Bali is truly the most lush, glorious, and exciting Asian islands I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. Back in 2019, I was blessed to be given the opportunity to visit Bali through my local yoga studio and embark on a special yoga retreat. Bali is truly the best place to strengthen your yoga practice and be one with your spirituality (Bali is very spiritual!). Bali truly has something for everyone whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation, time to shop, time to explore, or maybe a moment to make a monkey friend or two!
There’s really so much I can boast about this special island and, my visit truly only scratched the surface of what this magical place has to offer, but, with that said, my highlights below are special and unique standouts that truly made my Bali vacation one to remember – an unforgettable experience to say the least!
Indonesia Highlights: Bali
1. Mount Batur
While a sunrise trek may not be on everyone’s bucket list (it really should be!), this is one of the most unique experiences my little travelers heart has had! Mount Batur is an active volcano located in the center of two calderas north west of Mount Agung. Trekking Mount Batur is quite popular amongst tourist and locals alike and is really the best way to explore this natural wonder (read all about my guide to trekking Mount Batur here). You’ll begin this trek at around 3am (you read that correctly!) and, approximately two hours later, you’ll find yourself at what seems like the top of the world with the best view of the sunrise you’ll ever see. Your local guides will take amazing care of you and treat you to a light breakfast as you feast your eyes on the view before making your way back down to base (but not without making a couple of monkey friends on the way!). Super unique, super magical, and unforgettable!
2. Ubud
Ubud is one of Bali’s most popular towns boasting with endless shops, cafes, restaurants, rice terraces and of course, the famous Monkey Forest. Ubud is surrounded by rainforest and terraced rice paddies along with Hindu temples and shrines – here is where you’ll find Bali’s most famous landscapes! This is THE place to be to get your shopping on and find unique treasures from local crafts people as well as stop for a break at a local cafe to try your hand at a unique elixir or a relaxing massage from a local spa. Finish your day with a visit to the Monkey Forest where you’ll meet endless monkeys in their natural habitat.
3. Nusa Lembongan
My hotel in Bali was situated along Keramas Beach which was a short 30 minute boat ride to the beautiful island of Nusa Lembongan – located just southeast of Bali. To say this island is breathtaking is truly the understatement of life! I mean wow, what a treasure. You’ll quickly notice the vast difference in landscape from Bali. Lembongan feels like a Caribbean hideaway with its crystal clear turquoise water and powder sanded shores. You can mostly explore this small yet stunner of an island by foot or meet a local who will gladly take you around in their vehicle. Enjoy an ocean view at their many oceanfront cafes or lay out on the beachy sands of this Asian oasis.
4. Bali Swing
Now for some fun! Bali Swing is best known for it’s range of tours, rafts, and rope swings with jungle views – in all essence, an influencers playground! Enjoy being photographed on a rope swing sweeping over the Bali jungle, being perched in a crafted bird nest with even more jungle views, or a lying in a sun bed with, you guessed it, more unique jungle views! This is a fun place to explore and have fun with all the adventures this unique spot has to offer. You can easily rent a photographer to follow you along this journey (for a relatively inexpensive price!) and pick up your photos on the spot. My favorite was the large rope swing!
5. Tirta Empul
A cleansing and spiritual experience to say the least, the Tirta Empul (meaning Holy Spring in Balinese) temple is a Hindu Balinese water temple consisting of a bathing structure famous for its holy water. Locals and tourist alike flock to this special temple for a purification ritual. The bathing structure itself is comprised of series of spouts, each representing a different meaning. The bather will present itself to each spout and cleanse their face, body, and head with the purifying water while reciting an internal mantra or prayer. Traditionally, you are asked to wear a sarong to enter the temple and you can rent a sarong to bath in the holy spring. Overall, a truly invigorating yet cleansing experience!
Resources: google.com, wikipedia.org
What’s your favorite spot in Bali? Let me know in the comments section below!
