Bali is a destination that captivates travelers with its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and endless opportunities for adventure. On our recent trip, we explored everything from the rice terraces of Jatiluwih to the sacred temples of Lake Bratan, with plenty of surprises (and lessons learned!) along the way. This blog highlights not only the must-see sights, but also the hidden gems, travel tips, and authentic experiences that made our journey unforgettable. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Bali or looking to go deeper beyond the beaches, you’ll find plenty of inspiration and advice here
Our Bali adventure kicked off with a few days in Nusa Penida, and it was an incredible start. We began with diving—two dives on our first day revealed vibrant, thriving reefs full of colorful fish. The current was strong, typical for Bali, but our instructors kept a great pace and ensured we stayed safe. After diving, we stopped at Virgin Beach Club. It was quiet during the day, with jacuzzis and pools to enjoy, though the food was only so-so. We wrapped up the day by checking into our new hotel, Wait Garden, which we loved: cute, comfortable cabins, good food, and wonderful staff made for a perfect introduction to the island.
Day two was an island tour, starting with a bungee jump (all survived!) and then a stop at Kelingking Beach. Half the group hiked down to the beach while the others relaxed at Crystal Bay. The hike took about 45 minutes down and 25 minutes back, and while crowded at the start, it cleared out near the bottom. Swimsuits were essential, and sneakers were the best choice for traction. Later stops included Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong, which were stunning. We finished the day back in the harbor with some shopping and a relaxed dinner at Be Nice, a modern, cozy spot with tasty food.
On the third day, Blake and I unfortunately missed the dive entirely due to Bali belly, while the group also didn’t make it to Manta Point because of rough waves. Bali belly can really knock you out for at least a day and is caused by the local water supply. It’s important to use bottled water not only for drinking but also for brushing teeth, rinsing water bottles, or any other water needs. Hand sanitizer is essential, and take care when ordering uncooked produce, as it’s often rinsed in local water and can harbor bacteria that cause Bali belly. The rough seas also led to our initial ferry being cancelled, so it’s important to confirm your ferry on the day of travel and to arrive at the port at least 30 minutes early to secure a spot.
Always confirm your ferry is running in Bali!
After the ferry to the mainland, we joined our G Adventures group, a small, manageable group of five travelers (two couples and one solo adventurer). Our first stop was the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, where we took a walk through the lush, layered fields. The views were stunning, and though the walk was relatively short, it was well worth it. Lunch was served at a nearby restaurant with breathtaking views, offering both a buffet and a la carte options. The midday sun made sunscreen and sun-protective clothing essential. Next, we visited Lake Bratan and the Ulun Danu Temple, exploring the grounds, feeding koi, and even interacting with some of the resident animals, including owls and snakes. Later, we arrived at our homestay in Munduk, which was warm and welcoming. In-room massages were affordable and relaxing, and while there was no air conditioning, the open windows kept things comfortable. Earplugs were helpful for the street noise, and dinner was simple but satisfying.
The following day included a visit to the Holy Hot Spring, a relaxing stop to enjoy the warm waters. Along the way, we made an unscheduled but pleasant stop at a restaurant with a pool, loungers, cabanas, towels, and a small beach. The food was decent, and the setting offered a welcome break and a chance to stretch and refresh. From there, we continued to the Lakeview Hotel in Kintamani, a low-end three-star property with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The staff could be a little pushy, and some of the local offerings, like wine, were not impressive, but several of the dishes, including a large sampler platter and soup, were flavorful and authentically Balinese and we were overall satisfied with our stay, despite some small disappointments.
One of the highlights of the trip was the early morning hike up Mt. Batur. We departed around 3:15 a.m., and although the hotel was shrouded in clouds, the sunrise was clear and spectacular. The trail is labeled “easy” on AllTrails, but the uphill climb at altitude is steady and rocky in places. A walking stick helped, though sneakers were sufficient. The ascent took about an hour and a half, including a short rest stop. At the summit, temperatures were very cold, but the steaming volcanic landscape and sunrise views made it entirely worth it. Hot tea, coffee, and a small breakfast—including a steamed egg and fresh fruit—helped us warm up after the climb. Local vendors sold snacks and “volcanic” bracelets at the top, though the quality was mixed. The walk down was much quicker, about an hour, with fantastic views of the lake and surrounding scenery, though flies were plentiful near the base.
After the hike, we stopped at Umah Bali Kuno Coffee for a tasting experience. Traditional coffee roasting methods were demonstrated, and we sampled coffee, tea, chocolate, and local honey. This was followed by a visit to the Happy Hearts Foundation, a nonprofit supporting education and opportunities for disabled children in Bali. It was inspiring to see how G Adventures integrates meaningful travel experiences into each itinerary, allowing travelers to give back and support local communities in a thoughtful way.
The day concluded with our arrival in Ubud, where we checked in at the Champlung Sari Hotel, one of our nicest stays of the trip. The location was ideal, right next to the sacred Monkey Forest and within walking distance of one of our favorite dining experiences at Laughing Buddha, making it the perfect base for exploring Ubud.
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is home to over 1,200 long-tailed macaques, divided into several different troops that each claim their own territory within the forest.
We kicked things off with a morning cooking class with Mr. Wayun—10/10 recommend, especially the version that includes a market tour. We picked up spices and peppers and learned about local ingredients (bonus: teas/coffees at the market were cheaper than the day before since the stalls don’t pay the same taxes). At his farm, the setup was clean and organized, and our small group (just two others) cooked collaboratively: chopping, crushing, and sautéing sauces before moving into the mains. Highlights: fresh fried crackers topped with sambal (so much better than the usual stale ones) and a green pancake dessert we’d happily eat again—honestly the best food we’d had on the trip.
Afterward, we wandered the Sacred Monkey Forest (100,000 IDR per person). There’s an option to hold a monkey for photos (50,000 IDR) but they weren’t accepting new requests when we passed through. We still had plenty of “interaction”: two monkeys jumped on Blake, one stole his hand sanitizer, and another nearly got into our backpack. Pro tip: keep a tight grip on anything shiny or crinkly.
That afternoon, instead of a six-hour master class, we headed to the Alas Arum Silver Workshop (a bit outside Ubud). There are no set class times—you just show up, pick a ring design, and they guide you through making it. Pricing is cheaper 9am–5pm than after 5pm. We rented a scooter for 24 hours (200,000 IDR). The bigger model helped, but let’s be honest: any scooter is a little terrifying. Worth it, though—the workshop was fantastic, and we left with custom rings. Dinner later with part of the group was forgettable.
The next morning we tried Cretya—a cool club scene with jacuzzis (not just pools). Breakfast was excellent, but you must reserve ahead for the floating meals. Drinks were weak, staff insisted we pay for a locker (75,000 IDR) even though it was nearly empty, and entry was 200,000 IDR. Extras like the swing/zip line cost more, and security checks bags (no outside water allowed). If you’re staying all day, a daybed (~3,000,000 IDR) might actually be worth it.
We grabbed lunch outside Ubud, then stopped at Kerta Gosa in Klungkung for a dose of history before rolling into Candidasa. Dinner at Vincent’s was a winner—great entrées and desserts, a nice bottle of wine, and espresso martinis to toast the day.
From Candidasa, we spent a full day back diving around Nusa Penida. The first stop was Manta Point, where we were lucky enough to encounter lots of manta rays—an incredible sight watching them glide so close by. We also dove Crystal Bay, which delivered stunning visibility and a beautiful underwater landscape. Lunch between dives was simple but sufficient, and in the evening we enjoyed our final group dinner at the hotel, complete with live entertainment. The evening featured Balinese dancers—first the women, then the men with lively drumming and chanting. It was a wonderful cultural finale to the group portion of our trip.
Our last day in Bali began before dawn with a visit to the Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple. We left at 4:30 a.m. and arrived around 5:30, where the process involves getting a queue number, waiting for the ticket office to open, and then shuttling up to the temple. Admission was 70,000 IDR for tickets plus 50,000 IDR for the shuttle, and sarongs and shoulder coverings were provided if needed. Arriving early made all the difference—by the time we had our photos taken around 7 a.m., the line numbers were already in the 70s.
From there, we headed to Gembleng Waterfall, a bit tricky to reach but worth the effort. The waterfall is multi-tiered with small natural pools perfect for photos or a quick dip, and there’s even a small café at the top with smoothies and light bites. Facilities were basic but available at both the top and bottom.
Later that day we made our way back to Kuta. Our hotel was clean and renovated, but the service left something to be desired and it’s not a place we’d necessarily recommend. Our departure flight was not until 7pm, so we were able to enjoy one final half-day in Kuta. Many in the trip took advantage of one of the many tattoo parlors in Kuta to obtain manta ray tattoos, while Blake and I indulged in the Royal Palace 2.5 hour spa treatment at the number 1 (TripAdvisor) spa in Kuta: Bhava.
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cara@wolftravels.com
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