Beaches, beach clubs, beautiful places and a whole lot of chaos.
Bali was the main part of my Indonesia trip, and somehow I ended up experiencing quite a few different sides of the island.
I started by exploring Bali with my sister before heading to Nusa Penida, then returned to the island and unexpectedly reunited with friends I had originally met in Australia. From volcano hikes and Uluwatu sunsets to beach clubs, nights out, spontaneous plans and a little too much overthinking, Bali definitely gave me plenty of stories to take home.
In this Bali travel guide, you’ll find the practical guides and personal recommendations I wish I had before travelling around the island.
Bali Travel Guides
Want to explore Bali beyond the usual tourist spots? Check out my Bali travel guides for detailed tips, personal experiences, the best things to do, beautiful beaches, local food, nightlife and everything you need to plan your trip.
From the beach clubs and busy streets of Canggu to the dramatic cliffs of Uluwatu and the stunning landscapes of Nusa Penida, discover my guides to Bali’s best destinations, all in one place.
All my city guides in one place
Bali Planning Guides
How Long Do You Need in Bali? My Ideal Bali Itinerary
How long do you need in Bali? From Uluwatu and Canggu to Ubud, Lovina and Nusa Penida, here’s how I’d plan 7 days, 10 days or 2 weeks in Bali.
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How to Get Around Bali: Transport Guide for First-Time Visitors
Wondering how to get around Bali? From Grab and Gojek to renting a scooter or hiring a private driver, these are the best ways to travel around Bali.
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Best Time to Visit Bali: Weather, Rainy Season & Crowds
When is the best time to visit Bali? Find out when to go for the best weather, fewer crowds, beaches, diving and outdoor adventures, based on my experience travelling Bali in June.
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Explore Bali
Is Mount Batur Worth Visiting? My Honest Sunrise Hike Review
Is Mount Batur worth visiting? I hiked Bali’s famous volcano for sunrise, but the climb was harder than expected and the clouds made the views less impressive. Here’s my honest review, including hiking difficulty, what to bring and whether I’d recommend it. Copy all SEO details
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Canggu vs Uluwatu: Which Is Better in Bali?
Can’t decide between Canggu and Uluwatu in Bali? Compare beaches, cafés, nightlife, surfing and atmosphere, and find out which area I’d choose based on my own experience.
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Best Cafés in Canggu: 7 Breakfast and Brunch Spots You Should Try
Discover the best cafés in Canggu for breakfast and brunch, including Crate Café, Kynd Community and Copenhagen Café. Find my favourites and honest tips for café-hopping in Bali.
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What Made Bali Special?
For me, Bali wasn’t just about the famous beaches, temples or Instagram spots.
It was the people and the spontaneity that made it special.
Plans constantly changed. People came and went. A normal day could turn into a night out, a random adventure or a completely different plan within a few hours.
I also loved how different Bali could feel depending on where you were. From the more relaxed coastal areas to busy Canggu, dramatic Uluwatu and the completely different atmosphere of Nusa Penida, there was always something new to experience.
It wasn’t always peaceful, organised or perfect, but honestly, the chaos was part of the fun.
Final Note
Bali was one of those places where I collected a lot more memories than I ever could have planned for.
Some were beautiful, some were chaotic, and some definitely involved questionable decisions. But that’s exactly what made my time there memorable.
So whether you’re planning your first Bali trip, backpacking around Indonesia or simply trying to figure out which parts of the island are actually worth visiting, I hope these guides help you plan your own adventure.
And maybe leave a little room for the unexpected too.
