A COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE TO BALI: PART 2
Bali, it’s known as the Land of the Gods for a reason: looming volcanic landscapes, lush terraced rice paddies, leafy rainforests and secret surf spots. You’re enamoured from the moment you step foot on this small island, but don’t underestimate its size. With endless things to do, it’s challenging to make an itinerary which covers all the areas for a two week trip! I’ve shared the areas of the island we stayed in and my favourite eats and activities from each of these.
Gili Air
Best for: Paradise island life
Despite the tumultuous journey over, the soft, shimmering beaches and kaleidoscopic hues of the turquoise sea make it all worthwhile, not to mention the stillness you find from the moment you set foot on land again. Bringing both soul and tranquility, Gili Air is the perfect balance between its neighbours Gili T and Gili Meno. For every long and serene stretch of sand, there’s a parade of beach bars serving up trays of Pina coladas and beach-side snacks, but Gili Air is also perfect to daze into space and do very little.
To Eat
Come here for laid back cocktails and watch the sun kiss the ocean as it sets. Stay for the fresh seafood and small plates.
A lovely local spot for traditional Indonesian food. Walk down the dusty tree-lined road and be welcomed from all the front of house staff and even those in the kitchen. This was my favourite warung of all of those we visited on our trip!
To Do
Snorkelling with Turtles
Explore the underwater sanctuary of the Gili Islands, home to tropical coral gardens, green sea turtles and Hawksbill turtles! With warm waters, great visibility and easy conditions, it’s an unmissable experience for people of all abilities. There are plenty of providers you choose from, but our villa arranged a private sunrise outing for us, setting off at 6am so we could see the undisturbed wildlife.
West Side Sunset
Walk the island and watch the sunset on the West side: with a circumference of just under 5km, you can walk the entire island pretty quickly! Start from the North East and walk around the the West side ahead of sunset, with the silhouette of Bali’s Mount Agung in the backdrop. Grab yourself a beanbag at one of the beach side water holes and chill out with live music playing in the background.
Tips
Book your ferry and transfers in advance - Padang Bai port is chaotic and difficult to navigate without a good guide! A note for when you arrive on the island; cars aren’t allowed so the only modes of transport are horse and cart (known as ‘Cidomo’) or bicycle. Initially I wasn’t keen on using the horses to help transport out bags to the villa, but we’d been informed that the horses are far better treated now than they were a few years ago.
Cash is essential as there are only a few ATM’s on the island!
Uluwatu
Best for: Embracing a relaxed, bohemian lifestyle
A magnet for intrepid surfers who travel far for the endless string of waves here, Uluwatu is a retreat for the wanderers seeking the laid-back side to Bali. The steep, craggy cliffs mean you rely on scooters to get around here, but you’ll have cinematic views of the azure-tinted sea as you’re coasting up and down the hills to your destination.
To Eat
Our favourite restaurant of the entire trip; both the food and interiors are polished but by no means ostentatious. Think Aussie-inspired wood-fired foods - the BBQ Zucchini and Prawn Al Ajillo are must-try dishes!
Wholesome food focussing on clean ingredients for fuelling those with an active lifestyle - a prime surf hangout.
We came here for our final night in Bali as a bit of a treat. This hidden oasis is slightly more upscale, but by no means pretentious. Food could be described as modern European.
Distinguished by its Balinese character and contemporary feel, Ulu Garden is more than just a day time hangout - they have a weekly events scheduled of live music and art nights, as well as a lovely concept store before you head into the restaurant.
To Do
Uluwatu Temple & Cekak Fire Dance
Come here not for the temple itself, but for the unspoiled scenery and spiritual romance it creates. Perch in the temple’s amphitheatre for the iconic Balinese Kecak Dance, while sunset panoramas make it a truly theatrical experience. Book the temple in advance and arrive an hour before the show to get a seat - it’s gets full very quickly!
Sunrise Yoga
Located in the grounds of Uluwatu Surf Villas, Morning Light Yoga host 75 min classes every morning for anyone to attend. Join for an undisturbed flow in their treetop studio and stare into the ocean as you meditate at the end of your practice.
Beach Day Chills
Sundays Beach Club, Ulu Cliffhouse, El Kabron; Uluwatu is brimming with beach clubs to settle for the afternoon. We ended up at Single Fin, the quintessential surfers hangout with fridges full of Bintang and enthralling cliff-side views.
Train at Bambu Bali
While Bali isn’t alien to fitness, I was seriously missing CrossFit by the end of our trip. It was well worth the wait to get to Bambu; Bali’s luxe fitness centre offering functional fitness, weightlifting, bodybuilding and mobility classes. Refuel with a delicious brunch afterwards!
Tips
Spend an extra day here to explore some of the untouched beaches - places are quite spread apart!
