Gusti Anom

If there’s one place that feels like it came straight out of a postcard, it’s Bali. I’m not even kidding. The beaches, the food, the culture—there’s a reason so many people keep calling it the “Island of the Gods.” I’ve been lucky enough to visit a few times, and every trip brought a mix of “WOW, this is heaven” and “Oh no, I wasn’t prepared for that.” So, here’s the lowdown—my personal guide to help you explore Bali like a pro, minus the rookie mistakes. Where to Start: Picking Your Bali The first thing you need to know about Bali: it’s way bigger and more diverse than you think. If you’re imagining one massive beach where everyone chills together, nope. Bali’s got regions, each with its own vibe. And trust me, where you stay can make or break your trip. Ubud – Think rice terraces, yoga classes, and all the “Eat, Pray, Love” vibes you can handle. It’s the cultural heart of Bali and is perfect if you’re into temples, art markets, and eco-stays. Plus, the food in Ubud? Unreal. Warung Biah Biah served up some of the best Nasi Goreng I’ve ever had for just a couple bucks. Canggu – If you’ve got a thing for beach clubs, surf waves, and laid-back cafes with smoothie bowls galore, Canggu is the spot. It’s popular with digital nomads, but don’t worry—there’s still room for travelers. Just keep in mind: traffic here can get nuts, so rent a scooter if you’re brave enough. Seminyak – A little more upscale. Think trendy boutiques, luxury resorts, and fancy sunset dinners. It’s still chill, but it feels more polished compared to, say, Canggu. If you’re on a tighter budget, this might not be your first pick—Seminyak is where you’ll splurge on those sunset cocktails. Uluwatu – Surfers’ paradise. Period. It’s all cliffs, white sand beaches, and epic surf breaks. Even if you don’t surf, you’ll want to spend a day here. Padang Padang Beach and the Uluwatu Temple at sunset? Absolute must-dos. Nusa Penida – Not technically Bali, but close enough. Nusa Penida is where you’ll find those Instagram-famous spots like Kelingking Beach (yep, the T-Rex rock) and Angel’s Billabong. I made the mistake of underestimating the hike down Kelingking—it’s brutal, but 100% worth it. Just bring good shoes and plenty of water. Beach Hopping: The Good, the Bad, and the Surprisingly Empty You probably already know Bali’s famous beaches, but let me be real with you: not all beaches here are created equal. Some are tourist magnets, others are hidden gems (oops, almost used that word). Here’s the real breakdown: Kuta Beach – Skip it. I know, harsh. But unless you’re 19, love crowds, and don’t mind vendors interrupting your tan every five minutes, you can do better. It’s loud, busy, and not Bali’s finest. Nusa Dua – Calm waters and luxury vibes. This beach is perfect for families or people who just want to float in peace. Plus, there’s snorkeling that doesn’t require a boat. Bingin Beach – Small, secluded, and surrounded by cliffside warungs serving cheap Bintangs (beer). It’s not the easiest beach to get to—you’ll hike down some steep steps—but it’s so worth it. Jimbaran Bay – The spot for sunset dinners. Picture this: you’re eating freshly grilled seafood right on the sand while the sun dips below the horizon. Pro tip: try Menega Cafe. It’s touristy but delicious. Thomas Beach – This one doesn’t get nearly enough hype. It’s quiet, beautiful, and has some of the clearest water I’ve seen in Bali. Perfect for a chill day. Food: Balinese Eats You Can’t Skip Now, I’ll admit—I’m kind of obsessed with food, and Bali did not disappoint. You could spend months here and not eat the same thing twice. But there are a few dishes you have to try: Babi Guling (Suckling Pig) – You’ll find this dish all over Bali, but the best I had was at Ibu Oka in Ubud. Spicy, crispy, juicy perfection. Don’t miss it. Nasi Campur – This one’s like a buffet on a plate: rice plus a mix of meats, veggies, and sauces. It’s perfect if you want to try a little bit of everything. Mie Goreng – Simple but so satisfying. It’s fried noodles, usually with chicken or prawns. If you’re a late-night eater, street vendors serve this for next to nothing. Satay – Grilled meat skewers served with peanut sauce. I swear I could live off this stuff. Oh, and don’t sleep on Bali’s cafe scene. Whether you’re in Ubud or Canggu, you’ll stumble across cafes that look like Pinterest boards come to life. And the coffee? Bali’s got some of the best. Grab a flat white or try Kopi Luwak if you’re feeling fancy. (It’s made from civet poop. Sounds gross, but trust me, it’s smooth.) Things You’ll Love (and Some You Won’t) Bali has a way of sweeping you off your feet, but like any place, it’s got its quirks. Here’s the good, the bad, and the hilarious: What you’ll love: The people. Balinese locals are some of the kindest, most welcoming people I’ve met. The sunsets. Seriously, they hit differently here. I still have photos of a cotton candy sky from Uluwatu that look fake. The affordability. You can get a luxury experience here for a fraction of what it costs elsewhere. $20 massages? Yes, please. What might drive you nuts: The traffic. Bali roads are chaos. Scooters, cars, pedestrians—everyone does their own thing. If you’re not comfortable riding a scooter, hire a driver. The “Bali Belly.” It’s real. Always drink bottled water, and if you’re eating at a sketchy spot, maybe skip the salad. Crowds. Some spots (like the Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple) are packed with tourists. Expect to wait in line for that perfect shot. Final Tips for an Epic Trip Before you go, here are a few lessons I’ve learned the hard way: Pack light. Bali’s casual, and you’ll spend most of your time in shorts, flip-flops, and swimsuits. Get a SIM card. It’s cheap, and Google Maps will be your best friend on Bali’s maze-like roads. Haggle—but politely. Markets are fun, but don’t be that person arguing over 50 cents. Plan temple visits early. Temples like Tanah Lot or Uluwatu are stunning, but they get crowded fast. Early mornings are magic. Bring cash. ATMs are everywhere, but smaller warungs and shops often only take cash. Exploring Bali’s Cultural Side: Temples and Traditions If you’re traveling to Bali and skipping the temples, you’re missing out big time. Bali’s not just about beaches—it’s a place where culture is alive and kicking. There’s something magical about walking through these ancient temples surrounded by stone carvings, incense, and the sound of gamelan music playing faintly in the background. Now, I’ll be honest, you’ll probably see more temples than you can count, but here are a few that blew me away: Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) – Sitting right on the edge of a cliff, this place is insane. The view at sunset? Unreal. But what makes Uluwatu extra special is the Kecak Fire Dance that happens every evening. Picture this: a group of men chanting “chak-chak-chak” in harmony as dancers act out scenes from the Ramayana. It sounds intense (and it is), but it’s one of those things you’ll remember forever. Just a heads up—hold onto your sunglasses and hats. The monkeys here are adorable thieves. Tanah Lot – This is the one you’ve probably seen all over Instagram. It’s a temple perched on a rocky outcrop, surrounded by waves crashing all around it. If you time your visit with low tide, you can actually walk out to the base of the temple. But here’s my tip: go early in the morning. By noon, the crowds are wild, and you’ll feel like you’re in a temple-themed theme park. Tirta Empul – This place blew me away. It’s a water temple where locals (and travelers) come to perform a purification ritual. You can join in if you want—just rent a sarong and step into the holy spring waters. It’s one of those moments where you feel connected to something bigger. I wasn’t sure I’d “do it right,” but don’t stress—locals are incredibly welcoming and happy to help. Besakih Temple – Known as the “Mother Temple,” Besakih is Bali’s largest and holiest temple complex. It’s set on the slopes of Mount Agung, so the views are epic. The temple is huge, and you’ll spend at least a couple of hours exploring the different sections. Pro tip: Hire a local guide—they’ll explain the meaning behind the ceremonies, which makes the visit way more interesting. Adventure Time: Bali Beyond the Tourist Spots If you’re like me and can’t sit still for long, Bali’s got plenty of adventures to keep you busy. Sure, lounging by the pool is great, but have you ever swung over a rice terrace or hiked up a volcano? Game-changing. Sunrise Hike Up Mount Batur – Waking up at 2 AM to climb a volcano sounds miserable, I know. But when you’re standing at the summit watching the sunrise light up the sky, you’ll forget all about your lack of sleep. The hike isn’t too intense—it takes about two hours, and most people can do it. Plus, you get a little breakfast cooked over volcanic steam. Oh, and bring a light jacket. It’s colder up there than you’d think. Bali Swings and Rice Terraces – You’ve probably seen those epic swings on social media, right? Well, they’re even more fun in real life. Head to Tegallalang or Wanagiri for swings with ridiculous views of rice terraces or lakes. And speaking of rice terraces—Tegallalang is the most famous, but Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are even more beautiful and way less crowded. They’re a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason. Snorkeling at Blue Lagoon – Bali’s underwater world is as impressive as its beaches. The Blue Lagoon in Padangbai is perfect for snorkeling, especially if you’re not super confident in deep water. You’ll see colorful fish, coral, and maybe even a turtle or two if you’re lucky. If you’re up for a boat ride, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida have even better snorkeling spots. Chasing Waterfalls – Bali’s waterfalls are straight-up magical, but be prepared to work for them. Some of my favorites? Sekumpul Waterfall is massive, jaw-droppingly beautiful, and totally worth the hike. Tegenungan Waterfall is easier to access and great for a quick swim. If you’re looking for something quieter, check out Leke Leke Waterfall—it feels like you’ve stumbled into a secret jungle paradise. Bali on a Budget: How to Save Without Missing Out Bali’s affordable compared to most places, but it’s easy to go overboard if you’re not careful (trust me, I learned the hard way). Here’s how you can stretch your money without feeling like you’re missing out: Stay at Guesthouses or Homestays – You don’t need to spend hundreds on a villa. Local guesthouses and homestays are clean, cozy, and cost as little as $15-30 a night. Plus, you’ll get that warm Balinese hospitality thrown in for free. Eat at Warungs – Warungs are local eateries serving traditional food, and they’re so cheap. A full meal with a drink will cost you $2-5. If you’re staying somewhere touristy, skip the cafes for a day and hit up a warung—you’ll thank me later. Rent a Scooter – Taxis and rideshares add up fast, but renting a scooter costs around $5-8 a day. Just make sure you’re confident on two wheels, and wear a helmet (no exceptions). If scooters aren’t your thing, hire a driver for the day—it’s more affordable than you think, especially if you’re splitting costs with friends. Bargain at Markets – Markets are great for picking up souvenirs, but don’t pay the first price you’re given. A friendly smile and a little haggling can save you a few bucks. A Few Quick Do’s and Don’ts for Bali Before I let you loose, here are some Bali tips you’ll want to keep in mind: Do: Wear a sarong when visiting temples (they’re usually provided). Respect the culture—Balinese people are super kind, so be kind back. Try everything: new food, new activities, new places. That’s what travel’s about. Don’t: Drink tap water. Bottled or filtered only, always. Point with your feet or touch someone’s head—it’s considered disrespectful. Underestimate the sun. Bali sunburns are not fun. Bali has a way of pulling you in. You’ll come for the beaches or the temples, but you’ll leave with a piece of Bali in your heart—corny, but true. Whether it’s a sunrise over Mount Batur, a plate of Babi Guling, or that feeling of being completely at peace while watching the waves, this island has something for everyone. And when you leave? You’ll already be planning your next trip back. If this is your first visit, it is recommended to use a Bali car rental with driver service to visit those tourist attractions.