I was browsing travel pictures on instagram and I was astonished by the Island's serene beauty. There were lush green rice paddy fields, adding the sunshine on the field to its perfection; monkeys in those pictures looked so friendly; and the spot that attracted me the most was bali swing over the lake. It all looked like places so dreamy to me.
I couldn't keep myself away. I had planned a 10 day Bali trip. Here I'll share the details of my trips that will help you easily plan your journey.
When we started planning this trip we had no idea how big that island was. Bali is a place you 'd want to come back to. We left Bali with a desire to return soon. After this covid-19 lockout, I 'm sure a blog on a second trip to Bali will soon be up.
Mostly this blog is split into places to visit, outfits to carry, what to expect from the place, stay, restaurants, activities and commute.
Places to visit
Day1: KUTA
South most city of Bali. This area is popular for surfing and party spots. This place was the starting and ending point for our trip, as the airport is close by. Otherwise, if you don't plan on surfing there I wouldn't recommend kuta beach. Whereas Seminiyak, with lovely hotels, is the edge of a party. Here you'll find luxury spa, high-end shopping etc. We stayed at a beautiful property located at the center of Kuta market, 5 mins from Kuta beach. I like walking so much along the beaches, I always prefer to stay near BEACHES. There are also local markets in kuta that are second best place to get souvenir; that you wouldn't want to miss.
Day2: UBUD
We started out for Ubud from kuta early in the morning. There are few places in Ubud that need to be on your bucket list, including Sacred Monkey forest, Jewellery shopping, Ubud market, Ubud Palace, Goa Gajah and Rice fields.
Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud
Day3: UBUD
Balinese food is one more reason to be in love with bali. Breakfast is the most striking meal of the day. We stayed at a beautiful resort in the center of ubud town; 5 minutes from this resort on one side is ubud palace and ridge walk on the other side. With breakfast, and any other meal in bali, we had a completely different story. With breakfast and any other meal in bali we have had a completely different story. Waking up at this place was like waking up with the delicious smell of food in the air at my mom's house. I have to admit that few dishes such as banana crepes, nasi gorang, and balinese coffee have been so comforting. I had those stuff for my breakfast almost every day.But be careful, personally I have not liked Bali's most popular duck dish. It was slightly crispy and super oily.
We began our day first with a visit to monkey forest. This place has all-around monkeys. Although monkeys were friendly but not carrying food or water bottle in hand is advised. If the monkeys are in good mood, luckily you can click on some good pictures. This place is huge, wear comfortable shoes so you can enjoy walking around the forest. It is generally a half day trip to the forest. At the end of the visit to the forest we were literally tired and super-hungry. Our klook driver suggested a lovely restaurant. If you like the country-side decor you 'd love this place. It is surrounded by rice fields. So it's recommended to rest here, while you enjoy your Balinese delicacies and then go to the rice field. You can try the iconicest swing in Bali here. I was quite scared of that, I didn't try. Here, there are many nests where people form a queue to get clicked on. It is advisable to take your photographer to all the places in bali along with yours. So, you don't regret that you didn't capture a perfect shot.
Tegalalang rice terrace is far away and note that it closes by 6 pm. It's better for you to start your day early that morning. Otherwise you might experience congested places. This is a lush green place, with countless rice plantations owned by various families. That really is worth the drive.Most likely you'll be walking in the fields sweating, a beautiful comfortable dress is recommended for the day. You can conclude your day with some shopping at the iconic jewellery store where you can find precious stones of all varieties. Needless to say, ubud is the best place to buy treats, ubud local market is the place to find the best hand - crafted bags, wall hangings, etc.
Day4: DENPASAR
Besides temples & swings, Bali is also famous for its iconic gates. This gate like structures are all aroung bali n different heigts. The most famous gate in Bali could be in Lempuyang temple where Mount agung is at the back ground. But if travellers are coming from seminyak or ubud, it would be a 4-5 hrs tiring journey to lempuyang i.e. in East bali. Bali is also famous for its iconic gates apart from temples & swings. This gate like structures are in different heights all around bali. The most famous gate in Bali might be in the temple of Lempuyang, where Mount agung is at the back ground. But if travelers come from seminyak or ubud, it would be a tiring journey to lempuyang in East bali for 4-5 hours.While the handara gate is located in north bali and can be easily located using maps from google. This is a perfect spot for photography if you are planning to go to ullun danu. Only the handara gate's turnoff, it's overcrowded.This place should be visited early in the morning, so you won't end up waiting 1-2 hours in a queue.
Day 5: DENPASAR
Ulun danu: It's one of the temples you have to fit in your itinerary. Its floating architecture is the principal reason for its success. It should be visited at the earliest hrs. This place is usually very cold, since this temple is on the lake. We visited on an pleasant clear sky day, yet we felt cold wind.Wanagiri hidden hill: Bali Swing has recently started popping up on every single Instagram feed! Here everything you need to know about this place. Wanigiri Hidden Hills can be found in the northern area of Bali, just a quick trip up from Bedugul. There are 5-6 places in hidden hills where you will find nest, swings and bamboo arrangements for photoshoot. You Entrance fee is about 150,000 IDR and you spend as much time you can.
Day 6: EAST BALI
Baisakh Temple: This is an immense temple on the mount agung slope. You'll need to rent a sarong at the entrance like it is at all the bali temples. There are roughly 30 temples around this place's terrace. The 3 main temples are dedicated to Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiwa. The center is Shiva's location, Brahma's to the right and Vishnu with black banners to the left. These temples are surrounded by stunning views of valleys and mount agung. If you are an admirer of architecture and culture, you 'd easily spend 2 hours here.
Day 7: Taman Tirta Ganga
This is the only place you won't find that much to spend your time. Taman tirta ganga means gangeswater. This palace has fountains, a beautifully kept garden and sculpted statues. According to me, this spot is overhypedon social media. Bunch of people will be at the entrance selling fish food to travellers. If you're actually here to get a photo clicked with all the beautiful fish around you, you'll need to buy fish food at the entrance. If not, you can always visit this place before or after a trip to Lempuyang temple, just to cool off and walk around the water pool.Lempuyang: It is at the East most part of the island. It takes 2 Hrs to get to Lempuyang from Ubud. Again, starting your day in the early hours is a must, to make the most of your day.
Day 8: Ulluawatu
A place in Bali's southwestern part. The only place in Bali where to experience something beautiful you don't have to compromise with your sleep. This temple is on the cliff's edge, highlighting the crushing clean blue water against the rocks below.Ullluwatu is the best place to photo shoot during setting sun. In bali you'll be able to see all the tones of purple, red, orange and yellow sunset! You'll witness a sky on fire in bali if you're lucky.
Sunset at Uluwatu Temple
Travel trips :
If you're visiting a temple, always pack a sarong, otherwise you'll have to collect a common sarong from the gate at each temple. You can always get a scooter to wander around but it's easiest in bali to hire a klook. While you're not tired, you get to enjoy the most. Snake skin fruit in Bali is always a-try.