In five more days I’ll be hopping on a plane and heading back home to New Zealand for a short visit. I'm counting down the days... The last few weeks here in Bali have got me shooketh; so I've decided to head home and fill up my love cup for a while. I can’t wait.
I’m looking forward to enjoying a good dose of home and putting in some intense mahi. It’s a good time to go back. Mental Health Week takes place next month, and I have some awesome plans in the pipelines for that. I'm so freaking excited!
As you may already know,
I have a have a love affair with Bali; so I’ll definitely be back soon.
It’s my favourite place in the whole, entire world; and there’s nowhere I’d rather be. It’s a true utopia, where my gypsy spirit feels most aligned; so it will only be a matter of time before I return.
I get a huge amount of DMs, asking for suggestions of what to do while visiting the island. So to celebrate the place I love so much, here's a little guide to my favourite spots. I've focused primarily on the areas of Canggu and Ubud, as they are two places that I particularly like.
Canggu is my hood. It’s where I've chosen to base myself, after exploring and living in a few different areas. I love the Canggu vibe so much. It’s a beautiful and happening place; with a dreamy landscape of both beach and rice fields. There are hundreds of amazing cafes, restaurants, bars and local warung to choose from. It’s literally a mecca of glorious food, drink and beautiful people. Every day living here feels like paradise. To top it all off, fireworks go off most nights by the beach; as if to remind you that you are in adult Disneyland! It’s amazing.
Ubud is cool too, although extremely jam packed. It's much more enjoyable if you stay slightly on the outskirts, and only go into the heart of it for visits. Obviously there is so much to explore in Bali; so this is only a tiny taster of what’s available. I hope you enjoy this little summary of my absolute faves.
Places to Stay
Nengah Homestay
Pererenan Beach, Canggu
This has been the place that I have called home for the past few months. It’s gorgeous and just a short walk from the beach. It’s surrounded by rice fields and is in a super quiet part of Canggu, yet still just a five minute walk away from the action. The staff are the best!
Villa Mar - Canggu
This cute little villa is just two minutes from Echo Beach, and has a shared pool and garden. The decor is stunning, and it was a little oasis. I was lucky enough to have the whole place to myself when I stayed, but I suggest booking both rooms if you want privacy. It’s quiet and super close to Bali Buda. Think macrame swing chairs and lounging by the pool...
Villa Sal - Canggu
This is a beautiful loft designed by the creators of Sal Secret Spot, and it is unbelievably beautiful. It features a combo of Mediterranean and Balinese interior design. I stayed in an upstairs room, which had it’s own little dinky plunge pool. The interior design is honestly jaw-dropping (as is the poolside daybed).
Uma Caming Villa - Bresela Village
Featuring a tropical garden surrounded by rice fields, Uma Caming Villas are located in Bresela art village. This one one of the most truly tranquil places that I have ever stayed. With it's white-washed wooden joglos, floating white curtains and rice paddy views; I felt like I was in heaven. This is the perfect place if you need downtime and relaxation, or a creative boost.
Ubud Ananda Homestay - Tegallalang
I really enjoyed staying at this place, as it is situated in the middle of a small neighbourhood. This was my most authentic Balinese stay so far. The kind owners invited me to take part in local ceremonies, and showed me gems like Balinese fruits and foods. The wifi wasn't the best, but being part of a genuine quiet community more than made up for it.
Places to Eat and Drink
La Brisa
Watch the sunset and enjoy the delicious food and cocktails, while you lounge on a pastel beanbag and watch the sun set over the ocean. You'll be surrounded by white-washed driftwood, pretty string lights and a pool, so bring your togs!
Motel Mexicola
This place is a vibrant, colourful feast for the eyes. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is pumping. If you love splashes of colour and hearty kai, this place is for you. If you're lucky you might be serenaded by the house mariachi band. I suggest you try the full banquet, which is a selection of all of their best dishes.
Lola’s Shakin All Day
This place does the most incredible breakfast packages. You basically get a complete range of treats for a crazy cheap price - and it’s super yummy. The Wake Me Up Shake is honestly the most delicious shake I’ve tried in Bali. It’s a cup of chocolatey goodness, made from espresso, dates, bananas, almonds, cacao and coconut milk. You HAVE to try it!
Debbie Does Salad
This is a chill little place, that serves the most delish fresh salad bowls, kombucha, and vegan treats; like lasagne and brownies. The salads are jam packed with hearty, healthy ingredients. My faves are the Vegan Scramble for breakfast, and the Barley Bowl for lunch. It's also right near the beach, so that's another bonus.
Sayuri Healing Food
In the heart of Ubud, this cafe offers 100% plant-based, vegan, mostly raw-living food, drink and deserts. They also run raw-food chef trainings, yoga and creative workshops; so it was a vibrant and interesting place to hang out and eat. I tried the Peak Performance Bowl, the Malaysian Jackfruit Rendang and their dragonfruit kombucha; and all were absolutely delicious!
Aruna Restaurant
This beautiful bamboo restaurant overlooks the jungle in peaceful Tegallalang. The food is wonderful, and they hold a Balinese Banquet each week, so that you can try a range of local cuisine. I loved eating here while I was staying in Ubud; and one of my most memorable visits was when they had two locals playing live gamelan in the courtyard below.
Things to Do
The Obligatory Rice Field Swing
These are everywhere, and although they are cliche; I think it’s one of those iconic Bali things that you should do - just to tick it off the list! Rice fields can be found all across the island, and they are very relaxing and pretty places where you can just sit and gaze. Ubud is the mecca of rice fields; but there are plenty of other ones dotted everywhere else as well. The swings are super easy to find.
Try a Purification Ceremony
Tirta Empul is a major temple and holy mountain spring in the village of Manukaya. It was built circa 960 AD. There are purification baths inside, where you go through a total of 11 sculpted spouts (the last 2 of the 13 spouts is reserved for funerals only). There are sarongs available to hire, and I suggest you get a guide, so that you understand what is happening as you undertake this spiritual cleansing ceremony.
Tour Bambu Indah
This eco resort is stunning, and also environmentally friendly. It's located in Sayan, just out of Ubud, and is close to the Ayung River. It has unique accommodation, including Javanese bridal houses, luxury tents and Bamboo tree houses. This place is pretty hard to book a room at, as it is so popular; but you can still just visit it for a tour, or eat at their restaurant, if you’re not lucky enough to nab a room.
Snorkel at Blue Lagoon
This was such a cool experience! Blue Lagoon is located at Padang Bai Bali, which is one of the best snorkeling places in Bali. It's about 1.5 hours from Denpasar, or one hour drive from Ubud. You see the most colourful, beautiful fish and the water is just divine. The tour guides take you to various snorkelling areas on the boat, so you never get bored. If you’re lucky (like we were) you may even spot a turtle or two!
Spend a Day at Waterbom Bali
Don't be put of by thinking this place is just for kids - it isn't! You can easily spend an entire day here, just chilling in the leisure areas or enjoying the insane thrill slides. There are rides for all ages, plus a swim-up bar that serves tropical drinks (so you can sip on coconuts without leaving the pool). There are restaurants, food canteens and live DJs playing, so it's a fun place to hang out.
Visit Ubud Monkey Forest
The Ubud Monkey Forest is home to over 700 grey long-tailed macaques. Also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, this natural sanctuary has paved pathways through a nutmeg forest, as well as several ancient temples. You can see these playful primates in their natural habitat, swinging through canopies, and feeding on bananas. Keep your glasses and wallets secure though, as they are pickpockets!
Eat Seafood at Jimbaran
If you're a seafood lover, Jimbaran's range of seafood cafes are for you. Not only is the bay one of Bali’s best places for memorable sunsets, but it's also a popular coast to enjoy grilled seafood. Over a dozen seafood cafes line the white-sand beach. Each Jimbaran seafood cafe serves freshly grilled seafood at beachfront and candlelit tables, and you may even be treated to an acoustic serenade by wandering bands.
Lounge at Mrs Sippy
This beach club features Bali's largest salt water pool, and is a Mediterranean inspired oasis. It's the perfect place to lounge on floating beanbags or daybeds, as you sip on their signature cocktails. They have an open-air kitchen, and both local and international DJs playing daily. There are 1, 3 and 5 meter diving platforms to jump off, and the tropical vibes will make you never want to leave!
Visit a Day Spa
There are gorgeous day spas to be found all throughout Bali. They range from cheap full body massages (which are absolutely amazing) through to deluxe, pampering packages. You can buy FULL DAY spa experiences for affordable prices, which are absolute bliss. It's so dreamy to spend your entire day being treated to hair cream baths, facials, scrubs, ayurveda oil massages and petal baths. You HAVE to try it!
Bali Dance
There are various opportunities to watch Balinese dance concerts across the island. Balinese dance is intensely expressive, and the dancers express their stories through gestures with their fingers, hands, heads and eyes.
Most of the dances in Bali are connected to Hindu or traditional folk rituals. Try to catch a Barong or Kecak dance performance if you can, as it simply beautiful to watch.
Soak in Natural Hot Springs
Toya Devasya Wellness Resort features an infinity hot spring pool, sitting on the edge of Lake Batur. You may think Bali is too hot to even THINK about swimming in hot pools, but the fresh mountain air leaves you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. If you want to enjoy the experience even more, you can camp under the stars in their on-site camp ground, where the tents are already set up and ready to go.
Get Trinkets at Local Markets
On almost every street corner you'll find stalls selling the most gorgeous crafts - macrame swing chairs, basket bags and more. Notable markets are the Love Anchor Canggu and the Ubud Art Market (although this one can be extremely hectic, and you WILL be aggressively pitched to). If you are bargaining try to remember that what might be a few dollars to you may mean a lot to the stall holders, so don't be a dick.
Visit Temples
There are so many temples to visit in Bali. They are spread throughout the island; from mountain and hilltops to low-lying coastal areas. No visit would be complete without a trip to see at least one of the temples. Pura Luhur Uluwatu is a beautiful choice to put on your list. It sits on a cliff soaring 200 feet above a famous Bali surfing spot. It's a particularly stunning spot to catch the sun set.
There is so much to explore on this beautiful island; and this is just a small guide. Whether you want to find peace and tranquility, or party at local beach bars; there's something here for you. I'm going to miss my little home-away-from-home while I'm gone. Development is happening so quickly there that I'm scared it's going to have changed ridiculously by the time I get back.
So although I haven't left yet, I'm already counting down the days to my next visit... hehe...
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