I'm casually browsing the internet, searching for cool places and killer landscape shots, and then I stumble upon this epic video. Imagine someone lounging in a pool while it's raining, surrounded by giant palms and trees. I'm sold.
Fast forward to a pow-wow with my friends about our next adventure. We're throwing around Spain, Portugal, Croatia—you know the drill. Lovely spots, but we're craving something more, something tropical. After some back-and-forth, we decide to do some research and come up with a list to pick the best one we all agree on. Fast forward to the next day, I'm with my friends, and I blurt out, "Hey, why not Bali?" Expecting them to shoot it down with the usual "it's too far" or "too expensive," but nope! They hit me with a solid "let's do it." And that's how our Bali escapade kicks off.
We dive into planning: dates, time off from work, plane tickets, and, of course, the all-important LIST OF PLACES AND BEST SPOTS. Personally, my favorite part is scouting locations based on our Airbnb. Oh, and a pro tip from me to you—plan your trips based on where you're staying, so you don't end up missing out on the places you really want to see.
Finally, the day arrives—October 12, 2019. I'm so pumped; it feels like I'm dreaming. Touchdown at Jakarta airport, and guess what? A friend of ours is waiting for us. Talk about luck! He hangs with us for half of the trip, and we're feeling blessed to have him.
First stop after the airport? A restaurant that feels straight out of a movie. The entrance is this actual path through beautiful Indonesian flowers, setting the vibe just right. And the food? Mind-blowing. We're all exhausted from the flight and time difference, just wanting to crash and kick off the adventure.
We roll up to our Airbnb, and we're all speechless. The design, the customer service, the vibes—it's all on point. The house is literally surrounded by rice terraces. Next morning, a local breakfast kicks off our exploration. Camera gear ready, we spend 5 nights in Ubud, hitting up temples, rice terraces, waterfalls, the Monkey Forest—you name it.
Eating out becomes a quest for the best. Quick tip: When in doubt, hit up Google for "places around me" and check out reviews, comments, and photos to pick the winner. Honestly, not a single bad eating spot in Bali. Each one better than the last, all made from eco-friendly materials like bamboo. Flowers everywhere, nature vibes on point.
Tegallalang Rice Terrace is a gem, and we luck out—it's not crazy busy. Stunning views of the rice fields, paths surrounded by palms and trees, and a few swings for a small fee. Don't even get me started on the coconut juices; they're everywhere in Bali.
GitGit Waterfall is a nature lover's paradise with a small entry fee. Good for rope-jumping and perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots. The Handara Gate is a famous temple, but be warned—it's one of the most crowded spots for Instagrammers. Long queues are part of the deal, but hey, everything for that perfect shot, right?
Next up, Monkey Forest, where monkeys are legit everywhere. It's a fun experience, just watch out for those little thieves!
On our way back to our Airbnb, a sudden coffee craving hits. Found this nearby place with excellent reviews called Bali Pulina, and let me tell you, best coffee ever. Stunning views, warm customer service, and a free sample of all their coffee flavors. Oh, and the fried banana? Totally different from anywhere else.
Our 4th day in Ubud, we decide to hike Mount Batur. Early wake-up call, intense drive to the hiking spot, and tons of people gearing up for the sunrise. The view from the top? Breathtaking. If you're a hike pro, maybe skip the guide; we hired one just to play it safe.
Last day in Ubud, we're chilling at our Airbnb—poolside relaxation, delicious food, and the best part? A full-body Balinese massage. Trust me, try it when you're in Bali—it's not expensive and so worth it.
Now, let's talk about the last leg of our adventure. We spend a few days on the island called Nusa Penida. We explore the most beautiful spots, like the Dinosaur head, with rented scooters. They say you can't see the whole island in a day, but guess what? We did. Hard and rushed, but totally worth it. Spectacular sunset, fantastic dinner—it's a wrap.
Then, we hop over to another island called Gili Trawangan by boat. Adventurous trip, especially with those boat drivers who think they're in a Fast and Furious movie. No cars on this island; we're cruising around on bikes. Three days in a fantastic villa, snorkeling, seeing turtles, snapping underwater statues, and a scooter.
On our way back to the villa, I get the surprise of my life. My partner pops the question. Yep, he went all out—flowers, down on one knee, the whole deal. The most beautiful moment ever. Then, we spend the last day exploring Canggu, getting a taste of the party side of the island.
So, Bali—a dream destination for pretty much everyone. It felt like home, with stunning landscapes, crazy drivers, and the absolute best food. These are just snippets of the incredible things you can find in Bali. Stay tuned for more adventures!