Bali and its wonders
Uluwatu
Our first day in the south of the island was dedicated to Uluwatu Temple, a Hindu temple perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. The entrance fee is 50,000 rupiahs, and you can buy your ticket directly at the temple gate.
To enter, you must follow a few rules: your legs must be covered with a sarong, and you need to wear a sash around your waist called a Selandan. If you don’t have them, don’t worry, they are provided for free at the entrance.
A tip? Watch out for the monkeys! They are mischievous and love stealing things from tourists. We saw a monkey stealing a phone, which was later recovered by the guards in exchange for bananas. So, keep a tight grip on your belongings and no sunglasses on your head! 😆🐒
At Uluwatu Temple, you can watch the Kecak Dance, a traditional Balinese performance that represents the Ramayana, an ancient Hindu epic poem. You can purchase tickets on GetYourGuide for around €10 or directly at the venue. The best time to experience the dance is in the evening, during sunset for a truly, magical atmosphere.
If you love the sea, you can’t miss the stunning beaches in the area! One of the most beautiful is Padang Padang Beach, a touristy spot but absolutely worth a visit. To get there, you’ll walk down narrow stairs between rocky cliffs, a spectacular path leading to crystal-clear waters. We also recommend Balangan Beach and Dreamland Beach. Just keep in mind that in more touristy spots, you may have to pay a small fee to park your scooter. We're not sure if it’s an official rule, but for just a few cents, it’s worth it! 🌊🏝️
Take some time to explore the town and the rice fields, getting lost in breathtaking landscapes. Stop along the road to refuel, you’ll find that even something as simple as filling up your tank can turn into a unique adventure.
For an authentic experience, eat at a Warung, the typical local restaurants, where for less than €1, you can enjoy delicious dishes like Nasi Goreng, Gado-Gado, tempeh curry, and satay…a must-try! And don’t forget to cool off with fresh coconut water while exploring the vibrant flavors of local markets. Our favorite fruit? Mangosteen! But there’s something for every taste! 🥥🍛🍍
Kuta - Seminyak
After leaving Uluwatu, our next destination was Kuta. The best way to travel between cities is by using the GoJek or Grabapps. Just create an account, and you’ll have access to affordable transportation!
Kuta didn’t really was on our vibes, perhaps also because of a flu that kept us in bed for a while. Luckily, we were staying in a cozy hotel, close to restaurants that saved us with delicious take-away food! 🍜🏨
You'll soon discover that Kuta is the perfect place for surfing. So, even if you’re a beginner, we highly recommend taking lessons. You can book everything on GetYourGuide or simply go with the flow and pick one of the many surf schools along the beach.
Kuta is also a must-visit destination for its stunning sunsets. Whether the sky is clear or slightly cloudy, it will gift you one of the most breathtaking shows you’ll ever see.
Take some time to explore the nearby famous beaches as well. With a scooter, you can easily reach Seminyak Beach and Legian Beach for a refreshing swim or a relaxing sunbath.
Seminyak is the ultimate luxury town, home to numerous fashion and artisan boutiques. Be sure to spend a few hours at the Seminyak Flea Market, where you’ll find unique and interesting items.
We dedicated also an evening to discover an untraditional Balinese temple called Vihara Dharmayana. An old Chinese buddhist temple that captivated us with its unique beauty. There, we met a kind gentleman who explained his religion and the meaning of the temple’s symbols. It was an eye-opening experience, and we hope you’ll have the chance to enjoy it too! 🏮🙏
Canggu - Nusa Penida
After four days in Kuta, we moved to Canggu. We enjoy this area more, but since it’s well known for its clubbing scene, it wasn’t exactly our vibe (we’re definitely not party people). The town center can be quite noisy at night, so if you're a light sleeper, you might prefer staying in a quieter, more peripheral area.
Canggu was the first place where we decided to explore bars and restaurants, partly because of the affordable prices and partly because we were starting to miss home and some Western food. We tried delicious smoothie bowls and even a surprisingly good pizza!
We rented a scooter and started exploring the area. Canggu is a great base for visiting the Love Anchor Bazaar and the Samadi Bali Sunday Market, where local farmers sell fresh fruits and vegetables, and artisans showcase their handmade creations.
Canggu is also the perfect starting point for day trips, and we decided to chose a snorkeling day around one of Indonesia’s most famous islands, Nusa Penida. 🤿🐠🥭
If you love wild beaches and breathtaking landscapes, you might want to dedicate a few days to this beautiful island. Since we’re not huge beach lovers, we opted for a one-day tour with a local agency (€60), which included transport, ferry tickets, and snorkeling gear. We saw colorful fish, corals, and jellyfish, and some even spotted rays! It was an exciting adventure and a great chance to meet new people.
We definitely recommend the experience, but keep in mind that it’s a very touristy destination, so expect some crowds. And don’t forget your sunscreen… Giorgio learned the hard way! ☀️🌴
To explore Bali, a scooter is essential, especially if you want to visit Tanah Lot Temple. We recommend going at sunset for a truly magical and unique atmosphere. It will definitely be crowded, so if you prefer a more intimate experience, consider visiting early in the morning instead.
The temple sits on a rock formation along the ocean coast, about 20 km from Canggu. It is one of Bali’s seven sea temples and is dedicated to Dewa Baruna, the Balinese Hindu God of the Sea. If you’re lucky enough to visit during low tide, you can walk up to the base of the rock where the temple stands and receive a blessing from the locals.
The entrance fee is just €5, and we guarantee it will be an unforgettable experience. 🛕🌺🌅
Take some time to relax on Canggu’s most famous beaches and try surfing. The most beautiful beaches in the area are definitely Batu Bolong, Echo Beach, and Berawa Beach. Choose your favorite and enjoy pure relaxation. 🌊🏄♂️☀️