Your Ultimate Guide To Bali

Bali is an amazingly gorgeous place with so much culture and outdoor adventures, you just need to know where to find them!  That's where I come in, summer 2016 I spent 2 weeks in Bali and had the adventure of a lifetime!  Read on to find out all the amazing things waiting for you in  Bali, Indonesia.
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Outdoor Adventures in Ubud!

My journey in Bali started out in Ubud where I got the chance to hike the Mt. Batur volcano!  This consisted of a 3 hour hike. Beware though you have to wake up at 2am in order to catch the sunrise at 5am, but regardless of the unwelcomed alarm clock, it was worth it!  You will see a beautiful sunrise with views of mountains and hillsides that are incomparable to anything else you have ever seen. ​

​When you are high up in the mountains you will also get a chance to see some monkeys in their natural habitat.  Fair warning, if you have food, they will jump on you to get it!   

​Another must see in Ubud is the Tegalalang Rice Terrace and the Tegenungan Waterfall for an adventurous day outdoors (make sure you pack your mosquito repellent).  The Tegalalang rice terrace is an epic sight to see.  It is truly amazing how they can make a rice field so intricate!   

​The Tegenungan waterfall was my favorite activity of the trip!   The water fall has an entrance fee of $2 or $3 and it is well worth the price!  You have a 10 to 15 minute downhill walk before you reach the waterfall.   You will see lots of people there taking in the waterfall and enjoying the scene.  Some people bring food to picnic right by the water fall.  If you are a big swimmer and climber this waterfall will be your dream day here in Bali!

Temples are another must see in Bali!  One of my favorites was the Pura Tirta Empul temple.  This is a Hindu water temple in Ubud.  People come from all over the world to get into the cleansing water and purify their souls.  

​Make sure you pack an extra sarong with you for after, nothing worse than walking around with wet clothes on.  After the temple you will see many little shops open for business.  Some of my favorite clothing pieces were actually purchased in Bali, where you can buy wrap skirts and pants from 2 to 5 dollars!! it’s a definitely a steal for those bargain shoppers.  If you like to bargain, well you just hit the jackpot my friend!  

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City Feels in Seminyak 

​Seminyak is another city that I got the chance to visit!  It gave me a big city vibe in Bali filled with clubs and bars and some really nice pool parties!  The hotels in Seminyak are very reasonably priced charging anywhere from 40 to 70 dollars per night.  If you choose to stay at a hotel right on the water, those places tend to cost you a bit more.   Seminyak is more of a luxury city, offering pool and beach party venues such as Potato Head and many options for fine dining.   If you are looking for some great shopping and pampering Seminyak is your city.  With multiple nail salons at every corner and always a restaurant nearby, you are sure to enjoy your time in gorgeous Seminyak. 

​Island time in Gili T 

Gili T Island was my final destination in Bali.  This island has no cars, their main means of transportation is by horse and carriage or bicycles which are both easily accessible anywhere on the island.  I took a boat from Ubud to Gili Trawagean Island.  Gili T is a great place to go for the young traveler.

​In Gili T you will find the clearest blue water and beach side restaurants.  Restaurants in Gili T are top of the line.  Both the small side street restaurants as well as the high end restaurants serve quality food!  My one tip would be to stay away from any raw foods.  You just can’t be too cautious when it comes to how the fruits and vegetables are prepared.  Cooked and steamed vegetables are always a safer option here.  My go to thing to eat in Gili T was the seared Tuna.

​You’re on an island, eat as much seafood as you can!   If you are looking for fancier options on the island or a romantic candle lit dinner go closer towards the ocean. Restaurants on the water are usually more expensive, but offer more of a romantic setting on the island!   

Gili T is also known for their nightlife!  On the island you will see many bars and night clubs that are open till 3 or 4 am and offer a great selection of hip hop as well as old school mixes.  Every night of the week there will be a night club that will be the “IT” place to go for the night!    Make sure to ask a local where the party is, they are willing to offer a helping hand in the name of partying 

It’s not hard to see why I fell in love with Bali, it is definitely a place that is very underrated, Filled with adventure, relaxation, night life and fine dining, the people who have gone and experienced the culture and positive vibes seem to never want to leave and to top it all off, this is all done without breaking the bank!  Enjoy every second of it while you are there, chances are once you leave you will be counting the days that you will make your return!  I know I am…..