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.

www.desaseni.com

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. 

Seminyak

With its close proximity to the airport and the wide access to any type of activity, Seminyak can easily be your home-base when visiting Bali, or maybe the place you spend the first/last few days of your Bali vacation. Seminyak is located north of Kuta and is known as the more relaxed, less hectic area in comparison to Kuta (where you will mostly find a party-hungry crowd). There is plenty to do in Seminyak and it is a cool area that should definitely be explored, but keep in mind that (in our opinion) it is less of an authentic Bali experience and more of a fun, good-vibe vacation spot.

Where to stay

Jeje's Secret Wooden House
Check prices and availability
Great value for the price, these uniquely designed Balinese cabins with AC are located on a beautiful property. 10 minute scooter drive from the center of Seminyak. Approx. $38 per night.

Where to eat

La Favela

Owned by the same guys who own La Laguna in Canggu and a few other spots on the island, there are no words can truly do justice to describe this place. Take your time walking around to explore the one-of-a-kind unique design and art. The different floors and the many hidden rooms will leave you jaw-dropped. Food and cocktails are great. Pricier for Bali but nothing too crazy, and it's certainly worth it. Take note: At night the furniture disappears and the place turns into a well-known bar/club.

What to do

Shopping - WE'AR Yoga Clothing & Off Duty Wear

If you are looking for some unique yoga and casual wear, definitely check out this designer from New Zealand. Everything made in Bali.

Escape the Room

Whether you've played one these games before, or even if this is your first time, you are guaranteed to enjoy this cool experience! Nice activity for a way-too-hot, or rainy day.

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.