Bali

Getting To Know Bali – A Beginner’s Guide

April 13, 2020 / 51 Comments

The small island of Bali has surprisingly many personalities depending on what you are searching for.

Although a small island, Bali has something for everyone, and a certain vibe and feel for each of the towns. Not all towns are created equal in Bali, so before planning your trip, think about what you want to do, what your focus is, and also what will make you miserable (ie, traffic or college kids, old people, or slow service).

Sister Side Note (ssn) – Bali really is for everyone! It can be so intimidating when all you see are Instagram Models & Influencers who have the perfect settings and edited images. This is not the vibe that you feel when you are there. It is accepting and welcoming and joyful. Don’t worry about getting the perfect shot – there is beauty everywhere and your memories and experiences are wayyyyy more important than your images!

Seminyak & Kuta

Seminyak, Bali
Seminyak, Bali
Seminyak, Bali
Seminyak, Bali

Seminyak and Kuta are great for tourists. It’s a little more hustle and bustle, it caters to tourists, and there are plenty of chain hotels and restaurants. Seminyak is also where some of the best nightcubs and beach bars are located, so if you are young and looking for a great party vibe, Seminyak is your place. It is fun and outgoing, but a little more crowded.

ssn – my recommendation would be to hit these clubs & lounges first – the longer you spend on the island, the more wrapped up in the essence, the less you will feel like clubbing (just my experience)

Sanur

Seminyak, Bali Sanur
Sunrise in Sanur
Seminyak, Bali Turtle Conservation Centre
Turtle Conservation Centre
Seminyak, Bali Sanur Harbor
Sanur Harbor

Sanur is a quiet little beach town on the south eastern side of Bali. This is quiet, and calm, and perfect for sunrise. It is a little more slow and easy going. This is where a lot of the retired Australian tourists tend to head. Also where I head for a few days of recovery after hosting a retreat and holding space for others in their healing and growing.

ssn – Sanur is where you catch the fast boats to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. Definitely worth a trip – whether a day or several. See our Nusa Penida post for inspiration!

Uluwatu

Seminyak, Bali Uluwatu
Uluwatu
Uluwatu, Bali Omnia
Omnia Bali
Uluwatu, Bali Cultural Park
GWK Cultural Park
Uluwatu, Bali
View from Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu, Bali Bingen Beach
Sunset from Bingen Beach

Uluwatu is surfer town. It has a lot of hostels and surf community hangouts. It is also on a cliff, so if you are up for the hike up and down to the beach, it’s a great place for a sunset view. There are some amazing restaurants and bars that sit up on the cliffside overlooking the ocean. If being right on the beach is not your priority, but having an amazing view is, Uluwatu is just amazing.

  • The most beautiful beaches
    • Bingin Beach
    • Dreamland Beach
    • Padang Padang Beach
    • Suluban Beach
    • Thomas Beach
    • And a little further up, Jimbaran Beach
  • Watch the surfers
  • Restaurants
  • Uluwatu Temple
    • Check out the Kecak dance at sunset
  • GWK (Garuda Wisnu Kencana) Cultural Park
  • So many hotels and rentals Cliffside in Uluwatu

ssn – Uluwatu was my favorite for views and relaxation. I can’t imagine going back without spending at least a couple of nights there.

Canggu

Canggu, Bali
Scooters in Canggu
Canggu, Bali
Canggu view

Canggu (pronounced Chang-goo) is laid back surfer beach town. Everything in Canggu just seems to flow easy. Young and vibrant beaches, surfing, your epitome of a beach town, a little bit of everything. Definitely a great place to just lay on a beach during the day, and drink under the stars to the sound of the ocean at night.

ssn – Canggu had the best vibe! Just surfy-low-key beach bar-happy.

Ubud

Ubud, Bali Tirta Empul Water Temple
Tirta Empul Water Temple
Ubud, Bali
Street sights
Ubud, Bali Rice Terrace
Swinging above the rice terrace
Ubud, Bali Sacred Monkey Forest
Sacred Monkey Forest

Ubud is considered the cultural and spiritual center of Bali. It is about an hour inland (hour and a half with traffic). You’ll find it to be Bali’s version of a big city, with plenty of scooters weaving in and out, lots of great restaurants and hotels. But in the middle of all this city kind of chaos is this amazing calm flow about everything. This cultural center has a truly a magical feeling. It is also very well located on the island for a centralized location for sight seeing of waterfalls, temples, and seeing Bali as more than just an island with a beach. If you are not in Bali for a beach, then Ubud is definitely my choice for where to be, a little bit of everything all wrapped up into a fabulous energy. My yoga retreats (we are booking for 2023 if you are interested!) are always held in Ubud. But I love staying in other areas of Bali before and after, to take in the full feel of the island.

  • Restaurants/Bars
  • Spas
  • Waterfalls
    • Tegenungan
    • Tukad Cepung
    • Kanto Lampo
    • Tibumana
  • Temples
    • Tirta Empul
    • Tirta Gangga
    • Saraswati Temple
  • The Campuhan Ridge Walk
  • Tegalalang Rice Terraces or Bali Swing
  • Sacred Monkey Forest

ssn – Ubud was amazing (Patti is so right!). Anything you want to do, from spa treatments to waterfalls to the Swing can be done from here.

Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot, Bali Balinese Kecak Dancers at Tanah Lot
Traditional Balinese Kecak dancers at Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot, Bali
Tanah Lot

This spot on the Southwest coast is a must for sunset viewing, rock formations, a temple and famous Kecak dance performances.

Munduk, Bedugul and the North

Northern Bali Stunning Waterfalls
Stunning Waterfalls
Northern Bali Pura Ulun Danu
Pura Ulun Danu
Northern Bali Gates of Heaven
Gates of Heaven

Although we have never stayed up north for any length of time, the towns of Munduk and Bedugul are the gateway to some of the most scenic but least visited spots.

  • Waterfalls
    • Nung Nung Waterfall
    • Banyumala Waterfall
    • Leke Leke Waterfall
    • Munduk Waterfall
    • Sekumpul Waterfall
  • Temples
    • Pura Ulun Danu Temple
    • Lempuyang Temple (Gate’s of Heaven)
    • Handara Gate
  • Hike Mt Batur or Agung – a very early morning start but this is the most convenient place to stay. Definitely worth it for the sunrise

ssn – I cannot wait to do some of these waterfall hikes on the next trip in 2022!

I love them all, but they all provide something a little different. So enjoy your trip and I hope you get to see all the amazing destinations that Bali has to offer!

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