Bali Insider Tips

A country that once seemed out of reach, now within grasp thanks to recent changes. Competitive flight deals, stylish yet affordable accommodation, and a surge of courage have finally made it possible. This 5-day, 4-night trip, with all expenses included, comes in at a budget-friendly 15,000 baht.

Things to Know Before Visiting Bali

1. Direct flights from Thailand to Bali are available with various airlines, eliminating the need for transfers and taking approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

2. Bali time is one hour ahead of our time.

3. SIM cards can be purchased at the airport, but the prices are quite high. It is recommended to purchase a SIM2Fly SIM card from AIS, which is more cost-effective.

One-time payment for multiple countries, top-up as needed.

4. In Bali, you can wear as little clothing as you like without breaking any laws. However, when entering temples, it is customary to wear a sarong in accordance with local traditions.

5. Bali has Grab Taxi, which is readily available and very convenient.

6. While renting a motorbike is fine for exploring the city or Ubud, it is not recommended for Nusa Penida Island.

The road was rough and full of potholes. We saw cars overturned every 5 kilometers.

7. Numerous affordable and high-quality pool villas are available. Consider searching on Airbnb.

8. Seminyak is a highly desirable area to live in, with an abundance of cafes, cleanliness, and convenient transportation.

9. The weather is very hot during the day, so be prepared.

10. The local currency is the "Rupiah" (IDR). It is recommended to call ahead before exchanging money, as some places may not have reserves available.

Before our trip, we booked our accommodation through Agoda and rented a car with a driver, which we got the contact information for from a friend. We sent our itinerary to the driver, who then calculated the daily cost for us. On average, it came out to 1,150 baht per day, which divided among the five of us was only 230 baht per person - incredibly cheap! The driver's English was excellent, making communication easy, and she was a great guide. We were lucky to have her. Our five-day itinerary is below, focusing on visiting landmarks and relaxing. Let's get started with the first stop.

Handara Golf & Resort Bali: A Legendary Gate

This iconic gate is a must-visit, especially in the morning when the mist behind it creates a stunning backdrop. While Bali boasts numerous such gates, this one stands out for its beauty. It serves as the entrance to the resort and charges a small photography fee of approximately 70 Thai Baht per person.

Angel Billabong: Nusa Penida

We crossed the sea to reach this spot, eager to witness the vibrant, colorful waters. Our first stop was a lagoon-like pool where swimming is permitted when the tide is low and the waves are calm. However, on our visit, we were prohibited from entering due to strong currents. Disappointed, we opted to relax by the poolside, capturing photos instead.

This is the path we took. It may seem challenging, but it's actually quite relaxing, except for the weather. Upon arrival, we were greeted by crystal-clear blue water. We were determined to conquer the challenge.

Broken Beach:

A short walk from the previous spot reveals a circular tunnel-like formation where the ocean water flows through. The water here boasts a stunningly vibrant color, leaving a lasting impression.

Kelingking Secret Point:

This is arguably the highlight of the island.

The journey to the point is arduous, with a bumpy and pothole-ridden road. Renting a motorbike for this trip is only recommended for experienced riders, as accidents are frequent. During our visit, we witnessed numerous foreigners falling, making the on-site hospital more popular than the local restaurants.

We have arrived! The real dinosaur is a million times more beautiful than in the pictures. It's so magnificent that we couldn't put our cameras down after getting out of the car.

Bali Swing:

Entrance fee: Approximately 1,200 Baht per person.

Includes: Access to all swings and photo opportunities, as well as food at the restaurant below.

Cost: While the price may seem high, the experience is considered a must-do for many visitors.

Photo Tip: Capture the perfect shot by sitting on the swing and letting your skirt flow in the wind. Expect to take 20 photos to get 3 good ones!

We were able to walk around and explore everything. The staff here are friendly and welcoming. The views are beautiful from every angle. There were actually many things to photograph, but since we arrived in the afternoon, we couldn't capture everything. This is because everything required queuing, and we ran out of time, which was a shame.

Bali Cabin

A cozy cafe with a pleasant atmosphere and live music. The food prices are reasonable, and they even offer a floating breakfast set that you can order in advance. It's the round one in the picture.

Nyang-Nyang Beach:

The descent to Nyang-Nyang Beach, undertaken at 4 pm, involved a strenuous hike of over a kilometer. Despite the challenging climb, the reward was a breathtaking view. The beach, with its golden light reflecting off the water, was truly magnificent.

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Melasti Beach:

A captivating image of a narrow road winding through an unusual mountain range, set against a backdrop of clear, bright skies. This spot is popular for pre-wedding photoshoots, suggesting it might be a trendy location. The caption mentions confirming this information with officials after showing them the picture.

The beach here is covered in lush green algae, making for some fantastic photos. The water is incredibly clear, and the best part? There's hardly anyone around. It feels like I have the whole beach to myself!

Lazy Cats Café:

This relaxed café, popular with tourists, is located in the Ubud district near the Ubud Market. You can park your car and enjoy a leisurely stroll to the café.

Pura Ulun Danau Bratan Temple

This temple boasts a refreshingly cool atmosphere, with low-lying mist creating a picturesque backdrop. While not originally on the itinerary, the driver suggested a visit, praising its beauty. The decision to stop proved to be an excellent one.

Keramas Beach:
Black sand beach, truly black without any photo editing apps.
We were lucky to arrive at 5 pm, the weather was pleasant, and the light was beautiful.
Park your car and take pictures right away, no need to walk and get tired.
The orange light of the setting sun is stunning.

Café Organic Bali:
Slightly disappointed as the photos do not match the reality.
The cafe has been renovated, and the beautiful corners seen on Instagram are gone. Ordered a drink to console myself.

Cosmic Diner:

A charming cafe I stumbled upon while enjoying a barbecue. The atmosphere is delightful, with the cafe playing old-school tunes from their country. While I couldn't understand the lyrics, the rhythm was enough to set the mood.

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Pura Lempuyang Temple:

The biggest disappointment of this trip was this place.

It was incredibly far, with a long and winding journey through the mountains.

When we finally arrived, it looked nothing like the pictures. I felt like hiding and crying.

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Ubud Market: A Treasure Trove of Local Crafts

Before heading back, we stopped by the Ubud Market to pick up some souvenirs. It's a treasure trove of local crafts, with beautiful woven bags, baskets, and fans. However, be prepared for the prices to be quite high. Our advice is to start by offering half the asking price. If the vendor doesn't accept, simply walk away. Chances are, you'll hear them calling after you with a much lower price.

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Cara Cara:

Our first night in Kuta was spent at a charming and affordable guesthouse. The room for two cost only 600 baht per night, and it was clean and comfortable. The guesthouse also has a bar and a swimming pool on the rooftop.

La Roja Bungalows:
A charming accommodation option on Nusa Penida Island.
Featuring beautiful rooms and a stunning pool, with prices starting from around 1,300 baht per night, including breakfast.

Cross the street opposite the accommodation to the beach.
There are boats parked as props for us to take cool pictures.

UBUD Tropical:

Affordable accommodation in Ubud:

This two-story room with a swimming pool offers comfortable accommodations in Ubud for a price of just over 1300 baht.

Unfortunately, I had limited time to spend at the accommodation.

Kosta Hostel: A Disappointing End to a Good Stay

The Kosta Hostel initially seemed like a good choice for our accommodation. However, our final night there turned out to be a frustrating experience.

We had booked the hostel through Agoda with a "pay-on-arrival" option. Upon arrival, we were informed that the hostel was fully booked, despite our reservation. Only one room was available, which was insufficient for our group.

After a lengthy discussion with the staff, we agreed to squeeze into the remaining room. We had no other choice, as we had already sent our rental car back.

This situation raises several concerns. Firstly, the hostel's overbooking policy caused inconvenience and stress for our group. Secondly, the lack of communication regarding the booking status was unprofessional.

While the initial part of our stay at Kosta Hostel was satisfactory, the final night's experience left us disappointed. The overbooking issue and lack of communication cast a shadow on what could have been a positive experience.

The situation is not ideal. Upon entering the room, there were bras and underwear hanging to dry, which was not acceptable. The staff was informed, but they did not seem concerned. We chose this accommodation based on positive reviews and high ratings, but we were disappointed. We do not recommend it.

While I enjoyed my trip to Bali, I feel like I haven't fully experienced everything it has to offer. There are so many attractions and islands to explore that I'll definitely need to return for another adventure. I'm already planning my next trip and can't wait to discover more of Bali's hidden gems.

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