Bali Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Must-Do Activities & Best Eats

Bali Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Must-Do Activities & Best Eats



🏨 Accommodation: 

  • Diana Suites Hotel: A comfortable stay with convenient amenities 🛌.
  • Bakung Beach Resort: Take a refreshing dip in a deep pool.
  • Kuta One Party Hotel / Maharani Beach Resort: Ideal for a lively atmosphere and proximity to the beach 🎉.

📱 SIM Cards:

  • Affordable Options: Purchase SIM cards inside Lippomall for cost-effective choices 🏬.

🎯 Activities

Luwak Coffee & Swing

ATV Adventure

White Water Rafting

Barong & Kris Dance

GWK Cultural Park

Rice Terrace Ubud

Lempuyang Gate Temple

Memasti Beach

Bali Bird Park


🍽️ Where to Eat

Living Tree Cafe

Lippomall Centre (Sushi Stall)

Vietnamese Minnie Warung

Chef Bagus Warung

Stark Craft Beer

Tusita

Icelab

Kuta Beach Food Side


🌟 Must-Visit Attractions

☕ Celuk Swing & Luwak Coffee, Ubud




📍 Location: Ubud, offering a naturalistic ambiance surrounded by lush greenery.

👨‍🏫 Guide: The experience begins with a brief 3-minute session where the guide explains the luwak's diet and the origins of the plants they consume. You’ll also get to observe the luwaks up close.

🎢 Swing Options:

  • Solo Swing: IDR 200,000 (~715 PHP)
  • Tandem Swing: IDR 350,000 (~1,250 PHP)
  • Boat Swing: Available for those seeking a different experience.

🌟 Experience: I opted for the tandem swing, which lasted for over 5 minutes. It was exhilarating and I saved about 180 PHP by sharing the ride.

🍵 Coffee & Tea Tasting:

  • Free Tasting: Enjoy a complimentary session at the restaurant where you can sample various teas and coffees.
  • Luwak Coffee Tasting: For a more unique experience, try the famous Luwak coffee for IDR 50,000 (~180 PHP) per person.
  • Packaged Luwak Coffee: If you want to take some home, you can purchase packaged Luwak coffee ranging from IDR 400,000-800,000.


🚜 ATV Adventure & White Water Rafting






Experience:

  • Duration: 1-hour ride through rivers, bumpy mountain trails, a cave, and a muddy area 🌊.
  • Highlights: The thrill of navigating muddy laps stands out as a key highlight 🌧️.
  • Conditions: Prepare for hot and dusty conditions 🌞.

Locker Deposit:

  • Cost: Deposit 50,000 IDR (~180 PHP) for the locker key, which is refundable 💵.

Preparation Checklist:

  • Extra Clothing: Bring a spare set for after the ride 👕.
  • Towel: While towels are provided, bringing your own ensures better hygiene 🧖‍♀️.
  • Food and Drinks: Pack snacks and water; consider a meal stop after the ride 🍴.
  • Footwear: The facility provides plastic covers and boots 🥾.

Key Points:

  • Embrace the Mess: Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping experience that's messy but worth it 🚀.
  • Prepare for the Next Adventure: Proper preparation ensures you’re ready for your next tourist spot 🗺️.

🚣‍♂️ Water Rafting at Bali Bintang Rafting

Experience:

  • First-Time Rafting: A mix of excitement and relaxation, perfect for beginners 😃.
  • Tour Package: Included white water rafting, ATV, and a private car for 1,350,000 IDR (~4,827 PHP) 🚗.

Cost and Booking:

  • Affordable Transport: Found better deals through local contacts 💼.
  • Convenience: Opted for a single tour package, but planned subsequent tours independently for better deals and flexibility 📝.

How to Get There:

  • Day Tour: Book a day tour with a driver who speaks excellent English 🗣️.
  • Arrival: Head to the Bali Bintang Rafting reception 🛎️.
  • Meal Plan: You can choose to eat before or after the 1-2 hour rafting ride. It’s recommended to eat first if you haven’t had a meal 🍽️.

Preparation and Safety:

  • Safety Form: Complete a form covering injury liability and safety information, including for pregnancy 🚑.
  • Wait Time: Expect a wait time of about 10 minutes ⏳.
  • Provided Equipment: Includes life jackets, paddles, and safety-approved rafting gear 🛶.

Included in Package:

  • Safety Approved Rafting Equipment 🦺
  • Professional River Rafting Guide 👨‍🏫
  • Use of Towels and Shower Facilities 🚿
  • Changing Room and Toilet Facilities 🚻
  • Water Resistant Bag 💧
  • Lunch 🥗
  • Insurance Coverage 🛡️

Activity Details:

  • Transport: A 15-minute drive to the rafting site 🚐.
  • Walk: A short walk from the top to the Ayung River 🚶‍♂️.
  • Rafting Duration: The total rafting time is about 2 hours 🌊.

🏛️ GWK Cultural Park



🌟 Significance:
  • Cultural Hub: Acts as a cultural and educational center 🎓.
  • Heritage Preservation: Dedicated to promoting and preserving Indonesia's diverse cultural heritage 🏛️.
  • Art & Mythology: Showcases the rich art, mythology, and traditions of Bali and Indonesia 🎨.
🚗 How to Get There:
  • From Ngurah Rai International Airport:
    • Duration: 30-40 minutes by taxi 🚕.
    • Tip: Official taxi counters are available at the airport for easy booking 🛅.
  • From Kuta or Seminyak:
    • Options: Taxi, local driver, or ride-hailing services like Grab 🚖.
  • From Ubud:
    • Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours by private driver or taxi 🚗.
  • Public Transportation:
    • Limited Options: Taxis or private drivers are recommended for comfort 🚙.
    • Alternative: Local buses or bemos are available but less direct and comfortable 🚌.
  • Using Navigation Apps:
    • Recommendation: Use Google Maps or local map apps 📱.
    • Tip: Ask locals or accommodation staff for assistance if needed 🗺️.
🎟️ Entrance Fee:
  • Regular Ticket: Rp100,000 - Rp125,000 💵.
  • Shuttle Service: Round trip for Rp40,000 🚌.
  • Promotion: IDR 200,000/person, includes a free tour and 200,000 IDR restaurant credit 🍽️.
🕒 Opening Hours:
  • Time: 09:00 - 21:00 🕘.
🗺️ Address:
  • Location: Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Ungasan, Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80364, Indonesia 📍.

💡 Additional Tips:
  • Shuttle Service: Take the shuttle for hassle-free transportation within the park for IDR 40,000 per person 🚐.
  • Restaurant Access: Available with a regular ticket (IDR 125,000/person); payments can be made by card or cash 🍴.
  • Promotional Offer: Consider the promotional ticket for added value with the restaurant credit 💳.


🎭 Barong & Kris Dance


🎭 Experience:
  • Traditional Performance: Enjoy a captivating Balinese performance featuring vibrant costumes and an intriguing storyline 🌟.
  • Cultural Insights: Offers a deep dive into Balinese culture and mythology, making it both entertaining and educational 📚.
💡 Tips:
  • Mosquito Repellent: Bring some for evening performances to ensure a comfortable experience 🦟.
🛍️ Souvenir Center:
  • Location: Conveniently situated near the performance stage area 🏷️.
  • Affordable Souvenirs: Explore a variety of affordable souvenirs and items, perfect for bringing a piece of Bali home with you 🎁.
  • Entry: Visitors receive a sticker on their arm sleeve before entering the center, a small keepsake of your visit 🎟️

🌅 Memasti Beach


📍 Location:
  • Area: Ungasan, South Bali 🗺️.
  • Address: Jl. Melasti Ungasan, Ungasan, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia 📫.
  • Geographical Note: This is the southernmost point of Bali 🌅.
  • Important Clarification: Not to be confused with Melasti near Tanah Lot Temple 🕌.
🌅 Highlights:
  • Sunset Spot: Perfect for sunset enthusiasts looking for breathtaking views 🌇.
  • Tourist Attraction: A unique spot that draws in visitors from all over the world 🌍.
🎟️ Entrance Fee:
  • Cost: 10,000 IDR per person 💵.

🦜 Bali Bird Park




🦜 Overview:
  • Largest Bird Park: The biggest bird park in Bali, located in Singapadu 🌳.
  • Biodiversity: Home to 250 bird species and 2,000 tropical plants 🌿.
  • Habitat Zones: Divided into various Indonesian habitats, featuring iconic birds like Bali Starlings and Komodo Dragons 🦎.
🌟 Unique Features:
  • Natural Displays: Mixed-species exhibits set in natural environments 🏞️.
  • Conservation Efforts: Includes breeding, research, and veterinary facilities for conservation purposes 🧬.
  • Notable Birds: Spot magnificent species like the White Cockatoo and Palm Cockatoo 🦜.
ℹ️ Visitor Information:
  • Opening Hours: Open daily from 09:00 - 17:30 🕒.
  • Admission Fee: IDR 400,000 per person (~PHP 1,437) 💸.
  • Upon Entry: Receive a map with the activity schedule to plan your visit 🗺️.
🎯 Activities:
  • Bird Feeding: 09:30 AM 🕤.
  • Pelican Feeding: 10:00 AM 🕙.
  • Komodo Feeding: 11:00 AM 🕚.
💡 Tips:
  • Early Arrival: Arrive by 8 AM to enjoy the park with fewer tourists and better bird-feeding opportunities 🌅.
  • Crowds: The park tends to get crowded after 9 AM, so plan accordingly 👥.
🛍️ Facilities:
  • Souvenir Store & Café: Located near the entrance booth 🏪.
  • Souvenirs: Find magnets, stuffed toys, shirts, mugs, and more 🎁.
✨ Personal Experience:
  • Souvenir Mishap: Lost a magnet souvenir but successfully replaced it with help from the park via Instagram and a friend, SAY HI MATTJTRAVELS! 📱.
  • Cost of Replacement: 339 PHP (IDR 94,000) 💰.
📍 Address:
  • Location: Jl. Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir, Singapadu, Batubulan, Sukawati, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia 🏠.


⛩️ Lempuyang Gate Temple




⛩️ Overview:
  • Sacred Temple Complex: A revered Hindu temple complex located on Mount Lempuyang in East Bali 🏔️.
  • Nickname: Known as the "Gateway to Heaven" 🌌.
  • Historical Significance: Dates back to the 11th century and is part of a group of seven temples 🕰️.
  • Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of Mount Agung 🌋.
  • Temple Climb: Visitors ascend 1,700 steps to reach the highest temple, Pura Lempuyang Luhur ⛰️.
  • Architecture: Showcases traditional Balinese architectural style 🏛️.
ℹ️ Visitor Information:
  • Dress Code: Traditional Balinese attire is required; ensure you adhere to local dress norms 👗.
  • Entrance Fees:
    • Temple Entrance: 55,000 IDR per person 🎟️.
    • Shuttle Service: 40,000 IDR round trip per person 🚌.
    • Optional Motorcycle Ride: 10,000 IDR per person (~35 PHP) 🏍️.
🌟 Cultural Practices:
  • Customary Check: Be prepared for a customary check regarding your menstrual cycle, as blood flow is considered unholy 🩸.
  • Considerations: If menstruating or having significant wounds, consider rescheduling your visit 🗓️.
🗺️ Visiting Tips:
  • Timing: Best visited early in the morning for clearer views and a more serene atmosphere 🌅.
  • Transportation: No personal vehicles allowed at the entrance; use available buses and shuttles 🚫🚗.
📸 Photo Opportunities:

  • Iconic Gate: Receive a stamped ticket and number for a photo session at the famous gate 📷.
  • Local Photographers: Capture up to 8 poses per person 📸.
  • Additional Photo Area: Nearby area with 4 different backgrounds available for 30,000 IDR (~107 PHP) 📸.
  • Swing: Available for an extra fee for a unique photo experience 🌈.
🚖 Additional Information:
  • Food and Rides: Consider using Grab for food and rides if not renting a car 🍔.
  • Local Driver Services: Recommendations for affordable local driver services available upon request 🚕.

🌾RICE TERRACE UBUD

  • 🌟 Entrance Fee: 10k IDR
  • 🍴 Food/Beverage: You’ll need to purchase at least 200 IDR worth of food or drinks from one of the restaurants to relax and enjoy your time.
  • FREE SWIM!!! bring your swimmies.

🗓️ Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival and Check-in at Diana Suites, explore Bali restaurants and cafes 🍛.
  • Day 2-4: City exploration, dining at recommended spots 🍽️, beach relaxation 🏖️, and spa experience 💆‍♂️.
  • Day 5: Day tour (Luwak Coffee ☕, ATV Adventure 🚜, White Water Rafting 🚣‍♂️, Barong & Kris Dance 🎭).
  • Day 6-12: Nusa Penida 🌴.
  • Day 13-21: Labuan Bajo/Komodo 🦎.
  • Day 21-26: Return to Bali, stay at Kuta One Party Hotel, and day tours to GWK Cultural Park 🏛️, Memasti Beach 🌅, Ubud Rice Terrace 🌾, Bali Bird Park 🦜, and Lempuyang Gate Temple ⛩️.
  • Day 27: Departure from Bali to the Philippines 🇵🇭.

HAPPY TRAVELLING! 
Dont forget to use my code on any KLOOK BOOKINGS!