Canggu

Canguu is a great little area with a handful of cool restaurants, yoga classes, and a winding road to one of Bali's hippest restaurant-lounges. Rent a motorbike and let the exploring begin!

Where to stay

Desa Seni - A Village Resort

Desa Seni Village Resort is a quick portal to the mind-body-spirit connection you've been searching for, not to mention the nature connection too. We highly recommend splurging on a few nights, or staying there for as long as time or money allows. We literally started doing the math on how much it would cost to live there forever. :) Their amazing staff will address you by name, and their on-site gardens produce 80% of the organic herbs and vegetables used on the restaurant's menu. This truly authentic eco-village also offers Canguu's most sought-after yoga, meditation classes (the teachers are amazing) and spa treatments. Book now, thank us later. Prices from $180 per night.

Where to eat

La Laguna

If you've ever dreamed of finding yourself drinking and dining in the middle of a gypsy village on the beach (and we bet you did!), this is your place. These guys own several restaurants in Bali including La Favela in Seminyak, and each one of their places is an intricate piece of art.

What to do

Yoga and Meditation

If you aren't staying at Desa Seni, the least you can do is treat yourself to one or many of their awesome yoga and/or meditation classes. $10 per class. Discounted class cards are available.

Structural Realignment & Chinese Osteopathic Therapy

Because your spine will thank you. Around $38 for 60 minutes or $95 for a package of 3 sessions.

Uluwatu

Uluwatu features some of Bali's (and the world's) most unique and beautiful beaches and surf spots. Be sure to spend at least a few days there to relax and soak up some sun, surf or watch the awesome waves. Good food also guaranteed!

Where to stay

D'Padang Home ST
Check prices and availability
Pretty basic rooms with AC, cool pool and a great location. Approx. $38 per night.

Where to eat

T he Mango Tree Cafe

An awesome, laid-back restaurant with great prices. Definitely try the the zoodled carrot and beet vegetable salad with tahini dressing!

Bukit Cafe

Cool place for brunch. Service can bit a little hit-or-miss.

Single Fin

Great spot for beer or cocktails while watching an amazing sunset and some great waves. Weekend nights can get pretty wild so if you're into it, this is a bar with a party scene. A bit pricier for Bali.

What to do

Uluwatu Temple

A beautiful temple with amazing views on the edge of a cliff. They have a traditional Balinese dance performance daily at 6pm (approx. $8). It costs about 7 cents to enter the parking lot with a motorbike or 15 cents with a car. Entrance fee to the temple is about $1.5. Pro tips: You must wear a Sarong in order to enter the temple, bring your own or get one for free while buying your entrance ticket. Arrive around 5pm so you can walk around for 45 minutes before getting a seat for the show. They start selling tickets at 5pm and it can get pretty hectic pretty fast. Stay calm, have the exact cash ready (100,000 IDR per person), push your way through the many tour guides and wave the money while yelling the number of tickets ("two tickets please!!"). Kind of like Wall Street. Important: There are monkeys walking around the temple. Unlike the monkeys at the Sacred Monkey Forrest in Ubud, these ones are pretty aggressive. Absolutely do not wear sunglasses, jewelry, hold a bottle of water, or generally have any loose articles. These monkeys will snatch your stuff in no-time, and there is no getting it back. Try to avoid these monkeys and do not make eye contact, there are plenty of other opportunities to meet some nice monkeys in Bali. :)

Bingin Beach

The many steps that lead to this magical beach are surely worth it. Spend the day there and as the evening unfolds watch all the fishermen set up tables on the sand for an awesome seafood feast. You will be able to choose your fresh fish on the spot, and sip a beer while they grill your selections.

Padang Padang Beach

As you drive across the main street (Jalan Labuansait) and cross a small bridge, you won't miss this gem of a beach. It is the one where many people stop on the side of the road to snap an awesome photo from above. If you pass the bridge driving east, the entrance will be on the left. They charge about 75 cents to enter but it is certainly worth it!

Suluban Beach (AKA Uluwatu Beach)

Although a bit difficult to find (take the left lane at this fork and follow the "Uluwatu Beach" signs), this one is truly a hidden paradise. Pro tip: when arriving down there, do not miss the even-more-hidden beach nicknamed "Sunny Beach". You will have to go through the cave on your left. Not to worry, it's really easy! And wait until you see the beach that gets revealed!

Surf

Bali, in general, and Uluwatu, specifically, features some of the world's most amazing waves. Whether you are a pro-surfer or just interested in taking some lessons, Bali has you covered. We spent a few days at Rapture Surf Camp and had fun. Things to note: they have two camps in Bali. Their "Padang Padang" surf camp is better-situated and generally has a warmer feel to it. I don't think this company is a good choice if this is your first time surfing. Also, be sure to surf with lycra on, no matter what they say. Even though the water temp is great, wax + salt water + exposed chest = a painful experience.

Ubud

Located in the heart of Bali, this jungle of a place has some amazing restaurants, boutiques, as well as nature treks. Many people who visit Ubud on a quick day tour seem to find it underwhelming. We are guessing that it's due to those people being dropped off on the main street, which is a serious tourist hub (to give you an idea, that street is the home of the only Starbucks we saw in Bali). The real magic of Ubud is hiding in the side-streets and the outskirts. We seriously believe that Ubud and its environs are places not to be missed.

Where to stay

To get the most out of this place you should definitely check out the many Airbnb's and homestay villas available in and around Ubud. We stayed in Tegalalang which is a 15 minute scooter drive from central Ubud.

Christina's villa in Tegalalang
Check prices and availability
A private loft-style villa with a pool, Approx. $70 per night, suitable for a couple.

Taman Thai Villa
Check prices and availability
A cool, newly built villa with with traditional Balinese design and wonderful rice field views. The villa features a large living room and kitchen, plus 3 bedrooms with en-suite private bathrooms. Rooms can be rented separately, approx. $40 per night. Great Thai restaurant on property.

Where to eat

Atman Cafe

Try the coconut pancakes with caramelized banana for breakfast and the chickpea-beetroot falafel for lunch!

Kafe

Quaint outdoor seating. Perfect for having a meal while people watching on Hanoman street.

Earth Cafe

Vegan hotspot, Mediterranean and East-Asian menu items. Awesome views of Ubud's rooftops.

Sari Organik

Be sure to dine at the one on Subak Sok Wayah Street, located in a rural area surrounded by rice fields. Wonderful organic dining experience for lunch and dinner.

Warung Sharaswhaty

Great Indian food with a very relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. Sit on the second floor, cross-legged on pillows.

Yellow Flower

The many steps that lead to this hidden gem will well be worth it. Beautiful place with breathtaking views, delicious vegetarian-only cuisine.

La Pachamama

If you're missing some Mexican flair, this is a cool, vegan place with great cocktails. Expect higher prices compared to other spots.

Dapur Bunda

Indonesian tapas? Yes please. Authentic cuisine and beautiful homestyle experience.

Bali Buda

Our go-to grocery store!

What to do

Hike Mount Batur

This volcano is located in northern Bali so it is suggested that you book the tour while staying in Ubud. Highly recommended to hike it over-night so you can watch the sunset at the top. Be sure to bring warm clothing! Do it with a private guide. There are many options on Trip Advisor or get in touch with us and we can share our guide's information.

Alam coffee plantation

Ever watched the movie "The Bucket List"? Go try Jack Nicholson's favorite coffee - world-famous Kopi Luwak. Great experience where you will get to taste many types of unique coffees and teas in a beautiful setting. Only costs a few dollars!

Chez Monique silver jewelry class

A silver welding and jewelry making class where you'll leave with your own finished creation, ready-to-wear. Chez Monique is an ever-unique experience inside a family's home and business that will tap you into the craftsmanship culture of Ubud. Cost: approx. 33 USD. Time: 2-3 hours.

Five Art Studio wood carving or painting class

Come to learn the ancient ways of Balinese woodwork or tapestry painting, and leave with your own art piece + memories of Ubud's cutest family; all of which will surely last a lifetime. Wayan's passion for life, art and education is contagious. We can't wait to come back to volunteer in his English-speaking classes for his community, coming soon! Cost: approx. 30 USD. Time: 3-4 hours.

Ubud Traditional Spa

A hidden gem and true bargain. It's difficult to choose the best thing about this place: their on-site fruit and herb garden is the source of your tea, massage oil, and fruit plate; their staff is another special extension of Balinese warmth and hospitality. If you're looking for a traditional spa experience in Bali, the name says it all. $14 for 60 minutes.

Ubud Yoga House

Open-air yoga studio in the middle of Ubud's rice fields? Yes, please! $10 per class, or less, if you opt to buy the 3/5/10/20 class cards.

Sacred Monkey Forest

A beautiful place to visit and walk around. Friendly monkeys all over the place, guaranteed. Be sure to pass the entrance quickly in order to venture to the less touristy areas and have some 1 on 1 (or 5 on 1) time with the monkeys. There are ladies who sell banana bunches so you can feed them, approx. $2 for a small bunch and $4 for a large. Pro tips: Don't wear any jewelry or sunglasses as the monkeys snatch them for their own. Go earlier in the day, as the monkeys can get over-indulged by the hoards of tourists—to the point they won't interact. If you want to snatch a photo with a monkey hold a banana above your shoulder or your head, and they will climb you like a tree. Nothing to fear! These guys are cool. Entrance cost is $3 per person.