balweezyyy Travel Guide

Bali

Bali is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world and I assure you, it truly is. Going to Bali feels like a never-ending adventure – there is something there for everyone! Bali is a small island located in the country of Indonesia and among the 17,000 islands of Indonesia – it’s one of the largest islands.

Bali is a popular destination for many people around the world and it’s easy to see why. From its unending idyllic beaches, captivating spiritual energy, terraced rice fields, and exotic sunsets, there is so much to see and experience on this magnificent island paradise!

Experience surfing, yoga, meditation, trekking, delicious food or amazing nightlife. Certain areas of Bali have been influenced by tourism, with hubs of insta-worthy cafes, hip bars, and vegan restaurants. But other areas are still quite remote, maintaining their uniquely Balinese beauty and charm. There’s something in Bali for every kind of traveler.

What is the best month to go to Bali?

The best time to visit Bali is during it’s dry season, from May to October. The rainy season starts in November and goes until March to early April. But, if you’re thinking about visiting during the rainy season, don’t worry about it too much. Like anywhere tropical, the rain is part of what makes Bali so beautiful! Yes, it rains a lot here, that’s why it’s so green! Personally, I haven’t been to Bali in Bali’s rainy season but I’ve heard it’s just as gorgeous in so many ways. The driest time on the island, and least humidity, is during US Summer – June-September, however, this is usually also the most crowded time to visit. (I went in May and it was extremely humid).

The only downside is that it’s the most popular time to go. Flights are more expensive during this period, and you’ll need to book your first choice hotel in advance.

If you don’t mind the short rainstorms, visit Bali between November and April. There’s still plenty of things to do, and it’s the cheapest time to go!

What is the weather like in Bali?

It’s hot and humid! Bali is located in near the equator and has a very a tropical climate, with an average year-round temperature of 86°F (30°C).

Is Bali expensive?

Bali is not an expensive destination – but that being said, there are definitely luxurious ways to do it! The bulk of what you spend in Bali will be on your airfare and your accommodation(s). Once you’re there, you’ll find food, transportation and all other expenses to be very, very affordable. Because there are amazing accommodation options at every price, Bali is an ideal destination for both the budget traveler and the luxurious traveler alike.

What are the best areas to visit in Bali?

Jimbaran Bay/Uluwatu

We stayed in Jimbaran Bay as its home to the beautiful AYANA Resort and Villas and the Rock Bar. Rock Bar at the Ayana Resort resigns as “the best bar in Bali”, The Rock Bar is a bar unlike any other. Candle-lit tables, comfy lounges, signature cocktails and a backdrop of waves crashing, splashing around you as you watch the sun set the sky on fire. Beautiful! Gorgeous! Speechless!

The AYANA resort and Spa Bali has a prime cliff-top location over Jimbaran Bay, just about six miles from the airport. Under the AYANA name, you got a few different options, there’s AYANA Resort and Spa, The Villas at AYANA, RIMBA Jimbaran Bali by AYANA.

AYANA has the most extensive on site resort facilities anywhere in Bali. With 19 restaurants and 12 swimming pools, this is the ideal sport to come if you want a stress-free place that will give you everything at your fingertips. I’d recommend the Villas at Ayana as this is where we stayed. There are 78 massive villas with private pools and 24 hour butler service. We even incorporated a floating breakfast in our villa.

Upon check in, we were greeted with coconut water in coconuts and our butler for our villa was able to provide us a facility tour among all their resort properties and showed us where each restaurant and pool was. He was extremely friendly and so helpful.

AYANA’s in villa floating breakfast was delicious- it can’t compare. It was an experience of it’s own. The butler comes and sets up the floating breakfast and it was photos galore for my husband and I before we actually touched the breakfast. But who wouldn’t take as many photos and videos of this once in a lifetime experience?

Ubud

Here’s a quick itinerary for first timers in Ubud:

Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Tegenungan Waterfall
Campuhan Ride Walk
Balinese Massage
Sarawasti Temple

The beautiful serene – Tegalalang rice terraces and their sweeping panoramic views of lush Ubud make for a perfect Bali exploration day. Campuhan Ridge Walk, not far from the rice terraces – is extremely popular for morning runs and evening sunsets. It’s about an hour long and pretty easy hike with breathtaking views.

Bali has a dozen of nice waterfalls to see in every corner of the island; many of them are easy to reach from Ubud. One of the most popular waterfalls is Tegenungan Waterfall. This gorgeous waterfall located just outside of Ubud is the perfect spot to head to cool off on a hot day. This is a must-do for first-timers to Bali. Kanto Lampo Waterfall, also outside of Ubud is one of the less-discovered waterfalls. We had plans to go here but a few days prior to us going, the waterfall was closed for repair due to someone injuring themselves and falling off the rocks. Kanto Lampo is cascading rocks making it a gorgeous and serene experience with one of the most fun ways to cool off during those hot days.

The Monkey Forest is an adventure to say the least and should be added to your itinerary for first timers. My husband and I saw many monkeys in Ubud town and because we’ve heard how wild the monkeys are at the forest, we chose to opt out of this excursion.

Balinese massages are the best part of any vacations to Bali. They’re relaxing, incredible and SUPER affordable. And there’s no better place to have a spa day in Zen Ubud. If you’re BIG on self-care like me, indulge in a floral bath after your spa experience. We booked our massages at Kaveri Spa located at the Udaya Spa and Resort as they are the best spa in Ubud, yet alone in Bali- I highly recommend them.

In contrast to most of Indonesia- which is generally Muslim, Bali is a Hindu-majority island. There are dozens of old Hindu temples to explore in Bali. One of the ones we visited, Sarawasti Temple was located in Central Ubud. Ubud is filled with so many beautiful temples and I urge you to stop and see a few different ones. The architecture and history behind some of these is very neat and it’s a good idea to include them into your travel itinerary.

Cretya Ubud Day Club- this gorgeous day club in the middle of the rice terraces will set you in such awe. There is an entry fee that you will pay but it’s totally worth it. It’s totally insta-worthy with its 3-layered infinity pool but just note, in the beginning its a bit scary. We spent a few hours here relaxing and enjoying the views in the pool. Near Cretya there are other excursions you can do such as the famous BALI SWING overlooking the rice terraces- zip lining, riding a bike in mid-air on the zip line and much more.

Where to stay in Ubud?

Kamandulu Ubud – we stayed at the very romantic and serene Kamandulu Resort in Ubud. From its lavish and beautiful property and romantic villas- we couldn’t have been more happier with our experience. The butler service in our Valley Pool Villa to their service at the front desk to help coordinate our plans during our stay -they deserve an Oscar award!

The floating breakfast at AYANA and Kamandulu do not compare- they were both delicious and stunning in their own way! I would highly recommend doing it at both villas.

Kamandulu has a beautiful and breathtaking lunch picnic on their canal in the property. Among the many romantic experiences they offer- this lunch picnic was by far one of the most incredible and life-changing experiences my husband and I have ever experienced. From food, photography and the views- I rate this picnic a 10/10. Highly recommended!

Seminyak

Seminyak is foodie heaven. With it’s best beach clubs, cute cafes, prestige sunsets and amazing nightlife, Seminyak is definitely one of the coolest spots on the island. There are so many fantastic things to do in Seminyak, no wonder why tourists are flocking here all year around.

Seminyak has an epic food scene and by far it has to be one the best I’ve ever experienced. Packed to the brim with cool cafes, funky eateries, you’ll find everything you could wish for from Traditional Eggs benedicts and avocado toasts to scrumptious acai and smoothie bowls.

Here are my top picks of Seminyak’s food scene:

Kynd Community
Coffee Cartel
Sisterfields
Dough Darlings
Wild Habit Pizza
Avocado factory
Crate cafe
Pink tacos
Sea circus
Honey
Oh My Thai
Motel Mexicola
Black Sand Brewery

We spent 3 days in Seminyak but we spent 2 of the days cafe hoping and exploring the epic food scene they are known for. And I will say, we did not once regret it! Come here to eat and drink! My husband is big on breweries so we discovered a brewery located in Canggu and it was actually pretty nice. He enjoyed it. It gave us a reason to explore Canggu’s food scene as well.

Bali’s west coast boosts some of the most incredible and breathtaking sunset spots in Indonesia. There are plenty of photo opportunities on the beaches of Seminyak to see the last of the day’s rays hitting the water. And mind you, the colors are to die for. From the various beach clubs such as the iconic, Potato Head beach Club or La Brissa to name a few- you won’t want to leave with having the best view of the sunset.

Bali is the hub for Indonesia’s wellness and self-care scene, in particular – spas, massages and yoga. A stay in Seminyak or anywhere really in Bali offers a great opportunity to try out yoga with plenty of yoga classes throughout. For yogi’s, it’s definitely a great place for you to challenge yourself and improve your technique(s). It’s the ideal activity to improve your mind, body and spirit.

After sightseeing, beach parties and cafe hunting, you will definitely be in need of relaxation after your yoga class. Thanks to Indonesia’s self-care scene, you’ll find an ultimate and intriguing list of Balinese massages and spa treatments in Seminyak or anywhere really. We got a massage done in Ubud and another in Seminyak and both were incredibly amazing and to die for.

Bodyworks Spa was another spa we got couples massages at during our time in Seminyak. Bodyworks gives me the total Moroccan vibe. The entire experience from their traditional Balinese massages to the aesthetics and detail of the Zelig tile, it was by far the most epic spa experience ever and I highly recommend them!

Where to stay in Seminyak?

Berry Amour Romantic Villas– We stayed at a very small and private villa in Central Seminyak and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Every hotel has its own concept and it works beautifully- the Berry Amour Resort is all things LOVE and ROMANCE. Whether you are here on your honeymoon, anniversary or just some much needed R&R with your husband, the Berry Amour Villas is sure to add that spark to your romantic vacation.

During our stay, we were greeted with welcome drinks that weren’t your typical mixed juice, but a delicious mocktail. From, the floral pool and surprising my husband for a romantic jacuzzi wonder- Berry Amour was able to accommodate all of the little surprises my husband and I had in store for each other. The entire staff is super friendly and I can’t thank them for making our stay extra special.

There are 3 different villa themes – Desire, Mystic and Temptation. While the villa layouts are all relatively similar, the overall decor of the villa is different depending on the theme. We stayed in the Mystic villa and the design was darker, with more Balinese features including stone carved wall and art (our particular villa had candle lights flickering) to create an environment that whispers love. The pool in our villa was generous in size and we could easily open up the doors from our villa to jump into the oversized pool from the living room.

Berry Amour allows you to order your very own blown up pool floaty to be brought to the villa or add in that extra romance with rose pedals in your pool. Don’t get me wrong, both of these make for some nice photo sessions.

Unlike many other resorts, this resort does not have a common pool or restaurant. My husband and I didn’t mind this at all, especially because the private pool in our villa was such a generous size and we were staying in a city where the food scene was just off the hook. There were no complaints. Berry Amour has easy access to indulge in the Seminyak scene and every staff member will know your name and help make your stay here memorable.

Day Trips From Bali

There are plenty of day trips you can do from Sanur Port in Bali. One in particular we did was the Nusa Penida Island.

The beautiful, exotic Nusa Penida island lies just 25 kilometers from Bali, the most famous tourist destination in Indonesia.

Nusa Penida is a much smaller island than Bali, but it has some of the most amazing scenery in the entire Bali province (which it’s part of). The island can be visited on a day trip from Bali (same day return). Some people do stay here for a few days, but in my opinion, I think a day trip is sufficient if you are short on time or only wanting to see one side of the island. There are so many good photo spots, hikes, and other things to do in Nusa Penida!

Penida has two small neighboring islands sitting right next to it called Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, and together these are known as the Nusa islands, but Nusa Penida has become the most famous of the three because of its scenic cliff views and stunning beaches.

The island is split into two parts- the West side of the island and East side of the island. Our tour was of the East side as we wanted to escape the crowds. The famous T-Rex beach (Kelingking Cliff) is on the West part of the island with probably one of the most iconic views. We opted to skip out on this viewpoint as we’ve heard the hike down to the beach is a major workout and extremely scary. As it takes about 2 hours roundtrip, we wanted to take our time exploring the East side of the island and be able to enjoy the white sandy beaches. However, it’s our bucket-list for the next visit.

Things to do in Nusa Penida (East Side):

Thousand Islands Viewpoint – THIS can’t be skipped as its close to both Atuh beach and Diamond beach.
Atuh Beach – This is one of the nicest beaches on the south end of Penida island. Atuh is not a secret and there are sunbeds, beanbags, and a couple of nice food and drink shacks here. The highlight of Atuh Beach is probably the big elephant shaped rock in the ocean (locals say it looks like a stiletto), and the big variety of sea life that can be seen trapped in the rocks at low tide.

Nusa Penida Treehouse (Rumah Pohon)
Diamond Beach -named after the pointy diamond shaped rock on the beach, is another utterly incredible “cliff beach” on the southeastern coast of Nusa Penida island. This place is also becoming popular thanks to the scenic swing, where you can take pictures while swinging between two palm trees over the beach.

Overall, Bali is an easy and safe destination to travel around. Whether you’re going for a week or a month, there’s more than enough to see and do to keep you busy but also to enjoy this gorgeous island! Bali is definitely one place on my list that I want to continuously visit.

This was our very first time in Bali and we splurged a lot on everything. From our top of the line hotel accommodations to spa services to everything in between- I don’t think there was ever a time we said NO to anything. Bali was a DREAM vacation that my husband and I have been wanting for years. Bali was originally supposed to be our honeymoon destination back in 2020. However, due to pandemic and being closed for international travel for sometime – it was a long overdue honeymoon experience that we will never forget.