Hi,
Continuing the South East Asia travel with a 3 day trip to Bali, Indonesia!
Here we found Bali holds a unique blend of culture, natural beauty, and tourist infrastructure. Which in our experience is very different from other South Eastern Asia counties like Thailand and Malaysia.
As a first-time traveler to Bali, I wanted to know all the details. From visas at the airport to answering the age-old question: is Bali overrated? Keep reading if you want these details too!
I have no affiliation with any companies mentioned in this blog, all opinions are advice are my own.
Arrival
Arriving at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport or DPS, you can purchase your electronic Visa.
Joining the queue may be long, but it’s a very simple process: handing over your passport, paying £25, and you’re sent on your way to immigration.
E-passport holders scan their passport after the Visa check, which, when approved, you’ll be on into luggage claim and customs. I have linked the online customs form that everyone must fill in; if you can do it before you travel, all the better!
Dotted around the airport are ‘Health Form‘ QR codes. I’m not sure if these are essential or not, but we did choose to complete them; however, they were never checked prior to leaving the airport.
Transport
Gojek and Grab are the trusted taxi services from the airport. I highly recommend downloading these before you travel, enabling you to book as soon as you arrive. These are the safest and most reliable services to get you to your accommodation.
As a customer of these taxis, you get free lounge access, perfect for when it’s humid!
Granted, you will be met by many local taxi drivers, bargaining you into canceling your taxi and to come with them. From our experience, smile, say “No thank you,” and be on your way.
Day 1 Itinerary
Start the day fueling for exploring at Dua Sisi, Seminyak. I opted for the Dragon Fruit smoothie bowl, accompanied by a glass of pineapple juice and orange juice for 75,000Rp (which is approximately $7 AUD).
Next stop, Uma Ceking, Ubud, to experience the lush green rice terraces. Entry to walk around the rice fields is 25,000Rp per person, with free parking. Photo opportunities and the infamous swing can be purchased for an additional cost!
Last stop of the day to enjoy a sunset dinner and drinks at O Beach in Seminyak. Their tapas menu was great, with the prawn dish being exceptional for 90,000Rp. We had frozen strawberry daiquiris and mojitos for 135,000 each. They’re pricier, but worth it for the beachfront view.
Day 2 Itinerary
Day 2 is all about doing the bare minimum and simply enjoying the views.
We allocated this morning to lounging by the pool at Hotel Harris, Seminyak. This hotel was extremely affordable, clean rooms and multiple pool areas including a small roof top pool.
From Seminyak to Uluwatu to continue the trend lounging around, start in Kura Kura one of the many beachfront cafes at Bingin. If you’re in the mood for simple food like chicken schnitzel and pizza, you’re in the right spot!
Watch some surfers catch their best waves, soak up the sun and maybe go for a dip yourself. The beach is free entry, parking was 500 Rp for the day, and parasols on the beach were an average of 100,000 Rp for the day.
Finishing the day back in Seminyak for dinner at Chez Gado Gado, this quickly became our favorite as we returned twice over the 4-day trip. Casual beachfront dining, with a very affordable price tag! I loved the Mi Goreng for 20,000Rp and Nasi Goreng Chicken for 85,000Rp. Putting these prices into perspective, as a couple eating these two main dishes cost us less than $10 AUD.
Day 3 Itinerary
Finishing the trip on a high, I highly recommend doing an ATV or quad experience in Ubud to get an adrenaline rush before going home!
We booked GoATV for the rice fields, waterfall, small river, and caves tour on a tandem quad bike, which was 600k for 2 people and 1.5 hours of exploring. Our tour guide was incredible. They watch everyone and adapt the route based on your ability and confidence driving quad bikes.
To refuel our bodies after a long day in the sun and driving, we ate like kings and queens at Warung Anggun, Seminyak. This is a cafe literally on the beach. We shared a portion of garlic chicken, Nasi Goreng seafood, and Mi Goreng for 95,000Rp. Incredible. Just incredible.
Summary
All in all, Bali was a unique experience, filled with good food and beautiful scenery.
In our experience I think Bali would be enjoyed best by group of friends!
I recommend Bali to those who love spending time on the beach or in the forest. It’s perfect for a relaxing retreat!
I have no affiliation with any of the companies I have listed, therefore all my opinions are not endorsed or paid for.
As always thank you for being here!
If you’re like me and love travel & photography, come join me on Instagram. I share my travel pictures here daily!
CYA xx
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