Bali Beyond the Crowds

A Smarter Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

‘Any Suggestions on a Bali Resort Away from the Aussie Bogans?’

I received this text from a Kiwi friend, which inspired me to return to the blog. Apologies to my five fans for the radio silence! I think I just wanted to be in the moment this past year without documenting our every move—but now, as our adventure winds down in June, I want to reflect and share some of our experiences.

When we decided to move to Bali for a year, we often said, "We are not really Bali people," but I think we have become Bali people.

One of our first Bali Adventures in April 2024 with Astungkara Way

A Smarter Way to See Bali

After a year living in Bali, I believe the best way to experience this alluring island is through a two-, three-, or even four-stop itinerary. Don't just base yourself in Seminyak and expect to do day trips to Ubud and beyond. Once you settle in one area, the traffic will discourage you from travelling too far, and you'll miss out on experiencing Bali's diverse landscapes and cultures….unless you’re looking for a resort stay where your only plans involve a good book, cocktails, and massages.

I think the ideal recipe for a first-time visit is surf, mountains, and sea life. Here's a rundown of some of our favourite areas:

Sanur

Known as Snoozur—but that's precisely its appeal—a laid-back coastal village with calm beaches, perfect for those seeking a relaxed vibe. You can surf off Sanur, and while it doesn't have the restaurant scene of other beach areas, it offers more cultural immersion. Stay along the promenade; there is a mix of international and local hotels.

Nusa Dua

Bali's luxury resort enclave is known for pristine beaches, five-star hotels, and calm, swimmable waters. While we're not stay-in-the-resort travellers, many people love Nusa Dua for pure relaxation, golf, and water sports. Just be prepared—there's little to do outside the resorts beyond the next cocktail or massage appointment.

Uluwatu

Famous for its dramatic cliffs, world-class surf breaks, and stunning sunsets. Uluwatu Temple and Padang Padang Beach (thanks to Eat Pray Love) draw crowds, but staying around Bingin can help you escape the masses.

Kuta

The original Australian tourist hotspot is known for its party scene, budget-friendly stays, and beginner-friendly surf waves. Yes, it's chaotic, but the beach itself is lovely.

Seminyak

Leigh and I had our honeymoon here 17 years ago when it was just emerging as the new Bali hot spot. It is still stylish, with high-end resorts, trendy restaurants, and boutique shopping. It's great for nightlife and beach clubs like Ku De Ta and Potato Head.

Canggu

Our home and Bali's hipster hub. Think surf, digital nomads, gyms galore and café culture. A mix of rice fields, beach bars, and a buzzing social scene. The area is a bit disjointed, so stay tuned for a dedicated Canggu blog.

Ubud

Bali's cultural heart is lush jungles, rice terraces, yoga retreats, and traditional arts. It is also great for shopping—it has all the same stores as the south but in a more walkable village setting. Oh, and the foodie scene up here is next level.

Sidemen

If you want to experience Bali’s countryside at its most tranquil, Sidemen is the place. Nestled in the hills east of Ubud, this area offers stunning rice terraces, traditional villages, and a slower pace of life.

Kintamani

Home to Mount Batur and its stunning crater lake. A must for sunrise hikes, hot springs, and panoramic volcanic views.

Amed

A quiet coastal village known for black volcanic sand beaches and incredible diving, it is perfect for escaping the crowds, either as a final stop on your Bali trip or as a launching point for more adventures.

Nusa Lembongan

A small island paradise with crystal-clear waters, great snorkelling, and a relaxed, beachy vibe. A fantastic option for those wanting an island escape without too much hassle.

Beyond Bali

One of our best discoveries this year has been Komodo. Bali's domestic airport has improved dramatically, making flying to Lombok, Labuan Bajo, Raja Ampat, and other destinations easier. Next up: Manado! Stay tuned.

Our Ideal Bali Itinerary

For a first visit, I'd recommend:

• Start in Canggu for a mix of surf, beach bars, and cool cafés (more on Canggu to follow).

• Head to Ubud for culture, nature, and wellness (or Sideman if you want to get off the beaten track)

• Visit Kintamani for a day trip, either a sunrise hike or a bike ride back to Ubud.

• Finish in Amed or Nusa Lembongan if you want an island escape.

• Consider a final night in Sanur to break up the journey back to the airport.

We've explored many other remote pockets of Bali, and our bucket list is still long. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to hear about!

Hot Tips

• Get organized with pre-arrival paperwork—To save time at the airport, Make sure you have your visa, customs form, and tourist tax sorted before you land.

• Pre-book your driver – We recommend Gede, and you can communicate with him via WhatsApp at +62 819 3600 9425.

• Pack super light—You can get your laundry done for a few dollars every other day, and it makes moving around much easier.

• Download Grab or Gojek – These apps are lifesavers for transport and food delivery. Ensure you link payment to your credit card before you arrive and avoid faffing around with cash.

• Bring small cash notes – Many local shops and warungs struggle with change for 100k bills (although that is only $10.)

• Carry a sarong – Handy for temple visits and unexpected beach stops.

• Invest in a local SIM card – Telkomsel or XL offer great coverage and cheap data, you can get on arrival for about $15 for 30 days.

• Use reusable water bottles – Many cafés offer refills, helping reduce plastic waste.

Sunrise Mount Batur Kintamani