Bali – the name conjures images of endless beaches, lush greenery, spiritual temples, and vibrant culture. When I decided to visit this island, I didn’t have fixed plans, but I had plenty of ideas of what might lie ahead. The first two weeks of my trip were spent with my family in Bali. Our journey took us from the peaceful coastal town of Sanur, through the cultural heart of Ubud, to the laid-back beaches of Jimbaran. Each place had its own charm and brought many unforgettable moments.
But after the family vacation, I set off on a solo adventure – no fixed destinations, just the freedom to explore the island as I wished. This led me from Kuta to the trendy Canggu and finally to the paradise-like Gili Islands. The journey was full of surprises, inspiring encounters, and experiences I never expected. I’d love to take you along on this journey through Bali’s diversity, ranging from tranquility and spirituality to adventure and party vibes.
Sanur – Biking, Nusa Penida, and Kelingking Beach
Our journey began in Sanur, a quiet coastal town perfect for easing into Bali’s atmosphere. In Sanur, we rented bikes and explored the area. The beaches here are less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed experience. One highlight was a day trip to Nusa Penida, an island filled with spectacular natural wonders. The ferry took us there, and our first stop was the famous Kelingking Beach. The view from the cliff was breathtaking, but we quickly realized that this spot is one of the most popular tourist destinations. It took several minutes to get a photo, as the area was overcrowded. Soon, we understood that the beach, while beautiful, was also quite touristy, so we decided to leave the island shortly after.
Surf Camp in Canggu
I spent several days in a surf camp in Canggu – and honestly, I loved it so much that I kept extending my stay. The vibe was just perfect: super chill, everyone fun (and, let’s be real, ridiculously attractive 😅), and the kind of place where you instantly feel at home. Every morning we all woke up at 6am to catch the waves, and afterwards you could totally do your own thing – but we usually ended up spending the whole day together anyway. Pool hangs, scooter rides into town, lazy beach afternoons… it was just too good.
And of course, a party night at Finns Beach Club couldn’t be missed – it’s legendary. Dancing barefoot by the pool with DJs, cocktails in hand, and that crazy Bali sunset in the background… absolutely unforgettable.
At some point, a few of us decided to head over to Ubud together – and that’s how the next part of the adventure started.
Ubud – Temples, Rice Fields, and Magical Waterfalls
After about five days in Canggu, I decided to return to Ubud, as I loved the place so much. I traveled there with friends from the surfcamp, taking an affordable Uber for the long journey. The next day, we hired a driver to take us around to the sights. I had already researched the places I wanted to visit. Our first stop was Nungnung Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve ever seen. The path there was tough, with many steep steps, but the sight of the waterfall made up for the effort.
Next, we visited the Ceking Rice Terraces, famous for its stunning terraced fields. We did a trekking tour here, which was absolutely worth it, and the drone footage we took was breathtaking.
We then headed to Alas Harum Rice Field, which, in contrast to Ceking, is much more touristy and commercialized. But it’s still quite beautiful, offering activities like swinging over the rice fields, zip-lining, and swimming in pools. We spent the evening there, soaking in the views.
The following day, I booked an exciting quad tour through rice fields and jungle. It was an adrenaline-filled adventure, especially on the more challenging parts of the track. My friend had some bad luck when her quad broke down, so she had to continue the tour with another driver.
Afterward, we visited the famous Monkey Forest in Ubud, where monkeys roam freely. It was fascinating, but also a little unnerving since the monkeys love to grab bags and cameras. You have to be very careful and make sure everything is securely closed.
Gili Trawangan – Island Paradise and Snorkeling Adventure
The next day, I spontaneously decided to visit Gili Trawangan, known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beaches. I booked a ferry ticket and took the next boat to Gili Trawangan. On the ferry, I met a German girl who was also traveling solo, and we decided to spend the next few days together.
Gili Trawangan is car-free, and the best way to explore the island is by bicycle. I rented one for €3 per day and cycled around the island with my new friend, constantly stopping to admire the beautiful beaches, quirky bars, and colorful souvenirs.
One of the highlights was our private snorkeling tour. It was incredible how lively and colorful the underwater world here was. We saw turtles almost every five minutes, along with many colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs. It was truly breathtaking. The tour also included a stop on Gili Meno, where we visited the Baby Turtle Sanctuary. Entrance was free, though donations were welcomed, which we happily gave.
During the snorkeling tour, we also saw the famous underwater statues and, on the way back, discovered an old motorbike submerged underwater, surrounded by schools of Dory fish. Our guide filmed the entire trip with a GoPro, capturing all our moments. We didn’t have to worry about posing for photos – he just captured the moments naturally, and in the end, we got the photos and videos for free.
In the evening, we visited a karaoke bar, and Gili Trawangan has many great bars where you can meet new people and enjoy the party scene.
Return Journey and Reflection
The next day, my friend left, and I spent the day relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, and walking around. In the evening, I went to an open-air cinema, where you could watch a movie while enjoying the stunning backdrop of the sunset over the volcano. The entry was free, and you could order food and drinks during the film.
Afterward, we went to a bar, danced, and sang along with the music. We met even more new people and had an amazing time.
The following day, I took the ferry back to Bali and then took an Uber to Sanur for my last night on the island. The ferry ride back was a bit of an ordeal – it was hot, stuffy, and smelled of gasoline. Even though I’m used to being on boats, this was one of the most uncomfortable trips I’ve had. I was relieved when I finally arrived in Sanur and treated myself to a relaxing spa day, which helped me forget all about the journey.
At the beginning of my trip, I thought I might not enjoy Bali, especially since many areas are so touristy and crowded. But I was pleasantly surprised. Bali offers so much more than just beaches and tourist traps. The surfer vibe in Canggu and the spirituality of Ubud captivated me. The further north you go, the quieter and more natural it gets. It was an unforgettable journey, and although I’m sad it’s over, I know for sure that I’ll be back.
Quick Facts
- Budget: You can easily get by on a backpacker budget. Hostels are around 10€ a night
- Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), Exchange Rate: 1 EUR ≈ 19,320 IDR
- Best stays:
- Wave House, Canggu – perfect if you want to learn surfing and meet people.
- Jungalow (Gili Islands) – that’s the actual name of the place! Amazing location, super chill island vibes, plus a pool to cool off after the beach
- Must-dos:
- Wander through the Tegallalang Rice Terraces near Ubud.
- Surf in Kuta – the waves are beginner-friendly and cheap to rent a board.
- A private snorkeling tour around Gili Trawangan – honestly one of the best tours I’ve ever done. Crystal water, turtles, colorful fish… it’s magic.
- How long: At least 2 weeks, but Bali has that “I could stay forever” energy. You can base yourself in one spot for a while without getting bored.
- Best travel time: April – October (dry season).
- Food & drinks:
- Never drink tap water (and don’t accidentally swallow seawater when surfing – learned that the hard way 😅).
- My cheap & delicious go-to: Mie Goreng (fried noodles).
- Entry & visa:
- Visa on Arrival (VoA) for Germans, Austrians, and Swiss citizens: 30 days, ~35 USD, extendable for another 30 days.
- Return or onward ticket is usually required.
- VoA is issued directly at the airport, so you don’t need to apply in advance.
- Travel tips:
- Grab a local SIM card at the airport (cheaper data than relying on WiFi).
- Bring lightweight long clothes for temples – sarongs are often required, but you can also rent them.
- If you’re renting a scooter: traffic is wild, so only do it if you’re confident. Otherwise, use Grab/Gojek apps for cheap rides.
- Always carry a little cash – many spots don’t take cards.
