Bali, Indonesia

Bali has been on my list of places to go forever, especially since I started working remotely. I knew I had to travel there while I still work from “home” since it is known to be a destination for remote workers. Before getting into my recommendations, know that this trip for me was less about doing all the “fancy” things, planning ahead, and hitting all the “spots”. I wanted to really be realistic about my days, so working out, working, eating good food, and meeting new people were my main priorities. Also, I am not big on touristy things, so the two main touristy things I did (monkey forest and a waterfall) I ended up really disliking (just personal preference I guess). I am realizing that there are so many opinions about certain places — which things to do, etc. — that I like to just do my own research at this point when I travel, and focus on things I love to do. I spent a total of 18 days in Bali and went to Uluwatu, Ubud, and Canguu - all solo traveling. I felt safe for majority of the time there, but as I always mention - if you are solo anywhere in the world have your head on a swivel and be smart. Here are my thoughts and personal recommendations!

Uluwatu: Personal favorite for meeting people my age (30). This is definitely more of a crowd around my age that loves going to the beach when they’re not working. Best beaches for sure! I spent 4 days here and I wish I spent a few more.

Airbnb: My airbnb was in a great location, central to pretty much everything I was doing in Uluwatu. Although it was in a great location, it seems Uluwatu was the least “walkable” out of my stops in Bali. This is where I came to peace that I was probably going to be on a scooter more than I thought I would.

Beaches/Beach Clubs: Sundays Beach Club (favorite was an amazing view from the hotel and beach was super nice). Palmilla Bali (expensive), El Kabron Beach Club (watched the sunset here but it is a day club that I wish I ended up having time for during my trip), Sunset Point (go for sunset), Ulu Cliff House, The Loft, Savaya.

Food/Matcha: Ours Bali. Joy Cafe. Sinamon (need to go at least once), Maison

Gyms: Bambu Fitness (great place to meet people). Jungle Padel.

Spa: Laniakea (best massage and $14 for 60 min).

Ubud: This is known to be more of the “yogi” and “spiritual” part of Bali. I think it was nice to see and spend a few days as a first timer, but I will probably pass next time! It was very busy and touristy, even in the more quiet areas. My best meal in Bali was here though, so if you’re in Ubud it’s a must.

Activities: Cretya - pool club in the rice fields. Amazing.

Food: Donna, Milk & Mudu, La Baracca (one of my favorite restaurants in Bali and they have multiple locations), Rusters (best meal I had in Bali), Mudra (great matcha), Gelato Factory, Zest, Bittersweet, Alchemy, Merlins Magic.

Gyms/Spas: Hesa Wellness Spa (the best affordable spa in my opinion for a full experience), Inka (facials and nail salon).

Canguu: Alot of people told me I wouldn’t enjoy Canguu because it was more of a party vibe and I don’t party too much. But I actually LOVED Canguu. It has the most gyms, food options, and I was able to pretty much walk everywhere. The traffic is definitely insane there though. My favorite area was called xx. Next time I go, I would want to stay there for a little as well.

Food: Miel (great working space), The Avocado Factory, Touche, Momma Cookies, Bulls Coffee, Yuki Bali, Kynd Cafe, Matcha Cafe Bali, Deli, Fucina,

Gyms/Spas: Revive Pilates Studio, Sunday Mood (sauna and cold plunge), Wondersculpt, The Pilates Project.

Airbnbs & Hotels:

Uluwatu: My Airbnb in Uluwatu was amazing and I couldn’t recommend it more. It was in a great location and close to everything. It was more on the expensive side, but a really good value if you are splitting with someone!

Ubud: I stayed at Vije Boutique Resort and Spa. It was a great stay, just a little further away from the center of Ubud. They have a shuttle that runs to the center of Ubud, although I never took it because the times never aligned with when I needed to go somewhere.

Canguu: I stayed at two places while in Canguu. My first was an Airbnb through Alex Villas. It was a great villa in a fantastic location, and had security. I stayed in N2. The next place I stayed made my entire trip. The Komu is one of my favorite hotels I have ever stayed in, simply because of the hospitality and friendly staff. The room and private mini pool was an added bonus! Amazing location as well. I can get competitive rates at this hotel, so reach out!

Helpful Tips:

I am able to assist with any hotels and get competitive rates as a certified travel agent! DM me and let’s get you a good deal on great hotels!

If you are looking to hire a driver - Ari is your guy! He is the best, speaks great English, and can even tour you around. He also has great friends in Bali who drive and give tours. So if he isn’t available, he will always recommend someone. Just DM him on Instagram!

Most places took credit cards, but if you are ever hiring a driver for your trip you will most likely need cash. I took out cash a week before leaving for Bali from my local bank. There are plenty of money exchanges in Bali, but make sure it looks legit and has good reviews before using one. Google Reviews are a thing and you should check the reviews on restaurants to see if anyone shares that they got food poisoning there.

Speaking of “Bali Belly” - there were a few main foods I entirely avoided: fruit that was already peeled (think strawberries, apples), just in case they were washed with anything but bottled water, and meat. Most restaurants I went to were pretty westernized and I never had an issue. I only drank bottled water and brushed my teeth with it as well. I did have ice cubes and had no issues but usually made sure they had “holes” in them since that means the ice was imported elsewhere.

Lastly, I personally did not want to drive a motorcycle around Bali, but by the end of my trip I was getting on the back of them because it was much easier and quicker. I wish I did it sooner in my trip to be honest. Download Gojek and Grab, put your credit card info in, and you’ll be good to go! Easiest way to get around is through those apps (basically our Uber/Lyft).