Bali
Here is a travel guide for first time visitors in Bali who want to have a glimpse of the famous Balinese culture and arts.
Bali is a popular island in Indonesia. It is blessed with lush surroundings, tropical weather, exotic temples, exciting seascapes, looming volcanoes – and a quest for more adventure – dubbing them as the “Island of the Gods.”
Bali is a huge island with so much places to discover and explore. However, if you’re that kind of traveler who has a limited time to travel around, here’s a route that I suggest to see most of Bali’s best spots, as well as to witness both of its world (urban life & rural life.)
Ubud is the arts and cultural heart of Bali – here you can visit art markets and workshops, Hindu temples or attend meditation/spiritual retreats.
Seminyak is the “chic” counterpart of Ubud, where you can find boutique stores and restaurants.
Kuta is a place for beginner surfing and, along with Sanur and Nusa Dua, is a popular resort town.
Nusa Island, this flaunts the ultimate paradise side of Bali.
WHEN TO VISIT
Go during the dry season from April and September. July & August are the peak tourist months. A visit during the shoulder months of April, May, June, and September offers a high chance of sunny skies and warm weather, but with fewer crowds.
HOW TO GO THERE
Bali is easily reached by flying to Bali-Ngurah Rai International Airport, Indonesia’s 3rd busiest airport. You can fly direct from major cities in Southeast Asia, East Asia & Australia, as well as select cities in the Middle East & Europe.
Ferries connect Bali to the islands of Lombok and Java, making it possible to travel to Bali from Jakarta, Yogyakarta & Surabaya etc. on land and sea connections.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The entire island of Bali does not have a convenient public transport system. The best way to get around the main sights is by arranging your own transport or joining a group tour.
To travel between the main tourist/urban areas in Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Ubud, Sanur, Nusa Dua etc., you can go by taxi, Grab/GO-JEK, tourist shuttle, or by local transport, which includes ojek (motorcycle taxi) or bemo (shared minivan).
WHERE TO STAY
Bali has thousands of accommodations to choose from- ranging from low costs/ budget friendly inns/ homestays to the most luxurious resorts/ hotels.
Here are some hostels in Bali:
- PADI Backpackers House(Ubud)
- Kememai Hostel (Ubud)
- The Island Hotel Bali (Kuta)
- Warung Coco Hostel (Kuta)
- M Boutique Hostel (Seminyak)
- Capsule Hotel Bali – New Seminyak (Seminyak)
- The Hideout Hostel (Canggu)
- Lay Day Surf Hostel (Canggu)
- Grand Barong Resort ( We stayed here during our Bali trip located in Kuta )
WHERE TO EAT
Many Balinese dishes require sometime to cook, two of the must-try food here is babi guling (spit-roasted suckling pig) and betutu bebek (duck roasted in banana leaves).
List of some recommended restaurants in Bali :
Bebek Tepi Sawah
Jl. Raya Goa Gajah Ubud, Bali
Pepenero
Temple Hill Studios Jl. Wanagiri 18 Jimbaran, Bali
Potato Head Beach Club
Jl. Petitenget N0.51B, Seminyak Kuta
THINGS TO DO
Tegalalang Rice Fields
Tegalalang Rice Terraces – the stunningly gorgeous bright-green rice fields that epitomize Bali. The dramatic 360 views of the terraces all around you are sure to be a highlight of your trip.
A series of step-like platforms cut into the hills appear to be stacked on top of one another, wrapping the slopes and winding through beautiful Balinese countryside. The rice terraces are beautiful, and offer insight into the lives of rural Balinese farmers.
The swing provides fun and adrenaline test that makes your heart beats faster for a moment. Enjoy the terrace rice field view from the top as you swing into the air.
Swing fee : 200k IDR / PHP 725.00
UBOD ROYAL PALACE
Puri Saren Agung is the palace of the Ubud royal family, making it one of the most prominent landmarks in Ubud. It serves as a cultural repository of arts, dance and literature. The palace’s stage and meeting halls host international events, including the opening ceremonies of the annual Ubud Writers & Readers Festival.
Sacred Monkey Forest
The amazing sacred Monkey Forest Ubud of Padangtegal (Mandala Suci Wenara Wana) is a natural forest that is home to lots of long tailed Balinese monkeys, that are also known as Macaca fascicularis.
Entrance fee : 40k IDR / PHP 145.00
La Plancha
La Plancha was the concept and creation of the food of Spain.The brightly coloured beanbags combined with the traditional Balinese umbrellas saw the integration of the two cultures and La Plancha was born.
- Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
It is both a famous picturesque landmark and a significant temple complex on the western side of Beratan Lake in Bedugul, central Bali.
Ulun Danu Beratan, literally ‘the source temple of Lake Beratan’, shares the scenic qualities with Bali's sea temples of Uluwatu and Tanah Lot. The smooth reflective surface of the lake surrounding most of the temple’s base creates a unique floating impression.
Wanagiri Hidden Hills
The most popular attraction at the Wanagiri Hidden Hills is the giant birds nest, as well as the swings and lookouts overlooking the lake. There are a variety of nests and swings to choose from so you’ll be sure to get plenty of good photos for Instagram. Entrance fee : 40k IDR / PHP 150.00
Handara Gate
Handara Gate is actually the entrance to a golf resort. The traditional Hindu gate symbolises the entrance from the outer world to the temple, or in this case, golf course, and plays an important role in Indonesian culture, particularly in Bali.
Entrance fee : 30k IDR / PHP 108.00
Angel's Billabong
Angel’s Billabong is an incredible rock formation on Nusa Penida Island’s Southwestern cliff edges. Amongst the rocks is a very beautiful, naturally formed infinity pool. Between the rocks flows a lagoon crystal clear pools where you can swim and soak the sun. The water is so clear that you can see the pattern of the rocks beneath the surface.
Broken Beach
Broken Beach is an incredible little cove on Nusa Penida island. The highlight of the cove and the reason it is called Broken Beach is due to the archway that wraps around the bay allowing water to flow in and out from the ocean.
Kelingking Beach
Kelingking Beach lies within the village of Bunga Mekar, on the southwestern coast of Nusa Penida Island. One of its most popular landmarks is a plant-covered limestone headland, with massive waves crashing against it. This unique formation resembles the shape of a T-Rex’s head, so Kelingking is often called the T-Rex Bay of Bali.
Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay is probably the most popular beach on Nusa Penida for a number of reasons. It is the best sunset beach, facing directly west. This alone makes it a winner for people trying to have a sunset beer and watch the sun go down. It’s also the jump-off spot for snorkel tours and is only a 30-minute drive from the main port, Toyapakeh.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT
Check out these other top tourist spots, places to visit & things to do in Bali.
3. Kuta Beach
5. Legian Beach
6. Sanur Beach
11. Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest
Travel Tips
- You can haggle prices for tours and souvenirs
- Use USD instead of Peso
- Wear sunscreen all the time
- Try Indonesian local food!
- Better to watch out for seat sales and promos to score cheaper flights.
- Exhange your peso to dollar in the Philippines then you ask your driver to bring you money changer.
- Book your accomodation ahead of time. If you are on budget, much better to book in hotel, guesthouse and rooms.
- Bring universal adapter.
- There is no public transportation sa Bali. That's why make sure to book a tour.
- Don’t exchange your money in the small outlet.
- You can buy sim at the airport for the internet but not necessary because every restaurant has a wifi.
- Always use your right hand when eating, receiving or giving something. Using the left hand is believed to be disrespectful.
- There were reports of motorcycle-riding thieves in Seminyak and Kuta area. So please be careful with your phones and handbags. Be mindful of your things and surroundings while walking.
Itinerary
So without further ado, here’s my 4 days itinerary in Bali, Indonesia:
Day 1
3:50 am — Flight to Bali
8:00 am — Arrival at Denpasar Airport
9:00 am — Hotel Check in ( rest )
1:00 pm — La plancha
4:00 pm — Seminyak Beach
6:00 pm — Dinner
9:00 pm — Rest
Day 2 - ( Ubud Tour )
8:30 am — Start the Tour
10:00 am — Tegalalang Rice Terreces
11:00 am — Teganunang Water Falls
12:00 pm — Lunch
2:00 pm — Ubod Royal Palace
3:00 pm — Ubod Art Market
5:00 pm — Sacred Monkey Forest
6:00 pm — Back to Hotel
DAY 3 - ( Bedugul Tour )
9:00 am — Start the Tour
11:00 am — Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
1:00 pm — Wanagiri Hidden Hills
2:00 pm — Lunch
3:00 pm — Handara Gate
6:00 pm — Back to Hotel
Day 4 - ( Nusa Penida )
7:00 am — Sanur Beach Harbor
8:00 am — Nusa Penida Island
8:30 am — Start the tour
9:00 am — Angel's Billabong
10:00 am — Broken Beach
12:00 pm — Lunch
1:00 pm — Kelingking Beach
2:00 pm — Crystal Bay
4:00 pm — Back to Sanur Beach Harbor
6:00 pm — Back to Hotel
Estimated Expenses
He’re a list of possible expenses in Bali. Of course, hotels, tours and food expenses will depend on your choices, can be lower or higher.
Day 1
- Airport to Hotel : 100K IDR / 361 PHP
- Hotel to La Plancha : 22K IDR / 80 PHP
- La Plancha to Hotel : 30k IDR / 108 PHP
Total: 152,000 IDR / 549 Php
Day 2
- Swing in Tegalalang :200K IDR / 725 PHP
- Tegenunang Falls Fee:15K / 55PHP
- Monkey Forest Fee :50K IDR / 181 PHP
- Klook Group Tour:125k IDR / 452 PHP
Total: 390,000 IDR / 1409 Php
Day 3
- Ulun datu temple Fee : 40K IDR / 145 PHP
- Wanagiri Hills fee : 40K IDR / 145 PHP
- Handara Gate : 30k IDR / 108 PHP
- Klook Private Car : 470k IDR / 1697 PHP
Total: 580,000 IDR / 2094 Php
Day 4
- Klook Nusa Penida Join in Tour: 610k IDR / 2203 PHP
Total: 610,000 IDR / 2203 Php
TOTAL EXPENSES :
= 1,732,000 IDR /
6,259 Pesos
Tickets
- Booked via Cebu Pac (MNL - BALI P3500.00)
- Booked via Cebu Pac (BALI - MNL P3500.00)
- Travel Tax P1620.00
Hotel Rooms/Villa
- Grand Barong Resort (booked via agoda.com)
- P20,000.00 for 4days, good for 2person
Food
- P10,000 good for 4 days
