With no surprise, Bali is on the travel list of many explorers. Home to mesmerizing Nature, rich traditions and lovely people, it’s an unforgettable destination. It’s easy to travel sustainably here and to find beautiful boutique hotels with amazing views spread throughout Bali.
Getting there
Our trip started in Denpasar (Bali), where we landed. 🛬
When to go
The best time to go to Bali is from May until September, there is low rainfall and lots of sunshine. ☀️
Religion
In Indonesia the majority of the population is Muslim, with the exception being Bali where most people are Hindu.
LOMBOK – GILI ASAHAN
We arranged a transfer from the airport to our hotel in Padangbai, a couple hours away, where we were going to spend the night before taking the ferry boat to Lombok the next day.
After reading numerous reviews advising about the rough sea conditions and the safety issues of some boats, we opted to go with a traditional big local ferry. We purchased our tickets to the ferry on a small cafe and boarded after a while. The ferry had good conditions in general and we had a smooth journey to Lombok (about 4 hours trip).
We arrived in Lembar (Lombok) and had our transport arranged with the hotel waiting for us. A couple more hours and we were at the “port” where a small spider boat picked us up and made the journey to Gili Asahan. We were very well received in a beautiful boutique hotel right on the beach.
Gili Asahan is a really small but lovely island, you can walk around it in about half an hour. In the morning the sea was really smooth and we took the chance to do Stand Up Paddle but in the afternoon it would get pretty windy. Both the hotels we stayed at had all the facilities and could provide lots of equipment for different water activities.
Where to eat
We always ate at the hotels we were staying in and in truth there aren’t really other places where you can eat. 🙂
Where to Stay – Eco and Boutique Hotels
For our first night we stayed in a charming boutique hotel in a cozy bungalow. It was a lovely place with all the amenities we needed, including a peaceful yoga shala. 🧘🏽♀️
For our second night we went to the hotel next doors. This was a sustainable hotel, focused on natural materials to build the bungalows and in giving back to the community. The bathroom was open-air, located at the back of the bungalow, which added a unique touch. There was also a yoga deck here but when we went there it was a bit crowded. Still, it offered a beautiful view. We also noticed evacuation routes posted everywhere, a reminder that earthquakes are pretty common in this area.
It would have been nice to have stayed one more night in the island. I really didn’t want to leave when we had to, as I felt we still hadn’t fully enjoyed the place.
NUSA PENIDA
In the end of the next morning we took the boat to Nusa Penida. The spider boat took us from the hotel to another place, where we would catch the speed boat to Nusa Penida. Going in a ferry was not an option for this route, and the ride wasn’t so bad, but we did go with the expensive speed boat that had the best reviews.
Kelingking Beach
Upon arrival in Nusa Penida we waited for our ride to our next hotel. Afterwards and since we still had some time, we arranged with our driver to take us to Kelingking beach, famous for its similarity to a dinosaur. The place was crowded, but in my opinion, still totally worth it! We were rewarded with a stunning sunset! We shouldn’t forget that this is a dangerous place to be leaning in and even the way down to the beach didn’t look safe at all. The sea here is really rough and it’s extremely dangerous to swim in! ⚠️
Unfortunately an elevator to the beach is being built on this location, which will have a really bad impact on such a beautiful natural setting.
We stopped for dinner on our way back to the hotel.
Manta Bay
On the next day we had planned to go snorkeling to see manta rays. We arranged the trip with a lovely couple recommended by a friend. Although we were a bit late (traffic can be an issue here), they were incredibly kind and had a private spider boat ready just for the two of us.
There are two popular spots known for manta ray sightings, Manta Bay and Manta Point. Manta Point is more suited for diving whereas in Manta Bay you can just snorkel. I had imagined a calm, serene spot based on the name, but the reality was far from it. The sea was really agitated, with big waves and we were in a tiny boat with lots of water coming in. Until eventually my friend got sea sick and we had to go back. I didn’t even jump into the water due to the hard sea conditions. Just be prepared for an agitated sea if you’re doing this trip. 🌊
Diamond Beach
Afterwards we went, again with a driver, to see Diamond Beach. We didn’t have much time since we had our boat to Bali in the afternoon. This is a beautiful place, with diamond shaped rocks, but it was really crowded! There was also a construction site right behind it which impacts a little the natural atmosphere of this beach.
Where to Stay – Eco and Boutique HotelsWe’ve stayed in a beautiful boutique hotel in Nusa Penida. It was a little far from everything else, but it paid off! It had some bungalows with big rooms and bathrooms. The entire front of the bungalow was a big window that opened to a big balcony with a view to the sea. There were monkeys in the trees right in front! 🐒 We had pancakes for breakfast, they were delicious and delivered to our room. 🤤 There was also a beautiful swimming pool surrounded by palm trees. 🌴
BALI
In the end of the day we arrived in Bali!
Sideman
Our first stop was Sideman. This area is known for being less touristic and more authentic. We planned a route for the next day and arranged a driver with the hotel. The next day, after breakfast it was time to leave!
Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Tukad Cepung Waterfall was our first stop of the day, and what a stunning sight! This spot gets really crowded and so we wanted to get their first thing in the morning. After a little walk you get to a beautiful waterfall set amidst big rocks. Going back the path continues to the other side where you can see more waterfalls.
Gembleng WaterfalL
Next up: Gembleng Waterfall. It’s a beautiful place and has an amazing view, but it was a bit crowded so we didn’t stay too long – we stopped a bit for something to eat and continued our tour.
Penglipuran Village
Afterwards, we went to Penglipuran Village. A lovely traditional village with more than 700 years. It has a main street leading to the local temple, making it look pretty and organized. Here you can see traditional Balinese houses, with wooden gates intricately carved with decorative motifs and walls surrounding the houses and keeping them hidden. It is said around 900 people live here and marriage within the village is actually considered essential.
Behind the village and the temple, there is a bamboo forest that is considered a sacred place. However when we got there, there was some kind of construction going on and roads crossing the forest. 😕
Once more, the number of tourists can have an impact on the experience one may have coming to this village, but that’s something we have to accept.
Mancingan Rice Terrace
Mancingan Rice Terrace is a good alternative to the more famous ones. There was hardly any other tourists in here. We could take a walk through the path in the middle of the rice fields and enjoy the sunset. There were dogs wandering around and farmers working. They were very nice and one of them even played an instrument for us. This was a much more authentic experience. 😊
Where to Stay – Eco and Boutique Hotels
We’ve stayed in a beautiful eco hotel in the middle of the rice fields. Being eco it didn’t have air conditioner in the rooms, for which we’ve worried, since there was a Dengue fever outbreak in Bali. To our surprise we weren’t bitten at all (of course we always used bug repellent – 50% DEET and also had a electric one for the room). 😊
JATILUWih
On the next day we set up to discover some more waterfalls.
Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall
You can find a set of wonderful waterfalls in here! And there weren’t too many people either. Reserve some time for this since there is a bit of a walk from one waterfall to another. You can find 4 different waterfalls in here, each more beautiful then the other. 😍
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
Honestly, this place was a bit disappointing, it felt more like an amusement park.
Where to Stay – Eco and Boutique Hotels
We’ve stayed in a lovely hotel up in the mountains. It had an amazing view, beautiful swimming pool, big bedroom with an open doors bathroom. We also had a complimentary massage and a little friend in our room – a Gecko. They are harmless and make a funny noise during the night. 🦎
Munduk
PURA TIRTA EMPUL
Bali water purification ceremonies occur in temples (Pura in Balinese). There are some rules: for girls if you’re in your period you won’t be able to join, since access to worship places is forbidden during this time. You will also need to wear traditional clothing for this purpose.
We arrived at the temple early in the morning and there were already some people on the line. We opted to go with a guide since without him, the experience would lose much of its meaning in my opinion. He carefully explained all the process, and the meaning of each step we were taking.
Pura Tirta Empul is an ancient temple with holy spring water. Legend says there was a battle between king Mayadenawa and a God, Bhatara Indra. The king forbade people from praying to the Gods and when attacked by Indra he fled to a village and poisoned the water Indra soldiers would drink from. After drinking it, the soldiers died. Then Indra created this sacred healing spring of holy water and revived his soldiers with it. Eventually Indra killed the evil king.
Where to Stay – Eco and Boutique Hotels
We’ve stayed in the nicest boutique hotel with the loveliest family. I cannot recommend this place enough. They were super friendly the whole time, helped with everything we needed and really made us have the most enjoyable stay. The place is small but really beautiful it has a nice swimming pool and a few bedrooms so it doesn’t get crowded.
Ubud
Ubud is a lively city, surrounded by amazing Nature and pretty developed, it’s a place you should visit when traveling to Bali. However, expect tourism, and foreign people living here, but not so many locals.
YOGA BARN
If you’re yoga lover, you really can’t miss this place! It has many different rooms with different classes happening at different times. It has a lovely cafe with lots of space and great atmosphere. There are also lots of events going on, and on top of everything dogs are welcome! ☺️
LEKE LEKE WATERFALL
Leke Leke might not be a secret anymore, but standing in front of it still feels like you’ve found something special. Even though it was our first stop of the day, there were many people in there, we had to wait quiet a bit for it to be more empty and take some photos.
JATILUWIH RICE TERRACE
Somehow, Jatiluwih has kept its calm – endless green, barely any crowds, and a view that makes you feel you’re in another world. We didn’t stay here that long, it looked like it was going to rain, and we didn’t want to go too late back to the hotel and then to Ubud, other than that our driver was waiting for us. This is such a beautiful place, with lots of options for trails, I wish we had more time there and could also have stopped in a cafe 😌
Where to eat
An amazing restaurant with vegetarian food – Zest Ubud. Great environment and delicious food, highly recommend this place!
A nice cafe with a great vibe – Lazy Cats Cafe.
Nusa by Suka is a modern place with really nice food,
Where to Stay – Eco and Boutique Hotels
We’ve stayed in a beautiful hotel, a little bit further from the center, but still walking distance. It was really close to a great restaurant – Zest Ubud. The hotel was really big, with lots of different areas, and it actually had its own temple and holy water.
One of the days, as we were leaving our bedroom after breakfast, there was an earthquake! We quickly went out of the room, down the stairs until we got to the open area. The girl on the reception was also a bit scared, but calmly advised us that no more tremors were expected. Just a note that it is always a good idea to check the escape routes where earthquakes are of high probability, such as in Bali, that is located in the ring of fire.
BALI & LOMBOK ITINERARY
Day 1 – Travel to Bali (Denpasar) by aeroplane
Day 2 – Arrive in Denpasar and go to Padang Bai.
Day 3 – Take the ferry to Lombok and then a driver to get to the spider boat that will take you to Gili Asahan. Sleep in Gili Asahan.
Day 4 – Enjoy the day in Gili Asahan, stand up paddle, snorkeling, take a walk, go swimming.
Day 5 – Travel to Nusa Penida by speed boat. Go to Kelingking Beach. Sleep in Nusa Penida.
Day 6 – Go snorkeling or diving to see manta rays. Go to Diamond Beach. Take the speed boat to Bali (Siedeman). Get a transfer to your hotel. Sleep in Siedeman. Arrange a driver to explore Bali on the next day (usually you need to pre define a route for them to set up a price).
Day 7 – Get up early and go to Tukad Cepung Waterfall. Then Gembleng Waterfall. Afterwards Penglipuran Village and lastly Mancingan Rice Terrace. Finish the day in Jatiluwih and stay for the night.
Day 8 – Take a bit of the morning to relax and do a massage. Go with your arranged driver to Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall. Then go to Pura Ulun Danu Bratan (I would probably skip this place). End the day in your accomodation in Munduk and stay the night.
Day 9 – Take the opportunity to participate in a holy water ceremony. Go to Pura Tirtal Empul and get help from a guide (they will also land traditional clothing). Afterwards take the chance to do Yoga at the Yoga Barn. End the day in your accomodation in Ubud.
Day 10 – Go to Leke Leke waterfall and then to Jatiluwih Rice Terrace.
Day 11 – time to leave and go home taking with you some of Bali’s spirit 😌