When asked what places/countries are my top picks to visit, Bali will definitely be on that list. Aside from the countless Instagram-able spots, I just love Bali’s chill vibe. The entire country is like an enormous spa. Plus the locals I met have been nothing but kind to me and my friends.

I know posting this blog entry is waaaay too late but I just got my groove back and I’m trying to keep up.

A lot has been asking me on how I plan my trips and honestly, I can’t keep on replying to each question I get. I don’t mean to be rude but #1 I plan trips for other people. It would be unfair to freely give all the information when I charge others, right? #2 Planning trips isn’t “easy” for everyone. If so, then everyone should be doing it. I have spent time and effort curating my itineraries. It’s not a copy-paste sorta thing like the package deals you get from other agencies. 😌

So if you are here simply because you are looking for a detailed itinerary, you can’t find one here. BUT I will try to make this post or (the next one) as detailed as I can to help you plan your next trip to Bali.

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#1 DEFINE YOUR BASE

UBUD, KUTA, SEMINYAK

These are the “main” areas on Bali island.

Kuta and Seminyak are just near each other while Ubud is far from the city proper.

If you like to be near the beach, pick your accommodation in either Kuta or Seminyak. If you like a more Balinese Eat Pray Love kind of vibe, stay in Ubud.

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#2 DECIDE WHERE TO STAY IN BALI

Deciding what places you want to cover affects where you’d stay in Bali. I usually suggest transferring from one accommodation to another – several days in Ubud, several days in Seminyak.

Personally, I like to stay in Seminyak for the very reason that it’s ‘less’ crowded than Kuta. Seminyak area is more expensive than Kuta but you won’t really feel it because everything is relatively cheap in Bali. Well obviously except for the luxurious hotels and some experiences.

I usually book an Airbnb or Villa in Ubud and Seminyak. Surprisingly, the villas are very affordable. I prefer to book a Villa over a hotel room for more privacy. Once I’ve reserved my accommodations, I then plan where to go.

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#3 FAMILIARISE THE SPOTS

I’m pretty sure one of the deciding factors why you are going to Bali is because of the photos you see online. Most of us are very visual that when we see something artsy and pretty we want to try it too and that’s okay. Who would want to settle for a sketchy spot, right?

In Bali, you need to familiarise the spots because it will affect your itinerary making. The major spots can’t be found in one area. And sometimes, to get from one tourist spot to the next will take about 2-3 hours when you are not familiar with the locations. At the end of the day, you’ll realise most of your time was spent on the road rather than enjoying the views.

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#4 KNOW HOW TO GO AROUND BALI

The first time I visited Bali, we only used Grab. The last time I went to Bali, we got a private car with a driver.

Transportation in Bali is cheap when you’re traveling with a group and if you know where to get/rent the car services. Balinese people are so used to tourists that they always set the asking price quite high. So don’t get easily swayed by their first offers and don’t forget to bargain.

If you want to use grab, then fare rates are already fixed the moment you book a car. I tried using Gojek but we ended up booking a very sketchy driver. I choose not to book trips with Gojek anymore and just stick to my local contacts.

If you need help with your tours in Bali, you can leave me a message. (Shameless Plug)

Update: Created a separated blog just for this ->> Read Here.

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#5 RESEARCH WHERE YOU WANT TO GO

I went ahead and grouped these spots for you.

Bali Country Side

• Taman Ayun Temple
• Ulun Danu Temple
• Tanah Lot Temple
• Twin Lake View / Wanagiri / Bird’s Nest
• Bali Handara Gate

South Bali

• Tanjong Benoa
• Padang-Padang Beach
• Dreamland Beach
• Jimbaran Beach
• Uluwatu Beach
• Uluwatu Temple

East Bali

• Bat Cave Temple
• Batuan Temple
• Tirta Gangga Water Temple
• Lempuyang Temple
• Ujung Garden
• Tenganan Ancient Village

Ubud – Kintamani

• Ubud Monkey Forest
• Alas Harum Coffee Luwak Farm
• Tegallalang Rice Terraces
• Mt. Agung View – Kintamani
• Celuk Silver Smith Village
• Wood Carving Village
• Batuan Painting Village

Other Temples

• Holy Spring Temple
• Elephant Cave Temple
• Gunung Kawi Temple

Bali Waterfall Tour

• Kanto Lampo Waterfall
• Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Side Trip:

• Nusa Penida
• Nusa Ceningan
• Nusa Lembongan
• Gili Islands
• Ship Wreck Scuba
• Mt. Batur

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#6 HAVE A LIST OF THE FOOD YOU WANT TO EAT

Every time I travel, I see to it that I get to taste authentic dishes from the countries that I visit. This may not be that important for others but for me and my partner, restaurant hopping should be part on our must-do list.

A lot of Asian countries are known for their exquisite and delicious food. I am a big fan of oriental cuisine and Balinese food is one of my favourites.

Some of my personal favourite dishes in Bali are Bebek Bingil, Nasi Campur, Char Kway Teow, Roti Canai, Roti Susu+Keju Combo, Satay. Yummmm!

There are lots of great restaurants in Bali. You can even try their warungs if you’re the adventurous type. Just be sure to bring medicines with you if you have a sensitive stomach.

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#7 DECIDE WHERE YOU WANT TO EAT

$-$$

• Warung Bunana
• Murni’s Warung
• Casa Luna Restaurant
• Semujaen Ubud

• Babi Guling Ibu Oka

• Babi Guling Pak Malen

$$-$$$

• Bebek Bengil Dirty Duck
• Kynd Community
• Mama San
• Sea Circus (Tacos)
• Motel Mexicola
• Single Fin
• Potato Head Beach Club
• W Bali Seminyak – WooBar
• Swept Away Samaya
• Ayana Resort Bali
• Sunset Beach Club

This is just a short list. Bali has a looooot of food places/restaurants you can explore.

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#8 PREPARE A BUDGET

I usually give a detailed breakdown of my own expenses but I’m doing it differently this time. (Might share the breakdown on my next blog, so keep posted!)

Daily Spending: 3,000.00 – 4,000.00 PHP

Accommodation:  2,500 PHP Per Night for 2 people

Airfare: 8,000.00 PHP Return Manila-Denpasar-Manila

This budget/breakdown may not be the “cheapest” one you’ll see. This is based on my personal preference.

You can score cheaper air tickets during promos but the regular airfare costs around that number. Daily spending varies as this includes transportation, food, and entrance fees. If you plan to do Nusa Penida or Mt. Batur, then that would be an additional cost. If you need any help in booking any Bali activities, just leave me a message and I’d be happy to assist you.

You can also get an affordable Villa by booking at Airbnb or Agoda Homes.

I hope this will help you plan your next trip to Bali. Feel free to leave comments or message via e-mail if you have any questions. If you like this article and want to see or know more about my #unBALIvable trip, or other trips and tips, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

xo,

Also Read:

6D5N Bali Itinerary + Budget

How to Travel with a Big Group

5 Things To Remember Before Climbing Mt. Batur (For First-timers)

Exploring Nusa Penida Before Sunset