Travel Guide: Bali, Indonesia's Dreamland [UPDATED 2022]

Bali isn’t called The Island of the Gods for nothing. For one, it’s extremely blessed with diverse landscapes: from picturesque volcanoes and stunning waterfalls to rugged coasts and iconic rice paddies. The natural abundance extends off the earth and into the water—Bali sits in the Coral Triangle, and is endowed with a rich marine life. Thirdly, how the locals has remained wedged into tradition is truly admirable; you will feel it when you see them perform their rituals at the crack of dawn, and get lost in it with every whiff of incense, of Frangipani.

So whether you are a surfer eager to catch big waves, an explorer looking to find himself in the wild side, a tourist simply wanting to do some sightseeing, or a lost soul seeking after his true self (yes, a la Eat, Pray, Love), Bali has something for you. Whatever agenda you may have—whether you want to experience the Seminyak nightlife, see the famous Heaven’s Gate, or get up close and personal with monkeys—this piece of paradise in Indonesia has something to surprise you with.

Bali has been a dream destination for me for years and so when I chanced upon a really cheap airline ticket early this year, I booked it without thinking twice. And it did not disappoint—it lived up to the hype and stayed true to its promise of paradise.


Bali Basics

Capital: Denpasar
Main Airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Exchange Rate: 15,058.30 IDR ~ PhP54.15 ~ $1
My easy shortcut for converting IDR to PHP? Multiply by 4! Example, if the price is 200k Rupiah, it is roughly 200 x 4 = 800 pesos!

Best time to go: May to September
Visa policy: Filipinos can enter without a visa for as long as 30 days; for other countries, check Indonesia's visa policy here


Getting Around

Public transportation is not really a thing in Bali—most locals drive and travelers have their own motorbikes/scooters. Renting a scooter is as cheap as 130,000 IDR (~PhP500/$9) per day, while bicycles cost half of that. If you’re not the type who would pedal around, the common way is to get a taxi or use Grab (car/bike) or GoJek (bike)—I highly recommend this for short trips like going out for dinner or going downtown. However, if you’re doing a whole day tour, I suggest booking a private van via KKday—the rates are pretty cheap (around 468,000 IDR/PhP1,700/$30 for 10 hours for a whole van).


How Much Money to Bring

Depending on where you stay, Bali can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. This island has it all, from hostels to ultra-luxurious hotels, thereby catering to all types of travelers. In general, Ubud is cheaper than Seminyak and Canggu (and most probably than Uluwatu and Nusa Dua as well). If you're traveling as a group (let's say, 4 persons), you would most likely not spend more than PhP2,000 per day—this includes 2 meals, and I'm assuming that you have complimentary breakfast in the hotel. Some tours cost more (like Nusa Penida, which set me back at $55), so make sure you read this guide in detail to estimate costs.

On the average, prepare to spend PhP2,000 per day (tours, transportation, and food). Throw in a couple of bucks more if you love drinking, as booze can be quite pricey in Bali!


Where to Stay

The best area to stay in Bali highly depends on your itinerary—as well as who you’re traveling with. The first time I went with friends, our itinerary was composed of places from the North, East, and South parts of Bali, so we stayed at 3 different hotels/Airbnbs. On my second visit, I was with family—and we stayed in Seminyak throughout the whole trip.

If you’re looking for luxurious experiences, it is very easy to find them in the island, especially in Seminyak, Uluwatu, and Nusa Dua. Personally, if it’s my first time visiting a place, I tend to be outdoors a lot, so I choose average-priced to cheap accommodations. Here are all the places I have stayed in:

Hotel: Liyer Spirit House (Ubud)

If you read or watched Eat, Pray, Love, then the name of this hotel must ring a bell. It’s owned by the family of Ketut Liyer—the famous medicine man who read Liz’s palm! The book is based on a true story after all, and Ketut is not fictional at all. What I didn’t know was that his family runs a hotel in Ubud.

If you’re looking for a traditional Balinese place with a serene ambience, this place is for you. Just walking into the premises, along the stone pathways and gardens, gives you a feeling of tranquility.  The rooms are comfy, the bamboo gazebos are cozy, the food is good, and the staff incredibly warm and friendly. Best of all, it’s situated near Ubud’s major attractions. Highly recommended!

Hotel: Amarea Ubud (Ubud)



For something more private and romantic, book at the Amarea Resort in Ubud. This beautiful property boasts of 4 types of rooms, a riverside swimming pool, a small gym, a spa, and yoga spaces. The Ubud Suite (where I stayed) features a King-size bed, a freestanding tub, an en suite bathroom, and Netflix. The pool area is incredibly relaxing and would make you want to stay at the resort all day. The staff are awesome as well!

Airbnb: Seminyak Beach Hideaway (Seminyak)

I’m really digging Airbnb nowadays because there are just so many diverse options—especially in Bali, where it’s villa galore! We found this cute private villa in Seminyak, about 5 minutes by foot from the beach and from a lot of restaurants and bars. It’s 2-bedroom loft-type unit, with the loft doubling as the 2nd bedroom, equipped with a plunge pool and an outdoor dining nook and kitchen. The interiors are so pretty!

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The host was very accommodating and he always made sure we were having everything we needed. He even granted our request for a rice cooker (LOL) since we wanted to prep our own meals, and even gave us a complimentary bottle of wine (to make up for the construction noise next door, he said, but we barely heard any noise actually). I would love to stay here again.

Airbnb: Villa Batukaru (Seminyak)


I wanted my family to experience staying in a villa in Bali so I booked this 3-bedroom villa with a private pool in Airbnb. The rooms are rustic and gorgeous, although we were surprised that the photos in the website make them seem larger than they really are. In addition, some fixtures need repair.

Having said that, I still find it lovely and relaxing. It’s perfect for those who want a secluded space within Seminyak, but if you prefer walking going to town and around town (or if you’re with an elderly who gets easily tired), staying here probably isn’t a good idea. Otherwise, this problem can be solved by booking your own private car or hailing a GrabCar. Plus points for Naman, the house help, who makes breakfast for guests!

Hotel: Kamaniiya Petitenget (Seminyak)

Petitenget is a nice area to stay at if you're after restaurant and bar-hopping. Kamaniiya (formerly Ibis Styles Petitenget) has gorgeous room designs, a gym, a swimming pool, and a delicious breakfast buffet. If you're a coffee junkie, you will also love its location as its near some of the best coffee spots in Seminyak. The room rates are incredible too—as low as PhP1,500 a night!

Primera Hotel (formerly Ibis Budget Bali Seminyak) (Seminyak)

Cheap, comfortable, and centrally located, you can’t go wrong with Ibis Budget Bali Seminyak. This is ideal if you’re spending most of your day outdoors and well, if you’re on a budget. The rooms are small, clean, and considerably comfy. Breakfast, however, sucks, so plan to eat in one of Seminyak’s many cafes if you stay here. They have an outdoor pool—and souvenir shops, cafes, a convenience store, and bars are literally just a few steps away. Friendly staff too!

Padoba Mimpi House (Karangasem)
 Book here: Agoda | Airbnb 

We stayed at this hotel in the Eastern side of Bali because we needed a base that’s near Pura Lempuyang and we wanted to explore Tirta Gangga while in the area. We were surprised when we arrived, we didn’t realize it was an Airbnb, and that we were getting a spacious house all to ourselves, complete with a view of the rice paddies.

Admittedly the place is a bit creepy at night (because it really is in a secluded area) but the host is incredibly friendly—he waited for us even though we arrived around midnight. The place is fairly cheap too for its size—a good find!

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Choosing where to stay in Bali:

1 | If you're planning to visit the beaches in the south/southwest area of Bali, as well as temples like the Tanah Lot, Seminyak or Berawa is a good area to stay for a couple of nights. This is also a good base point if you're planning to visit Nusa Penida island.

2 | If you want a more laid-back vibe where there are no all-nighters and huge hordes of toursts, the nearby town of Canggu (an hour from Seminyak) is definitely a great option. Be warned though: traffic is horrible even by motorbike!

3 | Exploring the southernmost parts of Bali? Stay in Uluwatu or Nusa Dua, both of which have tons of resort options. These areas are also ideal for honeymooning couples.

4 | Looking to get lost in the midst of nature? Look for a villa in Ubud, or any of the hotels/Airbnbs will do. Ubud is a good place to stay if your itinerary includes Bali's popular attractions in the North (Sekumpul, Handara, etc.) and East (Pura Lempuyang).


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Looking to get pampered in Bali? Check out these 2 luxury hotels!


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Places of Interest

Central Bali

Ubud

You can’t go to Bali and not visit Ubud, the cultural core of the island. Not only is it dotted with numerous temples and shrines, it is also home to iconic landscapes that evoke the essence of Bali. Even if you came to Bali for the beaches and parties, you need to experience Ubud and get a feel of that magic that makes Bali so distinct and memorable. 

For a list of must-see places in Ubud, check this out: Travel Guide: 7 Places to See in Ubud



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Northern Bali

Sekumpul Waterfall (Buleleng Regency)
Tour fee: 125k IDR/PhP463 (guide tip excluded)

Sekumpul is arguably Bali's most spectacular waterfallless visited by tourists because it takes quite an effort to go to as it’s 2 hours away from Ubud! The trip is worth it—especially upon seeing the 80-meter tall waterfall for the first time, from a distance. It was simply magical! Smaller cascades form together to create 2 beautiful showers of icy water, surrounded by lush greens and huge rocks.

You need a tour guide to get here unlike Tegenungan in Ubud, as the trek is a little more challenging. Expect long walks on steep paths, dirt roads, stairs with hundreds of steps, slippery rocks, and streams you have to cross. If you don’t wish to go all the way through, there are several viewpoints—but I tell you, the feeling is different when you see it up close.

Ulun Danu Temple (Tabanan Regency)
Entrance: 50k IDR/PhP185

Another famous water temple in Bali, Ulun Danu sits on the shores of Lake Beratan. I’ve seen a lot of sunrise photos of this temple on Instagram and I wished I went early morning—by sundown, all we got were hazy skies (and I believe, low tide). It’s quite chilly in this area so if you get cold easily, at least bring a sarong or scarf.

Leke Leke Waterfall (Tabanan Regency)
Entrance fee: 30k IDR

While Leke Leke isn’t as majestic as Bali’s other famous waterfalls, the great thing about it is that it’s still incredibly beautiful but not flocked by tourists (yet). Moreover, the hike is relatively easy. It’s an hour drive away from Ubud. The trail has carved steps, dirt paths, and bamboo bridges—with plenty of foliage all around. Depending on your fitness level, the trek can be as short as 15 minutes. At the end of the trail, there’s a short slippery slope leading to the rocks and to the shallow pool, where the icy water cascades down.

Handara Gate (Singaraja)
Entrance: 20k IDR/PhP74

This iconic Balinese gate is actually the entrance of a golf club and resort (I thought it was a temple)! I must admit that it really is beautiful—the perfect symmetry, the well-manicured plants … and the colors! Fall colors! Expect a minimal fee so you could go and take photos at this spot.


Eastern Bali

Pura Lempuyang (Karangasem)
Entrance: 10k IDR/PhP37 (donation excluded)

Probably the most photographed Balinese Hindu temple, Pura Lempuyang is really a sight to behold. Forget about it being too touristy—DO IT. I haven’t seen anything like it: elaborately detailed gates opening up to the skies—and if you’re lucky, to a view of Mt. Agung! Located at the slope of slope of Mount Lempuyang in Karangasem, it is considered one of the highly regarded temples of Bali.

Bukit Cinta (Karangasem)
Entrance: none

If you're looking for a breathtaking view of Mount Agung, a trip to Bukit Cinta should perhaps be added to your itinerary. There's nothing to do here, you go here just to see the rice fields and the magnificent view of the volcano. We went during sunrise and I still think it's one of the best memories I've had in Bali.

Tirta Gangga Royal Water Garden (Tirta Gangga)
Entrance: 30k IDR/PhP111

The Tirta Gangga Water Garden is another popular attraction in Eastern Bali. Featuring pools, ponds, and fountains surrounded by stepping stones, sculpture, and gardens, the lavish complex was built during the reign of the late raja of Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem. Outside the garden, there are several shops where you can buy souvenirs, as well as warungs and restaurants (which I don't recommend, by the way).


Western Bali

Pura Taman Ayun (Badung)
Entrance fee: 10k IDR


The Taman Ayun temple is a royal water temple that used to be the main temple of the Mengwi Kingdom. It features a large moat surrounding the entire complex, a courtyard with a Balinese gate, and rows of beautiful sacred shrines. It is a UNESCO heritage site and is one of Bali’s most important (and least touristy) temples.


Southern Bali

Seminyak

Looking to surf, shop, chill, or party? Then spend a few days in Seminyak, Bali’s hipster beach resort area littered with villas, spas, luxury hotels, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and bars! Let me just say that I ABHOR the traffic in this area, but that I would go here again, and again, and again. I simply love the vibe—chill, laid-back, just the right amount of artsy. Pop into a busy sunset bar in the afternoon then get lost in one of the world-class bars and clubs in the evening. If you’re looking for that downtime after consecutive days of sightseeing in Bali, Seminyak is the best place for that.

Canggu

Even more laidback than Seminyak, Canggu is another resort village with surf spots, rice paddies, and tons of healthy restaurants. I was not able to stay here overnight but we visited for one full day and I loved it—in fact, I want to experience spending a night or two here next time to get a complete feel of its vibe and to get some peace and quiet.

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Tanah Lot (Canggu)
Entrance fee: none

Tanah Lot is a famous landmark just off Canggu and is a beautiful sunset spot. It features a sacred temple perched on top of a large rock which is continuously being shaped by the waves. It is believed that venomous sea snakes guard the temple from evil. Outside the temple area, there are many shops from which you can buy cheap souvenirs (compared to Seminyak).

Nyang Nyang Beach (Uluwatu)
Entrance fee: none

If you’re a true adventure seeker, you must add Nyang Nyang Beach to your Bali itinerary. Surfers definitely know this place—a secret spot off Uluwatu that is quite inaccessible to the typical tourist because going here is quite challenging. The trail is steep and slippery, but those who are brave enough are rewarded with an almost empty beach, blinding white sand, and amazingly blue waters. A place you can have for yourself, which is rare in today’s tourist-filled Bali.


Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Entrance fee: 30k IDR (adults)/15k IDR (children) or book a tour here

Without a doubt, Uluwatu Temple is one of the most visited attractions in Bali—and for good reason. Perched 70 meters above the sea, it offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and equally gorgeous sunsets. Never mind the amount of tourists flocking in, just fix your gaze upon the stunning vistas and you’re good to go. When you visit, watch the kecak dance as well—which is a traditional Hindu play-slash-dance where no musical instruments are involved. Being a dancer myself, I was truly amazed. Plan to book tickets in advance as the amphitheater fills up quickly.


Suluban Beach (Uluwatu)
Entrance fee: 15k IDR (parking fee)

Suluban Beach is another popular surfing spot in the Uluwatu region. Unlike Nyang Nyang, the beach can be accessed through a zigzagging path made of concrete steps, and along the way, you can stop by one of the souvenir shops, cafes, bars, and surfing gear rentals. This is where surfers chill in between board sessions. Don’t expect a relaxing, lazy beach—this is more of a surfer’s beach. In fact, because of the famous Uluwatu Surf, this spot attracts professional surfers worldwide all year.

GWK Cultural Park (Uluwatu)
Entrance fee: 125k IDR (adults)/100k IDR (children)

Garuda Wisnu Kencana is one of the latest additions to Bali's cultural attractions. It features a towering statue depicting the Hindu God Wisnu, perched on top of the mythical eagle, With a height of over 120 meters, it's one of the tallest statues in the world, higher than the Statue of Liberty even. The park features other statues, museums, shops, restaurants, and cultural performances as well.


Beyond Bali

Nusa Penida
Tour fee: $55 (including hotel transfers, ferry rides, van rental, and packed lunch)

Everyone who’s planning a trip to Bali also probably has Nusa Penida in their itinerary. With its untouched landscapes and breathtaking sceneries, it’s no wonder it attracts hordes of tourists every day. The famous dinosaur-shaped landscape (called Kelingking) is found here at Nusa Penida. Just off Bali’s mainland (from Sanur), Nusa Penida is accessible via a 40-minute ferry ride. Expect extremely bumpy rides on the island itself as the dirt roads aren’t developed at all.

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Nusa Lembongan

A smaller island near Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan also features rugged landscapes, cliff points, and white-sand beaches. It’s arguably less touristy than Nusa Penida.

Nusa Ceningan

Situated between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan is a surfer haven and a retreat for nature lovers. It’s even less touristy than Nusa Lembongan.

Lombok



Another paradise island in Indonesia, Lombok is located east of Bali and is famous for its beaches, surfing spots, waterfalls, incredible reefs for diving and snorkeling, and marine sanctuaries.

Gili Islands

The Gili Islands are a group of 3 tiny islands—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air—near the coast of northwest Lombok Island. It’s known for pristine sandy beaches, coral reefs, sea turtles, and ship wrecks.


Other Things to Do in Bali

1 | Try the local cuisine.


Balinese cuisine has a distinct character, with influences from other Indonesian regional cuisines, as well as from Chinese and Indian cooking. They use a lot of spices (galangal, turmeric, ginger, Kaffir lime, coriander, and cumin, to name a few), fresh vegetables, meats, and fish. Some of the dishes you need to try are the babi guling (suckling pig); sate (meat skewers); nasi goreng (stir-fried rice); mie goreng (stir-fried noodles); nasi campur (rice served with a variety of veggies and meats); gado-gado (greens salad with hard boiled eggs, tofu, and tempeh); ayam goreng (fried chicken); and sambal (hot sauce made with chilies and spices).


2 | Lounge in one of the many sunset bars.

Bali’s beaches are lined up with bars with diverse concepts—from lazy bean bag setups to posh pool clubs. Whatever your taste is and what you’re in the mood for, there’s something for you. Some of my favorites are Mari Beach Club (Batu Belig), La Plancha (Seminyak), and The Lawn (Canggu).


3 | Party in style in one of its world-class bars and clubs.

There’s no shortage when it comes to drinking venues in Bali—especially in the Seminyak, Kuta, and Canggu areas. Most of them have crazy, solid concepts, bringing the nightlife scene to a new dimension. I highly recommend La Favela and Motel Mexicola—both in Seminyak.



4 | Try different types of coffee.

If you’re going to Bali for the coffee, you are probably eager to try the luwak coffee—the infamous coffee collected from civet cat poop. It’s the most expensive coffee in the world, but I must say that it’s not the most delicious (it’s sour, I’m not a fan of acidic flavors in my coffee). Some friends have warned me against trying it because of the abusive and cruel methods of producing it—civets are held in captivity and are forced to eat only coffee cherries. I got to try this by accident though, because of a free coffee tasting in Sekumpul where one of the variants served was luwak. I personally like the plain Bali coffee and the ginseng coffee.

Alternatively, pop into a random cafe—Bali has lots of them. I highly recommend Revolver Espresso in Seminyak.


5 | Get pampered with a traditional Balinese massage.

I AM NEVER DOING SHIATSU AND SWEDISH AGAIN.


Now What?

Book your flight to Bali here.
Check affordable Bali hotels here or sign up on Airbnb here.
Book your private chartered van for your tours here.


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Further reading:

7 PLACES TO SEE IN UBUD
One cannot visit Bali and not spend a day or two in its cultural core.

BALI DRINK GUIDE
Where to party in Seminyak and Canggu for a taste of Bali's nightlife!
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Have you been Bali? What was your favorite thing about it? Can you add more tips for first timers in Bali?

If you like my posts and would love regular updates on travel photos, food finds, restaurant reviews, dance articles, and drunken tales, follow Pepe Samson on Facebook!

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