COMPLETE GUIDE TO PLAN BALI TRIP

Successfully completed my Bali trip last month. We are a couple and it is our anniversary trip. (The cost mentioned includes everything)

I will include places to visit/stay/cafes/clubs/beaches/waterfalls/tips in this blog.

P.S: I Will add my itinerary at the end of this blog.

Flights :

Book at least 3 months ahead for better rates with Scoot/Air Asia. Tickets usually cover hand baggage only; buy check-in luggage separately. A couple's return ticket, including one check-in baggage, shouldn't exceed 70k – otherwise, it's not worth it.

I recommend Scoot because of its layover at Changi, the world's top-rated airport. If your layover exceeds 6 hours, you can enjoy a complimentary Singapore city tour. Just remember to secure a Singapore e-visa beforehand. (for Indian passport holders)

Tip :

I'd strongly recommend traveling light with minimal luggage since the Seminyak/Kuta Legian markets are great for shopping. It's often better to buy what you need there. After seeing the collection/cost and quality over there, we wished we had done so.

Best time to visit :

June - October (best times)

July - September (least rainfall months)

August (high season and expect heavy crowds and inflation in rates)

April/May - shoulder seasons

November - March (cheapest time to visit bali, expect rainfall)

*Pic source google

VISA :

It's VOA for Indians, the fee is about $35 per head. You can pay in USD, AUD, GBP, and using cards as well (forex markup charges applicable). It is valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 anytime before expiry.

*pic source google

Tip:

Bali also provides eVisa on arrival for Indians, which i will suggest not to opt. Many tourists complained that they couldn't track the Visa application/delays in visa application/Payment issues etc. Given these concerns, it's better to not avail that.

SIM Card 📶📶

For the best network coverage in Bali, especially if you are visiting Lombok/Nusa Penida/Gili Islands, I recommend using Telkomsel as it got best coverage in these islands as well. Otherwise, any other SIM card should be fine.

*pic source google

Currency exchange💱

Convert dollars in Bali for better rates.

Money exchange is one of the scams in Bali, local money exchangers might shortchange you

Prefer below centers for exchange :

BMC money exchange

Central Kuta Money Exchange

RARA Money changer

Dirgahayu valuta prima

Places to stay :

Ubud (Bali's culture and beautiful resorts)

Kuta (Affordable accommodations and beachfront resorts)

Seminyak (Bali's finest pool villas)

Canggu (boutique accommodations/Airbnbs)

Sidemen (Airbnbs)

Nusa Penida (1 day)

Gili islands (1-3 days ideal)

Tip:

If you are planning for a budget travel, they are many low-cost "Bed and breakfast" hotels available in Ubud/Kuta/Seminyak (deals as good as 1k-2k per night, less in shoulder seasons). Do check airbnb/booking.com for the best deals.

Commuting in bali

Rent a scooter (prefer 155cc one rather than 125cc), not difficult to find as there are many good outlets to rent scooters

Install "Grab", "Gojek" apps (like our Uber/ola). Very affordable rates (you can even add cards for payment, forex charges applicable)

*pic source google

TIP :

It's wise to pre-book your scooter or seek assistance from your hotel. Avoid renting from unidentified vendors. In Nusa Penida get your scooter from the port itself or your stay might provide you as well.

A pillion rider helmet is compulsory. So plan accordingly.

If not for a scooter I suggest hiring a private car, if you have any contacts then fine. Even in many travel platforms they are contacts for private driver hire. Contact and feel free to negotiate as much as you can and get a deal.

Places to visit :

Here every zone has attractions that are nearby and I have mentioned almost all of Bali's attractions, so based on your personal liking you can list out places you want to visit and do day trips.

To make the most of your Bali trip, it should be at least 8 days.

8-10 days:

Ubud/Sidemen (Plan Z1, Z2, Z3 while staying here)

Kuta/Seminyak (Z4, Z5)

Nusa penida (1day)

10+ days :

Ubud/Sidemen (Z1, Z2, Z3)

Kuta/Seminyak/Canggu (Z4,Z5)

Nusa penida (1day)

Gili island (max 3 days)

Nusa Penida🌄🌄

Tip :

Begin with the eastern attractions; they're closely situated, as are the western ones. Only Crystal Beach stands apart from the cluster.

Consider visiting Kelingking early the next morning to relish the breathtaking views with fewer crowds.

Best cafes in Nusa penida🥘🍢

Chill penida

Penida colada

Secret penida

Kelingking restaurant (indonesian)

Coco penida

Budget stays 🏨🛏️

Lempeh Jungle Cottage

The Dulu Penida Cottage

Pancor jungle resort

The granyam garden cottage

You can also book hassle-free day trips to Nusa Penida from Bali, using Klook. They provide hotel transfers, return fastboat tickets, vehicle & driver (8hr max).

Note: Day tours often cover just east or west, not both, and cost 30-40% more than planning own.

Gili island :

🗒️🗒️Best happening clubs in Bali 🗒️🗒️

Cretya

Finn's

Atlas *

Oldman's

La Brisa

PotatoHead

Rock bar *

Savaya *

Tropical Temptation *

Palmilla *

* - Quite expensive compared to others. Entry fee/Cover charges/special fee for premium seating applicable. Plan accordingly

All about waterfalls

Bali's home to captivating waterfalls that cascade gracefully amidst the island's lush jungles. Each waterfall offers a unique and serene hideaway.

Exploring waterfalls requires time and often involves treks ranging from moderate to challenging levels.

Notable waterfalls of Bali :

Banyumala (**)

Melanting (**)

AlingAling (***) (M)

Gitgit (**)

Sekumpul (***) (M)

LekeLeke (**)

Nungnung (***)

Tegenungan(*)

Tibumana(*)

Tukad cepung(*)

Kento lampo (*)

Trek level :

* - easy

** - moderate

*** - difficult

M - Mandatory to hire guide

Each of these waterfalls is nestled within the zones mentioned above. Tailor your itinerary based on your interests. There are other offbeat/beautiful waterfalls in Bali as well. You can explore and add to your itinerary.

MOUNT BATUR TREK⛰️⛰️

->For Handara gate fewer crowds early, It gets busier from 9am.

-->Carry enough cash as almost all Bali's attractions have entry fees, some places also charge for photographs (Handara gate and Rumah pohon tree house).

--> At the airport, avoid BlueBird taxi booths as they often overcharge. Instead, at arrivals go to Grab booth and book a ride using their wifi.

How to reach Grab lounge in airport

--> Sim cards at the airport are costlier, get them at local markets

--> Remember, when shopping in Seminyak, Kuta, or Legian markets, bargaining is key. Initial prices are often inflated, so don't hesitate to negotiate for the best deal.

-->Be mindful of Bali's traffic, particularly in Canggu. The peak hours are 4pm-7pm so plan accordingly.

--> Wearing a sarong is mandatory when visiting some of Bali's temples, to show respect. If you are properly dressed then fine if not you need to wear one.

--> There's no need to purchase sarongs unless you truly want to. Temples provide at entry and u can return them.

--> Another major dangerous bali/gili scam is alcohol swapping, many local not-so-good bars/warungs replace ur cocktails with cheap local drink called "arak", drinking this may lead to methanol poisoning and blinding as well. So be mindful of where you are drinking.

🗒️🗒️🗒️MY 8-DAY BALI ITINERARY🗒️🗒️🗒️

Happy traveling - Happy island hopping - Bon Appetit!!

#PeaceOut✌️