Massive Hindu temple overlooking the Indian Ocean with stunning views, monkeys are very entertaining (and troublemaking) here
- Kachek Dance is traditional dance with fire that is very interesting
Savaya Bali
- Nicest beach club I went to in Bali
- Vibes can range from very chill and relaxing to EDM concert party depending on the day / hour
Food
Warung Sunny
- Awesome lowkey traditional Indonesian spot
- Cannot skip the dessert