9 Days in Bali

9 Days in Bali

I don’t think I’ve had a more diverse vacation than the one I had on the magical island of Bali. From the end of August to early September, my boyfriend and I traversed 3 locations on the popular destination and fit numerous activities into a week and a half that we were told should be reserved for 3 weeks. It was 9 days of discovering rich Balinese culture, delicious food, lively markets, and dreamlike beaches. I was hoping to fit our experience into one blog post, but have so much to say that I’ve written separate posts on food and shopping. Here is a summary of our wonderful stay that will hopefully help future Bali travelers in their vacation planning…

1. South Kuta (by Uluwatu) – The Feel: busy city life surrounded by beautiful beaches and resorts.
Accommodation: Airbnb for $12/night (USD) right by Garuda Wisnu Kencana (CWK) Cultural Park (in the heart of South Kuta).
Must Do’s:
  • Balangan Beach! This secret beach is so secluded that it feels like you have your own private oasis. Sit on the patio of one of the raised beach cafes and watch the surfers do their thing.
  • Have a drink at the famous Rock Bar overlooking the Indian Ocean at Ayana Resort (walking down vs waiting for the tram will save you a lot of time!).
  • Check out the giant statues at GWK Cultural Park.

Tip: If you have enough money, hire a driver to take you everywhere. We rented a motorbike for 2 days and while it was a great, new experience, I worried for our lives every time we crossed an intersection. Risky business!

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The relatively new Pandawa Beach

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Sarong twins at Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu)

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The cutest and roundest monkey at Uluwatu Temple

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Uluwatu Temple (this part only accessible for people who are going to pray)

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Massive Vishnu statue at GWK Cultural Park

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Balinese performance at GWK Cultural Park

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The most relaxing spot at Balangan Beach

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The scenic walk down to Rock Bar

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Drinks at Rock Bar

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Stone statue factory on our drive to Ubud

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Batuan Temple

2. Ubud – The Feel: a tiny mecca teeming with art, yogis and great eats. Just minutes from rice terraces, plantations and temples.
Accommodation: Airbnb for $20/night at the Ubud Ku guesthouse. Right in the heart of bustling Ubud.
Must Do’s:
  • The Sacred Fountains (Pura Tirta Empul) outside Ubud was an uplifting – and almost out of body – experience I’ll never forget. Surrounded by fish and ancient ruins, the site really gave me some perspective.
  • Sacred Monkey Forest – it’s true what people tell you: those monkeys are naughty! Keep you bags closed, ladies!
  • Get a massage or mani/pedi at Pertenin Spa – great customer service and atmosphere and excellent bang for your buck.

Tips: Take advantage of all of the restaurants’ 2 for 1 Happy Hour drink deals and be sure to bargain at all the local markets! I got dresses and tops for $2 each.

The paradise of rice terraces

The paradise of rice terraces

Bali Vacation

Rice terrace photo op

Massive tree house at the Bali Pulina coffee plantation

Massive tree house at the Bali Pulina coffee plantation

Pura Tirta Empul - the sacred fountains

Pura Tirta Empul – the sacred fountains

Pura Gunung Kawi (temple ruins)

Pura Gunung Kawi (temple ruins)

We almost missed this in the depths of Pura Gunung Kawi

We almost missed this in the depths of Pura Gunung Kawi

The Elephant Cave

The Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah)

Sacred Monkey Temple!

Sacred Monkey Forest!

Mom and her kin

Mom and her kin

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Straight out of an Indiana Jones film (Sacred Monkey Forest)

Ubud Palace

Ubud Palace

View from our Airbnb patio in Ubud

View from our Airbnb patio in Ubud

3. Canggu – The Feel: the relaxing surf town away from city chaos
Accommodation: Airbnb for $42/night at Sedasa Lodge (just a 10min walk from Berawa Beach).
Must Do’s:
  • Grab some cheap Bintang beers and watch the sunset and surfers on the beach.
  • Eat at one of the outdoor BBQ places at Echo Beach.
  • Surf at Berawa Beach.

Tip: Looking for a relaxing experience? Learn from us and stay more than 2 nights!

Roof deck for yoga, games, and leisure at Sedasa Lodge

Roof deck for yoga, games, and leisure at Sedasa Lodge

Berawa Beach just a 10min walk from our lodge

Berawa Beach just a 10min walk from our lodge

Anniversary dinner on the beach at Echo Beach Club

Anniversary dinner on the beach at Echo Beach Club

Surfing on our last day at Berawa Beach

Surfing on our last day at Berawa Beach

Last night in Bali: beers and the sunset

Last night in Bali: beers and the sunset at Berawa

Thanks for stopping by! Check out my reviews on food and shopping in Bali 🙂

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Comments ( 9 )

  1. Anita Hemati
    My boyfriend and I are going to Bali in march! So excited! We're heading to Nusa Dua & Ubud! Your pictures are beautiful and make me even more excited! :)
    • Emma Wong
      Oh wow I'm so jealous! Thanks so much. I really want to do another trip back in the future. Let me know if you need any recommendations!
  2. adventurecass
    I leave for Bali in 8 weeks! This post has just made me all the more excited :) Thank you!
    • Emma Wong
      Happy to be of service! Have an amazing time on your trip :)
  3. Rebecca Royy
    Wow! That looks Awesome! We do the same thing....try to cram too much into to little time. But hey, we are maximizing right?
    • Emma Wong
      Precisely! If you're flying all the way over there - might as well try it all!
  4. Zij en Stijl
    Looks Pretty! We want to visit Bali next year.. ✌🏻
    • Emma Wong
      Thank you! You absolutely should. I miss it so much already.

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