BALI TRAVEL GUIDE

Many people come back from Bali disappointed with the experience, and it’s usually because they went to the wrong place. Maybe they wanted relaxation but booked a hotel in Kuta, or wanted to party and ended up in Sanur or Nusa Dua. People who wanted to hike and see the lush greenery of Bali but spent two weeks around Seminyak. Bali is an awesome place where you can have the holiday of a lifetime, you just have to know where to go – and that’s where I come in!

Rather than write the usual “top 10 things to see in Bali” list, I’m going to run you through each area in Bali and what it offers. I’ll describe each of the areas around the island and let you know the highlights of each one. This way you can pick and choose the places that fit your interests.

Don’t feel like you have to limit yourself to one area. You can drive the entire length of Bali in just 3 hours, and the full width in just 4 hours. So in a week or so you can see a lot of Bali, and even hop on a boat and visit one of the neighbouring islands!

Kuta, Legian and Seminyak

Best for: Partying, Shopping, Relaxing on the beach.

Legian, Seminyak

These are the areas that most people will have heard  about before visiting Bali. Due to their close proximity to the airport and abundance of budget hotels, they are very popular spots for tourists to visit.  However, despite being located on the same stretch of beach, each of these areas are wildly different.

Kuta

Kuta is the closest of the three area to the airport and is the primary nightlife area in Bali. It’s where you go if you want to get wasted and party. Any night you visit, you’ll find a long strip of brightly-lit pubs and clubs pumping out music, with podiums and poles for revellers to dance on and lots of cheap drink (and drugs) advertised everywhere you turn. The crowd here is usually made up of rowdy groups of holiday makers that have come to Bali for a fun time.

Kuta is usually the place that travellers who have been to Bali will tell you to avoid, and we try to avoid the area at all costs. But if you are looking to go clubbing and party into the early hours while you’re in Bali this would be the area to go to. I would recommend spending 1-2 nights max here on your trip before moving on. While it can make for a fun night out, you might as well have saved your money and flown to Santa Ponsa or Magaluf if you’re going to spend your entire holiday here.

If you are going to Kuta please be really careful with your personal safety and watch your drinks and belongings carefully, as it’s not a very safest area! 

Legian

Legian is nestled between Kuta and Seminyak, on the same stretch of beach. It’s a slightly more laid back version of Kuta, but still offers a huge number of restaurants, bars and hotels. The crowd tends to be slightly older and less crazy than Kuta, but mostly backpackers and groups of holiday makers.

I would recommend staying here if you want to have a night out in Kuta but you don’t want to stay in the area. I wouldn’t recommend staying here for very long as, like Kuta it’s not exactly rich in Balinese culture.

Seminyak

Seminyak is quick 20 minute walk north of Legian, in North Kuta. It’s an upmarket area with a noticeably different crowd to Kuta. Accommodation here tends up be upscale and expensive – which prices out a lot of budget backpackers. The area attracts young couples with small children and holiday makers who come to Bali regularly.

The streets are lined with upmarket boutiques and stores rather than the markets that you find in Kuta or Legian, and the beach bars are far more trendy, and expensive.

Things to do in Seminyak

• Spend the day at a beach club: Ku De Ta and Potato Head beach clubs are popular places for tourists to spend the day on Seminyak. Head there in the afternoon and stay until sunset, dancing and drinking.
• Hit the beach: Double Six beach is the most popular with tourists, where you can rent a day bed and have Bintangs and ice creams delivered to you.
• Go shopping: There are a lot of gorgeous boutiques in Seminyak where you can buy anything from home furnishings to bikinis. The best stores are on Jalan Kayu Aya and Jalan Raya Seminyak – check out Wanderlust swimwear, Somewhere store, Bamboo Blonde, and Blood & Bone.
• Eat & Drink: Some of our favourite restaurants in Bali are in Seminyak, so make sure you try different places to eat. I recommend Bo & Bun, Shelter Cafe, Nalu Bowls, Strawberry fields and Kynd.
• Surf: Sign up for a surfing class on Double Six beach and spend the morning catching some waves.
• Workout: Head to Motion Fitness on Jalan Petitenget and do one of their famously tough-but-fun class. Try out Brazilian Boom, Dynamic Barre, or Triple Threat to feel the burn and work up a sweat!

Accommodation in Seminyak

If you’re here in the shoulder season (right before or after peak season) there are some great accommodation deals to be found on Air BnB.

Search Air BnB for places around Jalan Bidadari for some great well priced accommodation with your own pool (click here to get £25 off your first booking). It’s a quiet street that’s close to some lovely cafes, restaurants, a supermarket, a gym and is also within walking distance to Sunset Road.

If you’re on a 2-3 week holiday then Seminyak would be a good place to base yourself if you’re looking to stay in one spot and still be able to explore. You can easily visit Canggu, Legian, Kuta, Ubud and the Bukit Peninsula from here.

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Jimbaran

Best for: Luxury accommodation, Total relaxation, Good seafood and Close proximity to the airport.

Jimbaran Beach

Just south of Kuta, close to Denpasar airport, lies Jimbaran beach which is famous for it’s luxury hotels and great seafood. Popular with tour groups, Jimbaran doesn’t offer much for you to do apart from lie on the beach, get a massage, and watch the sunset. There are a large number of high end, luxury resorts here so it’s definitely not a backpacker spot or a place for a night out.

Jimbaran is very close to the airport so we have stayed here when we had a really early morning flight (we stayed in the aptly named Lowcost BnB for £11 per night). I wouldn’t recommend staying, or even visiting here unless it’s convenient for your flight.

Things to do in Jimbaran

If you have an evening flight, you can check out of your hotel in the morning and spend the day at Four Seasons hotel right on Jimbaran beach.

For 980,000IDR / £50 / €58 you can purchase a day pass that covers up to 2 adults and 2 children. This gives you access to the stunning 57 meter pool (the longest on the island), and you get a large daybed, wifi, sun lotion, a towel, bag storage and access to a shower.

600,000IDR / £31 / €35 of the price is redeemable on food and drink which is served to you at your day bed beside the pool. The cocktails are delicious and the food can be surprisingly reasonably priced!

Even when we have been on the tightest of budgets we have always treated ourselves to one last day here if our flight is late in the day. It’s a great way to spend the day at the beach, but get on the plane clean and refreshed – if a little tipsy.

Accommodation in Jimbaran

Hotels in Jimbaran tend to upscale and lots of them are all-inclusive. If you are coming to Bali solely to relax and get away from things then you can book into a luxury hotel here. With on site restaurants and private beaches, you won’t need to leave the grounds.

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Uluwatu

Best for: Spectacular beaches, Surfing, Temples and Laid back nightlife

Uluwatu cliffs, Bali

Uluwatu is on the southernmost tip of Bali. It’s south of Denpasar airport and is more popular with backpackers and surfers than short term package holiday makers. This is due to its famous surf, laid back vibe and budget accommodation. The famous Uluwatu Temple is found here which is absolutely a must-see if you’re in Bali – it’s especially beautiful around sunset.

Along the west coast of the peninsula are some of the most dramatic and spectacular beaches I have seen in Bali. These are popular with surfers and it’s not possible to swim in some of them due to the waves, but it’s worth coming here just to watch (with a Bintang or two).

How To Get Around Uluwatu

It’s best to rent a bike or car if you want to stay on or explore the Peninsula. Taxis can be hard to come by, and very overpriced due to a local taxi mafia. You can rent bikes very cheaply on Bali, or if you’re not comfortable riding a motorbike you can rent a car.

We rented a car from AutoBali for IDR230k / £12 / €14 per day. They drop the off at your guesthouse and pick up anywhere you like. This way you are able travel at your leisure and pay far less than we would have on taxi fees.

The Best Beaches in Uluwatu

Our favourite beach and place to stay on the peninsula is Bingin beach. A laid back surfers’ paradise with a stunning beach. this has some great little beach bars and cafes.  It’s a great place to spend a few days, and a real secret among surfers and ex-pats. Accommodation is scattered across the cliffs so getting to and from the beach means walking up or down close to a hundred stone steps.

There are some luxury hotels and apartments here, but also some cheap backpacker options. We turned up without a reservation and found a room for £5 per night right on the beach.

Things to do in Uluwatu

• Go to Kellys Warung for a Pitaya Bowl while watching the surfers catch a wave.
• Head to Chocky’s place for a traditional Balinese dinner.
• Visit the Uluwatu temple at sunset
• Drive to nearby beaches: Green bowl, Dreamland Balangan, Padang Padang, and Labuan Sait Beaches are gorgeous.
• If it’s Sunday evening, go to Single Fin surf bar for the renowned sunday session to meet other backpackers and have a fun night out.
• Stay overnight on Bingin beach and book in for a surf lesson the next day.

Accommodation in Uluwatu

There are some fantastic places to stay here, at really reasonable prices. This is one area where is pays to book in advance so that you can find a great place. From clifftop villas with panoramic views to traditional wooden huts overlooking the ocean, you can stay somewhere incredible for as little as £15 per night.

Booking.com

Nusa Dua & Sanur

Best For: Luxury resorts, Honeymoon and Total relaxation.

Sanur, Bali

It’s often been said that the only things remotely Balinese about these two areas are the staff! These areas are mostly full of honeymooners and large families, with the odd lost backpacker standing out like a sore thumb. We have stayed here before and we found that there was very little to do, so if you’re looking for adventure and culture this is definitely not the place to go.

Much like Jimbaran, if you want to check into a hotel and not leave it then this is the place to go. The luxury hotels here have multiple restaurants, private beaches, swim up bars and even souviner shops so that the guests never need to go outside the doors.

Sanur is often referred to by backpackers as ‘Snore’ due to it’s lack of nightlife and things to do. I would recommend staying here if you are looking for a romantic escape or are looking for complete relaxation and to lie out and read a book.

Things to do in Nusa Dua and Sanur

• Seawalking: This is popular activity in Nusa Dua, and can be booked through most hotels. Don a special helmet that allows you to breathe underwater and walk along the sea bed admiring the fish and coral. If you want to snorkel but don’t want to get yo
• Visit Pasar Sindu Night Market: Have a bite to eat at this night market in Sanur. Try local delicacies and get chatting to others over a cup of beer in this bustling market. If you wanat to snorkel but don’t want to get your hair wet, then this is for you!
• Kite surfing: If you’re looking for something more active, try kite surfing on Sanur beach with Kite Atlas.
• Visit Serangan Island: Take a quick boat trip over to Serangan island and visit Serangan Turtle Sanctuary.
• Go Shopping: Visit Bali Collection where you can find a huge number of stores, and traditional stalls selling souvenirs.
• Have afternoon tea at the St. Regis: Dress to impress and head to the uber-exclusive St Regis hotel for their famous high tea. Eat tiny cakes and sip champagne while delicate tunes are played on a piano. The best part is that the afternoon tea is served buffet-style so you can eat as much as you like!

Accommodation in Nusa Dua and Sanur

Accommodation in Nusa Dua and Sanur comprises mainly of large, gated luxury hotels where you sit by the pool or on the private beach all day and then eat at the onsite restaurants in the evening.

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Ubud

Best for: Culture, Nature, Hiking, Yoga, Wildlife and Healthy Food.

Teganungan Waterfall, Ubud

Rich in natural beauty and steeped in Balinese culture, Ubud has a reputation as the ‘zen’ capital of Bali. However since it’s popularity increased due to the movie ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ has changed that quite a bit.

The sleepy streets we once walked down are now filled with traffic, people and noise – day in, day out. Mini buses filled with tourists block the streets, and most of the attractions that we used to find empty are now flooded with people. The tourism boom has unfortunately removed what were once the best parts about Ubud – but there are many walks and hikes nearby and a great many things to do within walking distance of the centre of the town.

Things to do in Ubud

• Hike along the Campuhan ridge walk, one of my favourite things to do in Bali! I would definitely recommend this if you want to get away from the traffic-logged streets of Ubud. It takes around 2 hours to do the walk and there are two restaurants with beautiful views. My favourite of the two was Pomegranate cafe where you eat surrounded by rice fields. This is particularly gorgeous around sunset.
• If you’re looking to do a yoga class I would recommend Ubud Yoga House where you can do a class overlooking rice fields. Yoga Barn is another, more well-known, yoga house in the town but this is a lot busier.
• Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of the most iconic spots in Bali, is a picturesque valley of terraced rice fields. It’s around 25 minutes from Ubud, you can drive there by scooter or taxi. This is rapidly becoming more popular with tourists so I would go very early to see it’s true beauty.
• Tegenungan waterfall is a dramatic and beautiful waterfall where you can swim right underneath the falls or climb up to the top, and  a great place to get some really good Instagram shots. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
• Watch the sunrise from the top of Mount Batur for an unforgettable experience!

Accommodation in Ubud

There is a range of accommodation available from high-end luxury to super budget guesthouses. We stayed at Soca House guesthouse and paid £7 / €8 per night for a fan-only double room. This basic budget room was simple but comfortable and was within walking distance to the centre of Ubud. There’s a kitchen so you can make your own meals if you wish, and parking if you have a scooter or car.

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Canggu

Best for: Surfing, Chilled out beach bars and meeting other backpackers

La Laguna, Bali

The up-and-coming surfer / hipster Canggu is becoming increasingly popular with backpackers and young holiday makers. The black sand beaches are littered with surf shacks and beach bars. The crowd is young and the vibe is very laid back. Accommodation here is often very cheap, hostel style and if you’re travelling solo it can be a good place to meet people.

The food is quite western and there are many hipster cafes and green juice bars to be found. It’s the complete opposite to Kuta, and more like an Australian version of authentic Bali. Many of the restaurants and bars here are owned and run by Aussie ex-pats so it’s a vegan paradise! I would suggest booking here for a day or two and deciding if the vibe suits you before extending your trip.

Things to do in Canggu

• Try my Canggu Surf & Brunch for a great way to kick-start your day!
• Watch the sunset at Tanah Lot: Just a 20 minute drive west of Canggu is the famous Tanah Lot Balinese temple that is built on a little island. This beautiful temple is quite a draw with tourists for sunsete. There are a number of vantage points so you can get a good view of it without feeling too crowded.
• Have a smoothie bowl: Head to Secret Spot, Pelaton Superstore or The Common to try a deliciously healthy smoothie bowl. A staple breakfast on the island, it will leave you feeling full and ready for a day of seeing the sights.
• Party all day at Finn’s Beach Club: This is the main place that tourists in Canggu come to spend a boozy day in the sun. With a great DJ, swim up bar, you’re always guaranteed a good time here.
• Enjoy Happy Hour: Happy Hour is a big deal in Canggu, which is great for budget-conscious travellers. Some of the best ones are at Old Mans, The Lawn, Finns, and Motion Cafe even does a protein shake happy hour from 3-5.
• Workout: Canggu is a great place to come if you like to keep fit. There are countless Yoga and Crossfit studios here where you can work up a sweat. Crossfit wanderlust is an incredibly popular box which accepts drop-ins, and Odyssey fitness has some excellent fitness and yoga classes.

Accommodation in Canggu

Batu Bolong beach is where most of the best restaurants and bars are located, so most tourists tend to stay here. Echo beach is a good area to stay in if you’re looking for something a bit more laid back, or if you like to surf. There are loads of good-value hostels and high end villa in Canggu, check out Booking.com to find well priced accommodation.

Booking.com

North and Western Bali

Best for: Culture, Nature, Wildlife, Hidden beaches and Getting off the beaten track.

Western bali

I’m going to put these two places together as they’re both places we haven’t been yet. What I’m going to tell you now comes solely from internet searches and word of mouth.  We plan to do a full road trip around here so I’ll update you all once we’ve done it!

Wonderful Bali  gives a great rundown of the best things to see in and do in western Bali. Trip Canvas also has some good tips! Pemuteran Beach on the north west of the island is apparently well worth a visit.

Some top things to see and do in North Bali are listed here.

The Mount Batur trek is a 4-hour trek to watch the sunrise from an active volcano and has been the highlight of many of my friends trips to Bali. The trek requires a moderate level of fitness, but the views at the top are apparently well worth the 2am wake up call.

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Nusa Islands

Best for: Beautiful beaches, Laid back nightlife, Hiking, Running and Exploring by scooter

Nusa Penida

The Nusa islands are a tropical trio of islands on the south east of Bali and consist of Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Of the three we have been to Lembongan and Ceningan, but haven’t made it over to the largest of the three – Nusa Penida. Nusa Lembongan is the closest to Bali, just a 30-minute boat ride from Sanur (boat prices and timetable can be found here).

These islands feel a world away from the hectic streets of Seminyak, Ubud and Kuta, they’re quiet, isolated, tropical islands that feel a million miles away from the rest of the world.

Nusa Lembongan

Most of the popular places Lembongan are on the south of the island,  4k from the main town. If you like to run, this is a great way to explore the island! Leave early in the morning and run to the various spots on the island before jumping in the sea to cool off. If you don’t feel like running or walking then rent a scooter to see the island instead. The roads are flat and quiet so it can be safer to drive here than on Bali.

Things to do on Nusa Lembongan

• Visit the Devils Tears: Watch the waves crash dramatically against the coast at this stunning viewpoint.
• Relax on Dream beach or Sandy bay which is my favourite beach on the island! It’s so beautiful and picturesque here, but really quiet. You might even have the entire beach to yourself.
• Stop at the Sandy Bay beach club for lunch or cocktails by the pool overlooking the sea.
• Take a boat trip through the mangrove forest. You don’t have to book a tour for this, we just rode up on our bikes and asked a local fisherman to take us out.
• Watch the sunset at Jungut Batu beach: The longest and busiest beach on the island. This is a great place to meet other travellers and have a night out.
• See Mushroom bay: Locatedon the south of the island, this is a good beach for swimming and has great beach bars and restaurants.

We stayed on the north of Lembongan , where most budget hotels and bars are located in a place called Nalaroka Inn. We paid £8 per night for a basic and comfortable air-conditioned double room.


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Nusa Ceningan

Nusa Ceningan is connected to Lembongan by a small yellow bridge which you can walk or bike over for a day trip. The trails can be difficult to bike across here so do practise a little before you head over here. There are a whole range of accommodation options to be found on Ceningan for all budgets, but it’s also possible to see everything here on a day trip.

 Things to do on Nusa Ceningan

• Visit Secrets surf break at Mahana Point and Blue Lagoon for a mesmerising views of the emerald blue ocean.
• Stop at Ceningan Island Resort for a cocktail overlooking the cliffs and a dip in their infinity pool, you can also take a zipline across the cliffs from here.
• Secret Beach is on the south of the island and hard to find but definitely worth the trip.
• If you’re staying on the island go watch the sunset and have a bite to eat in Ceningan Cliff Resto for stunning views of Nusa Penida.

Accommodation on Nusa Ceningan

There are a whole range of hotels, hostels and beach resorts on Ceningan to suit all budgets. I’ve chosen my favourite, budget-friendly ones for you!

Click here to read my accommodation guide for Nusa Ceningan.

Nusa Penida

Kelingking beach, Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is the largest of the three islands but very undeveloped so it’s a fascinating place to explore. I guarantee that you will recognise some of the famous viewpoints here from Instagram or travel blogs!

If you would like to get away from the crowds and see some spectacular scenery, these are the islands to visit.  I would recommend spending a couple of days on Nusa Lembongan to see the sights at a leisurely pace and make a day trip to Nusa Ceningan. If you’re keen for some adventure spend a couple of days on Penida visiting the hidden beaches and viewpoints.

Things to do on Nusa Penida

There is SO MUCH to do on Penida, and every sight is even more beautiful than the last. To make your trip easier I’ve created a full 3-day itinerary that you can use to plan your stay on the island. Click here to read the itinerary for Nusa Penida. And here’s a guide to how to get there, where to stay, and how to get around.

Accommodation on Penida

It’s easy to find budget-friendly accommodation on Nusa Penida, so it’s very popular with backpackers. Accommodation is spread throughout the island but I would recommend staying close to the pier as that’s where most of the good places to eat and drink are.

Click here to read about where we stayed in Penida, and why I recommend it.

Gili Islands

Best for: Diving, Snorkelling, Partying, Meeting people, Relaxation and Beautiful beaches.

Snorkelling in Gili T

The trio of Gili islands are part of Lombok and not Bali, but they’re often included in Bali Itineraries! These islands are quite close together and only around 2-3 hours by boat from Sanur. You can find the boat timetable and prices here. Each of these three tiny paradise islands offers something completely different to visitors soI would suggest adding at least two to your itinerary if you were going to make the trip.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan, or Gili T as it’s most commonly known, is the most popular of three with young backpackers. This small island is packed with restaurants, bars, nightclubs and travellers who know how to party. The east of the island is the most developed part and where most of the action can be found. Beach bars and clubs stretch around the south of the island, finishing up at Ombak beach resort where backpackers gather each evening to watch the sunset.

Things to do on  Gili T

• Visit Pandawa resort, where the famous Gili T beach swing is located for the perfect sunset photo op.
• Snorkle: Rent a bicycle and some snorkelling gear and explore the islands beaches and waters for the day.
• Go scuba diving: You can either do your first dive or a full PADI course with the diving schools on the island.
• Go for a BBQ at Scallywags: This is is a local institution and a great place to go for seafood in the evenings.
• Island Hop: Book a tour of the three Gili islands and go to the best beaches and snorkelling spots.

Accommodation on Gili T

• When we were on a tight budget we stayed at Harta Homestay for £8 / €9 per night. This simple homestay was within walking distance of the main strip, but far enough away that we weren’t disturbed noise from bars. Breakfast is included and the most budget rooms are fan-only. We checked to this homestay in for 2 nights but extended our stay to a week!
• If you’re looking for something more upmarket then check out Black Penny Villas. £54 / €62 will get you a one bedroom villa with a private pool and free breakfast that is just steps away from the main strip on Gili T. It’s also very close to the popular restaurant Scallywags. We stayed here back in 2014 and had a great time!

Booking.com

Gili Meno

Gili Meno and Gili Air are 10 minute and 25 minute boat trips from Gili T respectively. These are both much more relaxed and chilled out islands where you can spend a few days doing absolutely nothing.

I’ve stayed on both islands and as a backpacker I preferred Gili Meno. It’s the least developed and populated of the three, with the best beaches.

Things to do on Gili Meno

• Watch live reggae music at Sasak Island Cafe in the evening with a cold Bintan
• Snorkel on one of the pristine beaches along the island
• Scuba dive at various spots around Meno
• Rent a bicycle from your guesthouse and cycle around the island
• Visit the huge saltwater lake in the middle of the island

Accommodation on Gili Meno

We stayed at Turtle Bungalows on Gili Meno for IDR230k / £11 / €14 per night for a really pretty air-conditioned hut that was really close to the beach. A welcome drink and free breakfast are included, and you can rent bicycles from reception to sightsee around the island.

Booking.com

Gili Air

Gili Air has taken off as a party island similar to Gili T, but the nightlife is catered towards the ex-pats and over-30’s crowd. It would be a great place to go if you want to enjoy some nightlife but you can’t party as hard as they do on Gili T.

Things to do on Gili Air

• Swim with sea turtles: Go snorkeling, scuba diving, or freediving and check out the life under those crystal clear waters. With year-round warm sea temperatures and great visibility, Gili Air is a great place to dive.
• Do a cooking class: Learn how to make Nasi Goreng or Gado Gado by taking a local cooking class on the island.
• Watch the sunset: Go to Gili Lumbung on the north west coast of the island for the best sunsets on the beach. Grab a beanbag and a Bingtang and wait for the sky to turn vibrant hues of pink and orange.
• Watch a movie: For a more relaxed evening, head to Ombak Paradise or Bel Air resorts and watch a movie on the beach.
• Do a Yoga Class: Attend one of the many yoga schools on the island and spend an hour a day getting your zen on. Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) yoga is also available if you feel like more of a challenge.
• Be a trash hero: Gili Shark Conservation and Trash Hero organise beach cleans on Gili Air twice a week. Take part and help to keep these gorgeous beaches clean, while meeting new people!

Accommodation on Gili Air

We stayed at Bellevue Luxury Villa for IDR1.1M / £54 / €66 oer night for a two bed villa with a private pool. The villa huge  and fitted 4 people comfortably. There was a really nice kitchen area where we could cook if we wanted to, but we spent most of our time in the pool. It’s walking distance to the popular bars and restaurants, and very close to the beach.

Booking.com

So there you have it! I hope this has given you lots of inspiration for your trip. As always please do let me know any feedback you have in the comments section below. Also feel free to reach out to me on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

Thanks for reading!
Steph
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