Bali

Bali Solo Travel Guide

Om Suwastiastu Bali! My Bali trip remains one of the most memorable journeys. For those who haven’t read my previous blog, Bali marked my first full-fledged solo adventure. I had set out on this trip with a mix of anxiety and excitement, but thanks to this magical Island of Gods and its welcoming people, my worries soon transformed into an incredible experience. Planning for the trip This beautiful island offers so much that planning can be overwhelming. Based on your stay duration and interests, you can tailor your trip. Here’s my 6-day itinerary to help you get a comprehensive idea and plan your journey. My focus was on immersing in Balinese culture rather than indulging in activities. I’ll also share alternative options to enhance your planning. Day 1: I took an early morning direct flight from Manila, landing in Bali in about four hours. After immigration, customs, buying a SIM card, and currency exchange at the airport, I booked a Grab taxi to my hotel in Jimbaran—a quaint fishing village with pristine beaches and excellent resorts. After breakfast and a quick nap, I strolled around my neighborhood and discovered a nearly secluded beach just a 5-minute walk away—a surprising find in bustling Bali. I had booked a tour to visit the Uluwatu Temple. Sharing the group tour with two Japanese travelers, we bonded quickly. The tour began with a visit to a local coffee estate where we learned about the famous Luwak coffee and enjoyed a free tasting session. I picked up a coconut coffee pack as a souvenir. We then visited the Uluwatu Temple, a stunning Balinese Hindu temple perched atop a steep cliff, offering breathtaking ocean views and an incredible sunset. The highlight was watching the Traditional Kecak Fire Dance—a mesmerizing spectacle of dance and music. They enact the story of Ramayana. And the bonus is the magical colors of the sunset over the ocean in the backdrop! Beware of the notorious monkeys in the temple surroundings. The day ended with a traditional Balinese dinner of Cap Cay. Day 2: The day started early with a drive to Sanur Port, followed by a 45-minute ferry ride to Nusa Penida. Known for its exotic beaches and interesting  rock formations, the island didn’t disappoint. I visited the Klengking Beach-famous for T-Rex shaped rock sticking out over the ocean. Broken beach- a circular cove formed in the rocks with a leftover arch. Angel’s Billabong- Natural Rock Lagoon which also creates a Natural Infinity Pool! According to a legend, Angels used to bathe here! And finally Crystal Bay- a popular sand beach on the west side of Penida. After a long, fulfilling day, I dined at the rooftop restaurant of my hotel, savouring more Balinese cuisine. Though a day trip was fulfilling, staying a few days on Nusa Penida to explore more would be ideal. Day 3: After breakfast, I indulged in a Balinese massage—a must-try for ultimate relaxation. I then headed to Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, after a two-hour drive. My hotel, centrally located, was surrounded by vibrant cafes, restaurants, and local markets. Ubud’s bustling, vibrant, yet laid-back vibe quickly won me over and it is already among my favorite places! After a late lunch, I explored the local markets. I love exploring the local markets as it gives me a peek into the arts and traditions of the place. Ended the day at a Mexican café, sipping martinis. Day 4: Day 4 was about exploring places around Ubud. First stop was at Lempuyang temple also known as “The gate of Heaven”.  One of Bali’s oldest and most highly regarded Hindu temples. The entire landscape looks very picturesque from this temple gate, as you will see an amazing panorama of Mount Agung. There are many photo spots available in and around the temple. However, you should be ready to wait in the queue to do so. Second stop was Tirta Gangga, a water Palace and a former royal palace turned into a stunning open water garden sanctuary. The mystical gardens offers incredible maze of pools and fountains. The lunch stop was at a local restaurant overlooking rice terraces where I enjoyed the local food and some Bintang! It also had the famous Bali swing, and I did not miss on swaying for some time! Next stop was Tukad Cempung Waterfall a stunning cave waterfall that can be reached climbing down a few hundred steps passing through the forests and crossing a river. The efforts were worth as I was surprised with 2 more waterfalls other than the main one! Last stop was at Tegallalang rice terraces, a valley of rice paddies with some jaw-dropping views not to be missed when in Ubud. I enjoyed my smoothie bowl at a café nearby. After quite an eventful day, I ended the day at another cute restaurant in my neighbourhood. Day 5: The day started by relishing a smoothie bowl for breakfast. Then I headed out to explore the Sacred Monkey Forest which was at a walking distance from my hotel. The forest is a nature reserve and Hindu temple complex and home to over 600 friendly Balinese grey long-tailed macaques. I was surprised to see such a well preserved natural forest with hills, ravines, streams and ancient temples right in the middle of the town! After a close encounter with the monkeys and watching them do fun stuff in their natural element, I went to a vegan café for a scrumptious lunch. Post lunch, I visited Taman Saraswati Temple or Ubud water palace known for its beautiful architecture and lotus ponds. Don’t miss the Starbucks outside for a coffee with a view. I tried another traditional Balinese dish, Kare Sayur, for dinner. Day 6: It was my last day in Bali. With a late-night flight, I had the whole day to explore. I started with a refreshing Balinese yoga session, amidst the tress and trickling of streams (thanks to my hotel ambience). Then did some souvenir shopping. Before checking out, my hotel arranged

Bali Solo Travel Guide Read More »

To Bali With Love…

Dear Bali, you fulfilled my “Eat, Pray, Love” dream of traveling solo, and how!   Bali, you were the perfect destination for my first full-fledged solo trip! Though I had traveled alone before for work, having friends and colleagues just a call away was always a safety net. Planning and embarking on this solo adventure took a lot of courage, but it was worth every moment. From checking in and out of hotels to café hopping, strolling through the local markets, and exploring new places all by myself, it turned out to be an extraordinary experience. I had an amazing time and, I am excited to share my journey with you all. If you are ready to take that plunge and travel solo, discover your next adventure in the heart of Bali- an island paradise that gives you the freedom to wander solo.   On my trip, I discovered stunning beaches with interesting rock formations on Nusa Penida, chased cascading waterfalls, and marvelled at the vast rice terraces around Ubud. Immersing myself in the rich local culture through temple visits in Uluwatu, Tanha lot, and Lempuyang was truly enriching. Relishing smoothie bowls and Balinese cuisine in cafes became a highlight of my trip. Bali has plenty of interesting cafes offering a variety of cuisines, and café hopping became my favourite activity in Bali. I shared my day trips with travellers from Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, who are now my friends. And how incredibly sweet are the Balinese people who took extra care of me once they knew I was traveling solo. I even became friends with the hotel staff, which I guess is one of the perks of traveling alone. There’s nothing like recharging your mind, body, and spirit with a Balinese massage and spa. I indulged in a morning yoga session to feel right at home on this beautiful island. If you love getting clicked (just like me!), Bali is the place for you! The stunning backdrops and the talent of the locals for capturing the best shots made my trip even more memorable. Truly, this magical island with its exquisite vibe makes it easy to disconnect from routine and reconnect with yourself. At least, it did for me! If you’re considering a solo trip, Bali offers an adventure like no other. For a detailed itinerary, check out my next blog.

To Bali With Love… Read More »

Scroll to Top