Bali is exotic and sometimes overwhelming, but to maintain your sense of calm while sitting in the island’s ubiquitous traffic, we recommend hiring an experienced driver/tour guide. Whether you arrive to Benoa by ship or Denpasar by airplane, a Balinese driver is generally easygoing, knowledgeable, and relatively inexpensive when you calculate their hourly rate. We’ve hired our driver, Mr. Yoga, on two occasions and he was there to meet us both times with a smile on his face and the air conditioning turned on in his van.
Mr Yoga, our Balinese driver.
UBUD
Our first stop was to the centrally located spiritual home of the island, Ubud. We visited the Monkey Temple and the market and got lots of Instagram worthy photos as well as a suitcase full of carved wood souvenirs. Have your driver drop you off at one end of Ubud’s market and pick you up at the other at a designated time. We found 60 minutes perfect for the Monkey Temple and 90 minutes ideal to navigate the market. Make sure to grab a seat at the 36 seat Locavore on Dewisita Street for dinner; if time does not allow, Locavore To Go serves a great Banh Mi to take away.
The Sacred Monkey Temple, Bali
NUA DUSA BEACH
Located on the calmer, eastern leeward side of the island, Nua Dusa Beach is popular with tourists and locals alike. There are plenty of places to lay down your beach towel and catch some rays or sit comfortably in the shade with a cold Bintang beer.
SEMINYAK BEACH
Sometimes frenetic but always exciting, Seminyak has something to please every type of traveler. From budget to luxe there are numerous dining and drinking options as well as places to rest your head for the night. We like Sisterfields for a toasted double cheese sandwich and a house roasted coffee. If late nights are your scene, Ku De Ta is a disco-nightclub not to be missed.
CANGGU BEACH
A half hour’s drive north of Seminyak brings you to the calmer, yet somehow trendier Canggu Beach. Whereas other beach towns are monopolized by the guests and hotels situated directly on the waterfront, Canggu offers plenty of beach clubs with umbrellas, and chairs for rent at reasonable prices to all. Finn Beach Club is the place to go for the see and be seen crowd. Tables for six are available for a minimum spend of a mere $50 USD. Dining options include Eat & Drink (at The Slow Hotel) and Crate Café.
Ice cold Bintang beer helps to cool you down on a sunny beach.
PANDAWA BEACH
Located on the south side of the island, Pandawa Beach is a great place to spend a few quiet hours or just stop off for a quick photo on your way to Uluwatu.
ULUWATU BEACH AND TEMPLE
If surfing is your thing, come for the Rip Curl Surf Competition in July. If lying on a picturesque beach with your toes covered in golden sand appeals to you then head to Uluwatu. We suggest visiting late in the day for a cold beer and a view of the magnificent sunset from the Uluwatu Temple.
WHEN YOU GO
Email or WhatsApp Mr. Yoga in advance for a pickup at the airport or cruise terminal.
Email: adicalonk90@gmail.com Phone: +6281 936 200 456
Wooden wares in display at the market in Ubud