Bali is truly a place that has something for everyone. You’ll come across all sorts of travellers from drifter surfers, to sweet famillies, to happy honeymooners. Whether you have two weeks or two months, these are the must see spots for every traveller.
Seminyak: for the foodie or the shopper
This is where I started my trip. Its proximity to the airport makes it a convenient stop on the way to the adventure that awaits you with the rest of Bali. I would not however, recommend more than one to two nights stay in Seminyak. The crowds, shopping, and tourist scene can and will grow tiresome quickly. It is a nice and easy transition from a westernized country, as Seminyak is jam packed with high quality curated restaurants catered to tourists who love healthy food. Do make your escape in a timely manner, as the prices are not budget travellers and the culture is lacking.
Revolver coffees! My favourite is their coconut milk flat white.
Don’t miss: Revolver Coffee, Ku de Ta beach club, Sisterfields restaurant, and Potato Head beach club
Ubud: for the adventurous Yogi
Ubud is the heart of the island. It’s zen, cultural, and bustling all at once. Here you’ll find the famous Ubud market, the monkey forest, and a short drive or scoot away are the famous rice fields and waterfalls. Ubud has tons of retreats, ranging from detoxes, to silence retreats, to yoga teacher training. Because it’s practically in the middle of the jungle, it is the best place to come and just chill, while still being central to every amenity you could possibly need.
The jungle scenery at Tegenungan waterfall
Don’t miss: Tegenungan waterfall, Mt. Batur sunrise hike, Tegalalang rice terrace, The Monkey Forest Ubud, The yoga barn, Ubud market
Canngu: for the laid back hipster
If craft beer was allowed in Bali (it’s not because there’s a liquor monopoly by the big-name beer producers in Indonesia) this is where all the craft breweries would be. Catch my drift? Canggu has got the most adorable and hip restaurants, the coolest bars, and is crawling with tattoo shops and pro-surfers. Everyone I met in Bali had extended their time in Canggu by at least a few days, because it’s just the best place to be! I personally absolutely loved Canggu, which you can read about here. Also check out my guide to nightlife in Canggu here.
Chilled Sunday vibes @ Crate Cafe
Don’t miss: Old Man's happy hour, The Shady Shack, Pretty Poisin skate bar, Crate cafe for breakfast, Paradise tattoo studio, Tannah Lot temple
Uluwatu: for the chilled out surfers
Uluwatu is like no other place I’ve ever been. If you’re Canadian, you might understand me when I say it’s like Tofino on STERIODS. It is absolutely gorgeous; with massive cliffs overlooking the bluest water you’ve ever seen, occupied by some of the world’s top surfers. My time in Uluwatu was spent in a gorgeous Airbnb right on Bingin Beach. My roomates for 2 days were a great group of other single travellers I met in Canggu, along with about 10 local monkeys that would come and go as they pleased (a lot of homes in Bali are open air except for bedrooms- so we'd have to keep everything carefully tucked away!)
Hidden beach steps below Single Finn's beach club
Don’t miss: Single Finn’s beach club, The Mango Tree Café, Bingin Beach, Uluwatu Temple
BONUS ISLANDS if you have time
It is really common when travelling in Bali to spend some time on at least one of it’s neighbouring small islands.
Gilli: Trawagun and air
"Gilli T" is known for being the party island of Bali. It is famous amoung backpackers for having beautiful beaches and the best parties. If you're hoping to link up with loads of other young people while swapping travel stories over bevvies on the beach, Gilli T is a must on your trip. Gilli air is known for being the ultimate chilled out relaxation island, perfect for honeymooners or for recovering from a couple wild nights spent on Gilli T.
Getting here: There are two types of boats you can take to the islands: Fast or slow. Of course, the prices differ, however everyone I've spoken with has advised to go with the fast option to avoid losing an entire day in transit- especially if your time in Bali is limited! Most hotels, hostels and Airbnb's will be able to set you up with boat tickets and transport or will at least be able to refer you to the best place to get em'!
Nusa: Penida and Lembogan
Compared to the Gilli's the Nusa islands are known for being the smaller, more scenic of the islands. They are closer to the main island than the Gilli's, hugging the east coast of Bali. Nusa Penida is the largest and most famous of the two, boasting the most-instagram worthy lookouts in the world! It is also great for those who'd rather cycle than scoot, as it's very small and easy to navigate!
Getting here: There are loads of boat services that very in price (it's about $20 one way on the boat). For these islands, there are also loads of day-trip style tours, as the proximity allows for a full day of exporing with the option of returning to home-base in Bali at night.
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