The perfect trip to Bali, the island of the gods
In August 2023, I packed my bags for Bali for nearly 2 months! It was a magnificent journey, just as you can imagine from the photos and videos. I'm sharing my itinerary with you.
The beaches of Nusa Dua
My adventure began in Nusa Dua, a popular destination for its fine sand beaches and luxury hotel resorts. The beaches, while beautiful, are often reserved for hotels, and access to sun loungers is paid. You can easily lay down your towels, and if you like large hotel resorts, you will find your happiness there; if not, I do not recommend this stop.
Next, head towards Uluwatu for a day of driving to discover the Bukit peninsula. This place is famous for its spectacular cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean and its perched temple offering an incredible view at sunset. I took the opportunity to attend the famous traditional Balinese dance show, the Kecak, which made the experience even more memorable. Tip: arrive before 4:00 PM to get good seats, avoid the crowds, and especially to be able to see the 5:00 PM show.
Admire the sunsets of Bali
After Uluwatu, head towards Jimbaran and Kuta. This side of Bali is more popular with tourists. Beware of mass tourism. You will find vast blond sand beaches there (mind you, I say blond sand and not white). The sea is rougher there, so it is perfect for surfing. Be careful anyway because the waves can be large and carry you away.
As night falls, head to one of those famous beach bars to admire the sunset while sipping a delicious cocktail. It is sublime and the atmosphere is ultra-relaxing!
Going back up to the center of the island, you must not miss Ubud, which is the cultural heart of Bali, where nature and spirituality meet. The vegetation is lush. You can enjoy walking through the numerous rice fields and waterfalls for an immersion into the heart of this spectacular nature. The center of Ubud is full of local designer boutiques, crafts, good restaurants, temples, and lively bars. Very pleasant atmosphere. Beware of the very dense car traffic; favor the scooter to get around more quickly.
After a week in Ubud, I left further north towards Bedugul to go to the Jatiluwih rice terraces (which for me are the most beautiful in Bali) and the magnificent Ulun Danu Bratan temple, perched on the edge of a lake. Put on a sweater because it is a much cooler region and sometimes cloudy in the heights.
The Volcano in Amed and snorkeling in the Gili Islands
After Bedugul, head towards Amed, this coastal town renowned for its coral reefs, shipwrecks, and sea turtles. The sand there is black due to the magnificent volcano that reigns over the town. Amed is very small but very quiet. It is spared from mass tourism, so take the opportunity to recharge your batteries in small traditional hotels on the beachfront.
To wrap up the stay, you must not miss the Gili Islands off the coast of Bali towards Lombok. It takes about 3-4 hours of travel from Amed (bus + boat).
Arrival on Gili Trawangan to stay for 3 nights. The island can be visited by bicycle in 1 hour. The beaches are paradisiacal, the water is a turquoise blue, and the snorkeling possibilities are endless. I recommend visiting Gili Air and Gili Meno for a day trip, which are the other 2 much quieter islands of the archipelago where you will feel a bit like Robinson Crusoe.
In summary: Gili Trawangan is ideal for families because it is a bit larger and there are all kinds of activities meeting the expectations of all ages. Gili Meno is the island dedicated to couples, highly sought after for honeymoons as it is indeed quieter and more romantic. Gili Air is renowned for its beaches and turquoise waters, the most beautiful of the archipelago.
In short, Bali is incredible and to be discovered without delay because it allows you to combine different forms of tourism: seaside, cultural, adventure, and spirituality. Shall I organize all this for you?
