Bali's Hidden Gems: The Top 25 EPIC Must-See Spots On The Island Of The Gods

in #travel8 years ago

It's been 4 years I've been living the DJ life in Bali, and along the way, I've discovered some real amazing places...



Every so often, someone asks, "what should I do & see in Bali?"

Inspired by this question, I figured it's time to put together a list of the BEST hidden gems on the island.

If you happen to make it to Bali, you won't be disappointed with these places. They're pretty much the cream of the crop - a perfect combo of prime tourist/cultural sites, sweet little hideaways, and epically-designed spaces - all capturing the magic of the Bali vibe in their own unique ways.


(these aren't in any particular order, though are kinda lumped together by location)

1. Old Man's, Canggu



Overlooking the Batu Bolong surf beach - which is an excellent spot for longboarding, despite having gotten crazy busy - Old Man's has become the landmark hangout spot in the area.

Canggu has been getting alot busier the last couple years, but still has a really cool surfer vibe with alot of excellent restaurants & cafes popping up. Yet, Old Man's is just simply dope. (Although Deus, just a couple minutes away, is a really popular spot as well).

If you're looking to party in Canggu, Wednesdays is the night to head out to Old Man's as it's always packed, with beer pong tournaments, and delicious, potent "Dirty Margaritas" on special for $4/drink. They've also got a 2-for-1 happy hour special Monday to Friday from 5-6pm, and the local Bintang beer is still less than $2/bottle - so it's one of the most affordable, comfortable, cool spots around to have some sunset drinks.

You might be able to get better food elsewhere close by, but the vibe at Old Man's has made it one of my favorite spots to hang out (and "work.") Golden.

2. La Laguna, Batu Bolong



Walking through La Laguna, you may feel almost like you've stepped into another magical dimension...

The amount of detail that's gone into the design of this beachfront space is unreal. Part rustic, part quaint, part bohemian - sourcing antique decor and fabolous woods scattered masterfully throughout brilliant landscaping, this place deserves five stars all the way.

The owners of this place have been rocking it for some time on the island - also building up La Favela into one of the hottest party spots in Seminyak, which is just equally if not more impressive a place, as well as La Plancha at Double Six beach, and La Dunia in Canggu near Old Man's.

La Laguna may be the most laid back of them all, tucked away a bit off the main streets between Seminyak & Canggu - but the place has an almost fairy-tale like feeling to it. So cool, you just have to experience it for yourself.

3. Potato Head Beach Club, Seminyak



Upon walking into Potato Head, one is struck immediately with the "wow factor of the place. Grand, epic, extravagent... The building wrapped around an open grass area above the infinity-edge pool (completely with swim-up bar) all overlooking the crashing waves of Seminyak Beach - there's a magnificence about it, like one might imagine of the huge colosseums of ancient Greece - a space fit for the most fantastic of dramas...

Last I was there, they had a changeover in the music direction and the musical vibe wasn't as good as it used to be. But regardless, this is one beach club in Bali that is not to be missed. It is on the expensive side - both the drinks and food - but, it's an atmosphere worth paying to experience. (And if you're looking to save money, you can always grab food at several of the great restaurants just a short walk across the street).

As one of the most upscale places in Seminyak - an area known for its trendy, fashionable, (somewhat pretentious at times) bunch - this isn't a place to go looking like a bum. As such, you can expect it to be a great place for people watching, with plenty of the "cool kids" from Jakarta frequenting it, along with international models, wealthy hipsters, and the sort.

Personally, I dig the vibe at Old Man's better - much more laid-back and down-to-earth - but Potato Head is still stunning venue that is well-worth visiting at least once.

4. Revolver, Seminyak



When it's time for a GOOD coffee, head here. (I highly recommend the cappuccino. I rarely seem able to escape the place without having to order a second cup.)

It's not just the coffee that's excellent here, but the place itself. Sadly, I couldn't find any pictures that do the place proper justice. The place - which is part of a small chain from Jakarta - has got some soul in it.

I don't quite have the words to describe the place. Slightly hipster-ish, the space is a bit on the darker side - but has the feel of almost a classic ("baron's den" is the term that's coming to mind, although I dunno if that's at all accurate.)

Typically, I'll just hang out and work at Starbucks when it's time for coffee, but this place has really won me over with both the quality of the coffee & food, and the ambiance. If you're around Seminyak, swing through "Eat Street" (Jalan Laksmana) and check this joint out. It's bad-ass.

5. Nook, Seminyak/Umalas



Right on the edge of Seminyak, lies this adorable spot on the rice field - capturing the traditional Bali allure with it's open breeze blowing in from across the paddies.

The food is good - though I'd recommend selecting the "campur" (mix) from the display of food already cooked at the front, rather than ordering from the menu. I've never been overly impressed by the dishes off the menu - aside from perhaps their smoothie bowl - but the pre-made stuff (good clean Indonesian) is legit.

Given the surrounding area is quite busy, this place makes for a real nice relaxing place to hang out for a few hours. You won't be disappointed.

6. El Kabron, The Bukit Peninsula



My second-ever DJ residency in Bali was at El Kabron, shortly after it had first opened. It's changed ALOT since.

I'd stopped playing there when a cyclone hit and tore the place apart, at which point they half-closed for renovations and have kept up with them until it's become one of the most impressive venues on the island - absolutely breathtaking.

Prices here have also risen with its stature, and it'll cost you near $50 at the door just to get in - half of which goes towards a food credit. Menu pricing is not cheap either, but food - created by master Spanish chef, Marc Torres - is top-notch. And the views... impossible to beat.

Make sure to bring your bikini or boardshorts if you head here, as you'll wanna go for a dip in the amazing mediterranean-style infinity edge pool. And if you wanna go for the all-out experience and are up for spending some extra cash, you can get a VIP spot on the balcony below, built right into the cliffside.

I may be biased, having some history with this place. But "epic" doesn't even start describing it...

7. Bingin Beach, The Bukit Peninsula



Bingin is an experience of it's own. Requiring a drive/ride off the beaten track, and a trek down a fairly steep set of stone stairs - the entire cliffside is lined with bamboo guesthouses you can stay at for as little as $10/night, with unbelievable views overlooking a couple of the island's best pro surf breaks.

Due to the effort involved in getting there, it's still relatively quiet in comparison with the other beaches in the south - and as such, has a really chilled-out vibe. It's also one of the most GORGEOUS beaches, still comparable to what you might have in your mind as the idealized, paradise getaway.

Once down at the bottom, there's a few different warungs (restaurants) that you can grab food/drinks at and hang out while watching surfers contend for the barreling waves out front. Though without question, the most popular - and one with the best vibe - is always Kelly's Warung. If you're looking to stay the night and get lucky, they've also got two rooms for rent above the restaurant with their private balconies just a stone's throw from the beach. Last I was there a couple years ago, they were a steal of a deal at under $20/night. Even if the price has risen, it's one of the absolutely most amazing places to spend a night or few - though there are also some really awesome rooms/houses for rent on the cliffside via AirBnB, if you've got a bigger budget.

Warning: once you've eased into the groove down at Bingin, you may not want to leave. :-)

8. Uluwatu Temple, The Bukit Peninsula



There's something like 5000 temples in Bali, apparently - built in all locations and sizes. If you're interested in experiencing some of the Balinese culture, you gotta visit at least a couple. And the temple at Uluwatu is definitely one of the most impressive and ought to be visited if you're in the area.

Located around the southern tip of the island, this temple is perched on a huge clifftop, with unbelievable views. Way epic.

Be careful with your belongings here, as there's monkeys hanging around that have been known to get grabby and will snatch valuables from your pockets, or even invite themselves to the contents of your backpack if you let them get too close. So while they may be cute, it may be best to keep it safe and view them from a distance.

Also, if you come around sunset time at about 6pm, there's also a "cecak dance" performed daily - one of Bali's most famous cultural rituals. While you can see the dance performed at various places on the island, watching it here in the grand natural setting makes for quite the memorable experience.

9. Single Fin, Uluwatu



Perched above the infamous Uluwatu surf beach, Single Fin is a MUST to check out.

With both sweeping 270 degree views high above the water and a steady flow of surfers stoked on the pro-level breaks pumping below, the atmosphere is both beyond gorgeous and super chill - some of the finest Bali has to offer.

And if you're in the mood for a party, this place gets PACKED every Sunday from sunset to late night. Good times with cool sexy people, affordable drinks, and some fine DJs and bands keeps the shindig bumpin' week after week. Though even any day at any other time of the week, this spot is one that will make a lasting impression on your soul - and make a perfect scene for some remarkable photos.

HIGHLY-rated and recommended to go here.

10. Lilla Pantai, Sanur Beach



The Sanur area is alot slower-paced than the other destinations in the south, and is a great area to hang when in the mood for some down time. The beach stretches a couple kilometers and doesn't have waves breaking until far out after the reef, so it's got a more relaxing energy - and makes for a nice tame swimming area.

The best stretch of the beach to hang out at is right around the Hyatt hotel, where you'll find a few strips of beachfront restaurants/cafes/bars. There's a few nice ones in particular, though my favorite as of recently has been Lilla Pantai.

Great food. Comfortable. Got some style & soul. Homey & down to earth. And the customer service is a step up from a few of the others nearby. Choose whichever on the strip that suits your personal tastes best - as they all share the same sweet views of the ocean and neighboring Nusa Penida island. Though you're pretty much guaranteed to have a great experience at Lilla Pantai.

11. Komune Beach Club, Keramas



This spot is a bit further out, half hour from Sanur. But it's DOPE

Located right at the legendary Keramas reef surf break, known for it's perfect right barrels that have become the location for several surf competitions throughout the year, it's a quality beach club complete with reasonably-priced hotel rooms that's one of my favorite places to kick back when I feel like getting further out away from the crowds.

As with most of the beaches along that strip of east coast, there's an alluring BLACK sand beach, and the background looking up the coastline gives ways to a breathtaking scene of palm trees and mountains towering in the background.

Simply put: Komune is GREAT.

12. Vision Villas, Keramas



This is a specialty destination you won't find in any tourist guides, as it's a niche resort catered to the Wealth Dynamics network and the main headquarters of [Entrepreneurs Institute}(http://entrepreneursinstitute.com)

I'd gotten into Roger Hamilton's Wealth Dynamics profiling system a decade ago and was strongly attracted to the community of visionary entrepreneurs in Roger's sphere. With a steady flow of great business leaders coming through for various events throughout the year, I'd been strongly attracted to the place (it was actually one of the main reasons I felt called to Bali, sensing a purpose to connect into the network).

It's definitely a niche space used mostly for EI's private events. Though if you're into the realm of entrepreneurism, I highly recommend checking out some of the programs they offer and partaking. Even if not, it's a very cool place - though there's actually some history and purpose behind the design of the resort that's quite fascinating, correlating to the ancient elemental energies of the I Ching system, upon which Wealth Dynamics is based.

If this sounds interesting, below is a video where Roger does a tour of the resort, explaining the integration of the philosophy into the space. (There was another older one somewhere that I couldn't find, but this one also has a tour if you're patient to sit through the whole video - though Roger's brilliance is always fascinating on its own). Though if you make it to any of the events, you can surely expect a live tour:

13. Pura Besakih (Mother Temple



In the north-east of the island, on the side of Mount Agung, Bali's largest mountain, stand the "Mother Temple."

This is hands-down the biggest and most bad-ass of them all, a truly remarkable feat of work. Besakih holds special significance for the Balinese Hindus, perhaps comparable to Muslim's reverence for Mecca.

Unfortunately, as it's also become a popular tourist site, there are likely to be alot of hawkers trying to sell you things you don't need at inflated prices - or convince you you need a guide to go into the temple. If you do choose to take a guide, use your intuition to make sure you get a proper one at a reasonable price, as there will be some who view you as a walking ATM machine.

That aside, it's a true masterpiece and very fascinating experience to walk through. And as with any of the temples, make sure to wear a sarong to cover your knees before going in - and show proper respect.

14. Tirtha Empul, Tampaksiring



This water-temple is the island's main holy springs, where the Balinese make regular visits to for purifying in the fountains of natural water flowing through intricately-detailed stone carvings. Hands down, one of the most holy sites on Bali where you'll get a proper look at the depth of reverence the Balinese have for their spiritual rituals.

Visitors are also welcome to enter the pools and do the cleansing ceremonies. However, ask some of the locals about the process first - as there's a sequence of fountains, each to be bathed under with a specific intention - and there are a few fountains NOT to use, unless for special events such as the death of a family member, marriage, or other rare occasions.

Whether you believe it's possible to purify yourself through the centuries-old tradition of bathing in the waters of such a place or not, it's always a highly-refreshing experience and one that's quite cool to partake in. And the temples being situated in a lush, vibrant valley in the heart of the island's jungle, the environment itself is incredibly soothing & uplifting on its own.

Super cool. Though you might want to bring a change of clothes - and a couple sarongs - if you plan on going into the pools.

15. Gunung Kawi, Tampaksiring



THIS place is something else.

As it was explained to me, the earth has it's own "chakras" or high energy vortexes - of which this is one.

Be prepared for a 10 minute walk down (and back up, after) a set of stairs, passing rich green rice terraces, to the bottom of a magical river valley, where you'll find a couple cliff walls on either side of the river with HUGE art-like structures carved out the sides of them. It's truly extraordinary.

My favorite here, however... If you walk through through the temple, you'll find a unique area carved out of the stone cliff - which may have been someone's house back in the day, I'm not sure. But the golden find here is in a cave, which has some extremely interesting history/mythology to it...

Apparently, the cave - a space carved out in the rock, about 3m x 7m - used to be a gathering place for the kings of Bali, when they needed to meet to discuss highly important matters. (And that the kings' spirits still hang around from time to time). It's also said that it is also a sort of vortex, wherein the energy may assist with the amplification of intention manifesting into form - an excellent place to offer prayers.

If you do choose to go in, please do so with great reverence - treading lightly, being extremely quiet, and humbling yourself to the sacredness of the site. It may also be a good idea to ask the temple mungku (priest) if it's okay to enter the cave - "bisa masuk gua?" - if he's around, as apparently there are some days that it is not appropriate to enter. It might all sound a bit superstitious, but keep in mind - Bali has a rich history and culture embedded with deep spiritual ties. And if you are a person who is energetically sensitive, you may likely find the energy in the cave to really be something different, very light, soothing, and high-vibe.

Even if you opt out of the cave, the whole setting on the grounds is like something out of a storybook. Off-the-charts on the awesomeness scale.

16. Cafe Pomegranite & Sari Organic, Ubud



Bali's well-associated with idyllic rice fields, and there's perhaps no better place to get a proper taste of that postcard-perfect experience than walking out the fine trail to Cafe Pomegranite & Sari Organic restaurants.

Personally, I like the food better at Cafe Pomegranite - though both offer similar ridiculously-picturesque immersions in the purest and most spectacular of Bali's nature. If you do go to Sari Organic, however - make sure to try their homemade dragonfruit wine, as it's undeniably DELICIOUS.

Nearly every time I go up to Ubud, I'll be at one of these places - and predictably take any visiting friends here, as the experience never fails to let anybody down. Both spots - and the trek out - are true treasures.

17. Ecstatic Dance @ Yoga Barn, Ubud - Sunday's 11am & Fridays 7pm



Twice a week, Ubud's tightly-knit community of healers, yogis, artists, and spiritual-seeking expats gather at Yoga Barn - the biggest and most popular of the several yoga studios in the area - to get their groove on. And it's a whole other level.

No drinks. No drugs. No talking. Just 2 hours straight, uninhibited, free-flow movement to the tunes selected by the sound alchemists on the decks. Music styles are completely unpredictable - though you won't hear any commercial cheese, instead entranced by a blend of obscure rarities. As with the Ecstatic Dance movement worldwide, there's a bit of a vibe you might expect to find at Burning Man - some very free spirits and interesting fairies, goddesses, and wizards spinning and spazzing about the dancefloor with grace (and sometimes a hint of madness).

There are also other community dances that happen every now & then, and the crowd in Ubud always makes for something special when the beats start bumping. It's common for them to integrate cacao ceremonies, drum & digeradoo circles, yoga warmups, and other airy-fairy hippie stuff into the mix - and the soundtracks do often contain some very abstract, deeply spiritually-based music intertwined. Some within the community can get a bit extreme with all the talk of auras, past life regressions, energy healing, and the such at times - but if you suspend judgement of the new-age space-cadets and their hippie ways, the Ecstatic Dances typically prove a true soul-nourishing pleasure.

18. Monkey Forest, Ubud



The name speaks for itself, and is not one to miss - especially for animal lovers. Home to hundreds of the fuzzy creatures, this now-tourist-destination is an amazingly beautiful stretch of jungle / monkey kingdom.

As the same with Uluwatu temple, some of the little bastards can get grabby and aggressive - so make sure you don't have anything hanging out of your pockets or bags that can be snatched out easily.

It costs about $2 to get in, and won't take more than an hour of your time - so there little excuse not to hit this up if you're in Ubud. And guaranteed, you'll get in some quality laughs & smiles.

19. Sanak Resort, Munduk



The northern part of Bali isn't anywhere near as busy with tourists as the south, yet parts of it are just gorgeous. For really nice getaway in a breathtaking mountain valley, book yourself a couple nights stay at Sanak Resort.

Whereas the south has become overcrowded with traffic and development, this is one of the few places where you can get a feel for what Bali must have been like as an untouched paradise. While there may be various guesthouses around to stay at for cheaper, just over $100/night will get you quality cabin surrounded by the purity of nature, with a sense of serenity difficult to find elsewhere in Bali.

While there's thousands of resorts, hotels, bungalows, and villas to choose from in Bali - I was blessed to have had the chance to stay here while writing/editing for a local travel guide, and it quickly stood out as one of the best quality experiences I've had on the island - a prime getaway for some quality rest & rejuvenation. (And as it's a bit higher up in the mountains, a very nice break from the hot weather in the south, too).

20. Gitgit Waterfall, Singaraja



There's a few different great waterfalls in the north, yet Gitgit is probably the most popular of them all - both due to its sheer size & beauty, as well as easy access with a fairly short trek in off the main road on the way to Singaraja.

If there are any locals offering to guide you down, it's really not necessary. Feel free to support them if you like, but the walk down is quick and straightforward, so paying someone to show you the way really isn't required - unless you just want the company and to chat.

There are actually a couple different waterfalls from the same stream, accessible from two different points. And for the adventurous types into rock climbing, it's also possible to arrange with the local tour companies to make a rock-climbing decent down the face of the waterfall.

Bring your camera for photos, as it's indeed an awe-inspiring pocket tucked away cozily in the mountain valleys.

21. Good Karma Bungalows, Amed



Tucked into a super-quiet cove on the northeast coast, Good Karma costs about $20/night (including breakfast) for a beachfront bungalow and is a perfect hideaway if you're looking to get away for some peace & quiet. The whole fishing town of Amed is very chill - a total contrast to the chaotic south of Kuta & Seminyak, and this place is one of the best accommodation options there.

If you're into either scuba diving or snorkeling, there's plenty of good beaches around well-suited to the activities. Otherwise, it's just a decent place to rest up, soothe yourself by the gentle sea, and unwind in tranquility. No flash or over-the-top excitement here - the place is down-to-earth, simple yet nice, and serves a gentle reminder to the value of slowing it down and taking it easy.

And if you're drinking alcohol, try some "arak" here - Well, you could try it anywhere - though be careful, as there's been bootlegged stuff made with methanol in places that have put people in the hospital - the local spirit made from palm. Another good one to try is "tuak" - a sort of milky-yellow looking substance in 1.5L water bottles made from palm - which you might find being sold along the road on the way through Karangasem on the way up to Amed, and both taste great with lime & honey and gives a unique buzz of its own.

22. Hubud, Ubud



Besides attracting loads of hippie-types into yoga, organic eating, and energy work, Ubud's also got an interesting community of digital nomads - and Hubud has become their home base for good reason.

This shared co-creative working space doesn't at all have the feeling of a typical office, built from bamboo & natural materials - but makes for a soothing environment great for keeping a mind clear and focused on the work at hand. Wifi access is given with different levels of membership - so it's not one of the cheapest places to get some work done, but probably has the most reliable internet connection in the area - a MUST for the various developers, artists, and digital entrepreneurs that use this as their office.

They've also got alot of different community events going on regularly that can be both informative & entertaining - as well as a great place to meet cool people. And if you're up for connecting into the local Bitcoin/blockchain community, there's a "Bitcoin Filter" meetup there (free entry) every Tuesday at 5pm.

23. Tanah Lot Temple, Tabanan



This is another of Bali's most famous temples - set just off the south-west coast, in the ocean. It's become a hot tourist spot, so expect to wade through markets on your way from the parking lot to the temple itself - which can be either a pain as vendors try to suck your money out of you, quoting 3x for things that they'll actually sell them for - keep this in mind when bargaining at ANY markets, as price is typically always negotiable down to at least half of their first quotes - or a pleasure, as you peruse through the maze of paintings, wood carvings, and other locally-made arts & crafts.

IF you're keen on temples, then this is a must. If you're curious to go see this one in particular, it's not a huge loss. Besides the picturesque structure on the rocks, there's not anything all that special about the place. But nonetheless, it is one of the top tourist destinations on the island, and an important part of the local history/culture.

If you're a golfer, you can also shoot a round of 18 holes at the Greg Norman designed Pan Pacific Nirwana course, which has holes overlooking Tanah Lot. It's apparently around $180/round now, but is pretty nice - and you'll get your temple views in without the hoards of tourists if you were to go directly to the temple. (The picture with the bridge & groom, on top of the golf course, is actually the precise spot I'm getting married in a month.)

24. Rock Bar, Ayana Resort



When I made the commitment to move to Bali, I was checking out venues to DJ and Rock Bar was at the top of my list. (I did land a residency there 3 months after arriving).

This place is an architectural masterpiece. EPIC.

Built into the cliffside, this extension of the 5-star Ayana resort is a perfect fusion into the elements - powerful energy rolling in with the waves crashing at its base. The grandiosity of the space is of cinematic proportions - luxury at its finest, larger than life. It even got rated as one of CNN's top 15 bars in the world.

If you go here, make sure to arrive early when it opens at 4pm - you'll need to catch a gondola/tram down, and there's often line-ups that build quick. And since the bar's got limited space, you might be out of luck and not get in if you arrive to late.

Rock Bar is high-end. Not cheap. Very classy. Nowhere near an easy-going vibe as some of the other places I've listed above, but absolutely remarkable - and one place you won't forget. The sunsets here are in a league of their own.

25. Good Eats



Of course, I'd need to throw some places to eat in here, or this guide wouldn't be complete. While you CAN get food at alot of the other places listed so far, they're all places I go to more for the ambiance than food.

Summing up a list of of restaurants is a challenge, as there are quite alot of great ones around the island. Finding good food won't be hard, and there are surely lots of other websites that can give a good overview of some of the top-rated eateries in Bali. Though for the sake of throwing in a few especially good cuisine choices, I've decided to wrap up a few under this single listing and give a quick overview of some of my favorites:

  • Warung Krisna, Jalan Kutat Lestari No.4, Sanur = surprisingly, I've found EXCELLENT Balinese food trickier to come by, as alot of the local warungs are Javanese. Every now and then, you can find some exceptionally good Balinese - most common dishes being ayam (chicken) betutu and babi gulung (suckling pig). However, if I had to recommend ONE place with top-notch Balinese food that you can rely on to be consistent and an excellent representation of the island's flavours, it'd be this small place in Sanur. For under $2, you'll get to taste the real Bali - food that trumps anything in the more expensive, touristy places.

  • Taco Casa, Ubud/Petitenget/Canggu = primo Mexican. go for the nachos and/or chicken tacos. burritos ain't bad either. DAMN delicious.

  • Massimo's, Sanur = I'm not sure whether this guy, Massimo, is a celebrity chef from Italy - or a narcissist who came to Bali and decided to make himself appear as one, as the entire restaurant is full of pictures with him and various patrons of the place (whether famous or not, I dunno). Either way, the dude knows what he's doing when it comes to Italian food and this is a great spot for pasta & pizza. (Their gelato is ACE, too). On par - when it comes to Italian - is Il Lido in Kerobokan - more expensive and classy, but friggin' amazeballs.

  • Dinner at Jimbaran Beach = known as one of the most romantic spots for a beach dinner, there's a strip of restaurants all serving freshly-caught seafood with tables set up right on the beach. Excellent seafood. Excellent ambiance. Doesn't matter too much which of the places you choose - it's all good.

  • Skygarden All-You Can-Eat and All-You-Can-Drink, 5-9pm, Kuta = IF you're in Kuta and in the mood for getting an early start to a party... Skygarden is by far the biggest & busiest (5-level) club on the island - and for under $10, you can chow down on an all-you-can-eat buffet AND all-you-can-drink beer & cocktails. Every night is a different food theme, though apparently the burgers are consistent every night - and not too bad. But seriously, the price of the package is ridiculous. I'm not a huge fan of the place to be honest, but if you're looking for a party and wanna get sloshy in Kuta anyways, this is some serious bang-for-your-buck.


So there you have it.

These by are no means the only great spots you'll find in Bali, but are the ones I'd recommend checking out to make the most of a visit here.

And as a tip = travelling around on the roads in Bali can be quite exhausting with the traffic and intensity of activity on the roadsides. So rather than try do a tour of several different parts of the island in a single day, take your time moving from area to area - slowing down to each different region as it's own experience.

And given there's so much to see and do, I'd recommend staying AT LEAST a week. Though if you'd want to hit up all these places, more like 3 or 4 weeks. Also, plans tend to not work out all so well as there's this "Bali time" phenomenon, in which the gravity of laziness and obstacles of third world inefficiencies tend to severely delay scheduled events. However, it usually tends to work out perfectly - teaching how to slow down, go with the flow, and enjoy the madness & laid-back vibe of the island life.

Enjoy!!! :-)

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Nice collection of places in our magic Bali Land and for sure very nice work listing lots of commercial tourist spots ( more - less )
I was hoping to read about the secrets , more unknown unique attractions as true "with local living" shows you .
As you know , I live here for over 16 years and see this island with different eyes. I am bored with places like Pothead or "Skygardens" . Anyways Rok , no critique , of course I up voted because You motivated me to list those behind the scene places I would wish visitors could experience as well as I did over those years . Places & events , nobody talks about in Travel books .
It will take some time to list them all but thanks for the idea :) You just payed forward :)

Agree with you also having spent so much time there. I feel you would be the best guide to help out.

I've been to Bali back in 2015 and seeing these photos the craving to go back just shoots up.

I'm looking forward to reading your list, Silvie :-)

yeah yeah yeah ....will see when , all depends on how much time I have left hahaaa ....I cannot even find my way back to the beach anymore . so many other things I got in my head .

What an awesome "illustrated" and well-curated guide to the island. These are great recommendations. I'll keep it bookmarked. I love how you ended it with the "Bali time" caveat, though. In other locales, it's known as "Island time" or "Mexican time" or "Tropical time", etc. It's good to start with a list like yours and then allow a few days for things take their course: relax, enjoy, explore, get lost, try some unusual experiences, and discover more that way!

you just made want to get on a plane and go there, maybe even move there forever!!! looks amazing and a great storey

Bali is one of the most beautiful places in the world!!

Amazing write-up! Bali is definitely a worthy trip for backpackers!

i hope i can go there one day if i get pay from steemit...
keep posting about indonesia my friend, show indonesia to the world!

Wow!!!! wish i were there!! Great post!!!!! : DDDDDD

As a paraglider pilot, I would also recommend going to Timbis at the very South edge of the island. It's one of the best fly site for the sport in Asia and you can fly (as a passenger) for HOURS if the condition is good.

ah ha, yes... I've heard about that. definitely looks awesome!

Precious landscapes, I remain undoubtedly with, 13. Pure Besakih (Mother Temple), 15. Gunung Kawi, Tampaksiring, and 23. Tanah Lot Temple, Tabanan. I wait to be able to visit them some day.

Regards!

Wow every one of those locations seem uniquely amazing... great descriptions and photos!

Stunning collation Rok. Captured so well.

thanks, sis. of course, I wouldn't have known about a few of these places without you having guided me there in the first place... :-)

I have been to a lot of temples. But the stunning pictures of Pura Besakih and Gunung Kawi (13 and 15) convinced me. Now to arrange for a nice chunk of time...

take AT LEAST a couple weeks if you can. a month plus ideally...

I (Nako) finally took the plunge and posted my first blog; even if I have to remember another cryptic password. lol. Nice article. Love the pics.

I'm Indonesian, but i had visited Bali just once when i was 18 years old. Bali always make us wanna go there again and again, that because of the pretty scenery.. all of Bali is beautiful, the street, the beaches, the praying tradision, and even the market, they all beautiful there. Really wanna visit Bali again, but in Indonesia, it is hard to get off of our work. There only twice holiday in a year that we can use to have a vacation. Maybe someday i will visit Bali again..

Bali the beautiful island and Bali in Indonesia

I've been there. it's heaven on earth.

Wow seeing the pictures I just imagined them being amazed by those sculptures and those beautiful places :) niceeeeeeeeee

Damn I was there 2 summers ago! This brings back good memories :)

You missed Locavore in Ubud.

I'll have to try that now... :-)

You have definitely posted some gems, will be my first forward to anyone asking about Bali. Its good to see I have been to a handful of these places. Thanks again.

awesome. your welcome. :-)

Fantastic article, thank you very much for sharing! Bali is definitely on my list of must-visit-places. Sunny regards from Canary Islands and #liveyourdreams

cheers mate.

if you surf (which I guess you do by your username), you'll love it even more. world-class beaches. though getting pretty busy. lots of other great gems that aren't as busy throughout Indo though - some of the best in the world for sure...

Amazing Photos! I will definitely add this to my list 😊 and I will post my top list too... Can't wait to go back to Bali ❤️

The OP mentioned a resort tied to the entrepreneurial group Wealth Dynamics, that's super awesome. I'm going to check that out while I'm living here in Bali.

I love the wealth dynamics test. Anyone who's looking to learn some great knowledge about themselves, be sure to check it out.

I'm a fellow Mechanic currently living in Bali.

Yea man, go check it out!

Vision Villas is in Karamas, right around the corner from Komune Beach Club.

They’ve also opened up Genius Cafe beach club in Sanur, right behind the Mercure. They host the Startup Grind events there once a month or so, that’d be great to check out... ;-)

Yay! This post is two years old, but still the perfect guide for my upcoming trip to Bali. Thanks for that :-)

Your welcome.

Yes, as far as I know, everything on this list still stands as. The only couple things I might add in would be Genius Cafe on the beach in Sanur behind Mercure, which is part of the Entrepreneurs Institute group, and if you’re looking for some island-hopping, jump over to either Nusa Penida and/or the Gilis...

Enjoy! :-)

Awesome! Thank you so much :-))
Can't wait to go... it'll be my first time in Bali.

For surf:

If your skills are honed, everything down on the Bukit is gold - Uluwatu, Bingin, Padang Padang, Dreamland, Greenball...

Karamas on the east has killer rights, just in front of Komune Beach Club - though need mid-to-high tide or the reef too sketchy.

Kuta is classic, though very busy and more suited to beginners.

And Canggu is gold. Berawa. Batu Balong for long boarding. And one further down, forget the name.

There’s a couple more a further trip out west, but those are the main spots. Lombok supposedly has some excellent waves as well, though be careful there as many stories of tourists getting robbed (and some arms getting hacked off with maschettes after dark)...

Thank you so much for the tips!!
I'm still a beginning surfer, so I guess I'll check out Kuta then. Lombok doesn't sound like a place where a girl should travel to alone though..?

Most of the time I'll hang at Komune witnessing the WSL... So let's see how much time will be left for catching waves by myself :-)

Again thanks for your help!!

Mmm, there’s probably parts that are alright, and if you were to go with a trusted tour company or something you’d be alright - though not sure completely exploring just anywhere solo would be the wisest option...

Kuta and Batu Bolong - in front of Old Mans... good vibe over there too and waves are super nice and more tame for long boarding... :-)

A friend of mine’s coming along from Spain, so I guess I’ll wait for him to do the excursions then :-)

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