Travel Guide To Bali
Bali is one of the most popular destinations in Indonesia, and there is a good reason why. There is great hiking, friendly locals, world-class dining, and best of all, it’s inexpensive. Bali is the total package. There’s a reason why so many people go here and never leave.
I Travelled to Bali in the month of April for one week. Below is my itinerary/recommendations:
GETTING THERE:
From Sydney, Australia, getting to Bali is about 6.5 hours. The best option would be a cheap budget airline such as Jetstar.
VISA:
Under a visa waiver program, Australians and many other countries such as Canada and America are granted free entry into Indonesia for up to 30 days.
WHERE TO STAY IN SEMINYAK:
Staying in/ near the heart of Seminyak centre is definitely the best location.
We stayed at the Villa Kayu Raja in a One Bedroom Private Pool Villa. This place was 3-story, so you can imagine how spacious it was! Breakfast was ordinary, nothing too special. However, the proximity to Seminyak centre was walking distance, so that was a huge bonus for this accomodation.
Cost: $120AUD/Night
HOTELS WITH GREAT REVIEWS- SEMINYAK
THE HAVEN- Seminyak
The hotel is centrally located in Seminyak and is quite modern. You are also able to upgrade to one of their Haven villas, where you get your own private pool which I highly recommend. All in all, a very affordable and value-for-money hotel.
The Seminyak Beach Resort and Spa
This place is literally a steal for the price you’re paying. It’s no coincidence it’s voted as the best value villa in Seminyak on Booking.com and Tripadvisor!
HOTELS WITH GREAT REVIEWS- UBUD
The Mansion Resort Hotel and Spa
The Mansion is only a few minutes from Ubud Center and one of Bali’s rare gems. Set in a tropical lush green park estate with water features and multiple pools. If you’re looking for a private and quiet hotel, this is the one for you.
Sapodilla Ubud
Voted Best Seller on Tripadvidor this hotel is a colorful, vibrant center of Bali’s cultural charm. Temples, palaces, and local cultural attractions are in close proximity, also just steps from cafés, eateries, shops and many more. For convenience, there is also a free shuttle service to take you to the center of Ubud.
TRANSPORTATION:
Riding a taxi in Bali works the same way it does everywhere else: you hail a taxi from the curb; a taxi stops to pick you up, and off you go. Unfortunately, some taxi drivers are dishonest. Two favorite tricks are claiming to have a broken meter or taking a long way around.
Recomondation: Rent a Scooter ($4/day) or a Bike ($2/day). Both options are a great way to explore Bali on your own; allows you to create your own itinerary and explore at your own pace
WEATHER:
I went in April, which is considered dry season. It was on average about 27 degrees.
However, for many reasons, best time to come to Bali is April, May, June and September, just before and just after high season. It’s still dry season and is slightly less humid.
THINGS TO DO IN BALI:
SEMINYAK
1. Visit Tegenungan Waterfall
2. Visit a local beach (Picture is at Kuta Beach)
3. Check out coffee/ tea farms where they show you how organic coffee, tea and chocolate is made. Don’t forget to try the Luwak coffee ( Most expensive in the world!)
4. Get a fish pedicure
UBUD
1. Tegalalang Rice Terrace
2. Monkey Forest
3. Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
4. Traditional Balinese Cooking Class
WHERE/WHAT TO EAT:
1. Jimbaran Fish Market (Jimbaran)– This place is AMAZING and a MUST try for everyone visiting Bali. You pick your seafood fresh and they clean/cook it for you on the charcoal grill and make you a really delicious meal from it. Make sure to get there early for the freshest seafood!
2. Local Restaurants & Food Carts– Very simple but the most authentic and delicious food.
3. The Sayan House (Ubud)- Japanese Cuisine
4. Barbacoa Bali ( Seminyak)- If you sit at the back you’ll get a great view of the rice paddies.
5. Bridges Bali( Ubud)- Located in a village, this place is exotic, overlooking the jungle and the Wos River, bridges Bali is one of Ubud’s best culinary destinations.
In Conclusion, Bali was affordable and really easy to get navigate around. I would recommend more than a week stay to really take in all Bali has to offer.