You May Never Leave…
Welcome to Bali, the ultimate traveller’s paradise! This stunning island is a popular hotspot for many. Are we surprised? When you offer rich culture, unreal views, lower costs, abundant good hospitality, warmth, delicious food, and good vibes, it’s no wonder why everyone LOVES Bali.
This Indonesian destination is more than just an island; it’s everything. Whether you’re drawn to cultural richness, serene retreats, or the thrill of surfing, Bali welcomes visitors worldwide with open arms. There really is something for everyone here.
It takes around nine hours to do a nonstop full loop of Bali. If you want to see the best of Bali, I recommend spending a minimum of 10-14 days in this haven. I’ve been a few times, the last time being a one-month solo trip, and it still wasn’t enough. However, even with a six-month trip, I would still want more!
In this blog, I’ll explain what you need to know about Bali, some of its beautiful areas—Ubud, Uluwatu, Canggu, and Kuta—and what you can do while there. Although it is not included in this blog, you should also consider exploring the beautiful Nusa Dua and Nusa Penida.
If you want to go on a solo trip but are unsure where to start, the Female Solo Travel Ebook covers everything you need to know for an epic solo adventure!
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Language In Bali
The official language in Bali is Indonesian. However, Balinese is also widely spoken, particularly in cultural and religious contexts. Many locals also speak some or complete English, especially in tourist areas and those in the hospitality industry. This makes it relatively easy for English-speaking visitors to communicate, so you don’t have to worry much about language barriers.
It’s always nice to learn a few words when visiting any country, as it shows that you are embracing the country you are visiting. Here are a few essential words you can learn before visiting Bali:
Bali is just…WOW. If you’re thinking about it, do it!
Bali Currency & Affordability
Currency: Bali’s currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Although many hotels and stores accept cards, I recommend always withdrawing a small amount for miscellaneous things such as paying for taxis and shops. Bali is known for its relatively low costs, so you shouldn’t need to withdraw huge sums of money.
Accommodation: Although still relatively cheap, in 2017, I stayed at the most gorgeous hotel, with breakfast included, for just £4! Returning in 2024, I averaged out £60 per night stay (but you can find cheaper). You can find my Top 10 Bali Stays, which were all under £65 a night, with some including private pools!
Transportation: Transport, including scooter rentals and short-distance taxis, is reasonably cheap, making it convenient to explore the Island affordably. There are also ferries to nearby islands if you want to hop around during your visit.
Ubud
Ubud, often considered Bali’s cultural hub, is a beautiful town surrounded by lush green landscapes and rice terraces. It is a great base for exploring nearby activities and being in the heart of the action. From wellness experiences to quad biking, Ubud is usually somewhere visitors tend to explore.
If you’re interested in the Sacred Monkey Forest, Rice Paddies, and Bali Swings (which can be seen on a combined tour if you’re short on time), you should head to Ubud. Aside from the activities, Ubud is a place to relax in the greenery with stunning jungle views. You won’t find beaches here, so this one sure is for nature lovers.
Rice Paddies in Indonesia
Locations To Stay In Ubud
Central Ubud. If you want to be in the heart of the action, consider staying in central Ubud. It’s a bustling area with art galleries, vibrant markets, and cultural attractions. It also provides easy access to landmarks such as the Ubud Palace, with many shops, dining options, and artistic performances within walking distance.
Teggallang. Known for its breathtaking rice terraces, Teggallang offers a more tranquil and scenic setting than central Ubud. This area is ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat while still being a short drive from the heart of the action. Tegallang is also home to various art studios and workshops, which is great for visitors wanting to witness local artisans at work.
Accomodation Types
Boutique Hotels. Ubud has numerous boutique hotels that blend traditional Balinese architecture with modern amenities. These hotels often provide a serene atmosphere and personalized services.
Recommends: Uma by COMO, which features stylish rooms, a spa offering holistic wellness treatments, and a restaurant overlooking the Tjampuhan Valley.
Guesthouses & Homestays. For a more immersive stay, consider choosing guesthouses and homestays in Ubud. These accommodations are often family-run, offering a chance to experience local hospitality and culture.
Recommends: Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel is a popular guesthouse in Ubud, known for its friendly atmosphere and social spaces. It offers a mixture of private rooms and dormitory-style accommodations, making it suitable for different traveller budgets.
Yoga Retreats. As Ubud is a wellness and yoga hub, accommodations are designed for those seeking a holistic experience. These retreats include yoga and meditation sessions, healthy dining options, and spa facilities.
Recommends: Check out Fivelements Retreat Bali, an eco-friendly retreat specializing in holistic healing and wellness. It offers yoga and meditation sessions, spa treatments, and plant-based cuisine.
My Other Hotel Picks:
Cool Things To Do In Ubud
Uluwatu
Perched on the southern tip of Bali, Uluwatu is a tropical paradise with so much beauty! Here, towering cliffs meet crystal-clear waters. It’s famous for its dramatic sunsets, world-class surfing, and the iconic Uluwatu Temple. If you’re an aesthetic type of girl, this is the place for them Instagram shots!
If you’re a fan of the beach or beach clubs, there are cool beaches down here. Renowned surf spots like Uluwatu Beach and Padang Padang Beach have views of big waves and stunning coastal landscapes. Or, for a quieter beach escape, try Suluban Beach. For the beach club type of ladies, check out Tropical Temptation Beach Club. I had a great time there, with great views, music, and a saxophonist keeping me entertained before seeing the nearby Kecak Show.
Scenic landscape of some Uluwatu cliffs
Locations To Stay In Uluwatu
Padang Padang Beach Area. Staying in the Padang Padang Beach area is the best option for being close to the action and the beach. Its high waves and scenic surroundings attract those wanting to surf and vibe. It’s also ideal as you will be close to attractions like Uluwatu Temple, which provides an excellent social scene for meeting other travellers.
Bingin Beach Area. For a different but similar beach vibe, the Bingin Beach area offers a charming and laid-back atmosphere. Bingin Beach is an excellent choice for those seeking a more secluded and tranquil stay. There are a variety of beach bars and cafes in the area, and the location is cool for meeting other solo travellers and surfing enthusiasts, too.
Accommodation Types
Luxury Resorts. Uluwatu offers a high-class vibe with a great selection of luxury retreats. You can find stunning stays perched on cliffs with beautiful ocean views. Some offer boujee private villas with plunge pools and exclusive amenities.
Recommends: If you want to holiday in style, check out Bulgari Resort Bali and Alila Villas Uluwatu. These resorts offer 5-star service, and you’ll be treated like royalty, I’m sure.
Boutique Resorts. Uluwatu offers a great selection of boutique hotels and resorts that provide more personalized service and intimate experiences. Boutique resorts often feature stylish decor and unique designs, which I love more than any other hotel type.
Recommends: Stay at Suarga Padang Padang, a stunning resort using recuperated wood and bamboo. It’s eco-friendly and prioritizes recharging and relaxation.
Cliffside Villas. Uluwatu is home to some gorgeous cliffside villas that offer a secluded and luxurious retreat. These villas often have panoramic views, are perched on the cliffs, and have infinity private pools and personalized services.
Recommends: The Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort offers boujee 5-star service with unforgettable views and memories. Each room has a hot tub; the resort also has a fitness centre and spa.
My Other Hotel Picks:
Things To Do In Uluwatu
Canggu
Make a stop at Canggu if you prefer a lively scene. By day, it’s all about smoothie bowls, beach lounging, and surf sessions, while by night, Canggu transforms with live music, sunset cocktails, and a buzzing nightlife scene. This laid-back coastal town is famous for its black-sand beaches, perfect for catching waves, and rice paddies that provide a peaceful escape.
Because of its diversity, this location appeals to a broad spectrum of travellers, making Canggu a busy tourist destination. Visitors, especially surfers, flock to the renowned Echo Beach for challenging waves. Trendy cafes, boutiques, and street art line the main streets, and the atmosphere has good vibes, so it’s worth visiting!
Rice Fields in Blimbing
Locations To Stay In Canggu
Berawa Area. Staying in Berawa puts you close to Berawa Beach, a popular spot for beach lovers and offers a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great location if you want to be close to the action without being in the action. With its proximity to restaurants, beach clubs, and the famous Finns Recreational Club, Berawa provides a dynamic yet relaxed environment.
Echo Beach Area. For some good vibes, consider staying in the Echo Beach area. This area is known for its seafood restaurants offering a delightful culinary experience. It’s a little more boujee than Canggu town, providing a more upscale stay with sunset views.
Accommodation Types
Boutiques. In Canggu, you’ll find stylish, intimate boutique hotels with unique designs, personalized service, and modern amenities. They offer a more upscale experience for travellers seeking comfort and style.
Recommends: The Slow Hotel is a gorgeous boutique hotel with plunge pools and rain showers. The lush rooms’ interiors feature native wood furniture with a rustic feel. The hotel also has a kitchen and bar on-site, so you can feast all day and night.
Luxury Villas. These are private villas with luxurious amenities, often featuring private pools and customised services. They are ideal for those seeking a more exclusive and secluded stay in Canggu.
Recommends: Check out Theanna Villa and Spa for a 5-star luxurious getaway. The villa caters to dietary needs and has a cute bar and coffee shop. The pool is stunning, and a spa is on-site to keep you relaxed all day.
Yoga Retreats. Canggu offers some great yoga retreat spots to help you detox and re-balance your body. These are great for people looking for peace on their vacation and a chance to avoid the noise.
Recommends: Udara Bali Yoga Detox and Spa offers a great yoga retreat experience. It has bikes, a spa, and daily yoga classes to help you feel recharged. The whole resort is stunning.
My Other Hotel Picks:
Things To Do In Canggu
Kuta
Kuta, located on the southwestern coast of Bali, is a vibrant and energetic destination known for its lively atmosphere and beautiful beaches. Once a small fishing village, Kuta has become a popular tourist hub, offering entertainment, shopping, and water activities.
The iconic Kuta Beach is a favourite among surfers and sun-seekers, while the bustling streets are lined with restaurants, shops, and bars. As the sun sets, the atmosphere cranks up, with beach bars lighting up the shore and clubs pumping out music into the night. It’s the city that never sleeps, perfect for any party-goer who doesn’t know when to go home!
Scenery of Kuta Beach at Badung Regency, southern Bali, Indonesia.
Locations To Stay In Kuta
Kuta Beach. Stay around the Kuta Beach location, close to the beach and vibrant nightlife. This location is great for backpackers, solo travellers, and anyone with a high social battery. It’s also close to attractions, making it the ideal location for visitors.
Legian. The Legian area offers a slightly more relaxed atmosphere close to the bustling Kuta scene. It offers a more balanced relaxation and party atmosphere. It’s known for its beautiful sunsets and is an excellent area for shopping, dining, and enjoying the nightlife.
Accommodation Types
Luxury Resorts. Kuta offers a range of luxury resorts with beachfront locations, as well as top-notch services and experiences. It’s perfect for overindulging in wellness, surrounded by boujee vibes.
Recommends: The Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort offers everything luxury. This beautiful resort has an incredible outdoor pool, a kid’s club, a spa, and a fitness centre.
Boutique Hotels. Stylish and unique boutiques in Kuta are perfect for those looking for a more intimate stay with unique and quirky designs. These are typically smaller than mainstream hotels.
Recommends: Check out MAMAKA by Ovolo, which has a rooftop pool and fitness centre. This colourful boutique hotel is only a few steps from Kuta Beach and near a shopping mall.
Beachfront Hotels. Beachfront hotels in Kuta are great for a lively atmosphere and direct access to the beach. Sometimes, you just want everything, including a beach at your doorstep, so these beachfront hotels are perfect.
Recommends: Hard Rock Hotel Bali offers such a good time. If you’re familiar with this chain, you know they have some of the best restaurants and hotels worldwide. It’s a great choice, as Hard Rock’s reputation guarantees you’ll have a great time.
My Other Hotel Picks:
Things To Do In Kuta
That’s A Wrap!
Bali promises a journey filled with adventure, relaxation, and the warm hospitality of its people. So, what are you waiting for? Bali is waiting to welcome you!
Looking for another destination to explore in South East Asia? Check out Thailand – Top 10 Places To Have An Epic Time.
The ultimate Solo Travel Guide includes all the essentials to get you confident travelling alone!
