"May 2022"
Bali, Bali, Bali. I’ve heard of Bali for so long now that the only thing that’s stuck in my head is that it’s a party island. If I’m being honest I never actually googled what’s in Bali until a friend of mine invited me to travel with her.
Of course, anytime that I can get out of the tiny island — I’ll say, “Yes!”
And so the planning for Bali had begun! We wanted go to over the weekends so it wouldn’t drain much of our limited Annual Leaves. So we finalised for Thursday to Monday — 3 days of Annual Leaves in total.
So total number of days for activities is 4 days.
Let’s get into it!
Transfer from the Airport — Hotel — Airport
To make it easier for us upon arriving in Bali, we booked from Viator.com a transfer from the Airport to the Hotel to Airport.
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Hotel
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Bali Airport
Hotel Accommodation
Location: Aloft Bali Seminyak
Address: Jl. Batu Belig №228, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
We checked into our accommodation while staying in Bali. The hotel looks modern and clean. The room is decently big with their twin beds being big enough for two persons in one bed.
I love their artsy design interior and the best part for me is the pool area. It has an amazing view of the area as you chill by the restaurant or by the pool.
Day 1 | Lunch
Location: Mamasan Bali
Address: Jl. Raya Kerobokan №135, Keronokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
About: Sophisticated Asian fusion plates paired with cocktails & wine in a lively, bi-level venue
Upon checking in to our hotel the first thing on our agenda is to have lunch. We’re starving! My friend heard about this popular restaurant called Mamasan Bali.
The first thing that I’ve noticed is the design of the place. It’s very rustic and warehouse-style. It has a Chinese-influenced design. The food was amazing with their local cuisine to many other Asian dishes.
Day 1 | Afternoon
Location: The Flea Market
Address: Kayu Aya Square Oberoi, Jl. Kayu Aya №17, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
About: This is a large flea market that caters to a wide variety of clothes, souvenirs & jewelry.
It was a quiet day when we got there. There aren’t a lot of customers that’s why it’s a little awkward going to one store and the seller was already quick on their feet — following you around. It was quite intimidating, to be honest.
But there are a lot of things to see — from beachwear wears, bags to jewelry. A lot of souvenir items as well. The pricing I’d say it’s not that far off or pretty much the same price as in Singapore’s Bugis Street. I don’t really see any good bargains when compared to buying things online.
Online is still a good bet BUT if you’re into souvenirs from Bali. It is a good place to go for a souvenir hunt. Make sure you know how to haggle as well!
Location: Massage
Address: Across the road from The Flea Market
We were walking out of the flea market when we saw this massage place across the street. We decided to do a massage for the next hour. My friends and I had a foot massage. It was pretty decent but I was hoping for a body massage soon. But that’s enough for the first day — we kind of walked a lot on our first day already. Lol.
Location: Revolver Espresso
Address: Jl. Kayu Aya No. Gang 51, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
About: Fashionable boutique cafe & bar featuring comfort food, specialty coffee & cocktails
Later that day, we entered this quaint cafe by a small alleyway. You have to keep your eyes open to spot this cafe. We ordered some drinks — coffee and chocolate blended. What I like about this place is even though it’s quaint but it’s homely. Quite artsy from the outside and on the inside has a lot of woodwork designs. Very westernised theme.
Location: Pantai Batu Belig Beach
Address: 10 minutes walk from Aloft Bali Seminyak
After our afternoon drinks, we went to the nearest beach from the hotel. It was a quiet afternoon and the waves were pretty strong. It was a nice place to end our afternoon. We have a very busy few days ahead of us and what is left behind is to have our dinner. Then hit the sack to reenergise.
Day 1 | Dinner
Location: Kampoeng Seafood
Address: Jalan Pantai Kedonganan Kuta, Kedonganan, Denpasar, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
About: Delicious seafood dinner by the beach
We had a lovely dinner by the beach. The sunset was beautiful and the food was amazing. The whole stretch of the beach was lines of restaurants by the beach. Later in the night, you will be serenaded by a band.
What a great way to end our first day in Bali.
Day 2 | Morning - Afternoon
Now, this is the busiest and most exciting part of the trip. We traveled to different parts of Bali to see one of the most popular Instagrammable places. Let’s check them out!
We booked through Viator.com — Bali Private Tour Customize Best of Bali Tour
The reason why we chose this was that you can customize the places you want to visit or get great recommendations from the driver within the next 6 or 10 hours of your choosing. The tour also covers a wide range of areas such as Ubud to Denpasar.
Location: Lempuyang Temple
Address: Jl. Pura Telaga Mas Lempuyang, Tri Buana, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia
About: The ever-so-popular shot you see on Instagram — is a Balinese Hindi Temple or Pura located in the slope of Mount Lempuyang in Karangasem Bali. It is considered part of the complex pura surrounding Mount Lempuyang, one of the highly regarded temples in Bali.
Make sure that you wear something modest; covering your legs and shoulders. So prepare a long scarf or sarong but you can also rent one at the location.
The driver dropped us off near the ticketing office where we could get our ticket and get the shuttle van up to the mountain. The pit stop is where you can rent a scarf or sarong to wear around your waist before entering the grounds of the temple.
It’s a steep hike up to the main entrance of the temple where you will be blessed with water before entering the premises. We were also told not to climb the stairs in the middle but the side staircases are fine. So ensure that you abide by the rules.
Bottom line: There’s no water in front of the two pillars. It’s a photography trick that the locals did by placing a mirror in front of your phone camera — replicating a body of water. I was surprised by it. Lol. The outcome of the pictures will never disappoint you. It looks amazing.
Location: Alas Harum Bali — Rice Field Terrace
Address: Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
About: Coffee plantation in a jungle setting, with tours & tastings, landscape sculptures & ziplines
The place looks majestic and there’s a lot of walking so be prepared with comfortable shoes. Make sure that when you come here it’ll be one of the greener days (May and August) when you see the padi fields are alive. Unfortunately, when we went in May 2022 the fields were on the drier end but that doesn’t still ruin the magic it brings.
There are several things to do here like:
- Coffee tour → You’ll get to try different kinds of coffee beans and most especially, their Luwak Coffee (Civet’s partially digested coffee. YUM!).
- Rides and attractions → From Bali Swings to Flying Fox. You even get to rent a long dress gown as you go swinging into the padi fields
- Insgrammable hot spots → You’ll get to walk around the fields (but be careful!) and take amazing photos with their huge nests and amazing views. It makes you like you’re in an avatar world.
Location: Tegenungan Waterfall Bali
Address: Kemenuh, Sukwati, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
About: Tegenungan waterfall is located in the village of Tegenungan Kemenuh, aka. Kemenuh Village. It’s one of the busiest and most popular waterfalls in Bali.
The way down to the waterfall was a pretty long one. You have to hike down several steps of stairs. So better prepare yourself as well when you hike up once you leave the place. Lol.
The waterfall itself was amazing. It’s small in size but still beautiful. There are two bamboo bridges you need to cross to get to the other side. They’re pretty sturdy when I crossed it — you’ll be fine. Just take it slow and easy.
The water was ice cold and the ground was filled with large pebbles or stones so better watch out if you’re barefooted. I suggest bringing water shoes for easy footing.
OMMA Dayclub Bali → There’s a dayclub by the waterfall as well. It has a picturesque view of the waterfall while you chill and dine by the poolside. You could also visit them to grab some drinks and snacks while you’re there.
Day 2 | Evening
Location: Mari Beach Club Bali
Address: Jl. Batu Belig №66 Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
About: Mari Beach Club is the leisure destination you can hope for as its Little Bali concept offers you a full-fledged beach experience day in and day out, with all the nature the place has incorporated with luxury delight from the services and the place itself.
Once we got back to the hotel, my friend and I wanted to chill out for the night and decided to check out the newly opened (March 2022) Mari Beach Club that’s 5 minutes walk from the hotel. When we got there we were amazed by how amazing the architecture was. The pictures can’t do justice compared to seeing it before your eyes.
It wasn’t that crowded yet so it’s a nicer and quieter place for us to relax for the night with some nice drinks.
Day 3 | Morning - Afternoon
Location: Potato Head Beach Club
Address: Petitenget St. №51B, Seminyak, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
About: Happening beachfront venue offering an infinity pool, plus international fare, beer & cocktails.
After a long day of traveling yesterday, we decided to have a very chill by-the-pool day. So we decided to go to Potato Head. One of the most popular beach clubs in Bali. We went at 10ish in the morning when there were still fewer people and easier to choose the sitting area. It’s better to come early or else you’ll miss the good spots.
It’s a great place to just relax the whole day and also to meet friends. We met some tourists here as well from Australia were set up to meet again in Mexicola later that night.
Day 3 | Dinner
Location: Mexicola Bali
Address: Jl. Kayu Jati №9X, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
About: Trendy and unique dining place with a colorful concept serving Mexican specialties and alcohol. Dinner tables turned into dance floors late at night. Better dance the night away while you eat your dinner.
I’m obsessed with the interior of this place! I have to put another pic. Here!
It is one of the most popular places to visit in Bali. I understood the hype when the time struck between 9–10ish pm the music got louder and people on the ground floor started dancing around the dining tables. It’s a very happening place if you ask me. We met some fellow Singaporeans here as well. It was great fun dancing together.
The food was okay for me. A little bit dry and overpriced but hey, I guess that’s what you get for a hyped-up place like Mexicola.
Day 4 | Morning
Now, this is the toughest and most exciting part of the trip. We booked through the Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking website where they more details regarding the trip.
To find out more details you can read this blog post:
Location: Mount Batur
Address: Bangli Regency, Bali, Indonesia
About: Mount Batur is an active volcano located at the center of two concentric calderas northwest of Mount Agung on the island of Bali, Indonesia. Also known as the hiding spot of Tarubian Clans. A beautiful place to hike and see the sunrise before your eyes.
If you love to go for a hike with a little thrill, imagine going up an active volcano. Then this is the one for you! This hike can be challenging for beginner hikers but there are different routes for various levels.
Just to let you know upfront. It’s going to be very dark, very cold and some parts are steep. So better be prepared before coming here. However, once you reach the top it’ll be worth it.
Also when the sunrises, the monkeys come out to play. Better watch your belongings and food!
Location: Sistersfields Bali
Address: Jl. Kayu Cendana №7, Seminyak, Bali, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
About: Modern cafe with indoor & outdoor seating offering all-day Australian-style brunch, plus cocktails.
Another popular cafe in Bali that showcases the Australian cafe culture. When we reached there it was very crowded. Luckily, we managed to get some seats and grabbed some quick meals since we were so hungry from the hike earlier.
If you want to relax and eat good food. Then you should come and visit here to have a different vibe.
Day 5 | Going Home Day
By the morning, we were heading back to the airport with our booked transfer from Viator.com, and off we went to the tiny red dot — Singapore. It was an interesting first-time experience in Bali. There are days that are jam-packed with activities but there are also days that are more chill and relaxed.
We did experience some ups and downs throughout our trip but we managed to push through and still enjoy our trip nonetheless. I would definitely go back to Bali again and explore other areas, and more of their culture.
