Feel the culture and beautiful temple in Bali,Indonesia.

Bali, Indonesia, is one of those places that feels like it was made for travelers. It’s paradise for surfers, foodies, adventurers, and anyone simply looking for a beautiful place to slow down. It’s easy to see why it’s on so many bucket lists—the island is fun, affordable, and full of unforgettable experiences.

Beaches and Surf

Let’s start with the obvious: the beaches. Bali is famous for them, and for good reason. Whether you’re chasing waves at Uluwatu or just laying out on the sand in Seminyak, there’s a stretch of coastline here for everyone. The turquoise waters and soft sand are perfect for lazy afternoons, beach picnics, or just watching the sun melt into the horizon.

Food That Steals the Show

If you love food, Bali will spoil you. Think spicy, fresh, and packed with flavor. We couldn’t get enough of the seafood—grilled fish, prawns, and everything in between. But it’s the traditional Balinese dishes that really make the trip memorable. From a plate of nasi goreng to the famous babi guling, every meal feels like a little adventure on its own.

Relax and Recharge

Beyond the surf and food, Bali is also the perfect place to hit pause. The island is dotted with yoga studios, meditation spaces, and spas that make “unwinding” feel effortless. Imagine sinking into a massage while surrounded by tropical greenery, or joining a sunrise yoga class as the island wakes up. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you long after you’ve left.

Adventure in the Highlands

For those craving a bit of adventure, Bali’s mountains are calling. Hiking Mount Batur at sunrise is a must-do—the views are unreal, and the climb, though challenging, feels worth every step once you’re standing above the clouds. If you’re up for something bigger, Mount Agung offers an even tougher trek and a real sense of accomplishment.

Where to Stay

Bali’s accommodation scene is as diverse as its landscape. You can go all out with a luxury resort overlooking the ocean, complete with infinity pools and five-star service. Or you can keep it simple with a cozy villa or guesthouse tucked away in the rice fields. Either way, Bali has a way of making you feel at home, even when you’re miles away from it.

In the end, Bali really does have a little bit of everything—surf, sand, food, culture, and a sense of calm that’s hard to find anywhere else. Whether you’re here to chase adventures or just to soak in the island vibes, you’ll leave with memories you’ll keep forever.

3 Days in Bali

Day 1 – Arrival & Unwinding in Ubud

Our Bali adventure kicked off with a quick flight from Kuala Lumpur to Denpasar on AirAsia. First thing we did after landing? Grabbed a tourist SIM card—it made getting around so much easier. From the airport, we headed straight to Ubud. The drive took about three hours (thanks to Bali’s notorious traffic), but the lush rice fields and scenic villages we passed made the ride feel like part of the adventure.

By the time we arrived, all we wanted was rest. We checked into the cozy Oman Guesthouse, ordered some delicious food, and treated ourselves to an in-room massage. After a long day of travel, it was exactly what we needed to recharge.

Day 2 – Culture, Crafts & the Barong Dance

The next morning, our driver from Bali Sunrise Tour picked us up bright and early for a full day of exploring. Our first stop was Batubulan, where we watched the famous Barong dance. For an hour and a half, we sat mesmerized as performers in elaborate costumes acted out the battle between good and evil through music, movement, and tradition. It was the perfect introduction to Balinese culture.

Afterwards, we visited a nearby stone carving village. Watching the artisans at work was incredible—they take solid blocks of stone and turn them into intricate statues with so much detail. We couldn’t resist picking up a few smaller carvings as souvenirs; each piece felt like a little piece of Bali to bring home.

A Taste of Kopi Luwak

One of the most unique stops on our Bali trip was a coffee farm—and not just any coffee farm. This is where the world’s most expensive coffee, Kopi Luwak, is made. The process is pretty wild: civet cats eat ripe coffee cherries, digest them, and (you guessed it) pass the beans. Farmers then collect, clean, roast, and grind them into what has become one of Bali’s most sought-after brews.

Out of sheer curiosity, we had to try it. The farm offered a complimentary coffee and tea tasting with a dozen different flavors, from rich chocolate blends to soothing herbal teas. Of course, the highlight was the Kopi Luwak itself. At just 50,000 IDR a cup, it felt like a steal for such a rare experience.

We loved it so much that we splurged on a big pack of Kopi Luwak (and some Balinese coffee) for 2,000,000 IDR at the shop. Pricey? Definitely. Worth it? Absolutely—it felt like bringing home a little piece of Bali in a bag.

Sidan & Penglipuran Village

On our way between Gianyar and Bangli, we made a quick stop at Sidan Village, a place known for its sweeping rice terrace views. From Bukit Jangkrik Village, we could see the emerald-green paddies stretching out into the horizon—a classic Balinese scene that felt almost like a painting. Sadly, our time was short, so we couldn’t fully explore the area, but even that glimpse was enough to leave an impression.

From there, we headed to Penglipuran Village, and this ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. Tucked near Bangli City, this ancient village has managed to preserve its traditions and way of life in a world that’s constantly modernizing. Our guide explained how much the community depends on tourism, with families selling handmade goods right in front of their homes or running small restaurants. We grabbed lunch at one of these local spots, and the food was simple, hearty, and delicious.

Walking through Penglipuran felt like stepping back in time. The narrow, stone-paved streets were lined with neat rows of bamboo houses, their thatched roofs blending seamlessly into the lush greenery around them. Everything was so clean, so orderly, yet so alive. It was clear how much pride the villagers take in keeping their traditions intact.

What made the visit even more special were the people themselves. Everyone we passed greeted us with warm smiles, making us feel welcome instantly. Despite being a popular tourist stop, the atmosphere remained authentic and genuine—it never felt staged. By the time we left, we didn’t just feel like visitors; we felt like we had been welcomed, even briefly, into their way of life.

Besakih – The Mother Temple of Bali

No trip to Bali is complete without visiting Besakih, often called the Mother Temple. It’s the largest and most sacred Hindu temple on the island, with a history that stretches back over 200 years. Built by Javanese settlers, the temple has been a spiritual heart for generations of Balinese Hindus.

Visiting Besakih is a humbling experience. Pilgrims and visitors alike come here, especially during the temple’s annual festivals. Once every century, there’s a particularly grand celebration—a rare event that draws devotees from far and wide.

When we visited, we made sure to go with a knowledgeable guide, which made all the difference. Wearing a sarong (as a sign of respect), we had the unique opportunity to join in a prayer ceremony led by the temple priest and even make small offerings. We also contributed a donation toward the temple’s upkeep, which felt meaningful.

It’s important to approach a visit to Besakih with respect and awareness—thank your guide, but no need to over-tip—and you’ll leave with a sense of awe for both the temple and the deep spiritual traditions that thrive there.

Tirta Gangga – The Water Garden Palace

After our visit to Besakih, we headed east to Tirta Gangga, also known as the Water Garden Palace. Nestled on Bali’s picturesque east coast, it’s one of those hidden gems that feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The drive took about two hours, but with our private driver and tour guide, it was smooth and relaxing.

When we arrived, we paid a small entrance fee (around 100,000 IDR) and stepped into a world of serenity. The gardens are a mesmerizing maze of pools, fountains, and statues, all surrounded by lush greenery. Colorful Koi fish glided through the crystal-clear water, and we couldn’t resist snapping plenty of photos.

One of the most fun parts of our visit was crossing the stepping stones scattered across the pools. We laughed and carefully balanced our way past the stone statues with open mouths—trying not to fall in while feeding the fish. It was playful, beautiful, and a moment we’ll definitely remember.

Overnight in Amed – A Laid-Back Paradise

Our next stop was Amed, a peaceful corner of Bali that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle. This little paradise is perfect for honeymooners, diving enthusiasts, or anyone craving a slower pace. While public transportation is limited, the area has grown rapidly with accommodations to suit every traveler—from cozy bungalow villas starting around 150,000 IDR to luxury retreats over 1,000,000 IDR.

We were lucky to stay near the famous USS Liberty shipwreck, one of the area’s top diving spots. Getting around Amed can be tricky, but renting a motorcycle (80,000 IDR) or a bicycle (30,000 IDR) makes exploring easy. For ultimate convenience, we chose a private driver who whisked us wherever we wanted to go, letting us enjoy the sights without any stress.

One of our favorite parts of Amed was its traditional charm. Western food options are limited, but that’s all the more reason to dive into local cuisine. We tried the renowned Warung Babi Guling, Bali’s take on “Lechon Cebu.” The crispy, tender pork, seasoned with a generous blend of spices, was absolutely irresistible—a true explosion of flavor.

Amed captured our hearts with its relaxed vibe, stunning dive spots, and incredible food. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, letting you savor each moment and create memories that stay with you long after you leave.

Novotel – A Calm Farewell

As our Bali adventure came to an end, we decided to stay at Novotel, a convenient hotel near the airport for our last night. After days filled with sightseeing, hiking, diving, and exploring, I was feeling a bit queasy—probably a mix of pregnancy and pure travel exhaustion. Even so, our short time on the island had been packed with unforgettable moments and endless fun.

Leaving Bali was bittersweet. We felt a mix of gratitude for the experiences we’d had and excitement for the adventures still waiting for us. We’re already dreaming of our next trip, this time with our little bundle of joy, Maureen, along for the ride. There’s still so much of Bali left to explore—the southern and western coasts beckon, and we can’t wait to dive into even more of what this magical island has to offer.

Bali has truly left a mark on our hearts, and we look forward to making even more memories here as our family grows. Until next time, Bali.