By Nicole Brewer
Hello globetrotters! I hope that you all have been well. I recently returned from an epic trip to Bali for winter break. The level of rest and relaxation mixed with tourist sites was perfect. Below I’ll share with you all a detailed Bali Indonesia trip review including places to stay, things to do, and more from my time there.
Where to Stay During Your Bali Indonesia Trip
Pramana Watu Kurung Villas
I stayed at two different resorts nestled within lush greenery of Ubud, Bali. The first was Pramana Watu Kurung Villas and it was an absolute vibe. This charming resort boasts a collection of beautifully crafted Javanese joglos, repurposed into luxurious suites and villas. I stayed in a stunning wooden villa after being upgraded from the original artists villa that I booked (which is a few minutes from the main resort by cart).
The private wooden pool villa was perfect for my ultimate goal of relaxing and rest during my solo trip. It featured intricate wood carvings and spacious layouts. One of my favorite features was the tub, which I managed to enjoy a gorgeous flower bath one evening. The service here was great but I will admit that the villa could use some upgrades. My last evening there when it poured down raining water started to leak in my bathroom and I slipped. Nevertheless, by the grace of God I caught myself. Resort number #2 would Neva.
Alila Ubud Resort
Alila Ubud is situated on the edge of the Ayung River gorge. This stunning property seamlessly blends luxury with the breathtaking natural beauty of Ubud. I was absolutely blown away upon arrival while entering the open floor plan of the lobby. That excitement continued as I moved on to see my room with a jungle view and overlooking the iconic infinity pool, cantilevered over the Ayung River gorge.
Dining options included Plantation restaurant, serving modern Asian cuisine, to the more casual Terrace, offering lighter fare and stunning views, there’s something to please every palate. I especially enjoyed seeing Traditional Indonesian performances during my first dining experience at Plantation restaurant. Excellent service continued as I enjoyed a soothing spa treatment at the award-winning Spa Alila.
Things to Do During Your Bali Indonesia Trip
Experience Bali Swing/Tegalalang Rice Field
I read online in a post someone said “let me get to to this swing before you all break it” and I felt that in my soul lol. The first time I went to Bali almost 15 years ago, it was a totally different experience than now. I enjoyed my Bali Swing experience during an all day solo Ubud tour with an awesome driver at d’Alas Warung, Tegalalang, Ubud, Bali. Most rent dresses on the spot for IDR 150,000. However, my dress rental was included in my tour pricing.
Feel free to contact me via my Fora Travel Advisor link for client referrals of tours through Viator. I was a bit nervous initially swinging over the gorgeous, lush green rice fields but by the second or third push I got into it a bit :-). Many establishments with an amazing view actually offer their own version of the Swing.
Lempuyang Temple ie Gate of Heaven
Another instagrammer’s dream stop while in Bali is a visit to Lempuyang Temple, which is home to the famed Gate of Heaven. Now for those who don’t know, you may have as short as a 15 minute wait to take the famed picture or up to 2 hours or more depending on the que ahead of you. Luckily for my small tour group, our wait was around 20-30 minutes during the low rainy season. As luck had it, the weather was spectular for us to get our shots!
Addtionally, don’t be surprised that they use a mirrow while taking the photo with your phone to get the famous reflection! Also, nearby during our tour I really enjoyed venturing to Tirta Gangga water temple and frolicking amonst the stunning gardens and pools full of spellbinding fish!
Visit Uluwatu Temple
Another standout experience I had during a day tour of the island included visiting Uluwatu Temple after relaxing at the beach. Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) is one of six key temples believed to be Bali’s spiritual pillars. It is steeped 70 meters above sea level. I enjoyed an amazing sunset here (while guarding my things from roaming monkeys lol) before taking in a fantastic traditional fire dance!
How to Get Around
While some may opt to rent scooters during their time in Bali, I preferred to either use transportation through day tours booked; car service provided through the hotel; or you can even opt to download apps such as Grab, Gojek or BaliCab.
Is Bali, Indonesia on your list globetrotters? If you’ve been before, would you return like I did for a repeat trip? Comment below and share with your fellow travel friends!
