I recently returned from an exhilarating two-week adventure exploring the beautiful island of Bali, Indonesia. Planning our itinerary was a bit of a challenge as we couldn’t find a ready-made one online, so my friend Makensy and I put our heads together and crafted a comprehensive plan that allowed us to experience the best of Bali. We made sure to include popular destinations as well as off-the-beaten-path gems. Let me share the details of our incredible journey:
Itinerary:
South Kuta: 4 Days
Upon arriving at DSP airport, I met up with a pre-arranged driver from my first homestay and headed to South Kuta. The warm welcome I received at the homestay set the tone for a fantastic stay. Since I wasn’t confident with my scooter skills, I explored the area on foot, while Makensy fearlessly hopped on a scooter.
South Kuta offers a relaxed atmosphere with a wide range of sights and activities. Getting around was easy as everything was within a couple of miles, accessible by foot, taxi, or Uber. Highlights:
Padang Padang Beach: This famous beach, located in a beautiful park, is a must-visit. Just be cautious of the mischievous monkeys that may try to snatch your belongings as you walk through the park. Though the beach can get crowded, it’s worth a visit, especially during the off-season. Uluwatu Temple: Situated along the cliffs, this temple is a true masterpiece. Prepare to be amazed by its stunning architecture and breathtaking views, making it one of the most impressive temples in Bali. Single Fin: After visiting Uluwatu Temple, we made a stop at Single Fin to catch the mesmerizing sunset while enjoying a cold Bintang beer. The lively atmosphere, live music, and a mix of surfers and vacationers created a fun and vibrant experience.
Seminyak: 2 Days
Our next stop was Seminyak, where we treated ourselves to a little luxury and relaxation. Compared to South Kuta, Seminyak was a bustling city, offering a stark contrast to our previous experience. During our two days here, we indulged in sumptuous meals and witnessed stunning sunsets. Highlights:
W Seminyak: We couldn’t resist a visit to W Seminyak, which, despite being a bit pricey for Bali, offered a unique dining experience. We explored the impressive grounds and savored the sunset at the beach club, enjoying delicious drinks that transitioned us into the night. Potato Head: Located nearby, we strolled down the road to Potato Head for another delightful drink. People-watching, live music, and lounging outside made for a memorable evening. Although we didn’t stay for long, we heard that the party can last all night.
Ubud: 4 Days
Ubud, known for its rich cultural heritage, was our next destination. Hiring a driver made sightseeing a breeze, and we took the opportunity to visit some of the recommended tourist spots, including the famous rice fields and a coffee plantation. Highlights:
Luwak Coffee: Our visit to Luwak Coffee provided a fascinating experience. I won’t give away all the details, but we learned about the intriguing process behind Bali’s famous and delicious coffee.
Silver Village: We had the chance to visit Yan Yan Silver, a renowned gold and silversmith that produces jewelry for various shops across Bali. Watching the talented women craft pieces by hand was a captivating sight.
Tegalalang Rice Terraces: Prepare for a picturesque hike! Walking through the stunning rice terraces was not only visually stunning but also provided an excellent workout. Photos truly don’t do justice to the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings. Downtown
Ubud: Ubud’s streets are lined with shops, restaurants, and event spaces, offering a diverse range of options. Whether you’re craving French cuisine or eager to catch a traditional Balinese performance, you’ll find it all within a few steps. Take your time to explore the streets and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
Monkey Forest: A visit to the Monkey Forest is a truly unique experience. Here, you can observe monkeys in their natural habitat and even interact with them if you’re feeling brave enough.
Spa, L’Occitane: Situated high above Ubud, the L’Occitane spa provides a tranquil retreat nestled among the trees. We treated ourselves to a half-day spa experience, including a foot massage, body scrub, and full-body massage. To top it off, we enjoyed some tea and relaxed by the pool. It was a splurge well worth it.
Nusa Ceningan: 2 Days
After the bustling days in Ubud, we sought a more serene atmosphere and found it on the smaller, lesser-known Nusa Ceningan Island. This became the perfect place for relaxation. We spent hours lounging by the pool, and Makensy skillfully maneuvered a scooter to explore the island.
Highlights: Sunset Villas: Our accommodations in Nusa Ceningan exceeded all expectations. We stayed at a small hotel perched on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Each room was a standalone hut-like structure, just a few steps away from the infinity pool.
Yoga at Ceningan Resort: We embraced tranquility by participating in sunrise yoga at Ceningan Resort, a wonderful way to start the day.
Secret Beach: One of the trip’s highlights was discovering the hidden gem of Secret Beach. After a short walk and a mini hike, we arrived at a small beach surrounded by lush greenery. Our host at Sunset Villas tipped us off about this secluded spot, and we spent an afternoon basking in the sun, completely undisturbed.
Infinity Pools and Beachfront Hangouts: Along the main road in Nusa Ceningan, you’ll find several small hotels and restaurants. We couldn’t resist visiting all of them for a refreshing drink or a snack. One of our favorites was Le Pirate, a charming French-themed hotel and pool restaurant where we enjoyed a breathtaking sunset.
Seminyak: 3 Days
We returned to Seminyak to explore more of this bustling city. We spent our time wandering through the streets, exploring the local markets, and trying out various restaurants.
Highlights:
Market: We had a blast exploring the street markets and practicing our negotiation skills. We found souvenirs for our family and friends, scoring some great deals on beautiful beaded jewelry after a few interactions.
Shopping: In addition to the traditional Balinese market, Seminyak offers a plethora of trendy shops. We enjoyed window shopping as we meandered through the streets, admiring the fashionable offerings.
W Bali: On my last evening, I treated myself to appetizers and a mesmerizing sunset at the W Bali. The relaxed vibe and stunning views made it the perfect place to bid farewell to Bali.
Throughout our trip, we booked Airbnb accommodations in each city, making sure to select places with positive feedback and reliable Wi-Fi. This proved essential in reaching out to our next hosts and arranging transportation. While we did make some adjustments to our itinerary along the way, having a well-planned framework ensured that we could make the most of our two-week adventure in Bali.
Bali has so much to offer, and having a structured itinerary helped us ensure that we could experience everything we desired during our trip. Stay tuned for more posts highlighting some of my favorite activities and sights from this remarkable journey!
