Bali 

Activities, tours and attractions​​​

• It is disrespectful to wear revealing clothes in temples and shrines. Small temples rent sarongs for free while big, famous and touristy temples rent sarongs for a fee. Best option is to purchase your own sarong and carry it around the island to wear it whenever in need; save cash and keep an elegant souvenir from Bali

• Sea Walk is very exotic and recommended. It is usually done at Sanur beach. The activity is a walk on the seabed with oxygen mask connected to the surface, without a need to swim or hold breath, it’s like walking in an aquarium. It is suitable for all ages. Bring your own waterproof camera or GoPro so the diver can take your photos or purchase the CD from the tour operator

• Ubud is the cultural capital of Bali with numerous temples, shrines and processions. You only need to time your vacation to Bali if you want to attend a particular ceremony, otherwise, processions and celebrations are abundant and almost on daily basis. Note that tourists are not allowed to enter specific temples or in certain days/timings

• Tip the park ranger discreetly at Ubud Monkey Forest, he will place some food on your palm and take your photo with the wild monkeys. Drop the forest entirely if you want to avoid mass crowds. You will see monkeys everywhere in Indonesia. In fact, you will see them outside the Monkey Forest and they might jump into your hotel if it is nearby. Monkeys in the forest are very wild. Don’t bring any food with you, not even wrapped, monkeys still smell them. There’s a little clinic in the sanctuary in case you get bitten

• Probably, swinging over a valley in Ubud was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had during my vacations! This is not Bali Swing (see photos), the swing is located within an Airbnb accommodation (Zen Hideaway #2). It permits the non-guests to use the swing in certain dates and timings for a fee, for 30 minutes, after filling out a waiver. You must contact the accommodation beforehand or simply stay over there although the price has been increasing considerably

• Tegallalang rice fields are the most popular and closest to Ubud. It’s a tourist attraction with an entry fee. Restaurants along the fields have terraces to enjoy a meal with breathtaking views

• The entry fee to Pura Besakih (one of the largest Hindu temples and most prominent in the island) includes a motorbike ride to the temple as the distance between the entrance gate and the temple is relatively far. The motorbike drivers will be waiting for you on the way back to drop you and claim that the entry ticket includes one-way ride so you’re now obliged to pay for the second ride! Double check with the ticket office when you first purchase the entry ticket or simply walk back to the parking lot. There are numerous shops and souvenir kiosks on the way back

• Do not climb the rocks of Kanto Lampo waterfalls. Rocks were slippery and the waterfall was powerful that I couldn’t see where to place my feet when I was descending. Come in your own vehicle or let your driver wait for you at the parking lot

• Visit Tanah Lot Temple at sunset time. Expect a huge crowd to be there but you’ll still find your own spot

• Ulun Danu Beratan temple is a picturesque attraction in Bali, often printed on marketing publications. It is located on a lake in a mountainous area. Take a light sweater as it gets chilly when misty. Don’t go by bus from Kuta or Seminyak, it’s a hectic and slow ride. Rent a vehicle

• Bali’s hotels offer numerous swimming pools with spectacular views. It’s actually hard to choose. The ones that I really loved were The Legian Bali in Seminyak and Jungle Fish in Ubud

• Plan a day to Bali’s southwest. Padang Padang beach is one of my favorites. It has a little entry fee though

• Uluwatu beach has stunning views from the cliffs around it. Rocks and high waves make it ideal for professional surfers. Pool overlooking the ocean can be used for a fee. It gives a full view of the ocean with surfers riding the waves. Uluwatu temple is one of the six key temples in Bali, famous for sunset views, sarong rental at entrance, monkeys are very aggressive, taxi drivers would rip you off to return to Seminyak from here as the temple is away from the busy and commercial area

• Visit one of the coffee plantation but do not buy coffee from them. They are relatively more expensive although it is very tempting. Buy coffee from any regular store or supermarket, negotiate the price

Transportation

• Rule #1 in Bali: Taxi drivers will rip you off and inflate the price as much as possible once they catch a prey “tourist”. Rent your own vehicle or request Uber or rent a car with a driver (from any tour operator, accommodation, or simply talk to any taxi driver in the street). Always negotiate the price!

Restaurants and cafes

• Indulge and pamper yourself in W Lounge at W Seminyak Hotel. Order a hookah in the happy hour (pay for one, get the other free, until 6 pm but double check if offer is still available). Sample delicious desserts, cakes and pastries when you order the dessert hamper (called ‘in the cage’ in the menu). Sit, relax and enjoy the views of the swimming pools, gardens, palm trees and the ocean. Visiting the lounge does not give you access to the swimming pool

• Walking or riding a scooter around Seminyak? Take a break, stop by Tiigo by Montigo Resort for a fresh juice or a meal with access to the pool

Accommodation

• Casa Kayu Aya & Airy in Seminyak has a central location in Seminyak and close to so many shops and restaurants, has a nice small pool. Bathroom stinks with the mothballs that go into the room, I couldn't sleep properly because of the odor, bathroom is dirty and the water of the shower is so salty. Generally, the room is so unclean. I moved the bed a bit, and found black dust under it. Mugs, spoons, kettle, sheets and bedding are obviously unclean. Overall: with this amount of money, I'm sure you can find a cleaner place

• D'djabu Hotel in Seminyak has 2 nice pools, 10-minute walk to the main strip where shops, restaurants and markets are, spots quiet and far from the noise but still within a walking distance, bathroom is spacious, all bathroom toiletries are available, 2 complimentary water bottles in the room, staff are very polite and attentive, breakfast was not delicious, coffee and tea are tasteless, my room was first in the higher floor when I checked in. I heard a mouse walking on the ceiling. It was very loud and I believe it was running in the A/C ventilation tubes. I later requested to change the room. In fact, I wanted to leave the hotel but the payment was already done. Overall, I would look for another option in the next time I come to Seminyak

• Cafe Locca Homestay in Sanur has a clean, spacious and well air-conditioned dorm. Beds are comfortable. It is beautiful and convenient to have a swimming pool in a hostel where people can gather and chill for sometime. Tea and coffee are offered at the pool and taste very well. Staff are helpful. Location is too far away from Kuta and Seminyak. Sanur is a place to relax and chill away from crowds and traffic

• Warji House in Ubud has a beautiful room and nice decor. The location is very central and close to shops, cafes and restaurants. Breakfast is served outside at the terrace of the room. The accommodation manager asks the guests the night before what they like to choose from the menu. Guests in Warji 1 get an access to the swimming pool in Warji 2