History & Overview
Discover the beauty of Bali, an Indonesian island steeped in rich history, vibrant culture, and spiritual tradition. From ancient Hindu Kingdoms to Dutch colonial influence and its rapid tourism development after independence in 1945. Bali shows its rich history through intricate temples, traditional arts, and flavourful cuisine.
There are many reasons to visit Bali – Balinese culture is renowned for its traditional arts and crafts, and traditional dances like the Barong, Kecak and Legong dance. It has numerous ceremonies and festivals held throughout the year such as Odalan and Silence Day and has diverse and flavourful dishes like Nasi Goreng. Among this, Balinese Hinduism is present in everyday like, shown particularly through offerings (Canang Sari), which are made daily to appease spirits and deities, often consisting of flowers, rice and other symbolic items. There are also a variety of holy sites to witness, Besakih Temple being one of the most important Hindu temples, situated at Mount Agung.
Some of the more popular destinations include:
- Ubud: Known as the cultural heart, it’s famous for its art galleries, traditional performances, and lush rice terraces.
- Kuta: Popular for tourism, featuring a vibrant nightlife, surfing beaches and diverse shopping streets and restaurants.
- Seminyak: Offers upscale resorts, boutique shops and fine dining.
- Uluwata: Home to cliffside temples, beautiful beaches and surfing spots.
- Tegallaland: Rice Terraces: Iconic landscapes that showcase Bali’s agricultural heritage.
- Mount Batur: A volcanic peak offering sunrise treks and panoramic views.
Bali is an affordable and stunning place for adventurers and relaxation seekers alike. It’s a place full of beautiful landscape, interesting culture and traditions, adventurous activities from surfing, diving, hiking, cycling etc. and calming relaxation and wellness through their numerous spas, yoga, retreats, and wellness resorts. It’s a wonderful place for anyone to immerse themselves in cultural heritage, explore the stunning landscapes, and experience the unique blend of spirituality, tradition, and modernity.
My Journey
My stomach twisted with a mix of nerves and excitement as I watched a lush island appear through the wispy clouds. The plane shook again, its wing wobbling, catching the sun’s rays on its gleaming surface. I drew in a shaky breath – here I was, embarking on my first solo journey in a foreign country, God, where are the sick bags?
This spontaneous trap had materialised in less than a fortnight, and now I found myself eagerly watching the landscape unfold beneath me. The island grew larger with each passing minute, the deep blue sea shrinking away behind it. Rickety boats dotted the shoreline, the sun reflecting on calm waves. Closer and closer towards Bali…
I was struck by the beauty of the airport. The architecture was full of culture, art and interesting structures. Exiting the place, I was transfixed by the bustling scene, feeling a mixture of excitement; I’m alone in Bali! And a mixture of panic; I’m alone in Bali!
Navigating the airport was an adventure in itself. I had very little idea where I was going or doing, still had no wifi, and was very aware I had a driver waiting for me outside. While stumbling through the process of freedom I inadvertently paid for my visa twice – oops! Amidst the chaos, I struck up a conversation with a group of other travellers, all equally confused by the process.
When I had finally made it to freedom my first stop was an atm, naturally. A lovely Australia asked me how much she should pull out and in my very minimal preparation I advised her one million dollars would likely be sufficient in a day. We had a bit of a laugh, it sounded strange to the ears, but it was roughly $100 a day – and Bali is great in that it’s affordable to holiday without the need for spending thousands of dollars.
My next mission: getting to my accommodation. Thankfully, Nyoman, my patient driver, hadn’t yet thrown down the sign with my name on it and stepped on it furiously considering I was close to an hour and a half late by that point. Time was slipping away, and I was eager to explore.
The drive into Bali was amazing – everything seemed new and unfamiliar from the road markings, to the trees, the buildings, statues and religious signs, they were all very different – it was like arriving in a foreign country… if you could believe that. The streets were small and crowded, the shops rows and rows of small and desolate buildings, many places completely open without front doors or windows. The road rules were relaxed (while I was certainly not). There was lots of beeping but not in a malicious “Get our of my way ****!” that’s so lovingly common in Australia, but more of a “Hey! I’m here, just to let you know!”
As a woman travelling alone, I felt a mix of apprehension and excitement. While there were moments of uncertainty, there was also a sense of liberation in navigating a foreign country – a sense of adventure.
I spent five days immersed in the bustling streets of Kuta, the “party” capital as I kept hearing it be called. Kuta was busy and cramped, a city without skyscrapers, filled instead with rows and rows of street stalls, restaurants, bars and a whirlwind of different activities. My accommodation, nestled in the heart of Poppies Lane, offered a comfortable retreat amidst the chaos.
Bali’s food was the absolute highlight, from beachside bites, to street stalls, to fancy restaurants. There were cheap and expensive, and all kinds of cultural and unique flavours to try, and providing a great opportunity to mingle with other travellers and locals alike. See my top 5 places here:
My days were spent exploring local shops, lounging on the beach, indulging in much needed spa treatments and exploring the best of what Kuta had to offer.
The beaches are the best places to go for just about anything – they have stalls for shopping and serene places to relax. A few days were spent relaxing on the beach, savouring sips of Bintang and meeting new people. It was there I encountered Rocky, a charismatic local who makes a living guiding travellers to new areas and selling drinks along the coastline. He was a great person to speak with, funny and friendly, and left a lasting impression of Bali. He was well spoken and didn’t shy away from any topic, he also does surf lessons! His business can be found here:
In addition to the captivating beaches, Kuta also has two large malls- The BeachFront Mall and The Discovery Mall. These places were awesome to explore, quite large but somewhat deserted when I visited, but a great place to escape the heat. The only downside is that if they’re expensive, you’ll find very expensive prices in these malls for services you can get cheaper elsewhere in more local and small business alternatives.
Bali was the first time I had ever had a massage, though intimidating and feeling a tad exposed, the massage was relaxing and soothing. There are expensive and cheap places, it all depends on where you go but it’s why shopping around is so important in Bali – to match budget with expectation.
Throughout my trek, I met an awesome variety of people, predominantly on the sun-drenched beaches. Among them was a local artisan Ni Luh, whose handcrafted wares graced the sands. She had a poignant story of resilience in the face of tragedy – having lost her husband to cancer, navigating the challenges of grief while supporting her family. Another memorable encounter was with a visitor from Moscow who had thought provoking discussions about religions, particularly regarding his Muslim faith and the cultural nuances he had to navigate in Bali. Additionally, I crossed paths with a seasoned Bali enthusiast, who struggled with the loss of his mother at 26 and who now runs a club in Bali while visiting for a couple weeks a year, and of all things, got a rooster tattooed on his ankle.
You can delve into people’s stories and their memoirs here.
Navigating through the local customs and culture norms in Bali was both amazing and interesting. Understanding local customers and interactions is important, and can be the difference between a positive experience and creating connections with the locals and travellers alike.
For women embarking on their own solo adventures, it’s important to prioritise safety and preparedness, researching safe accommodations, opting for well-lit areas at night and trusting your instincts.
As I bid farewell in a rush out the airport, I carry with me a treasure trove of memories – from the beautiful sunsets, to the interesting cultural ceremonies and shrines. Bali is a wonderful place to experience, full of relaxation, spirituality, adventure and delicious food.
I’m looking forward to experiencing more of the beauty of Bali again soon. Terima kasih, and selamat tinggal – thankyou and farewell.
Places to Eat & Things to Do
In Bali:
Bali offers such a wealth of experiences, from cultural immersion, to adventure, and relaxation. Though technically I could write on forever, there are an endless amount of things you can do and places to visit, I recommend visiting as many travel sites as you can, writing down a bunch of ideas and choosing your top 10 – here are mine, particularly if it’s your first time:
Explore Ubud: Visit the cultural heart, explore the picturesque and beautiful landscapes and lush rice terraces and the traditional Balinese arts and crafts. The Ubud Monkey Forest and the Ubud Royal Palace are awesome experiences to have and it’s a great place to combine relaxation with adventure.
Visit the Temples: Bali is home to numerous temples with beautiful architectural and spiritual significance. The popular among them include Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, and Besakih Temple.
Relax on Bali’s Beaches: Bali has stunning beaches with Kuta and Seminyak being popular choices for surfing and beach clubs. Nusa Dua is also a well known spot for the more luxurious resorts and calm waters. The beaches are filled with people offering surfing lessons, surf board hire, food, drinks (particularly Bintang!), and a variety of art and craft. It’s a wonderful way to sit and relax, get to know the local people, or adventure with sports and friends.
Try Water Sports: If adventure is more your style, Bali has magnificent places to surf, snorkel, scuba dive and white-water raft. Bali offers a wide range of water activities suitable for all skill levels of all ages, pop it on the list!
Hike Mount Batur: The hike offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and Lake Batur, with breathtaking sunrise treks up Mount Bature, an active volcano located in the central highlands of Bali.
Explore a Variety of Balinese Cuisine: Indulge in the diverse flavours, explore local restaurants and stalls for a variety of traditional and modern restaurants with beautiful flavours. It’s an awesome and relatively cheap way of creating mouth watering memories.
Experience Balinese Culture: Attend a traditional Balinese dance, try a cooking class, or witness traditional ceremonies and customs. There are offerings, temples and shrines to visit and see.
Explore Rice Terraces: Tegallalang and Jaitluwih offer opportunities for scenic walks or cycling tours among the stunning beauty of Bali’s well known rice terraces.
Visit the Gili Islands: The nearby islands are easily accessible and offer relaxing beaches, crystal clear waters and a laid back island vibe.
Relax in a Spa: Treat yourself to an affordable Balinese massage or spa treat at one or many of Bali’s spas, where you can rejuvenate your mind and body with traditional health techniques and natural ingredients.
In Kuta:
Kuta was where I spent my time and here are my top places to visit and eat in Kuta:
Top 5 Places to Eat:
Fat Chow
A small restaurant located in the heart of poppies lane II, delivering a delicious Asian dining experience. A beautiful spot to stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner and one of my favourites.
Crumb and Coaster
A beautifully decorated place to have a delicious breakfast, a calming environment to relax and eat well.
The Seven Rooftop Bar
A gem for lunch and dinner, a lovely restaurant with fantastic views of sunsets, a delicious menu and affordable prices.
Kuta Social Club
A great menu with delicious food. A perfect place for socialising, meeting new people and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Rosso Vivo Dine and Lounge
An awesome restaurant for dinner by the beach and a fantastic range of cocktails. The perfect place to enjoy the pool and get a little tipsy with delicious food – particularly their Satay Ayam!
Top 5 Things to Do:
Beachwalk Shopping Centre & Discovery Mall
If you’re looking to get away from sometimes the overwhelming environment of sales pitches, the Beachwalk Shopping Centre & Discovery Mall is a great place to do your shopping in a calmer environment. Things are on the pricier side but both Malls are worth the walk through and are a great spot to stop for a little air conditioning.
Kuta Beach
Kuta beach is an awesome place to adventure. It’s busy all the time with a range of food, drinks, surfboard lessons and arts and crafts being sold. There are many places to relax and sit or go for a swim or surf. Kuta beach was the highlight of my time there – there’s nothing better than enjoying a cold beer on the beach. Not to mention the sunsets are beautiful to witness.
Poppies Lane Shopping
The streets of Kuta are busy and bustling with shops, particularly on Poppies Lane. It’s a great place to adventure – to buy arts, crafts, clothes, and just about anything. Just be sure to barter your prices down!
Theta Space by the Sea
A relaxing place to have a spa treatment by the sea. The staff are friendly and give you a complimentary and tasty tea before and after your treatment. The massages are relaxing, and the rooms are beautiful and well worth the price. It’s certainly on the expensive side when it comes to massages, so just be aware if they’re not really your thing.
Waterbom Bali
With 26 slides and attractions, food and spots for relaxation and fun, it’s an awesome water park to experience. It includes a lively water park with rides for all ages, restaurants, a food court & a swim-up bar.
Accommodation
- Grand Barong Resort
For my stay I was looking for a mix of good benefits and a cheap price near the beach. The Grand Barong Resort is in the perfect spot on Poppies Lane, less than a 10 minute walk from the beach and surrounded by lovely places to eat and shop. Poppies Lane is busy, so be prepared to have people trying to sell you things everytime you leave the hotel. A good pair of headphones is usually a good way to block this out.
The hotel was approx $30 AUD a night on special when I went but usually retails for between $40-$60 AUD depending on the room and benefits you’re looking for. I chose a Superior Double Room, for 1-2 people this is a perfect room, featuring air conditioning, a lovely bathroom, balcony, free wifi and minifridge.
Some of the rooms sit directly outside of the pool which takes up most of the central area. The pool is refreshing but quite shallow, featuring an awesome little pool bar with food options. It’s a great place to relax and get that ‘bali holiday.’ The Hotel also has options for breakfast included or you can walk up to have an all you can eat buffet breakfast for a price. They also have a massage and spa spot which is well cheaply priced and a great place for relaxing. The balconies onlook the centre pool and have lovely views of the architecture of nearby buildings. It’s quiet, with a great nightlife and an awesome way to meet new people. There’s also a sports bar located just outside the hotel, with a discount for staying in the hotel. It’s a great place to meet people and enjoy some cocktails and bintang.
Overall, it’s a lovely place to stay, quite clean and relaxing.
Must See Landmarks, Attractions and Hidden Gems
Here are some must-see landmarks, attractions, and hidden gems to explore in Bali:
Tanah Lot Temple: An iconic sea temple perched on a rocky outcrop, it’s one of Bali’s most famous landmarks, especially at sunset.
Ubud Monkey Forest: A sacred sanctuary to a large population of monkeys, lush greenery, and ancient temples. It offers a unique and immersive experience in nature.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces: Picturesque terraced rice fields near Ubud, offering stunning views and a look into traditional Balinese agriculture.
Uluwatu Temple: A cliffside temple with amazing ocean views, known for its traditional Kecak dance performances at sunset.
Mount Batur: An active volcano popular for sunrise treks, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and Lake Batur.
Pura Besakih: Known as the “Mother Temple” of Bali, located on the slopes of Mount Agung as the largest and holiest temple in Bali.
Ubud Art Market: A vibrant market in the heart of Ubud where you can find a wide array of traditional handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
Waterbom Bali: One of the best water parks located in Kura, offering a variety of slides, pools, and water-based attractions for all ages.
Sekumpul Waterfall: One of Bali’s most beautiful waterfalls amidst lush jungle surroundings in northern Bali.
Nusa Penida: A neighbouring island of Bali known for its stunning cliffs, pristine beaches and natural attractions.
Sidemen Valley: A serene area in East Bali known for its terraced rice fields, traditional villages and panoramic views of Mount Agung.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: Terraced rice fields in central Bali, offering beautiful scenery and opportunities for trekking or cycling.
Nusa Dua Beach: One of Bali’s most popular beaches, known for its clear turquoise water and white sandy shores, perfect for swimming and water sports.
Gitgit Waterfall: Located in northern Bali, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush tropical forest, accessible via a short trek.
Transport and Handy Apps + Budgeting Tips!
It’s better to go into Bali prepared, though there’s always room for a good dose of spontaneity. Here are my top apps and budgeting tips.
Essential Apps:
- Wise: A great app for taking care of your cash and cash conversions while overseas. The conversion rate on the app is lower than in any physical spot in or outside the airport and overall is much safer if you know your way around technology. It’s a great way to convert your currency in an instant.
- Gojek: The :indonesia version of Uber/Uber Eats, it’s a great place to easily and quickly order and pay for travel or food on the go. It’s easy to use and english friendly, and you can still pay by cash!
- Wattsapp: A great messaging app to keep in touch with loved ones from home but also a great way to create new contacts in the country, lots of people use the app in Bali, particularly for transport.
Budgeting Tips:
- Shop around: You can get some awesomely cheap things in Bali – from food to souvenirs, if you’re on a tight budget, it’s a great place to have a holiday. That being said, shop owners will try to upscale their prices to westerners particularly. So it’s a great place to shop around for the same or similar things before you go buying – you’ll find the prices change drastically from shop to shop, even when they’re offering the same things.
- Barter: Not what you want to hear if you’re shy or don’t like confrontation, but bartering is important in Bali. It’s important to bring the price down as low as you can and stay firm, otherwise you will unfortunately be ripped off money you could put towards other experiences.
- Design your trip: I love the spontaneity of travel but it’s a good idea having a bit of a plan. I recommend writing out a list of all the places that interest you, going off a list on a website is a great starting point. Refer to my lists above and access a cheat sheet for your travel itinerary adventures.
Memoirs of Bali
A place for people to share their loved one’s stories, keeping their memories alive.
Bali is full of diverse people with widely differing stories, particularly those of loved ones who passed and their favourite places.
Visit here to access the memoirs of the people of Bali and their adventures, loved ones who have passed on, and favourite spots.
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