Nusa Penida
TIPS:
Get there at sunrise to avoid the crowds. At first you’ll see the beautiful rice terrace opening up and you’ll want to take a photo right there in the opening. But if you walk across and go behind the corner it’s a cute hidden spot where the palm trees are denser and the view breathtaking!
TIPS: Bring your drone if you have one. It’s a whole other experience seeing it from above.
BIKE AROUND
This small island doesn’t have any cars. So either you bike, walk or take a horse taxi. We discovered a lot of the island just by getting lost with our bikes. And we always got lost in the right place! Surrounded by white beaches you can’t really make a wrong turn.
KELINGKING BEACH
This was by far one of the best beaches we’ve seen so far! In fact it was so beautiful we went there twice. It’s truly an adventure and workout to climb those steep stairways down. And not many people do(fortunate for us).
The sand is bright as ever, waves as tall as buildings and you can’t help but to climb trees and play around like a kid.
Gilli meno
PS: Put your bags up in the tree. The waves comes all the way back and steals anything it can . Flip flops and towels were all over the place. Better keep them safe.
Canggu
- SEA CIRCUS BALI (seminyak)
The perfect spot for LUNCH after swimming. Their tacos are spicy and tasteful in a colorful location not far from the beach. I recommend their Mango and Orange smoothie!
PEGUYANGAN WATERFALL AND TEMPLE
An iconic blue stairway leads you down a cliffside pathway to a sacred water temple.
The way down is both terrifying and exciting as you hear the creeks and cracks of this very small and narrow wooden stairway. Once safely at the bottom you pass the temple and further into a cave with a natural infinity pool and waterfall. We fell in love with this place immediately!
TIPS:
Get front seats so you can better see and be aware of the fire and smoke.
EAT AT
SNORKEL WITH MANTA RAYS
COST:
Although we didn’t get to see the manta rays I’m still gonna put it on the list. They are beautiful friendly plantbased creatures! They “fly” slowly under water living the ultimate harmonic lives. Just don’t touch them as they have a protective layer on their body’s which us humans can destroy.
DIAMOND BEACH
Yay! More steps!
Diamond beach is special because of the rocks and crystal clear water. Although we couldn’t swim there it was such a rush standing on those rocks when the waves crashed against them.
EAT AT:
Thats all for now!
Press YouTube icon for our Bali travel video!:)
TIPS:
Best to bring your driver if you’re not a skilled scooter driver. As it gets dark it’s even more dangerous considering there are many broken roads along the way.
CRYSTAL BAY
Sunset here is MAGIC.
Both travelers and locals gather here to chill and catch the sunset. The road trip there is pretty rocky but the scenery is breathtaking. Way up tightly curved roads while driving, you get the most beautiful view of palm trees, sea and rice terraces.
TIPS:
Voyagin does a bonus trip to Toya Bungkah so we just added that to our booking. Remember to wash yourself before jumping in. And keep an eye on the time since the driver is waiting for you approximately an hour.
TREKKING UP MOUNT BATUR
COST: 974.000 rupiah approx
INFO: Mount Batur is the second largest mountain in Bali. This trekking starts as early as 2 O clock, where a driver picks you up and drops you off at a meeting point. There will be a group of 10 walking together with a guide. The hike up isn’t too steep and thankfully it’ll be many breaks along the way. If you run out of water you can buy it as well as use the toilet at the breakpoints (50rupiah). And if you are tired of walking there are taxi-scooters that can take you the rest of the way:)
At the top they serve a small breakfast and local Balinese coffee while you watch the sun rise. It’s absolutely mesmerizing when the sun peeks out from behind Mnt Agung!(largest mountain in Bali)
Later the guides will have a mini tour around the top of Batur where monkeys come to says hi and steam is pouring out from the mountain. Such an amazing scenery.
UNDERWATER ART
We booked a snorkeling tour where they covered turtles, snorkeling with colorful fishes, underwater art and shipwreck. It was one of my best snorkeling experiences! We took a private tour to avoid too many people around us in the water. It was affordable and worth it.
Press photo for bigger image
To do:
TEGALLALANG (super early)
ENTRY FEE: 15.000
INFO: This rice terrace is located on top of a hill with stunning view! This is the most popular one so expect crowds and queues to the famous “Bali swing” and other hot spots.
WATCH TRADITIONAL BALINESE DANCE
ENTRY FEE: 75.000 rupiah
INFO: Balinese dance is an ancient dance tradition. With intensely expressions and codified hand positions.
Balinese dance culture incorporates ancient Hindu traditions with drama that tell stories through dance and music. Dances can represent how the character from Hindu scripture fights demons and evil spirits. This was something out of the ordinary! Even if I couldn’t understand a word I still got the message and sat hypnotized throughout.
BROKEN BEACH
Is very unique and fascinating! It’s not much to do other than admire this natural masterpiece.
We went here after a long day at the beach and just walked around the blue hole while the sun was about to set. Perfect ending for our day.
SNORKEL WITH TURTLES
Gilli Meno is known for their turtles. They have a turtle sanctuary where they make sure baby turtles are big enough to survive when they get to water. As you snorkel you will se turtles resting in the sea bed and one by one they come up for air. Snorkeling in Gilli Meno will guarantee turtle spotting. And they don’t seem to care much.
- LA BARACCA
Very rustic and dimmed romantic Italian restaurant. The staff is super nice and their pizza is a piece of heaven!
What surprised us even more was their vegan ravioli! Everything tasted fresh and creamy. Great DINNER choice!
- OKAS BAKERY
Good BREAKFAST in a huge rustic location filled with buns and cakes. They also have a small store where you can buy whatever fruits and healthy groceries you need.
TIPS:
As for anything you want to do on this island, you better to it early. We like to explore as much as possible on our own without many people around us. Waking up at 6am was standard living while traveling Bali and Nusa Penida.
TIRTA EMPUL HOLY WATER
ENTRY FEE: 30.000 rupiah
INFO: Tirta Empul is an important temple complex and holy mountain spring located in central Bali. The site serves as a legendary setting of a traditional tale about good versus evil. It’s also a natural culture heritage site.
There are 13 spouts in line where you can pray starting from west to east. The last two is only meant for purification purposes in funerary rites.(don’t use those)
TIPS:
Due to unexpected weather conditions the boats going from Meno to Bali was cancelled. This may happen once in a while so be prepared to stay flexible. We learned the hard way and had to book flight tickets from Lombok(nearest island) - Either that or we could’ve stayed a couple of days extra until it calmed down. (with possibility of refund) BUT we had a check in waiting for us in Nusa Penida so this seems better for us.
BATHE IN HOTSPRING AFTER TREKKING:
INFO:After trekking I recommend you visit the natural hot springs of Toya Bungkah where you can soak up, relax and enjoy the beautiful view.
WATCH THE SUNSET AT SUNSETBEACH
Nothing more relaxing than to listen to the waves and accidentally falling asleep on the beach.
Press phone for contact of our driver in Penida——>
- THE SHADY SHACK
Desserts and food to die for! Super cozy atmosphere with plants everywhere creating a chilled secluded area in an otherwise warm sunny day. Good place for LUNCH or just a coffee break. Every table is the perfect spot where you can kick off your flip flops and relax in the sofa.
- NUDE
Good BREAKFAST/LUNCH and very creative food! Their smoothies are top notch and super fresh. The location is very clean, bright and big which gives you some privacy as you enjoy your meal.
TIPS:
Hold on to the rope and bring lots of water with you.
They also have a famous Bali swing so make sure to try for some extra fun.
(TRANQUIL ISLAND)
SNORKEL PRICE: 200.000 rupiah pr person approx
INFO: After some hectic days in Bali we moved on to Gili Meno for some quality time. Snorkeling here is a must! I had my first snorkeling experience at this island and I’m glad because the water is calm and full of underwater art and wildlife. The Island itself is small and quiet but very beautiful and remote. We hopped on our bikes, booked our snorkeling through local businesses and researched how to snorkel responsibly. Here’s a few steps: 1) Don’t feed the fish 2) Don’t step on corals 3) Swim slowly and don’t touch any wildlife.
Oh and stay safe! Don’t swim too far away from the boat as the currents can be pretty strong.
- NEXT LEVEL CAFE
Beautiful sea view and food! Very picturesque place with creative smoothie bowls and a swing for bonus.
- WARUNG JUKUNG
Very tasty and cheap local food located by the road, overlooking the sea. Good place for a small break as you explore the island.
TIPS:
Invest in water shoes. These are good to walk in and the grip is also essential on those super slippery stones. Bring lots of water and mosquitoe spray btw! Also, be aware of snakes.
TREEHOUSE AND CLIFF POINT
And of course we had to check out the famous treehouse. -Snapped a few pictures and headed over to the cliff point. It was one of the best views from this island! Overlooking beaches, cliffs and sea as far as the eye could see. Perfect end of the day hike.
TIPS:
They grab everything they can get their hands on. Remember they are wild animals so be careful getting too close. I liked better watching them from a far and enjoying their shanagans without getting too involved. Let’s not forget they are wild animals and not pets.
- THE SEEDS OF LIFE
This cute cafe is all about raw food. They have absolute delish pancakes and deserts! It’s cozy and dimmed with pillows to sit on the floor. Very vibey.
- EARTH CAFE BALI
This was our number one place to eat! They have an enormous menu which covers everything you’re looking for. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and desert. The restaurant is quiet, bright and with a small store with lots of organic things in the first floor. (Have to check it it out)
- AÇAÌ QUEEN BALI
Perfect for a hot day. Super creative food and ice cream! Very Instagramable place;)
(ADVENTUROUS ISLAND)
5 days of total relaxation in Meno was more than enough for us so we continued our travel. This island took some planning for us. We wanted to see everything and we wanted to do it efficiently. This map made it so much easier for us! Also our driver made up the best route and gave us tips on where to be and when. (Sunset,sunrise kind of thing) Nusa Penida has it all for the adventurous/ sporty soul who is all about beautiful scenery and exciting trekking.
CANGGU WAS FOR EATING AND RELAXING. Our goal here was to eat as much good and healthy food as possible and take it easy after our busy schedule in Nusa Penida. Canggu is VEGAN HEAVEN btw and we absolutely fell in love with this cool and laid back place! With our scooter we visited all restaurants and cafes we found interesting and checked out some tips we got along the way. This made us very familiar with the area around and it truly felt like home to us at the end. So naturally I made a list of our best places to hang and eat and eat! .
- YA YA WARUNG
This was our Nr one place to eat some good local food! It was delicious and cheap. And you could sit in the shade in super cozy huts on pillows while you soak in the sea view. Recommend pineapple smoothie/juice and Nasi goreng
- WARUNG BUNGA
With live music, candle lit tables on the beach facing the sunset, this place was the most romantic place to eat. It was really vibey and their curry was AMAZING! Must try!
(HEART OF THE ISLAND)
TIPS:
Get there early.
Bring your newly purchased water shoes for better climbing.
Don’t climb back up at 12:00-14:00 when the sun is at its warmest. (The mountain heat is unbearable. Seriously)
Wear SUNBLOCK 10000+!
MONKEY FOREST
ENTRY FEE: 50.000 rupiah
INFO:
Monkey Forest is an absolute must-visit when you’re in Ubud! It’s populated with 605 Long-Tailed Macaques monkeys.
Those cute little animals are hilarious to watch and their home is a dense variety of trees and rivers. It’s a truly special place worth seeing.
Ubud
Eat at:
WATERFALLS (sekumpul)
ENTRY FEE: 20.000 rupiah
INFO:
We got completely blown away(pun intended)! Although I underestimated the trekking through the jungle and steep stairs. The way back up was hard! I’m not proud of myself and wont get into details. But I can say I lost hope for a minute.
TIPS:
Must rent a sarong to enter. Woman should put their hair up and if on your period you can not enter.
TIPS:
We booked our tour through VOYAGIN. Their guides are skilled and super funny! I had a blast joking around and being silly on the top of the mountain with our guide.
Bring comfy shoes, warm sweater, water, and long pants perhaps. The rocks/soil is very slippery so watch where you’re going. Expect hundreds of “almost-faceplants”
Oh and bring a bathing suit for hotsprings later;)
Press text for link to website
Press phone for contact of our Bali driver ——>
- KYND (seminyak)
Omg this is the cutest place on earth. The menu is ridiculously good with all kinds of comfort food! I personally LOVED the kynd burger with fries. The location is bright, pink and full of positive quotes written on the walls. Our favorite place in Bali so far!