If you are coming to Bali for the first time it can be overwhelming or difficult to make a choice on which spots to visit – so many amazing things to see. These are my must see places to visit if you are coming for the first time to the Island of Gods.
Seminyak
It might be one of the most touristy places in Bali, but unlike Kuta, it has much more class – and you can also find the best food. It is THE paradise for every foodie. Two of my favorite and must visit restaurants are Café Bali and Sarong. I suggest spending at least three days here if you like good food, great shopping, and go-to beach clubs, where you can spend the day at the pool and…. simply enjoy your vacation.
Canggu
This place is for all the yoga-lovers, hipsters and surfers. I personally count myself as a yoga-lover and fell in love with this enviable little spot in Bali. As a result, that’s why I chose to live here. Nowhere else will you find so many healthy and hip cafes in one small place. Go surfing, have sunset drinks or join one of the many amazing yoga classes for all levels. Depending on how you like Canggu, I would suggest a stay here for about three days. (Or you might end up living here like me!)
Ubud
I heard Ubud has changed ever since the movie Eat, Pray, Love and has become a tourist hotspot. But when you arrive, you can still feel that Ubud is full of spirituality. If you want to go deep into Balinese tradition, then I advise going to see a healer and straight away, you will feel how Bali can change your view on the world.
In Ubud, you also find great spas, Ubud market for souvenirs and the monkey forest. You can do Ubud in one day, but I think it’s definitely worth spending at least one night there and maybe even get a room with a jungle view. You have a choice of great spa hotels to give yourself some real rebooting. Or a choice of retreats for something relaxing but a little more active.
Uluwatu
All the best Balinese beaches are located in Uluwatu. This is where you will find clear blue waters, white sand and incredible surf breaks (not just for beginners).
Spend your afternoon at Karma Kandara or Sunday’s Beach club. They are almost next to each other and you can get there with a cable car. Bear in mind there is an entrance fee of around 250’000 IDR, but with this you also get a voucher towards any food purchases.
If you want to have a beach day, but not go to an actual beach club, I highly recommend Binging. Surf. Swim. Enjoy lunch without the tourists.
Take a trip to Uluwatu Temple and see a Balinese dance show. Followed by sunset drinks at Single Fin. It’s on the top of the cliffs where you can watch the beautiful Balinese sunset and all the surfers down in the water. An Uluwatu experience you cannot miss.
Island Getaway
If you want to explore more beautiful beaches or even want to snorkel or dive, I suggest going on a two or three day trip to the Gilis or Nusa Lembongan. The Gilis are 3 tiny desert islands located 3 hours away by boat from Bali, ideal if you are willing to spend a little longer there. Fringed by white-sand beaches and coconut palms and turquoise sea. A vision of paradise. Whilst still retaining a green conscience, visitors direct from Bali are going more and more with hip new hotels booming. Each island has its own special character. Trawangan (universally known as Gili T) is by far the most cosmopolitan, its bar and party scene vibrant, its accommodation and restaurants close to definitive tropical chic. Gili Air has the strongest local character, but also a perfect mix of buzz and bliss. Gili Meno is flirting with shoreline gentrification.
Nusa Lembongan, a single island, is only a 30 minutes boat ride away and my personal favourite. Nusa Lembongan has a reputation for being a slower version of Bali. If you want a different experience, you can explore the mangrove rainforest on small local boats. And no worries, guides are provided.
With thanks to https://www.blondeseashell.com
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