Bali isn’t just beaches—it’s lush rice terraces, vibrant culture, and adventures at every turn. Curious how to explore the island like a local? Read my guide!

Disclaimer: All views expressed on this blog are my own based on my own experiences and do not represent of any entity with which I have been, are now or will be affiliated.

October 06, 2023
Batangas, Philippines

Date of Trip – Sept 28-October 5

My itinerary for Bali trip included the following locations: Nusa Penida, Seminyak, Kintamani, Mt. Batur, Bangli, Bedugul, Ubud, North of Bali, East of Bali, Nusa Dua, and Uluwatu

The island of Bali, which is considered to be Indonesia’s most well-known destination, can be found to the west of Java and north of the Philippines. Bali has a very wealthy cultural and spiritual history and is also famous for its magnificent rice terraces, gushing waterfalls, elaborate temples, endless coastline, retreats, delectable cuisine and friendly locals. Bali is more than just a tropical state of mind, it perfectly blends leisure and adventure impeccably. I visited Bali for an unforgettable adventure, it turned out to be the most memorable of all my Southeast Asian trips and I can’t wait to go back again or live there forever!

Visa Requirements

Philippine passport holders could stay up to 30 days “visa free” in Bali. But before traveling to Bali, make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months.

Flight Amount: PHP 7.5k inclusive of 20kg baggage to and from Denpasar, Philippine Travel tax worth PHP1,620 + 50PHP convenience fee.

I also availed PHP199 worth of travel insurance through Gcash app

Things to Note:
1. All visitors entering or leaving the Philippines must register at the eTravel website at least 72 hours before their arrival time. When it’s done, guests will get a QR code that they need to either scan or take a picture of and show when they get to the country.
2. Requirements in Bali upon arrival:
Proof of booking confirmation and payment for accommodation while in Indonesia (they did not ask me about this)
Complete the E-Customs Declaration Form and save a printed / digital copy of the system-provided barcode – this will be scanned after clearing Immigrations.

Currency – Indonesian Rupiah. I used their ATMs (Mandiri ATMs) to get cash when I got there. In addition, there are numerous ATMs spread out around Bali, but we were unable to use them. You can avoid the high fees that come with exchanging money at the airport by using an ATM instead. The most you can take out of an ATM at once is between 1.2 and 2.5 million rupiah, and there are 50k fees for each transaction. If you want to take out more than that, the fees will add up quickly. The next time I want to swap money, I want to do it at a reputable bank or money exchanger in Bali outside of the airport. During my stay, I found that 1 PHP equalled 0.003912136IDR.

Power Socket

Plug C and F 220V. When travelling, it’s best to include a set of universal plug adapters. The only plugs I own are types B and G, therefore when in Bali I had to go shopping for a type C adapter. Fortunately, even on islands, you can find them. If you still can’t find the plug to buy, your hotel should have one you can borrow.

Language – Bahasa or English, some people speak little to no English, we needed to use Google translate but it’s all good.

Religion – Even though majority of the population in Indonesia is Muslim, Bali is the only Hindu-majority province in Indonesia.

Government – The federal government of Bali is headquartered in Jakarta, while the island itself is semi-autonomous.

Weather – tropical and has two distinct seasons: the dry season, which runs from April to October and the wet season, which runs from November to March.

Time zone – +8GMT

Internet Connectivity – Using Klook credit, I bought an e-sim with 30 days of service and 15GB of data for PHP55.4. It’s originally PHP411 in pricing. Throughout my whole journey, I had perfect connectivity; the only glitches occurred while I was moving from island to island.

Transportation – I booked a private tour via Artina Bali for my 7 day vacation. Very polite and accommodating driver! You can also rent a motorbike for only 150,000IDR for 24 hours and book Grab (both car and motorbike)

Tour Organizer – I booked my 7 day tour via Instagram page of BaliArtinatour for PHP23,000 inclusive of car, driver, fuel, transportation of boat going to Nusa Penida excluding of hotel fees, food and entrance fees. Their tours were carefully planned, interesting, and fun, so I have no reservations about recommending them.

Parking – Bali, and the islands more generally, have plenty of parking options. They are also paid parking.

Laundry – All across Bali, you’ll find a plethora of laundrettes.

Clinics, pharmacy and stores- Yes, they are everywhere.

Things to Note:
1. Apply sunblock, bring cap or umbrella
2. Always bring cash. In order to make purchases in popular tourist areas, you need always have cash on hand. While most shops and restaurants on Bali do take credit cards, they all tack on a 2% to 3% fee to your total. To use the card at some establishments, you must first spend at least 100,000IDR.
3. Most tourist attractions require extensive walking, including up and down stairs, so be sure to have trekking sandals.

4. Please note that you still need to wear/rent sarong whenever you enter Balinese temples regardless of if you wear covered clothing (please wear appropriate clothing) Usual rate of sarong for rent is 10k IDR but some temples only require a donation.

Accommodation and food – On separate days, I’ll cover everything from where I slept to what I ate.

Sept 27 Day 0 (Wed)
Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3

Leaving Batangas at around 1:00, I arrived at the airport at 3:00, safely making it to my meeting on time. If you don’t have any bags to check in and would rather not wait in line to get your boarding pass, you can accomplish both by checking in and paying the terminal fee online in advance, all from the comfort of your own home. There was still a line for me to wait in when I checked in baggage that weighed less than 20 kilogrammes.

My flight had no delay and we left Philippines at 8:25pm Manila time.

Sept 28 Day 1 (Thurs)
Ngurah Rai International Airport

Without any problems, I made it to Bali the following morning at 12:30 local time. The time in both Manila and Bali is the same. Due to its proximity to the Immigrations station, I unwittingly joined the queue of people waiting to obtain a visa upon arrival in Bali. I went through Immigration, presented my QR E-Customs Declaration card, and then waited for my bags at the airport conveyor belt. I also used their ATMs to withdraw cash.

The size and activity of the Bali airport, even at that early hour of the morning, left me in awe. I’ve also connected with Gede, the driver who will take me to my accommodation. At about 1:30 a.m., I checked into my hotel.

Hotel – Cove Renata Seminyak
Sept27-29
Price – PHP 1,932.74
I booked a deluxe room with private comfort room. Below are the pros and cons of this hotel

Pros	Cons
1. comfortable bed and pillows 2. private toilet and with toiletries 3. 30 minutes away from the airport 4. accommodates late check-in 5. affordable 6. staffs are friendly	1. Far from cafes, establishments

Food Spots Tried in First Day
Seminyak
1. Cafe Bali
opens daily 7.30AM to 11.00PM
Price – PHP300-500
Breakfast

I tried this cozy restaurant 5 minutes by Grab car in my hotel. I had nasi campur and iced coffee. One of the most well-known Indonesian cuisines is nasi campur, literally “mixed rice.” It’s basically a mountain of rice topped with all sorts of different toppings and garnishes. It is considered as main dish in Bali. Indonesian curries, fried or stewed meats, eggs, prawn cracker, beef rendang are included on the plate. It was a hearty and delicious breakfast!

Naughty Nuri’s
Price IDR100k-200k
opens daily 11am-10pm

This restaurant has a large following in the Ubud region, but I visited their newest location in Seminyak, which was only ten minutes away from where I was staying. When I arrived at 8 o’clock in the evening, there was already a huge line, and I had to wait for a table for twenty minutes. Despite this, the amount of time that I had to wait for my order to arrive was not too long, and the service was quite helpful. I went with the large iced tea and ordered the rendang. Beef Rendang is a savoury West Sumatran dry curry that is produced with beef that is cooked combined with a spice paste and coconut milk. The curry gets its name from the West Sumatran region where it is originally from. My iced tea and rendang were wonderful; the meat was tender and cooked to perfection, and the tea was just the right amount of sweet.

Food Spots Tried in Ubud
Bebek Joni Restaurant

Bebek Bali is an Indonesian dish that originated on the island of Bali. It has plenty of vegetables, sambal, and crispy fried duck. The fried duck is delightfully crispy stage, and then serve it over coconut rice. The restaurant’s ambience was perfect, and I especially enjoyed looking out over the rice paddies as I dined.

Ubud Tour

And now we are off for Ubud at 9:00am. Here are the details of Itinerary

1. Watched Bali Batik at Work
2. Celuk Swing and Luwak Coffee
3. Monkey Forest
4. Ubud Palace
5. TegalalangRice Terraces
6. Pura Tirta Empul
7. TegenunganWaterfalls

Watched Bali Batik at Work
Price – free
Souvenirs range PHP300-3,000

In Javanese, the word batik combines the words amba (meaning “to write”) and titik (meaning “dot”). Indonesian batik is so special that in 2009 it was named a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

A canting is used to make small designs in batik, whereas a copper stamp is used to create bigger ones. These hand-painted clothes feature elaborate patterns built up in successive stages. They’re really demanding in terms of time and persistence. A metre of cloth takes a weaver 8 hours to make, and a sarong takes two days.

I bought some tote bags to bring back as mementoes, but the real highlight was getting to see the batik artists at work.

Celuk Swing and Luwak Coffee
IDR50k luwak coffee
IDR200k use of swing and IDR50k for wearing the dress while you swing

In the swing, you may take pictures that will go viral on social media while sipping a variety of coffees. Since the civet cat is nocturnal, the crew showed a sleeping civet cat while explaining the process of making luwak coffee.

Kopi means coffee in Indonesian, and Luwak refers to a little ferret-like mammal that looks a bit like a cat. Kopi Luwak is the rarest and most costly variety of coffee in the world. The unusual production method is the primary driver of the product’s high cost. It is made from the excrement of Indonesian palm civets, which contains coffee beans that have been partially digested by the animal. Kopi Luwak refers to a process rather than a specific variety of coffee. As a result, the flavour might change drastically based on the origin of the beans and the method used to roast them.

Sacred Monkey Forest
Entrance fee – 80k IDR adult

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a protected forest frequented by the local Balinese monkey population. A population of roughly 1,200 long-tiled macaque monkeys calls this forest home.

There is a deep connection between the Monkey Forest in Ubud and Balinese tradition. Since at least the 14th century, worshippers have considered this location holy, believing that benevolent spirits reside there. Monkeys are sacred because they represent both safety and mischief, creating a special bond between humans and other creatures.

The monkey below bit me, but that’s okay because it wasn’t an open wound, so I only had to pay 250 thousand Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) to get checked out at the clinic. I had to go back to take the photo below by my guide. Apparently, the monkey selfie area is only accessible between the hours of 9 AM and 12 PM and again between 2 PM and 4 PM.

Ubud Palace
Entrance – Free

The local royal family still resides in a palace that was constructed after the devastating earthquake in 1917. All of the traditional, but not overly elaborate, structures on the site are open for exploration. It stores artistic and literary works for future generations to enjoy. There are frequently dancing performances held in the main pavillion at night.

TegalalangRice Terraces
Entrance Fee – 20k IDR

The UNESCO World Heritage Site has wide, rolling rice fields that are kept alive by an old, complex irrigation system and farmers who work the terraces in the same way that people have done for thousands of years.

It’s calming to look at, and there are swings and signs you can play with for photo ops. I wandered among the rice paddies; a visit during the growing season would have been more rewarding. The Philippines, where I’m from, has a lot of its own rice terraces, and I like them more. The other rice terraces in Bali are something I’d love to visit.

Tirta Empul Holy Spring Temple
Entrance Fee – 50k IDR

Tirta Empul is a Hindu temple to Vishnu, the water god. The Balinese word for “holy spring” is “Tirta Empul,” which means something like “water gushing from the earth.” The Tirta Empul Temple is home to several different shrines, including ones dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Indra, and Mount Batur. It is one of the five holiest temples on the island, and its water is revered as sacred.

I had hoped to be able to submerge myself in the water, but there were far too many people when we got there. I’d want to come back someday and have a holy bath in this place; I think it will be one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

Tegenungan Waterfall
Entrance Fee – 20k IDR

Because of its close proximity to popular Ubud attractions, Tegenungan Waterfall has become one of Bali’s most visited and well-known natural landmarks. If you’re careful, you can go swimming in the pool below the falls, and there are restaurants where you can sit and eat while taking in the scenery. What I like best about Ubud is that they have cafes and restaurants with views of waterfalls and rice fields, something I wish we had in the Philippines. The trail to the waterfalls was well-kept as well, making the journey there quite comfortable. If you’re feeling fatigued, you can always stop by a local club and relax with a drink while taking in views of the nearby waterfalls.

September 29 (Friday) Day2
Nusa Penida

My guide, Gede, came to get me at 6:00 in the morning so that we could make our way to Sanur harbour. My speedboat, the Semabu hills, left the dock in Nusa Penida at approximately 7:00 in the morning, and the trip to the harbour took only thirty to forty-five minutes. Even though I had a medium-sized suitcase with me, it was not difficult for me to board the boat because there were also escalators available and the passageways were very well designed.

To Note – To maximise your stay, choose a hotel that is close to bars and cafes. Private automobiles or rented motorcycles are the only options for getting around. Many of Nusa Penida’s roads are extremely steep and only allow traffic in one direction.

Food Spots in Nusa Penida

Maruti Beach Club
100kIDR-200kIDR

It was a tranquil beach club close to the waterfront, and while I waited for my snorkelling excursion, I ate breakfast there before heading out. The meal consisted of Indonesian noodle with egg and mango juice on the side. In terms of a light breakfast, it wasn’t a poor choice at all.

Secret Beach Penida
100kIDR-200kIDR
Cashless payment accepted

It was a beachfront restaurant that was about five minutes from my accommodation. Coming into this restaurant was like entering a haven of peace and beauty. The seafood pasta was delicious, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Secret Beach.

Aguan Shisha Bar and Kitchen
100kIDR-200kIDR
Accepts card

The shisha bar was a pleasant place to spend an evening, and it was only a two-minute stroll from my accommodation. I had some of their really tasty tomato spaghetti and bintang, the indigenous beer in Indonesia. As a whole, it’s a fantastic time for me.

Bahisnawa Snorkeling
Included in the tour
Manta Bay, Chrystal Bay, Gamat Bay and GT
Inclusive of go pro photos, fins and snorkeling gear (I have mine)

After breakfast, I went and met Agus, my tour guide for Nusa Penida, and after that, I registered for my snorkelling tour, had my fins measured, and then we were off! The snorkelling was a lot of fun and went by really quickly. Even though the current was rather strong, I still managed to have a good time snorkelling and spotted schools of fish as well as corals. The water was also fairly clear, and I absolutely adore the snorkelling gear that I just recently acquired. Even though there was no sign of Manta Bay anywhere in the close proximity, I still had a great time going swimming today. FYI my guide was not with me during snorkeling.

RingSameton Hotel
September 29-30
Amount – PHP 2,234.85

I genuinely adore everything about this place, from the proximity to cafés, to the kind staff members who let me check in early and lent me an adaptor when I discovered that the one I bought in Seminyak had broken. Because of the Sea Silence Day on September 30, my original plans have been altered. I was meant to transfer back to mainland Bali, but because there were no water activities this time, I needed to prolong my stay on Nusa Penida for one more night. I also did not make reservations for second night at this hotel because I would like to test staying at some other places. It was also a shame that I was unable to get a refund for the room I had reserved in Sanur for my ostensible hotel stay on September 30.

Broken Beach

Nusa Penida Island is home to an exquisite tiny cove known as Broken Beach. The cove gets its name from the archway that spans the width of the bay, allowing seawater to enter and exit the inlet. It’s in a convenient location, close to Angel’s Billabong and other well-known landmarks. Pasih Uug is the local name for Broken Beach. Amazingly, I even got to see dolphins here! Oh, I was overjoyed!

Angel’s Billabong

Located on the southwestern tip of Nusa Penida Island, Angel’s Billabong is a breathtaking rock structure not far from Pasih Uug (Broken Beach). This natural infinity pool is surrounded by cliffs of granite and hangs out over the water, providing a view of Manta Point Beach. People can go swimming here when the tide is low.

Kelingking Beach

Kelingking Beach, on the island of Nusa Penida, is one of the most photogenic spots in all of Bali. The cliff at Kelingking Beach is roughly 150 m in height. You can spend two hours climbing and descending the stairs. The distinctive rock formations here are so reminiscent of a dinosaur’s vertebrae that Google Maps has given the area the moniker “T-Rex Bay.” Pinky finger is also called “Kelingking” in Indonesian, but the origin of this name is up for interpretation. I stayed up till six o’clock to watch the sunset, and it was breathtaking.

Sept 30 (Saturday) Day 3
Nusa Penida
Sea Silence Day

My original plan was for only two days on Nusa Penida, but in honour of Sea Silence Day, I decided to stay longer. It was the ideal choice because I fell in love with Nusa Penida.

Sea Silence (Nyepi Laut) is an important ritual in the culture of Nusa Penida. Day of Silence at Sea (Nyepi Laut) was observed in the islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Lembongan. On the fourth full moon of the Balinese calendar, devotees gather to pay homage to Dewa Baruna, the sea god. All boating and other water-based activities, as well as travel to and from the islands, are grounded on Nyepi Laut. The sea, which provides for and surrounds the three islands, is honoured with a day of introspection and contemplation.

As a time for the sea to rest from all the people and their activities, I was thrilled to be a part of this one-of-a-kind event. In Bali, it’s a way to say thank you for all the good things that came from the sea. The custom also says that the sea cleans and purifies the world, making it more peaceful.

Accommodation

Sunrise Penida Hill by ABM – PHP 902.31 with own CR and pool. My bedroom is wonderful, especially the bed and pillows. The hotel’s location is the only major drawback, as it is rather distant from the nearest establishments. Additionally, the distance to the port is about 30 minutes. It’s going to be tough to get around, especially at night, if you don’t know how to ride a motorcycle or rent a car.

Food Spots Tried

1. Coco Penida – The beachside cafe was a pleasant 5 minute stroll from the Ring Sameton Hotel, where I’d enjoyed a delicious breakfast. And a burger and an avocado float. Prior to starting my tour, I had a delicious breakfast. Price range 100k-200kIDR

2. Amarta Penida
Price 100k-200kIDR

This ocean front restaurant features views of Mount Agung in the distance. On the other hand, Mount Agung was not visible when I was there. In addition to that, there is an infinity swimming pool there, so you can take a dip in the water in between bites. It turned out to be a very pleasant afternoon for pizza and coffee. I loved their seafood pizza and vanilla iced coffee!

Itinerary

1. Diamond Beach

The Ring Sameton Hotel is a 45-minute drive from the beach. Located on the east coast of Nusa Penida, Diamond Beach sits directly adjacent to the more well-known Atuh Beach. After I got there, I saw cliffs hundreds of feet high and clear water. It’s a gentle reminder to take things slowly. that beach’s namesake rock formations that look like diamonds. Now, getting down to the beach is a bit of a workout, as it requires a steep staircase. These stairs cut into the cliff provided an unforgettable view of the ocean and palm trees below. However, due to Sea Silence Day, access to the beach has been restricted.

2. Tree House
Entrance Fee – 25kIDR
Use of Tree House – 75kIDR

This was just 10 minutes away from Diamond Beach. Magnificently perched on a hill, Rumah Pohon Nusa Penida offers breathtaking views of the appealing Thousand Island viewpoint/Diamond Beach. The Rumah Pohon Tree House is one of Bali’s most impressive structures, and it can be found a little distance down the route from the Thousand Island viewpoint. Since most visitors to Nusa Penida only stay for the day, and since today is Sea Silent Day, there are fewer people in line to visit this treehouse, which is accessible by a series of steep ladders. Don’t call it a day just yet; continue on the trail for another two minutes past the treehouse to reach an even more breathtaking vantage point of the coastline. I had a wonderful time on my excursion; the weather was perfect.

3. Teletubbies Hill

We stopped for a complimentary lunch (part of the tour) near the tree house before making our way out to this hill. It takes no more than 5 minutes to drive up to the hill. The Teletubbies gave this hill its name because it resembles the top of their heads in the show. It features bumps and craters on hills that seem like miniature mountains. It was fine for me to kill five minutes here; in the Philippines, we have something similar, but much better, and we call it Chocolate Hills.

Late check-in to my hotel and sleep to prepare for my next day in Bali mainland

October 01 Day04 (Sun)
East Bali Tour

Around seven in the morning, Agus came to pick me up from my hotel to take me to the dock in Nusa Penida. When I arrived, I was required to present the return ticket and register for the Semabu hills boat. Once registered, they will issue you a card that functions as a form of identification and need you to return it once you have boarded the boat at 8:00 in the morning; the boat will then leave at the same time. Around 8:45 in the morning, I arrived in Sanur harbour, where I met Gede, my guide in mainland Bali.

Accommodation

Jiwa Guesthouse – Central Ubud
Price – 3228.39 from Oct1-3 includes breakfast

This hotel was my favourite because of its convenient location near the main attractions and restaurants in Ubud. My bed and pillows were soft, and I appreciated the private pool. The staff was also very helpful.

Food Spots tried

1. Warung Devassa
opens 9am-9pm
100kIDR-200kIDR
Accepts card
5 minutes away by car from the Tirta Ganga temple. It was a beautiful restaurant with a view out over the rice paddies. I sampled their Indonesian pork curry, which featured a base of creamy coconut milk, turmeric, and various spices. The meal itself was so tasty, and I absolutely loved it!

2. Hujan Locale – Ubud
Monday to Sunday 12PM-12AM
200kIDR-500IDR
Accepts Card

At Hujan Locale, you may choose from a wide variety of Indonesian cuisine, each of which is prepared using traditional Indonesian ingredients. This restaurant and bar take the Indonesian culinary experience to the next level with their inventive dishes and drinks.

It took 30 minutes to serve the ikan bumbu kuning I ordered because it was steamed in bamboo. Snapper fish is perfectly paired with rice in this dish. That meal was like a work of culinary beauty. I had a delicious passion fruit margarita. The fresh jackfruit, candied coconut, jackfruit chips, bubur sumsum, and ice cream on top of the black sticky rice was the perfect ending to a delicious meal.

Itinerary

Tirta Ganga Water Palace
Entrance Fees – 50k IDR

This was actually 1.5 hours away from Sanur and we arrived almost lunch time. A beautiful open water park, the Tirta Gangga Water Palace was formerly a royal palace. Tirta Gangga is founded on Balinese Hindu beliefs, according to which the river Ganges and its waters are holy. The Tirta Gangga Water Palace in Bali features a labyrinth of pools and fountains, as well as immaculately maintained gardens and numerous stone carvings and statues, and takes its name from the Hindu river Ganges.

In all candour, I found this to be merely satisfactory. Gardens and koi fish were beautiful, but it was too hot to enjoy them. It would be nice to take a stroll in the garden, but I can do without it until my next visit.

Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven)
20-30mins away from Tirta Ganga Water Palace
Entrance ticket – 100k IDR
Shuttle ticket – 50k IDR

Things to note – Dress appropriately; covers will be provided for you once you reach the temple; holy water will be used to bless you before you enter the temple; and they will give you a queue number before you go inside for your picture to be taken.

Lempuyang is not just one of Bali’s oldest temples but also one of its most revered. A significant number of the island’s Hindu temples are thought to have been constructed after it. The seven-temple complex is widely regarded as one of Bali’s six most important and revered sites for religious ceremonies and rituals.

If you are fortunate, you will be able to see Mount Agung in crystal clear detail from the Lempuyang Temple. Be aware, however, that there will be a very big line if you want your photo taken with the renowned gate; the wait time might be anything between one and two hours. Additionally, they use a mirror reflection to make you seem amazing in the images that they take of you within the temple.

While I was waiting for my queue number to be called, I met Daus, a friend of Gede who offered to take me to Lahangan Sweet Viewpoint. I was able to take my picture taken at 3:30pm in Lempuyang.

Lahangan Sweet Viewpoint
250kIDR Lempuyang Temple transportation and entrance fees
*you can opt to DIY if you have your own car and motorbike
*The cost of the entrance ticket is fifty thousand rupiah (IDR), and the cost of using the jeep to travel back and forth is fifty thousand rupiah (IDR).

This was the ideal site in East Bali for taking photographs, and it was in close proximity to Mount Agung, which is the tallest peak in Bali. Even though I had to climb a tree in order to have a closer look at the volcano, the view I got from the top was well worth the effort. In addition to that, this location is perfect for unwinding while enjoying a picnic. This is something that I adore and would strongly recommend to others.

October 02 Day05 (Mon)
Kintamani x Bangli

Food Spots Tried

1. Paperhills – Kintamani
100k-200k IDR
accepts card

The highland region of Kintamani, located in western Bali, with chilly average temperatures of 15–18 degrees Celsius. I made a point of stopping by this cafe following my ascent of Mt. Batur so that I could take in the mountain’s beauty from a distance. There are outdoor tables where you may sip coffee and take in views of the volcanoes. To accompany my English breakfast, I drank a cup of affogato coffee (made by adding hot coffee to melted ice cream and other ingredients). I enjoyed myself very much.

2. Oops Restaurant and Bar – Ubud
ice cream cone cost 45kIDR 2 scoops

There is a minimum purchase of 100kIDR when using a credit card. A trip to the ATM before making my way here would have prevented my purchase of two ice cream cones. It melted, so I walked back to my hotel to be cleaned up before heading out again. Even so, a tasty ice cream treat on a warm summer day.

3. Coffee Studio Seniman – Ubud
Opens daily 7.30 am till 10.00 pm
Accepts Card
100kIDR-200KIDR

This coffee shop is fantastic because they offer both inside and outdoor dining options for dinner. When you feel bored, you can rock in one of their seats like they do. For those interested in learning more about coffee, there are additional workshops available. It’s great that they’re so proud to provide solely beans from Indonesia. I regret not being able to attend their workshop but will do so in the future.. I sampled a chilly kopi susu abu, which featured charcoal powder, palm nectar, and vanilla syrup. The chicken is marinated in spices and grilled in a banana leaf, which I also ordered, was delicious. In a word, it’s fantastic!

4. Warung Krisna
Opens daily 11:00am-9:30pm
Only accepts cash

Located directly across the street from my hotel is this modest Indonesian restaurant. There were plenty of seats available, the prices were reasonable, and the service was quite pleasant. While sipping my Bintang beer, I relaxed on the rooftop. In short, my time in Ubud was fantastic.

5. Anomali Coffee
Opens daily 7am – 10pm

Breakfast here is enormous, and it’s only a five-minute walk from my hotel. I started the day with an iced coffee and a breakfast quesadilla that was so substantial I had to pack it to go. Seating outside, with a view of the street, is an option and nice.

Itinerary

Mt. Batur
Entrance Fee for Parking 50k IDR

Things to Bring – Bring plenty of water, trekking poles, a warm jacket or windbreaker (it gets very cold at the top), and money in case you want to buy anything or rent a blanket up there. sunblock, a headlamp, a camera, and a drone are all you need.
Things to Note –
1. You need to be cautious because this volcano has both ascents and slippery, loose rocks. 2.The round-trip time to the peak and back is a mere 4 hours.
3.The hike is short and simple.
4. A basic breakfast was provided as well. Nothing fancy, simply a banana spread on two slices of bread and two boiled eggs.
5. You can rent a motorbike on your way up with driver but still needs to hike 10 minutes up.

For my climb up Mt. Batur, Gede picked me up about 1:30 in the morning. It will take me around 2 hours to drive from central Ubud to the parking lot at the base of Mt. Batur where my guide will pick me up. At about 3 in the morning, I arrived at the trailhead and met my guide, Ani.

Even though the volcano’s climbs aren’t very difficult or technical, they still caught me by surprise. My last hike was in Taiwan’s Mt. Yushan, therefore I had to take several breaks en route to this destination. We made up to the peak around 5:20 a.m. and waited for the sunrise to begin at 6 a.m. Seeing Mt. ABang and then Mt. Agung in the distance is a wonderful workout. Neither mountain was really visible because of clouds, but the sunrise was beautiful anyway.

Mt. Batur sits at 1717 meter above sea level, an active volcano and part of UNESCO’s Global Geopark Network.

We started our descent around 7:00am and made it to the trailhead around 9:00am.

Jati Segara Temple
Entrance Free

The Jati Batur Temple is a significant part of Bali’s history and is often used for Hindu rituals. To the west of Lake Batur, in the vicinity of the Segara Ulun Temple, is where you’ll find the Jati Batur Temple. This is not my favourite temple, but perhaps it was because I was too sleepy to appreciate its other features, like as the ducks.

Penglipuran Village – Bangli
Entrance Fee – 50k IDR

This place was one of my favorite places in Bali. Located in the East Bali region of Bangli, the picturesque mountain town of Penglipuran is renowned for its intact architecture and cultural traditions. Penglipuran village is the third cleanest village in the world according to the Green Destinations Foundation  Most of the people who live there are up to date, but they take pride in keeping their unique compounds looking historic. The village’s only stone-paved street winds its way past carefully tended gardens and eventually leads to the community’s temple. Behind ancient arched entrance gates and walls, each residence is hidden from view.

After my time in the village, I returned home to rest. I woke up at 4 pm to see the babi guling nearby to my apartment, but it was still closed. The rest of my time in Bali was spent without tasting babi guling.

Ubud Art Market
opens daily from 9:00am-6:00pm

Ubud Art Market is Bali’s premier art market, selling a wide variety of locally manufactured goods, including silk scarves, lightweight shirts, woven bags, baskets, and caps, as well as statues, kites, and more. The price of the items is subject to negotiation, as my guide had already informed me. I appreciated it, but the Philippines is awash with similar items; souvenir shops abound.

October 03 Day 06 (Tuesday)
Bedugul x Nusa Dua

After my breakfast in Anomali, I packed my things and checked out early for my next trip in Bedugul.

Accommodation

Mahogany Hotel Oct3-Oct4
Nusa Dua
Amount – PHP 1,157.83

The hotel was nice, and the bed and pillow were both very comfy. This hotel’s location is a drawback because it means you’ll need to reserve a Grab (car or motor) to go to and from the airport or any of the nearby major attractions. I checked in late at night after Tanah Lot trip.

Food Spots I tried

1. Warung Bebek Sari Uma
100kIDR-250IDR
Accepts Card

Near Tanah Lot, you’ll find this beautiful restaurant with a view of a rice field. I came here for a late lunch and got the Ayam Betutu, which was smoked chicken in the Balinese style along with steamed vegetables, rice, and crackers. When dining here, I found it to be both excellent and relaxing.

Itinerary

1. Sangeh Monkey Forest
Entrance fee – 50k IDR

Sangeh Monkey Forest, located in the village of the same name in south-central Bali, is a sanctuary for grey long-tailed macaques. It is a settlement whose northern section encompasses around 14 hectares of a holy homogen forest of “Pala” trees inhabited by hundreds of monkeys. The local monkeys are said to be the protectors of Pura Bukit Sari. The fabled account of Sangeh Monkey Forest is closely tied to the historic conflict between Hanuman, a monkey king and general of holy Rama, and Rawana, the king of wicked giants.

Having a good time and playing around with the monkeys is something I really enjoy doing. I value them more than my visit to Ubud’s famous Monkey Forest.

LekeLeke Waterfall
Entrance fee – 50k

20 minutes away from Sangeh forest, you can reach the stunning Leke Leke waterfall, located at the end of a verdant and lovely jungle staircase. Twenty minutes round trip on the stairwell is a decent workout. It was quite stunning when you got to the waterfalls. When I return to Bali, I hope to have more time to explore its many waterfalls.

The best part is that after hiking up and down the waterfalls, you can relax in a cafe and watch the forest while sipping a vanilla milk shake (which costs about 50k IDR with water, but is really worth it).

Bali Handara Gate
Entrance fee 50k IDR

Handara’s golf course is a popular tourist destination in itself, and the entrance gate is a stunning example of traditional Balinese architecture and decoration. At the same time, the gate’s height and picturesque setting make it a popular spot for photographers from around the world.

There was a long line of people waiting when we arrived, but Gede skilfully manoeuvred us to the front of the line. As a result, I only had to wait five minutes to get my picture taken. Just getting just one picture taken would require waiting in line for an additional 1-2 hours.

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
Entrance Fee 50k IDR

This is just 2 minutes by drive from the Bali Handara Gate. Location of Pura Ulun Danu was constructed as an act of worship to the goddess Danu. Danu means “lake” in Balinese, and the goddess Danu rules over all bodies of water, including rivers and lakes. There are four sacred structures in the temple complex.

The surface of the crystal clear lake is peaceful and nearly absolutely still, but for the occasional gentle breeze that blows across and creates little ripples. Around the temple, a thin mist rises from the lake and lingers in the air, giving it a dreamlike quality.

I really enjoyed myself, and even though it seemed like it might rain, the weather held off until we left. Seeing the beautiful scenery of flowers and lakes at this temple definitely helped me unwind.

Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot, which literally means “Land in the Sea,” is a fitting term for its one-of-a-kind offshore setting and sunset backdrop. It is a Hindu temple built centuries ago, is one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks due to its precarious height over the ocean and the incessant pounding of waves below.

At high tide, the causeways are flooded, making crossing impossible. At low tide, you can cross to see the base of the Tirta Pabersihan fountain, where the famous ‘guardian’ sea snakes live in fissures. This natural spout provides holy water to all temples in the vicinity. I had the experience of a priest blessing me at the fountain by sprinkling me with water. I also put my palms together and take a sip to demonstrate how clean the water is. It was a truly wonderful experience! If you are a foreigner, you are not permitted to enter the temple; only Hindus utilise it during ceremonies.

I had a drink at one of the restaurants above the temple to watch the sunset; it was a beautiful site to witness; it was a little cloudy when I arrived, but it was still nice and soothing to see the temple and the ocean.

Zahra Spa Nusa Dua
Daily 9AM – 11PM
Accepts Card
100k-500k IDR

In this well regarded spa, I indulged in a relaxing Balinese massage, body scrub, and flower bath. I enjoyed my massage with them very much and plan to return to try out their other services.In addition, they offered tea both before and after the treatments. Unfortunately, the body wrap I planned to try was not part of my package because I arrived so late (about 9:00 p.m.). In addition, they offer complimentary shuttle service within Nusa Dua.

October 04 Day07 (Wednesday)
Nusa Dua x Uluwatu

Nusa Dua is a glittering enclave of international luxury hotels, deluxe spas, exclusive golf courses, and world-class convention centres designed to showcase the island’s beauty in luxury and serve as an ideal integrated venue for international conventions and exhibitions. This peaceful, remote island boasts clean, beautiful beaches.

Food Spots I tried

1. Kopi Petani
100k-200k IDR
Accepts Cash

This charming cafe is part of the 5-star Melia hotel in Nusa Dua’s BTDC district (where all 5-star hotels are located). This hotel was so magnificent that all I could think about during my visit was my loved ones back home. One of my favourite features is the hotel’s bike rental service. The restaurants were excellent, and the hotel was very peaceful overall. You may get coffee and pastries at the cafe. Local farmers in Kintamani, Bali, handpick the beans used to make the coffee. While taking in the ocean view, I indulged in an iced coffee and a chocolate croissant.

2. Aroma Jimbaran Bay
1.5M IDR for a set seafood meal

Jimbaran is an interesting combination of high-end hotels, laid-back restaurants, and traditional Balinese culture. Jimbaran is famous for its fish markets and restaurants where you may eat with your feet on the beach.

To round up my time in Bali, I dined here on seafood and shared with my guide, Gede. He has been an excellent tour guide and driver. To be honest, I was disappointed by the crab but delighted with the shrimp and squid. Even though the lobster didn’t quite hit the spot, I had a nice meal before I headed back to the Philippines.

Itinerary

1.Melasti Beach

I went to Melasti Beach, which is famous for its lovely white sand and dramatic limestone cliff backdrop. The water was crystal clear, and the sand was so soft and white. They also offer sand beds for hire, but at a ridiculous price of 150 thousand IDR per day. The only option was to head to the local beach club.

2. Tropical Temptation Beach Club
There is no charge to enter, but there is a minimum spending requirement of 1.8 MIDR to use their sand day beds and pool. More here. Fortunately, there was no minimum purchase requirement that day, so I used the pool and the bed and spent a total of 300,000 IDR only on meals.

The infinity pool, music playing, friendly staff, and delicious food made for a relaxing day at this beach club. It was a great afternoon, and I enjoyed their bubble gum drink, which left me rather tipsy. I plan on coming back here often to relax.

3. Nyang Nyang Paragliding
1M IDR inclusive of go pro for videos and taking photos

As soon as I got to the paragliding launch site, I had to get weighed and oriented. Paragliding over the Uluwatu cliffs and beaches was high on my list of things to do today, but the wind wasn’t strong enough and I couldn’t put off my other plans any longer. Next time I come to Uluwatu, I plan to extend my stay so that I can participate in more of the area’s attractions.

Uluwatu

Uluwatu is a beautiful highland region in Bali’s southwestern portion. World-class surf breaks and beautiful cliffs can be found in this laid-back, stylish, and off-the-beaten-path location.

GWK Cultural Park
Entrance Fees – 125K
Buggy – 40K

When visiting Indonesia, you must see the massive Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue in Bali. The eagle-like Garuda serves as the mount for the 121-meter-tall statue of the Hindu god Vishnu. More than 25 years were spent on the difficult process of constructing the statue.

Seeing everything in this park would take longer than 30 minutes. My day was completely eaten up by the museum and its gardens. Unfortunately, I was unable to relax for the day and take advantage of the guided tours that were offered. A guided tour is available for an extra 250k IDR each person, and it runs on a set timetable. Several cafes and restaurants can be found there as well. If I ever get to Bali again, this is one of the first places I want to visit. Absolutely essential viewing!

Kecak Fire Dance in Malini
150k IDR Show price

As the sun begins to drop, about 6 o’clock, the Kecak Fire Dance performance begins. Kecak & Fire Dance, also known as “Tari Kecak” or “the monkey chant dance,” is an enthralling example of traditional Balinese art. It is sometimes called “fire dance,” due to the prominent role fire plays in some performances. The Kecak dance, which originated in Bali in the 1930s, is widely regarded as one of the island’s top three distinctive dances.

We made it to this cliffside restaurant in time to watch the sun go down. Seeing this traditional dance in Bali was one of the highlights of my trip, and the small crowd size added to the sense of intimacy. It was such a great time that I even got my photo taken with the artists.

For that one hour, the show was fantastic. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to wrap out my time in Bali.

Ocotber 05 Day8 (Thursday)

There was no problem with my flight to the Philippines. The trip back to the Philippines took a total of 4.5 hours. It took me another 2.5 hours to go back to Batangas from Manila, where I’d been seeing my brother and pets. I missed them!

The seven days that I spent in Bali was the most memorable of all my trips in Southeast Asian countries. However, unlike on previous long trips, I have no desire to return home from Bali; I have, like so many others, fallen hopelessly in love with this island. It’s so much more than just a tropical state of mind and magical location! Next time I visit Bali again, I plan to stay for at least a month, if not, forever! I can’t wait to go back!

Love,
Maria, sometimes, Niskie