Bali
A Month of Island Adventures – Exploring Beaches, Jungles, and Hidden Retreats
Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia
"Between mountains, clouds, and still waters—peace is found"
Living in Bali for a month had always been a bucket list dream for me. When we finally made it happen, everything fell into place almost too perfectly. A friend subleased our San Diego apartment, we packed our bags, and just like that, we were off to the Island of the Gods for what turned into one of the most unforgettable experiences of our lives.
Work Hard, Play Hard (Bali Edition)
For the first two weeks, we were balancing island life with work—on west coast hours, no less. Yes, that meant we were working overnight in Bali, but honestly, it wasn’t as brutal as it sounds. Our days turned into a rhythm: we’d go to bed at 4-5 PM, wake up at midnight, log on, and power through the night. Once the workday wrapped up in the early morning hours, Bali was all ours to explore.
The mornings were magical. After logging off, we’d head out to do a yoga class or workout, and then hop on a motor scooter to grab some breakfast. We ate fresh fruit, sipped on locally brewed coffee, and watched the sun rise. With the rest of the day ahead of us, we explored Canggu’s trendy cafes, Uluwatu’s cliffside beaches, and Ubud’s serene rice terraces. And don’t get me started on the $10 massages.
Two Weeks of Freedom and Adventure
The last two weeks were when the magic really happened. Fully off the clock, we dove headfirst into everything Bali had to offer. Our days were filled with waterfall hikes, snorkeling in clear blue waters, and exploring local markets. Evenings were equally special—whether we were eating fresh seafood at beachside warungs, wandering through the jungle after dark, or just stargazing in blissful quiet.
We visited in September, and Bali couldn’t have been more perfect—hot, sunny days with just a couple of rainy ones. Funny enough, those rainy days fell when we stayed at The Hideout Cocoon, a dreamy bamboo Airbnb tucked deep in the jungle. The rain turned out to be a blessing—it slowed us down just enough to soak in the quiet, read, nap, and listen to the soft rhythm of raindrops on bamboo. It was honestly such a vibe.
Our Bali Itinerary
We bounced around to different parts of Bali to experience as much as possible:
7 Days: Canggu – Trendy cafes, dreamy views, and beach club sunsets.
7 Days: Uluwatu – Cliffside beaches, surf lessons, and laid-back vibes.
5 Days: Ubud – Rice terraces, monkey forest, volcanoes, and lush jungle retreats.
2 Days: The Hideout Cocoon – Rain-soaked jungle serenity in the bamboo house of dreams.
1 Day: Sideman – Quiet rice terraces and stunning valley views.
3 Days: Nusa Penida – Iconic cliffs, snorkeling, and turquoise waters.
2 Days: Gili Islands – Car-free streets, white sand beaches, horse back riding, tattoos, and endless sea turtles.
Why Bali Will Always Have a Piece of Our Hearts
Every corner of Bali gave us something different. In Canggu, we found incredible smoothie bowls (shoutout to Copenhagen Canggu) and great coffee at spots like Crate Cafe. Uluwatu spoiled us with sunsets from Bingin Beach and the surf vibes at Padang Padang. Ubud gave us peaceful mornings (Cretya at sunrise is unreal) and jungle walks at the Tegallalang Rice Terraces.
The side trips were equally unforgettable—snorkeling with manta rays in Nusa Penida and biking along the shoreline of the Gili Islands, where turtles swim just feet from the shore. Bali is the kind of place that feels alive in every sense—the chaotic hum of scooters on the streets, the stillness of hidden jungles, the warmth of its people, and the beauty of its landscapes.
Spending a month here wasn’t just about checking a box on our bucket list. It was about slowing down, soaking up every moment, and really experiencing a new way of life. We left feeling inspired, grateful, and already dreaming of the day we’ll come back. If you’ve ever thought about living abroad, Bali might just be the place to turn that dream into reality.
Now that you've heard my Bali story, keep reading for my top tips and recommendations!
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (April to October): Ideal for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and beach trips
Best Months for Avoiding Crowds: April, May, and September are great for a balance of good weather and fewer tourists.
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), major credit cards widely accepted
Transportation: Motor scooters, Grab and Gojek are also popular rideshares
Dress Modestly: When visiting temples or sacred sites
Water Safety: Avoid drinking tap water! Always drink bottled or filtered water, and be cautious about consuming ice in drinks
Packing Essentials: Beachwear, hiking gear, evening attire, light breathable clothing, rain jacket, mosquito repellent, sunscreen
Canggu
Accommodation Highlights: Villa Jepun
Restaurants
Copenhagen
Crate Cafe
Ji Sushi, Valle
The Avocado Factory
Sol Rooftop
Beach/Night Clubs
Finns Beach Club
La Brisa
Luma
Activities
Shopping at boutiques
Nirvana Wellness (yoga, meditation, etc)
Ulaman Resort Spa - includes yoga, spa treatments, pool access, and more
Uluwatu
Accommodation Highlights: Villa - includes gym, sauna, cold plunge bucket, outdoor shower, pool, rooftop views
Restaurants
Koral Restaurant (underwater)
Alchemy (vegan)
Ours
Bartolo
Cafe La Pasion
Beach/Night Clubs
Single Fin
Savaya
Palmilla Bali Beach Club
Omnia Day Club
One Eighty Day Club
Sundays Beach Club
Activities
Visit Uluwatu Temple
Watch a captivating Kecak Cultural dance
Surf at Padang-Padang Beach
Visit Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue
Ubud
Accommodation Highlights: Boutique Hotel or The Hideout Cocoon
If you can secure a few nights at any of the Hideout’s airbnbs, DO IT! They are designer luxury bamboo houses and have incredible eco resort getaways. Check their website - Hideout
Restaurants
Saiyan House
Locavore
Merlins
Beach/Night Clubs
Cretya Ubud
Omma Day Club
Activities
Ubud Palace, Saraswati Temple & Ubud Art Market
Goa Gajah Hinduh Temple
ATVing
Monkey Forest
Mount Batur Sunrise Tour + Natural Hot Springs
Kanto Lamp Waterfall
Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang
Tukad Cepang Waterfall
Nusa Penida
Accommodation Highlights: Tropical Glamping - A MUST! I will never get over this place
Restaurants
Acropora
Activities
Kelingking Beach
Angels Billabong
Crystal Beach
Broken Beach
Diamond Beach
Snorkel Gamat Bay
Visit Atuh Beach
Rumah Pohon Tree House & Thousand Islands Viewpoint
Gili Islands
Accommodation Highlights: Private Villa
Restaurants
Bask (on Gili Meno)
Activities
Explore the island on bicycle
Horse Back Riding
Hire a boat to go on a snorkel and island hopping tour
Underwater statues Swim with sea turtles
Visit Gili Meno or Gili Air
Gili Local Market
Try the magic milkshakes if you’re up for it!
