Bali had always been on my travel bucket list, and after spending 10 days exploring the vibrant energy of Seminyak, the serene beauty of Ubud, and the rugged cliffs of Uluwatu (my personal favourite!), it’s safe to say that this island exceeded all my expectations. Every corner of Bali offered something unique – from sipping cocktails by the pool to watching sunsets that make you feel like you’re in a dream. And I could share everything in real-time using my AussieRoam eSIM for Indonesia. Here’s a little recap of my Bali adventure!
Day 1-3: Seminyak – The Start of Something Good
I started my trip in Seminyak, a lively hub for shopping, nightlife, and beachside fun. Seminyak’s energy is infectious—think trendy cafes, beach clubs, and a mix of locals and tourists soaking up the sun.
Dining in Seminyak: Seminyak is famous for its food and did not disappoint! I started my mornings by enjoying the fabulous breakfast buffet at the Grand Mercure Hotel. The selection of fresh fruits, pastries, and freshly made crepes and waffles was so good! Dinner was special every night, but Zanzibar became a quick favourite, offering Italian cuisine with a front-row seat to the ocean. If you’re into local flavours, don’t miss Kuali, where you’ll taste traditional Indonesian dishes with a modern twist.
Day Drinking by the Pool: One of my most relaxing days was at Potato Head Beach Club. I spent hours lounging by the infinity pool, sipping Lychee martinis, and taking in the sea breeze. This is the ultimate spot to unwind during the day and slide right into the evening as the party vibe kicks in.
Sunsets at Seminyak Beach: Bali’s sunsets are world-famous, and I can see why. The beach comes alive in the evenings, with a colourful sky and waves crashing against the shore. I found a perfect spot at Ku De Ta with a drink in hand, watching the sun dip below the horizon, casting golden hues across the ocean. Magical.
Day 4-6: Ubud – The Heart of Bali’s Culture and Nature
After the beachside vibes of Seminyak, it was time to slow down and connect with Bali’s spiritual and natural beauty in Ubud. Nestled in lush green hills, Ubud offered the perfect balance between adventure and tranquillity.
Campuhan Ridge Walk: One of my favourite moments in Ubud was walking the Campuhan Ridge Walk at sunrise. The path winds through stunning rice fields and rolling hills, with views that seem to go on forever. It was a peaceful escape from the busier parts of Bali, and I loved feeling immersed in nature as the morning mist slowly lifted.
Sayan Rice Fields: For more of Ubud’s iconic green terraces, I visited the Sayan Rice Fields, which offer a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path experience compared to Tegallalang. The vastness of the fields and the surrounding jungle felt like a hidden treasure. I found a great little spot nearby for a fresh coconut drink while soaking up the peaceful surroundings.
Monkey Forest: Of course, no trip to Ubud is complete without visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. This place is both a nature reserve and a temple complex, but the cheeky monkeys that roam freely are the main attraction. Watching them swing from trees, chase each other, and curiously interact with tourists was as fun as it was heart-pounding (especially when they get a little too close!). Just remember to keep a tight grip on your belongings!
Dining in Ubud: Ubud offers plenty of fresh, organic options, and one of the best meals I had was at Donna, a cozy restaurant where you can enjoy fresh and tasty comfort food, worldwide tapas, classic and signature cocktails, and a wide selection of wines. Every dish was a work of art! For something more laid-back, I loved Nusa by/ Suka Ubud for its relaxed vibe and healthy eats.
Sunset & Jungle Views: While Ubud isn’t known for beachside sunsets, the jungle views from cafes like Arcadia made up for it. Watching the day end surrounded by thick, green forest, with a cold drink and good company, was an experience in itself.
Day 7-10: Uluwatu – Cliffside Beauty, Beaches, and Sunsets
Lastly, I made my way to Uluwatu, which quickly became my favourite spot in Bali. Uluwatu is known for its breathtaking cliffs, stunning beaches, and laid-back vibes, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
El Kabron for Day Drinking: If you’re a fan of a good day drinking session with jaw-dropping views, El Kabron is the place to be. Perched high on the cliffs, this Spanish-style beach club has an infinity pool that looks out over the ocean. I spent hours sipping on sangria and munching on tapas, soaking up the views and the sun. The vibe here is super chilled during the day, with just the right touch of luxury.
Padang Padang and Uluwatu Beaches: When it comes to beaches, Uluwatu has some of the most beautiful hidden gems in Bali. I spent lazy afternoons at Padang Padang Beach, a small stretch of sand tucked between cliffs, perfect for relaxing and watching surfers catch waves.
Uluwatu Beach, with its stunning views and dramatic cliffs, is another spot I loved. Both beaches are great for unwinding, and while Padang Padang can get busy, the scenery makes it worth it.
Scooter Adventures: I hired a scooter to get around Uluwatu; let me tell you, it made life so much easier! It’s the best way to explore the area at your own pace, but I would definitely recommend it only for experienced drivers. The roads in Bali can be a bit chaotic, especially with steep hills and narrow paths around Uluwatu, so if you’re not confident on a scooter, it’s probably best to stick to GoJek or Grab.
Dining in Uluwatu: Uluwatu’s food scene was a pleasant surprise! I had some amazing meals at La Barracca, an Italian spot with rustic vibes and delicious pizza and pasta (the tiramisu was a standout, too). Bartolo offered a more modern dining experience with incredible Mediterranean flavours, while Lola’s Cantina Mexicana became my go-to for tacos and margaritas. Each of these places had a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for winding down after a day at the beach.
Sunsets in Uluwatu: Uluwatu is famous for its epic sunsets, and they lived up to the hype! I watched the sun dip into the ocean from Ulu Cliffhouse, where the sky exploded into shades of pink, orange, and purple. It was one of those pinch-yourself moments. I also spent an evening at Single Fin, a bar perched on the cliffside, with live music and a great crowd to share the magic of the sunset.
Final Thoughts: Bali’s Magic
Bali captured my heart in every way. From the vibrant energy of Seminyak to the cultural richness and natural beauty of Ubud to the breathtaking cliffs, beaches, and unforgettable sunsets of Uluwatu, each part of this island has its own charm. Uluwatu, with its rugged beauty and laid-back vibes, stole the show for me, but I loved the balance Bali provided—a mix of adventure, relaxation, and delicious dining experiences.
If you’re planning a trip to Bali, don’t hesitate – this island will amaze you. Be sure to get your AussieRoam eSIM sorted before your trip. Having full data access during the trip made my life so much easier. It helped me find places to eat and visit, order a GoJek, and use Google Maps to discover amazing hidden spots. Plus, I could post pictures on Instagram, get tips about places to go on TikTok and stay in touch with my family and friends via WhatsApp in real-time.
