Bali: A (Super) Comprehensive Travel Guide
If you’re a digital nomad looking for your next destination, a burnt out corporate employee looking for the perfect place to take a sabbatical, or a solo traveler who likes to experience cities like a local, this guide is for you. I’ve compiled these tips and recommendations over the months I spent living and working (or intentionally not working) in cities all over the world.
Bali is a little island in the middle of the Indonesia Archipelago and one of the most magical places in the world. It’s nature, people, culture, energy, and way of making you see and experience life is like nothing I had ever experienced before. (I talk all about this in my Love Letter to Bali here.) It’s is the perfect destination for surfers, solo travelers, sabbaticals, and digital nomads alike. Everyone who ends up in Bali feels called to the island at different times in their life for different reasons, but somehow everyone finds what they need.
I spent 7 months living and traveling around Bali and the rest of Indonesia from May-November 2022 while I was on a work sabbatical around the world. I spent most of my time in Uluwatu, which is a place near and dear to my heart, and one I eventually called home. I also lived in Ubud for a month during my 200 Yoga Teacher Training, a month on the island of Sumba while I taught yoga at a surf eco resort (one of my favorite places in the world), and traveled to many of the neighboring islands.
Below are tons of tips, recommendations and links to some of my favorite places. If you have any questions about Bali, solo travel or nomadic lifestyle, don’t hesitate to reach out to me on Instagram!
General Tips
When to go
The best time to visit Bali is during their dry season which runs from April to October. The busiest time of year is June-September, so it can be a bit overrun by tourists, especially during the month of August when Aussies are on holiday. Therefore, it can be nicer to travel April-June and September/October when its quieter and accommodations are easier to come by. The rainy season runs from November-March, but unlike Costa Rica, it generally rains more during the mornings and the evenings, so you can enjoy most of the day. The only months I would avoid are January and February which are the rainiest months.
Where to stay
Even though Bali is one of the smallest islands in Indonesia, Bali truly has something for everyone. The most common places for travelers and nomads are Uluwatu, Canggu and Ubud, but there are tons of other cities and islands off the beaten path. The good part is, everywhere is generally super accessible by scooter, car, ferry or plane, aside from the more remote surf destinations which are bigger treks.
Uluwatu: If you’re a surfer or solo traveler that enjoys a more laid back, health/wellness oriented vibe, and beautiful beaches with breathtaking views and good waves, Uluwatu will be the place for you. Ulu is located at the southernmost point of the island, so it’s generally the driest and sunniest when it comes to weather.
Canggu: If you’re super social and are looking to party, go out to eat, and work in coffee shops or cafes in between chilling on the beach, Canggu is the place for you. There’s tons of restaurants and parties going on every night and a cafe on every corner. Also, if you’re a digital nomad looking to network with other nomads (especially in the Crypto or Content Creator space), I’d suggest basing yourself here.
Ubud: If you’re coming to Bali in search of yoga, meditation, breathework, a Balinese healer or literally any other spiritual/personal development medium you’re interested in exploring, Ubud is the mecca for this. There’s also an incredible food and cafe scene here, especially for vegans and vegetarians.
Others places on Bali
- Amed (Great for snorkeling, scuba and free diving)
- Munduk (Located in the center near lots of lakes, mountains and waterfalls)
- Menjangan (Incredible snorkeling)
- Denpasar (The capital, where you’ll mostly likely go if you need to run errands, go to the doctor, etc)
Other Islands in Indonesia
- Sumba (My second favorite island in Indonesia — lived here for a month while teaching yoga at a surf/eco resort)
- Gili Islands
- Nusa Islands (Lembongan and Penida)
- Lombok
Finding accommodations
There are a ton of accommodation options in Bali from AirBnBs, to hotels and surf and stays. One type of accommodation that is somewhat unique to Bali are homestays, which are the best budget options. They are also a cool experience because they are generally owned and operated by a Balinese family who will live on the property and be super present around the guests.
For Vacation: The easiest way to find short term accommodations in Bali is through AirBnb, Booking and Agoda. However, if you’re looking for a home stay, many of the cheapest options will not be listed on any of these websites. In this case, you can always book something for a few days, and ask or drive around looking for affordable homestays once you get there. You can also do a Google Maps search for homestays in a specific area and call or send them a message through WhatsApp.
For Short Term or Long Term Rentals: Finding affordable rentals in Bali is more challenging, especially in areas like Ulu that are becoming more popular. Your best bet is to book something short term before you arrive, and begin your search for longer term rentals once you get there. The cheapest option will be homestays. If you plan to stay for weeks or months at a time, the owners are always willing to negotiate prices with you. If you’re looking for a private villa or a a room in a shared villa, you can find those by networking with other expats/locals once you arrive, WhatsApp groups like Ulu Life and Facebook groups Bingin-Uluwatu Villa/Land for Rent.
How to get around
If you feel comfortable driving a scooter, it’s absolutely the easiest and fastest way to get around Bali. The other options for shorter distances around town are apps like Gojek and Grab which are super easy to use. It’s also very easy to find drivers when you arrive in Bali. Feel free to reach out to me if you’d like any numbers of drivers.
How to meet people
Out of all of the cities I lived in, Bali was the easiest place to make friends — and I had to do it a lot as new friends constantly came and went over the 7 months I lived there. Bali is an extremely popular destination for vacationers, backpackers, surfers, solo travelers, nomads, remote workers and people taking time off work. Whatever reason brought you to Bali, I guarantee that you will meet lots of people who are on similar journeys with similar stories. As long as you stay open, you can meet people wherever you go, but some of my favorite ways to meet people were through:
- Making connections with locals beforehand. Reach out to your network to see if anyone knows anyone who might be living there that they can connect you with. As long as you have one person to act as your base, you can easily build a new friend group in a new city.
- Frequent the popular gyms, workout and yoga classes like Bali Training Center (BTC) and Bambu in Uluwatu, Body Factory in Canggu, and The Yoga Barn in Ubud. (I met most of my friends in Ulu at BTC!)
- Figure out the “going out schedule” for whatever city you’re in and go to the places where most people go each night (see the Going Out section under Ulu below).
Remote Work
There are a lot of digital nomads living and working in Bali, so it’s very much set up to support them. Wifi connectivity is great everywhere (I never struggled with this.) In Canggu, there is a higher concentration of digital nomads, so you’ll find tons of freelancers and crypto dudes working on their laptops in coffee shops, cafes or co-working spaces like OutPost. Uluwatu has a growing population of digital nomads, especially if they are also surfers. Cafes and coffee shops are great for working, but the Space is one of the only co-working space in Ulu. My favorite place to work (basically my second home and office) was Mana restaurant.
Visas
For Americans and most other citizens, you can get a 30 day Visa on Arrival. If you plan to stay longer, you will have to work with an agency while you’re there to get a visa extension, which allows you to stay for another 30 days (a total of 60 days). There are tons of agencies that can help with this like Bali Visas or Asianna Agency, and the extension should cost around 850–1M Rupiah. If you plan to stay longer than 60 days, you will need to plan visa runs to nearby cities — the most common destinations for visa runs are Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Another option would be looking into getting a B211A Visa before you arrive through one of the above agencies.
Other Tips
- Cash: While most restaurants and stores accept credit cards, cash is still very much utilized in Bali. Their local currency is called the Rupiah. You can get cash from ATMs, but I suggest bringing cash from your home country and exchanging it at money changers which you can find everywhere to avoid high ATM fees.
- Money Transfers: If you don’t have cash, to pay for things like home stays, scooters etc. many people do not accept credit cards, and prefer money transfers via ACH or Wire. I suggest setting up an account with Wise before you go.
- Cell Phone Service: If you’re planning to stay in Bali for a while, you can easily find an Indonesian sim card wherever you are, and data is super cheap. Look for small shops with signs for providers like Telkomsel and Indosat (Telkomsel is the best).
- Apps: Gojek and Grab will be your best friends (especially Gojek). These are apps similar to Uber, but even better. Use them to get around locally or for longer trips, ordering takeout or groceries, and even if you need something couriered from one city to another. Tokopedia is the Amazon of Indonesia. If you need something you can’t find at one of the local stores, you can find just about anything on Tokopedia, and its super affordable. Another similar app is Shopee.
- WhatsApp Groups: If you’re moving or visiting Uluwatu long term, I suggest you joing WhatsApp groups like Ulu Life where they post about upcoming events, places for rent etc. Ask around for any others you should join when you get there.
- For the ladies: If you need your hair cut or colored in Bali, the best is Jet Black Ginger — they have locations in Canggu and Uluwatu.
Uluwatu
Where to Stay (Uluwatu)
My favorite area to stay in Uluwatu is Bingin. This area is still quiet, but up and coming, so central to lots of accommodations, my favorite cafes and gyms. Other good areas include Uluwatu, Padang and Dreamland. As you’re looking for accommodations, look for places as close to the beach as possible (especially if you’re not renting a scooter), as most everything is centralized along a few roads there. There are lots of accommodations more inland, but they will be away from restaurants, cafes etc.
Where to Eat (Uluwatu)
Breakfast/Lunch
- Mana (Favorite breakfast/lunch and working spot. This was my second home.)
- Cashew Tree (One of my favorite spots to grab breakfast with friends after HIIT classes at BTC — see below!)
- Drifters (Good for breakfast/lunch and a nice working environment.)
- The Loft (Good for breakfast/lunch — huge portions.)
- Ours (Fancier breakfast/lunch spot.)
- Nourish (Quick and easy breakfast, lunch or dinner. Everyone loves their pizzas.)
- Chela (Good for breakfast/lunch. Good working vibes, but can be a little loud.)
- Alchemy (Super yummy vegan cafe.)
- BGS Ulu (Best coffee — get their homemade almond milk!)
Dinner
- Mason (Favorite restaurant for dinner in Ulu. You MUST try their hummus and pita!)
- La Barraca (Fun vibes, super yummy modern italian. If you’re veg, the vegan menu is amazing — the garden lasagna is my fave!)
- Tabu (Fun vibe, especially during the weekend, but food isn’t the best.)
- Abracadabra at Mu Bungalows (Incredible for sunset. Get the fresh grilled fish or the gnocchi.)
- Lucky Fish (Fresh fish grill on Bingin Beach)
Local Food
- Yeyes (Best spot to get local food. You can get a massive plate for like $3).
- D’Alvie (Second favorite spot for local food — located in Bingin closer to where I stayed.)
- Warung Local
Groceries
- Bali Buda — Bukit (Healthy groceries and snacks)
- Green Habit (Healthy groceries and snacks)
- Bali Jiwa (Organic produce delivery)
- Pepito Market (Your regular grocery store)
Yoga, Training & Other Activities (Uluwatu)
- The Istana (Spa with cold/hot plunge and amazing view of Ulu. Go for 6pm session to watch the sunset.)
- Bali Training Center (Also known as BTC. Group HIIT classes are the most fun and a great way to meet people — I met most of my friends in Ulu here!)
- Bambu (Gym/group fitness spot)
- La Tribu (Great for yoga. Check out these teachers: )
- Morning Light (Beautiful yoga shala. My favorite teacher is @viktoria_trip on Instagram.)
- The Space (Co-working space with yoga and other classes like meditation and breathwork. My favorite was acro yoga sessions on Saturdays at 11am.)
- For surf lessons, message @febbyandree__ on insta (say you’re Summer’s friend!)
- Check out all the best surf spots here
- Watch the sunset at Sunset Point Pantai
- Take advantage of all of the super affordable massages at any of the local spas!
Best Places to Chill (Uluwatu)
- Mana/Ulu Surf Villas Pool (Spent way too many of my days here.)
- Kelly’s Warung (Great to watch the sunset and surfers at Bingin)
- Palmilla
- Sundays Beach Club
- Karma Beach
- Suarga Padang Padang
- El Kabron
Best Beaches (Uluwatu)
- Bingin (My favorite beach)
- Nyang Nyang
- Padang Padang
- Between Impossibles and Pandang (Enter from Le Cliff. One of my favorite hidden gems.)
- Thomas Beach
- Balangan
Going Out (Uluwatu)
- Single Fin (Sundays sunset until late — my favorite party!)
- Savaya (Party on Saturday’s)
- Ulu Cliff House (party on Friday/Saturday)
- Rolling Fork (Tuesday Salsa Night)
- Cashew Tree (Thursday Live Band & Dancing)
- The Cliffs at Ulu (Underneath Single Fin. Great to watch surf/have a beer for sunset)
Shopping (Uluwatu)
Canggu
If you want to check out Canggu for a few days, I suggest you stay in Pererenan north of the main area of Canggu which can be super crowded. I didn’t spend much time in Canggu, but below are a few of my favorites you can check out while you’re there!
Where to Eat (Canggu)
- Revolver (My favorite coffee shop)
- BGS (Best coffee — get their homemade almond milk)
- WOODS (Cool spot. Great for breakfast and lunch)
- Shelter (Amazing Mediterranean tapas)
- YUKI (Japanese restaurant)
- Secret Spot (Great vegan)
- Penny Lane (Good breakfast/lunch spot. Cool outdoor/indoor spot.)
- Crate Cafe (Good for breakfast. Huge portions)
- La Baracca (Good Italian)
- Mason. Canggu (Other location in Ulu. Great for dinner. The most amazing pita and hummus!)
Beach Clubs (Canggu)
- The Lawn (Favorite beach club — really good music and vibes!)
- La Brisa (Gorgeous for sunset)
- Potato Head
Where to go out (Canggu)
- La Brisa (Some of the best parties in Canggu are hosted here.)
- Morabito (Super fun on Friday nights. Head to Behind the Green Door for the afterparty.)
- Luigi’s Hot Pizza (Mondays)
- Lola’s (Tuesdays)
- Da Maria (Sundays)
- La Favela
Yoga & Other Activities (Canggu)
- The Practice (Yoga)
- Desa Seni (Yoga)
- Surf at Echo Beach
- Take advantage of all of the super affordable massages at any of the local spas!
Ubud
Where to Eat (Ubud)
- Zest (My favorite spot in Ubud. Great for Vegans and Vegs. Get the spot on the couches near the window, and don’t forget to try the buffalo cauliflower wings!)
- Alchemy (Upscale vegan.)
- Casa Curandera (My favorite hidden gem on the river in the jungle. Amazing vegan food, known for their arepas.)
- Clear Cafe
- Dapur Usada (Ayurveda restaurant. Jackfruit curry is amazing!)
- Moska (Super cool location in the jungle. Amazing vegan menu.)
- Sage (Good vegan.)
- Ibu Susu (Super yummy/upscale Japanese/Thai food.)
- KAFE (Easy breakfast, lunch or dinner.)
For more reccomendations, check out the best/most comprehensive restaurant list I found here. Depending on what time of year you’re going, I suggest making reservations for some of the more fine dining restaurants in advance.
Yoga, Healing & Other Activities (Ubud)
- Yoga Barn (This is the most magical little sanctuary in the center of the bustling Ubud city. There are tons of classes and retreats going on every day, so make sure to check out their schedule. This is where I did my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training, and spent most of my time while in Ubud!)
- Radiantly Alive (Another yoga shala/wellness center.)
- Yin Yoga Sound Healing Journey with Carlos Romero and the Palo Santo Crew (The most magical yoga class in Ubud on Sundays at 4:30pm at the Yoga Barn. Make sure to arrive early because it sells out quickly!)
- Pyramids of Chi (Make sure to do the Beyond Sound Healing)
- Ecstatic Dance at the Yoga Barn (Friday nights at 7:15pm and Sundays at 11:30am.)
- Kirtan with The Hanuman Project (Check their Instagram to see where they are playing.)
- Tjampuhan Spa (Spend the day in the pools and saunas here)
- Take advantage of all of the super affordable massages at any of the local spas!
- Favorite teachers/healers/musicians to see in Ubud: Carlos Romero, Bex Tyrer, Sheryl Sharaswhaty, Haylee Clare, Raio, Pao Pamaki.
Other Things to See & Do (Ubud)
- Tirta Empul Water Temple
- Tegallalang Rice Terrace
- Nungnung Waterfall (1hr drive north of Ubud)
Trips from Bali
Sumba
Sumba is my second favorite island in Indonesia, and one of my favorite places in the world. I lived in Sumba for a month while I was teaching yoga at a surf eco/resort (You can read more about my experience here.) Sumba is off the beaten path and as well known or traveled to as other islands as it’s still mostly untouched by man other than a few hotels and the local villagers who live there. People say that Sumba is what Bali was like in the olden days, especially when it comes to surfing.
How to get there: Sumba is actually very accessible considering how many islands away from Bali it is. It’s a 1 hour flight from Bali (DPS) to Sumba. There are two airports on the island (Tambaloka and Mau Hau). Where you’re staying on the island will determine which airport you should fly into. From either airport, you’ll need to take a taxi to your hotel, which is anywhere from 30 mins to 2 hours.
Where to stay: There are only a few hotels on the island, so this is a trip you definitely need to plan in advance:
- Ngalung Kalla (Surf/eco resort where I taught yoga — one of my favorite places in the world)
- Sumba Surf Camp (Another more affordable surf resort)
- The Sanubari (More affordable luxury)
- Alamayah (More affordable luxury)
- Nihi (Famous, ultra lux hotel that won #1 hotel in the world two years in a row. Great place to splurge for a special occasion)
Things to see & do: Since there is not much on the island, most of your time will be spent at your resort. However, there are few things you should certainly get out and make sure you see.
- Surfing. Sumba has some incredible waves and are deserted compared to the busy waves in Bali. Check out the guide to Sumba waves here.
- Watubela Beach (My favorite beach in Bali — avoid going on Sundays as thats the day the locals go)
- Coco’s Beach (The beach in front of Bali)
- Visit waterfalls (There are tons of beautiful waterfalls on the island of Sumba, but most of them are unmarked. Ask your hotel to take you to the closest one they would recommend.)
- Go to a local market and shop for ikat, which are handmade textiles famous to Sumba — (Ask your hotel to take you to one)
More to come on this section…Stay tuned for more info on trips from Bali!
I hope you enjoy experiencing Bali through my eyes! Remember, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!
xx,
Summer
