Embarking on a Bali sister trip was an adventure I never knew I needed, a journey that began with zero expectations but blossomed into an unforgettable experience on this captivating Indonesian island. Bali has always shimmered on my bucket list, a place whispered about with reverence by those who have visited. My sister, Maddie, a seasoned Bali traveler with five previous visits, was the ultimate guide for this whirlwind escape. We spontaneously booked our tickets just a month in advance, and I’m immensely grateful for the timing. September, marking the tail end of Bali’s dry season, offered us glorious weather—consistently high 70s to 80s Fahrenheit, accompanied by a comfortable 70-90% humidity, creating the perfect backdrop for exploration and relaxation.
With Maddie’s intimate knowledge, she curated a “highlights” itinerary, showcasing her absolute favorite spots and activities. I can unequivocally confirm that it was the most incredible experience imaginable, a truly perfect introduction to the magic of Bali. For those eager to plan their own Balinese adventure, including detailed information on prices, accommodation, and travel logistics, you can find a comprehensive guide here.
Discovering Canggu: Bali’s Bohemian Beach Hub
Our journey to Bali kicked off with an epic travel day, a staggering 26.5 hours from Seattle to our hotel in Canggu (pronounced “Chang-goo”). This was, without a doubt, the longest travel marathon I’ve ever endured. Yet, I arrived surprisingly well-rested, thanks to a solid 9-10 hours of sleep on the plane. My secret for conquering long-haul flights and jet lag? Always opt for an overnight flight that aligns with your usual sleep schedule. Equip yourself with noise-cancelling headphones, a comfortable eye mask, and a sickness mask (a common sight on international flights these days, and a personal savior for undisturbed rest). Our flight departed at 1 AM, well past my usual bedtime, but the strategic timing made all the difference. If your budget allows, I wholeheartedly recommend investing a bit more for at least premium economy. We flew Cathay Pacific, initially booking basic economy but seized the opportunity to upgrade through their bidding system. While the process felt a bit like a gamble, we were fortunate to secure better seats, which significantly enhanced our comfort. Our route took us first to Hong Kong for a 14-hour leg, followed by a 4-hour layover, and then a final 5-hour flight to Denpasar, Bali.
Upon arrival, the immediate priority was syncing with Bali’s timezone – my ultimate strategy for defeating jet lag. As tempting as a nap might be after such an extensive journey, resist the urge! It’s crucial to train your body, both on the plane and immediately upon landing, to embrace the local schedule. Push through until at least 8 PM before heading to bed. Trust me, succumbing to an early nap can derail your entire schedule for the week. Thankfully, our diligent efforts paid off, and we successfully navigated jet lag on this trip.
Our initial destination was Canggu, a vibrant yet laid-back beach town located approximately an hour north of the airport. It’s a place that buzzes with an infectious energy, characterized by the omnipresent motorbikes zipping through the streets. It took me about a day to acclimate to this delightful chaos; I confess, I wouldn’t trust myself behind the handlebars, but motorbikes are undeniably the most common form of transportation here. Canggu truly left an impression; I didn’t fully realize how much I adored its unique charm until we departed for our next Balinese stop.
Canggu is a haven for health-conscious travelers and foodies. Healthy cafes seem to be around every corner, offering an incredible array of nutritious and delicious options. Boutique shops selling unique local crafts and trendy apparel dot the streets, and luxurious spas provide rejuvenating treatments at astonishingly affordable prices – imagine a 60-minute foot rub for just $6! The town’s gorgeous beaches complete this idyllic picture. One of my favorite cafes from the get-go was Motion Cafe, a true paradise for my eating style. Their menu boasts sweet potato waffles, an extensive paleo section, unsweetened options, chia pudding, fresh eggs, and vibrant greens – essentially everything one could desire for a wholesome meal. We indulged in three drinks and four menu items, and the total bill was only $23. This, my friends, is your true “Welcome to Bali” moment. Seriously, the most significant expense of a Bali trip is typically the flight; once you arrive, everything else is incredibly cheap and reasonably priced, offering exceptional value.
The Balinese people are remarkably kind and genuinely happy, often seen laughing with infectious joy. A major highlight of our trip was having a dedicated driver throughout our stay. We discovered ours through Trip Advisor, where you can book a driver for approximately $40 per day for 10 hours. These drivers are not only excellent navigators but are also incredibly accommodating, happy to take you anywhere and patiently wait for hours with your luggage while you explore a beach, enjoy a meal, or tour a rice terrace. This service provides unparalleled convenience and peace of mind, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the Balinese experience without worrying about transportation logistics.
For our first three nights in Canggu, we stayed at The Slow hotel. This boutique establishment exudes a truly relaxed, chic LA aesthetic, perfectly situated in the vibrant heart of Canggu. Its design features striking concrete floors, an industrial-inspired feel, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, and exquisite artisan ceramics. Many rooms offer lovely views of the town or lush greenery. They even boast a few private pool suite rooms, which I’m already dreaming of booking for my next visit! On our first full day, I managed to squeeze in a quick workout right in our hotel room, “Good Sweat” style. Incorporating even just 10-15 minutes of exercise or movement into my morning routine is essential; it provides an immediate energy boost, truly wakes me up, and helps maintain a sense of routine from home, even while traveling.
Later that day, we took a taxi, locally known as a ‘taski,’ for a short 20-minute ride to Seminyak, a neighboring town, to visit Potato Head Beach Club. This iconic spot proved to be incredibly fun, offering the perfect setting for sunbathing, lounging on a daybed by the pool, enjoying delicious food, and simply relaxing by the ocean. My top tip: arrive early if you want to snag a prime spot! Daybeds come with a spending limit of 1,000,000 Rupiah, which converts to approximately $70 US dollars – an excellent value for a full day of luxury and amenities. The food was exceptional, with a plethora of healthy options available. Potato Head Beach Club is definitely a must-add to your Bali itinerary.
The following day, our culinary exploration led us to Kynd Café, a renowned vegan restaurant also situated in Seminyak. The food here was truly outstanding, exceeding all expectations. It was so delightful, we practically ordered everything on the menu to sample the full range of their plant-based delights!
Outfit from Bali – the shopping here is truly fantastic, offering unique and stylish finds!
Canggu & Seminyak Dining Highlights: A Foodie’s Paradise
- Beach Garden – Canggu
- Cafe Organic – Canggu & Seminyak (Don’t miss their pumpkin pesto toast!)
- Cassava – Seminyak
- Clear Cafe – Canggu
- Crate – Canggu (Their chai latte & Chia pudding smoothie are legendary)
- Kynd Community – Seminyak (A vegan dream!)
- Mad Pops – Canggu (Indulge in their incredible vegan ice cream)
- Mason – Canggu
- Milk and Madu – Canggu & Ubud
- Motel Mexicola – Seminyak
- Nude Cafe – Canggu
- Peleton Supershop – Canggu
- Potato Head – Seminyak
- Revolver – Seminyak
- Shelter – Seminyak
- The Loft – Canggu & Uluwatu
- The Shady Shack – Canggu
- Tropikale – Canggu
Ubud: Bali’s Cultural Heart and Rainforest Retreat
Day three began bright and early with a delightful breakfast at Crate in Canggu. The menu was everything I could wish for – I think it’s clear by now that breakfast is my favorite meal of the day! We each savored generous loaded toasts, mine on delicious gluten-free bread, before meeting our driver. With our luggage packed, we embarked on a scenic journey to Ubud, nestled about an hour and a half north into Bali’s lush rainforest, marking the second captivating stop of our sister trip.
Our destination was the breathtaking Tegallalang Rice Terrace, and it instantly claimed a spot as one of the absolute highlights of our entire trip. The landscape here is nothing short of picturesque, a vibrant tapestry of emerald green rice paddies cascading down hillsides, potentially one of the most stunning places I have ever witnessed. A crucial tip for any Bali excursion: arriving early is key to avoiding crowds of tourists. We reached the terrace around 8:30 AM, when it was still relatively empty, allowing us ample time to wander, absorb the tranquility, and capture all the photos our hearts desired without interruption.
There was an undeniable magic to this place. Beyond simply admiring the views, adventurous souls can opt for the thrilling experience of swinging high above the verdant landscape on one of the huge swings, safely strapped in, of course. For those who prefer a more grounded exploration, you are free to walk through the intricate pathways of the terrace, navigating between each lush landing. Even now, I dream of returning to this enchanting spot.
Just a five-minute drive up the road, we toured the Bali Pulina, a charming coffee and tea plantation. Here, they cultivate a variety of crops on-site, including fragrant vanilla bean, spicy ginger, warm cinnamon, and aromatic lemongrass. The plantation also offers samples of the world-famous Luwak coffee, known as the most expensive coffee globally. For a fascinating, albeit perhaps unsettling, explanation of why, you can click here. Unfortunately, it became clear during our visit that the civets (Luwaks) were kept in cages, and their living conditions were far from ideal, which was disheartening to witness.
Checking into The Udaya Resort and Spa in Ubud was an absolute dream. This luxurious retreat is perfectly integrated into the middle of the dense rainforest, offering a serene and immersive experience. We were fortunate to have our own private pool right outside our room – pure bliss! (For details on our full itinerary, you can refer to the link mentioned earlier). The resort features a compact but functional gym, designed perhaps for two people at a time. However, its true gem is an incredible bamboo hut situated on the top floor next to the gym, which serves as a stunning venue for dinners, special events, and morning yoga sessions held three times a week. The on-property Kaveri Spa was equally impressive. Maddie indulged in a blissful 90-minute Balinese massage, while I opted for a deeply relaxing 90-minute deep tissue massage. To top off our pampering, we shared a beautiful flower bath – and all of this indulgence came to a total of just $95! The value for money in Bali, especially for luxury experiences, truly bears repeating.
Another absolute must-do experience in Ubud is the famous floating breakfast. Honestly, after savoring such a picturesque and delightful meal served right in our private pool, I’m genuinely wondering how I’ll ever be content with a regular breakfast again. How cool and uniquely Balinese is that?!
While exploring Ubud, a visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest, centrally located in town, is highly recommended. Our hotel conveniently offered complimentary shuttle services back and forth, which was incredibly helpful as it was about a 10-minute drive into town, plus another 20 minutes of walking to reach the heart of the monkey sanctuary. A word of caution: these monkeys are quite mischievous and can be aggressive if provoked. It’s crucial not to show your teeth (which they interpret as a sign of aggression) or make direct eye contact. I wish I were kidding, but these are serious recommendations! Also, avoid bringing anything that dangles or is easily grabbed – they are quick to snatch items and run off with them. If you have a fear of monkeys, you might consider skipping this activity, but for those who are brave, it’s a fun and unique experience for a short visit.
Ubud Culinary & Activity Guide: Explore Bali’s Cultural Heart
Food Recommendations (Ubud):
- Alchemy
- Atman – Known for vegan, gluten-free, and paleo options
- Casa Luna – Delightful Vietnamese cuisine
- Clear Cafe
- Earth Cafe and Market
- Full Circle
- Milk and Madu
- Mokska – Specializes in raw/vegan dishes
- Mudra – A small, casual, and sustainable eatery
- Pica
- Restaurant Locavore
- Seeds of Life – Offers raw, vegan, casual dining with amazing vegan desserts
- The Elephant
- Zest Ubud – Sustainable and vegetarian, boasting great views
Activities in Ubud:
- Bali Pulina – Coffee and tea plantation tour
- Campuhan Ridge Walk – A scenic walk along a deep river valley, offering beautiful rice paddy views. Best visited early morning or at sunset.
- Gunung Kawai Temple
- Monkey Forest – An iconic wildlife sanctuary
- Mt. Batur Sunrise Hike – Can be arranged with a tour company for a pick-up around 2 AM for a breathtaking sunrise experience.
- Tegallalang Rice Terrace – Stunning terraced landscapes
- The Yoga Barn – A renowned center for yoga and wellness
- Tirta Empul Water Temple – A significant Hindu water temple
- Ubud Market – A vibrant market for local goods and souvenirs
- Ubud Yoga House
- Waterfalls – Ask your driver or hotel for recommendations on the best local waterfalls.
Uluwatu & Jimbaran: Coastal Bliss and Sunset Spectacles
After two enchanting nights immersed in Ubud’s rainforest tranquility, we ventured south for a 1-2 hour drive, seeking the stunning white-sand beaches and vibrant surf towns of Bali’s southern coast. Uluwatu proved to be a magnificent discovery – while not sprawling in size, it boasts some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, charming cafes, and luxurious resorts, making it a truly exceptional destination for relaxation and adventure.
First things first, if you find yourself in Uluwatu, you absolutely must visit The Loft for breakfast or lunch, and Drifter, conveniently located right next door, for any meal of the day. These two spots served up some of the finest food we tasted throughout our entire trip. Their menus are a celebration of healthy options, featuring an enticing array of nourish bowls, creamy chia puddings, refreshing coconuts, invigorating smoothies, wellness lattes, and, to my sheer delight, incredible gluten-free lemon pancakes. The culinary delights here are endless – I truly felt like I was in heaven!
The Loft itself is incredibly charming, with two locations – one in Canggu and another in Uluwatu, both exuding the same inviting vibe. They even sell some of my favorite ceramics discovered in Bali, from the brand Cisco and the Sun. Here’s a hot tip for souvenir hunters: consider bringing an extra, slightly empty check bag with you on your outbound journey. This allows you to fill it with all the wonderful goodies you’ll inevitably find in Bali, from unique clothing and beautiful kitchenware like straws, mugs, ceramics, and bowls, to exquisite jewelry and more. It’s a fantastic way to bring a piece of Bali’s artistry home with you.
Our next coastal adventure took us to Sundays Beach Club, a truly spectacular spot. The experience begins at a hotel perched atop a dramatic cliff. After paying $45 per person, which includes a towel and access to a prime beach spot, you descend the cliff face via an inclinator to reach the pristine white-sand beach below. We arrived around 9 AM, well before the crowds, securing the absolute best bean bag and umbrella setup right on the beach, with an unobstructed view of the sparkling ocean. Your ticket also grants you a 500,000 Rupiah credit for food and drinks, which is quite generous. To my surprise, their menu was fantastic! I ordered a refreshing watermelon salad with succulent prawns, a side of perfectly sautéed greens, fresh avocado, and, of course, coconut water served in a fresh coconut – it was arguably the best I’ve ever tasted. I also enjoyed an unsweetened iced hibiscus tea, making for a perfect beachside meal.
I think we were probably the only ones on the beach with our umbrella deliberately folded down, determined to soak up every ray of sunshine. Living in Seattle, I always feel compelled to seize every opportunity to bask in the sun whenever I can, though always meticulously prepared with SPF 50, of course!
The final leg of our Bali sister trip brought us to Rimba Jimbaran, a magnificent five-star resort situated on the island’s western side. To be honest, we could have easily spent an additional three days just exploring the sheer vastness of this property. It’s an expansive complex comprising three distinct hotels, offering an incredible array of activities and sights. A particular highlight is the iconic Rock Bar. You can take a convenient trolley to the adjacent Ayana hotel, then ride another inclinator down the cliff to reach this truly magical spot, renowned for its breathtaking sunset views. Remember to make reservations for the bar and restaurant right next to the water. A quick FYI: if you’re not actually staying at one of the associated hotels, they typically seat you around or behind the main rock, which might not offer the best view. This could be a compelling incentive to consider a stay at one of their properties!
I wasn’t overly impressed with the breakfast offerings at the Rimba hotel, as they lacked extensive options for those with dietary restrictions like gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan preferences. Personally, I would much rather have driven into Uluwatu town to grab breakfast at one of the many fantastic cafes there, but that’s just my personal preference for diverse, healthy options. If I were to change anything about our trip, I would either stay for just one night at Rimba to experience it briefly, or I would add an extra night in Uluwatu at the very end to fully enjoy the resort’s amenities at a more leisurely pace. On a positive note, they did have an excellent gym! I managed to work out three times during our stay, which always significantly boosts my mood and energy levels, even while on vacation.
On our very last night, my sister introduced me to Single Fin, another iconic beach club and surf spot. It offers unparalleled views of the sunset, making it the perfect vantage point to relax and watch the skilled surfers ride the waves, capping off our incredible adventure with a memorable farewell to Bali.
Uluwatu & Jimbaran: Coastal Delights & Activities
Food Recommendations (Uluwatu & Jimbaran):
- Breeze Cafe – Highly recommended for great grilled fish.
- Cashew Tree
- Drifter – Excellent for breakfast, lunch, or dinner; their GF lemon pancakes are a must-try!
- Drifter Cafe – Uluwatu (Don’t miss the Veggie coconut curry!)
- Suka Espresso
- The Loft
Activities in Uluwatu & Jimbaran:
- Bulgari Hotel – Known for its stunning architecture and clifftop views.
- Padang Padang Beach – A beautiful beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- Rock Bar – Jimbaran (Iconic sunset spot).
- Sundays Beach Club – A fantastic beach club experience.
And just like that, our incredible Bali sister trip concluded. We covered an astonishing amount of ground during those eight days, and I genuinely feel that I experienced a rich and diverse taste of Bali. From the trendy, energetic town of Canggu, to the serene, spiritual rainforest vibe of Ubud, and finally to the luxurious resort atmosphere of Jimbaran, each destination offered its own unique charm. I would wholeheartedly recommend this exact itinerary to anyone seeking a comprehensive and unforgettable Balinese adventure. A huge thank you to my amazing sister for showing me the absolute best time and creating memories that will last a lifetime! For the perfect 8-day Bali itinerary, be sure to click here.
xx Rachael