Bali, Indonesia: Of Sunsets, Rainforests, & Healing, A Travel Guide

Bali, Indonesia — I first heard of Bali back in the early 2000s when I was a teenager because of the bombings of 2002 and 2005. And then in 2010, it was back on my radar because of the movie adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Eat Pray Love,” starring Julia Roberts. I know it sounds banal but I fell in love with the movie’s message of finding peace, healing, and balance. Needless to say, “Eat Pray Love” had an impact on my worldview.

One place I remember eating at was this small, humble warung in the middle of a rice field. It was an unforgettable experience.

It wasn’t until 2017 that I finally had the chance to visit the island. It was also the time when my five-year relationship started to become rocky and I found solace in my solo travels. I guess it’s one of the reasons why I love Indonesia so much, the country became a part of my journey of self-discovery.

Bali Overview

Bali was the first Indonesian province that I visited. I didn’t mind that it’s “touristy.” Bali is often misunderstood by those who don’t try to research or give it a chance. More than the “touristy” label, it has a lot to offer; from majestic hills and mountains, long stretches of pristine beaches, numerous cultural and historical sites, exciting nightlife and shopping locations, to some of the best diving & surfing spots in the world. It’s not called the “Island of the Gods” for nothing. And whether you are a budget traveler backpacking through Asia or you belong to the rich and famous, Bali has the supply to your demands.

• Geography: Bali is located east of Java Island. It’s around 950 kilometers from the country’s capital, Jakarta (a couple of hours by plane), and around 700 kilometers from Yogyakarta, another major tourist destination in the country (an hour by plane). It is slightly bigger than the island of Cebu.
• Culture: It is unique in a way that it is the only Hindu-majority province of Indonesia. The strong influence of Hinduism makes Balinese culture stand out in the region.
• Language: Balinese and Bahasa Indonesia are the widely spoken languages. Most locals, especially in tourist locations, can speak and understand basic English.
• Flights: There are direct flights from other major cities worldwide and other Indonesian hubs. If there is no direct flight from your country, you can book a connecting flight via Singapore or Jakarta. Flights are scheduled in and out of Bali almost every hour of the day.
• Transportation: You can go around Bali by renting a car or motorcycle. GrabCar is also available but limited to most tourist areas. I highly recommend renting a private vehicle with a tour guide and driver (check Facebook or Klook). It’s very convenient especially if you have no idea on how to proceed with your itinerary or if you’re not that good at driving (I saw a couple of motorbike accidents during my visit, mostly involving tourists). You can check out my good friend Made Adayasa’s Bali tour packages and vehicle rentals here.
• Activities & Attractions: Bali caters to a wide range of audiences, whether you are looking for relaxation or adventure. The island has numerous cultural, gastronomic, artistic, nightlife, and nature-related activities. (Check Klook for organized tours)
• Food: Balinese cuisine is probably the only Indonesian cuisine that includes pork as part of their major dishes (the rest of the country is predominantly Muslim, Muslims don’t eat pork). Some of the popular dishes are Babi Guling, pig roast served with rice and sides, and Bebek Goreng or Bebek Betutu (crispy or smoked duck), usually served with rice and sambal (chili sauce).
• Hotel & Accommodation: As a major tourist destination, there are several budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodations all over the island. Depending on what you want, different regions cater to different types of tourists (more details below). Always book your accommodation ahead of time because Bali receives around half a million of tourists every month. It helps to use booking sites such as Agoda or Airbnb.
• Tourists & Locals: Lots of foreign tourists, and popular spots are often crowded. Bali has some of the friendliest, warmest locals which remind me a lot of the Philippines.
• Cellular Network: I always buy an international SIM (Travel SIM PH) from the Philippines and test it on the day before my departure. If not, you can buy at stalls before the airport arrival exit. I personally use Telkomsel.

Best Time To Visit Bali

• Peak Season: June to August, dry and clear weather. The best time to do tours although it means crowds and traffic are also at their peak.
• Shoulder Season: April, May, & September, a compromise between occasional rain showers and lesser tourists. (I visited around September and the rain showers were tolerable and I couldn’t tell the difference in the number of tourists, still crowded).
• Off-Peak Season: From November to March, wet and rainy season but cheaper accommodation. Regardless of the season, the number of tourists averages around half a million monthly.

Bali Map & Location

Where To Eat & Drink In Bali

As mentioned before in my other posts, Indonesian food is probably one of my favorites in the world. Bali is no different. There are inexpensive stalls to high-end restaurants all over the island (I recommend trying all kinds of food in the spectrum). A tip, research where the locals eat when you travel — it’s always an authentic experience.

★★★★★ Madu Manis Kitchen
Madu Manis Kitchen is the restaurant of Komaneka at Rasa Sayang. Every dish I ordered, whether traditional or fusion, was top quality. The buffet breakfast is something that you don’t want to miss. It also doesn’t hurt that you have a nice view of the pool and jungle. Being my lazy self, I ate most of my meals here (because why not).

★★★★★ Bebek Tepi Sawah
Crispy duck does not disappoint.

★★★★★ Laka Leke Restaurant
Good quality food at reasonable prices and their crispy duck is a must-try!

★★★★☆ d’Alas Warung
It’s near Tegallalang Rice Terraces, dining while overlooking the jungle. They also have vegetarian options.

★★★★☆ Blue Earth Village
It has that hipster/backpacker vibe. They have traditional dishes, vegetarian options, and pizza — a nice place to hang out.

★★★☆☆ Lakeview Restaurant
The food’s okay and you have a nice view of Mt. Batur.

★★☆☆☆ Kintamani Restaurant
It has a nice view of Mt. Batur.

★☆☆☆☆ Batur Sari Restaurant
It has a nice view of Mt. Batur.

★★★★★ Babi Guling
Babi Guling is a popular local dish. It’s a pig roast served with rice and lots of side dishes (think of it as the spicier version of Filipino Lechon). I can’t recall the names of the places where I ate because they’re mostly local eateries but they were all good. One place I remember eating at was this small, humble warung in the middle of a rice field. It was an unforgettable experience.

★★★★★ Warung Balung Tuban
On my last day, I asked my tour guide to bring me to a place where he would usually eat dinner, somewhere near the airport. He was kind enough to oblige and brought me to an eatery called “Warung Balung Tuban.” It’s in a small alley (not the most stylish location) and there were many locals. Traditional pork soup, sate (satai), babi guling, ayam, etc. — authentic, and the food was the bomb!

★★★★★ Coffee & Tea
Just like most places in Indonesia, coffee and tea are good. But let’s talk about the controversial one: Kopi Luwak. It is “a coffee that consists of partially digested coffee berries, which have been eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet.” Traditionally, wild civets select and eat the best coffee berries and then the droppings are collected on forest floors. The wild-sourced coffee is an authentic, expensive, and superior product. However, due to demand, civet farming has been prevalent in recent years and these animals were caged and forced-fed with inferior coffee beans resulting in an inferior coffee product. So I urge you to do your research before buying. It’s very difficult to find an “ethically” sourced kopi luwak. I eat meat and poultry so I’m not really in a position to enforce ethical standards but it helps if you are informed and responsible for the decisions that you make.

Meal Type	Average Spend Per Person
Café, Snack	USD 2 to 6
Fast Food, Casual Dining	USD 3 to 10
Premium Casual, Fine Dining, Buffet	USD 12 to 50
Beer Per Bottle	USD 2 to 6
Cocktail Per Serving	USD 6 to 9
Wine Per Glass	USD 10 to 15
Spirit Per Bottle	USD 30 to 50

Flight To Bali

Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is the main port for all inbound and outbound flights. It’s located south of Denpasar, the island’s capital. The flight from Metro Manila is around four hours. A roundtrip flight costs around PHP 8,000 to 25,000 (USD 160 to 500) depending on the carrier and season. The three major airlines (Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, & AirAsia) have one inbound and one outbound flight every day. Check Google Flights for your preferred schedule and airline. See estimated flight hours below.

Point Of Origin	Estimated Flight Hours
Manila, Philippines	4 Hours, Direct / Nonstop
Singapore, Singapore	3 Hours, Direct / Nonstop
Dubai, UAE	10 Hours, Direct / Nonstop
London, UK	20 Hours, Connecting / With Layover
New York, USA	30 Hours, Connecting / With Layover
Los Angeles, USA	30 Hours, Connecting / With Layover
Sydney, Australia	15 Hours, Connecting / With Layover

Where To Stay In Bali

There are several establishments to choose from — budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels. I usually go with mid-range to luxury accommodations because they tend to have amazing amenities and good in-house food. Whenever I find a place that I like, I usually stick to it on several visits until I decide to try another place (or I get bored). It doesn’t matter where you are, if you hire a car with a tour guide and driver, they will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. You can use booking platforms such as Agoda or Airbnb to check prices and book a place.

The key is to understand what you’re looking for. Each area in Bali has a specific vibe. I love Central Bali where Ubud is located. It’s the cultural center of Bali and it’s close to nature. I’d say Ubud is the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation (not too crowded to cause stress, not too remote to feel bored). Check out some recommended accommodations below and the details of each region in Bali.

★★★★★ Komaneka Resorts (Check Rates)
Komaneka Resorts are a chain of mid-range to luxury hotels in Central Bali. They have four branches in Ubud (Monkey Forest, Tanggayuda, Bisma, and Rasa Sayang) and one in Keramas Beach. It might be a little pricey but the amenities, service, and food are excellent. The pools and villas are some of the most aesthetically appealing I’ve seen in Bali.

★★★★★ Viceroy Bali (Check Rates)
Viceroy is another hotel located in Ubud. If there is a hotel that can rival the aesthetics of Komaneka Resorts, it’s Viceroy. The villas, the jungle, and the pool are stunning!

★★★★★ W Bali (Check Rates)
W Bali is a luxury hotel located in Seminyak. Just like any other W chain of hotels, it is an all-around excellent place to stay. If the aesthetics of Komaneka Resorts are zen and peaceful, then W Bali is grand and lavish. The huge pool by the beach, the hotel entrance, and the sunset are picture-perfect.

★★★★★ Four Seasons Resort Bali (Check Rates)
Old school hotel with gorgeous villas overlooking Jimbaran bay.

★★★★★ Grand Hyatt Hotel Bali (Check Rates)
Another old-school hotel overlooking Nusa Dua beach. Lots of amenities within the hotel itself.

Classification	Price Range Per Night
Budget Accommodation	USD 10 to 60
Mid Range Accommodation	USD 80 to 160
Luxury Accommodation	USD 180 to 825

South Bali

South Bali is the most popular tourist location in Bali. Tourists flock to South Bali because of the beach, nightlife, and food.

• Kuta is probably the busiest area in Bali (which means traffic and crowd). This is the perfect place if you want to shop, party, and surf.
• Seminyak is less crowded with upscale beach hotels & resorts, dining, and shopping. Nightlife is refined and less hectic when compared to Kuta.
• Jimbaran is another good place to stay with nice seaside resorts and beaches, beautiful sunsets, and amazing food. Jimbaran is the perfect balance of Seminyak’s sophistication and Kuta’s energy.
• Nusa Dua is where several luxury hotels are located with excellent spas, beautiful beaches, and best surfing spots in Bali. It is the perfect location for a laidback beach vacation.
• Sanur is a beach area located in southeast Bali. It is less expensive than Nusa Dua and less crowded than Kuta. The seaside is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. Sanur is easy to navigate since it’s a small town where establishments are just walking distance from each other. It also serves as the port of entry to Bali’s Southern Islands.

Central Bali

Central Bali is the artistic and cultural center of Bali with stunning natural sceneries, mystical temples, and endless rice fields.

• Ubud is my personal favorite place to stay in Bali. I don’t know if it’s the amazing food, the rolling hills, the lush jungles, or the union of the ancient and modern worlds, but being in Ubud feels special. A vacation in Ubud is a rest for the body and spirit.

North Bali

North Bali is the place to be if you want a quiet vacation away from the crowd.

• Lovina is the next place I want to explore. Travelers have nothing but good words for Lovina because of its natural sceneries, laidback village vibe, strong local presence, and hot springs. The coastal villages have black sand beaches.

East Bali

East Bali is a combination of quiet coastal towns and mountain sceneries, another place for a peaceful vacation.

• Candidasa has a laidback beach vibe, a strong local presence, and an idyllic setting. There are small charming food and drink establishments along the coastal area.
• Amed is another coastal area but is also at the foot of Mt. Agung. Amed serves as the gateway to some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in Bali.

West Bali

West Bali is the least populated and least visited region in Bali. It is where the West Bali National Park is located. Most of the land area is an uninhabited protected reserve. The town of Gilimanuk serves as a port for ferries going to Java.

Southern Islands

The Southern Islands of Bali are perfect spots for diving, surfing, pristine beaches, and glorious sunsets.

• Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Penida are less than an hour’s speedboat from Sanur. It’s a place for people who love nature, water activities, and beach relaxation. There are occasional late-night beach parties but the vibe is definitely more laidback than that of South Bali.

Things To Do & Places To Visit

There are countless things to do and places to visit in Bali. A short vacation won’t be enough to cover all the popular spots and hidden gems on the island. This section is a work-in-progress and I’ll be updating it every time I visit a new place in Bali.

Barong & Keris Dance

If you are into performing arts, then you will enjoy this one-hour of Balinese cultural dance showcase. The highlight is when the female performers dance in fast, rhythmic movements. It is performed in the local language.

Coffee & Tea Tasting

Several establishments offer coffee and tea tasting in Bali. After the taste test, you have the option to buy finished products from their shop. Indonesian coffee is one of the bests in Southeast Asia but, don’t miss out on the tea, it’s also worth buying. Most coffee and tea shops accept cash and credit card payments.

Mt. Batur

Mt. Batur is an active volcano in Northeast Bali. Beside it is a volcanic caldera lake, Lake Batur. Several buffet restaurants in the Kintamani district offer a great view of Mt. Batur. The view is stunning but I’m not a fan of the expensive buffets. I’ve eaten cheaper but better quality food from smaller eateries.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Tegallalang Rice Terraces are scenic hillside rice paddies in Central Bali. This is what I imagine when I think of Bali. There are several ziplines, jungle swings, souvenir shops, and restaurants around the area.

Pura Gunung Kawi

Gunung Kawi is an 11th-century temple and funerary complex in Central Bali. In-person, it radiates so much mysticism, something that photos don’t capture. One interesting trivia about the temple is that it is made of several gigantic rocks carved into shrines. It is also surrounded by scenic rice fields and jungles. Gunung Kawi is something you should not miss.

Pura Tirta Empul

Tirta Empul is a Hindu water temple in Central Bali. It is famous for its spring water where pilgrims bathe for ritual purification. The temple spring gives out fresh water regularly. Balinese Hindus consider it to be holy hence the name “Tirta Empul,” which means “Holy Spring.”

Pura Taman Ayun

Taman Ayun is a compound of a Balinese temple and garden in South Bali. The expansive gardens, scenic ponds, and water canals give the temple a relaxing and calming quality. After we visited the temple, there was a light rain shower. We had to stop in a small waiting shed by the pond where some locals were fishing.

Danau Buyan

Lake Buyan is a peaceful fishing lake in North Bali. The best view of the lake is at the top of the mountain beside it. There were a few tourists and the climate is cool (a welcome change). On the way down, we stopped by the road to feed wild monkeys! You have to be careful though, the monkeys are aggressive and can bite you or steal your belongings.

Danau Beratan

Lake Beratan is a lake near North Bali. Geographically, it is a part of South Bali’s Tabanan Regency. It is a couple of kilometers from Lake Buyan and houses the Ulun Danu Beratan temple. Mist often covers the lake at sunset which makes it more captivating.

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan

Ulun Danu Beratan is a major Hindu temple on the shores of Lake Beratan. In my opinion, it is the most beautiful temple in Bali. It is equally stunning, in photographs or in person.

Tegenungan Waterfall

Tegenungan Waterfall is a waterfall located in Central Bali. There are several cairns (the art of stacking rocks) downstream. It is one of the most crowded attractions on the island.

Nusa Dua Beach

Nusa Dua is a resort area in South Bali. It’s the perfect place to surf or chill.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu

Uluwatu Temple is a Balinese Hindu sea temple dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, the supreme god of Indonesian Hinduism. It is built at the edge of a seaside cliff. The temple is inhabited by monkeys, infamous for snatching visitors’ belongings. Don’t miss the sunset!

Tari Kecak

Kecak Dance is a form of Balinese Hindu dance and music drama. The dance is based on the story of the Ramayana and is performed daily in Uluwatu Temple.

Balinese Souvenir Shopping

There are several shops around Bali where you can buy souvenirs. I like the smaller local shops located around the temples.

Itinerary & Budget

This is just a sample itinerary and budget. Change things up based on your travel style. My pacing is relaxed and I sometimes explore based on my impulses or what I feel like doing on a certain day.

Itinerary For Bali

This itinerary is a good introduction to Bali. It highlights the major tourist attractions. On an extensive or a second trip, you can explore the lesser-known places.

Day	Activities
Day 1: East Bali	Lempuyang Temple
	Besakih Temple / Mt. Agung
	Kintamani / Mt. Batur
Day 2: South Bali	South Bali Beaches (Jimbaran, Kuta, Seminyak)
	Taman Ayun Temple
	Tanah Lot Temple
Day 3: Central Bali	Barong & Keris Dance
	Coffee & Tea Tasting
	Gunung Kawi Temple
	Tirta Empul Temple
Day 4: Central Bali	Explore Ubud On Motorcycle / Rest Day
	Tegallalang Rice Terraces
	Tegenungan Waterfall
Day 5: North Bali	Lake Buyan
	Lake Tamblingan
	Ulun Danu Beratan Temple / Lake Beratan
Day 6: South Bali	Nusa Dua Beach
	Uluwatu Temple / Kecak Dance
Day 7: Central Bali	Explore Ubud On Motorcycle / Rest Day
	Souvenir Shopping

Budget For Bali

The estimates below are in American Dollars, Philippine pesos, and Indonesian Rupiah, and the exchange rates are based on the closing rates at the time of posting. To convert to your home currency, visit this site. The airfare is assuming that you are flying from Manila and the accommodation cost if you are booking a mid-range to a luxury hotel.

Keep in mind that the amounts presented below are based on my travel style. Bali can either be budget-friendly or expensive and be adjusted to your travel style.

7-Day Budget	USD	PHP	IDR
Airfare	200	10,000	3,000,000
Accommodation	840	42,000	12,6000,000
Food, Drinks, & Alcohol	200	10,000	3,000,000
Entrance & Activity Fees	100	5,000	1,500,000
Transportation	0	0	0
Tour Guide & Vehicle Rental	190	9,500	2,850,000
Random Costs & Souvenirs	100	5,000	1,500,000
Total	1,630	81,500	24,450,000

Final Thoughts

Defining Bali is a daunting task. Its offerings are as diverse as the adjectives in the English language. It is a place where tradition and the modern world converge, where nature blends with the urban lifestyle, and where anyone from all walks of life can belong. Definitely a place to experience at least once in your lifetime.

★★★★★ Food
Lots of choices, avoid those expensive buffets intended for tourists.

★★★★★ Culture
Unique culture, a result of Balinese Hinduism.

★★★★★ Nature
Mountains, hills, volcanoes, lakes, and jungles.

★★★★★ Beach, Surfing, & Underwater
The beaches and water activities can rival that of the Philippines.

★★★★★ Nightlife
Choose your fighter: hardcore, sophisticated, hipster, or chill.

★★★★★ Relaxation
Massage, Central Bali, and nice beaches.

★★★★★ Activities
Yes.

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