Travel Guide to Bali The Island of The Gods

No wonder why is also known as the Island of the Gods, Bali is a Paradise! Being one of my favorite places in the world, I can assure there’s no way you won’t love this incredible island.

With more than 17.000 islands in Indonesia, Bali is the most popular and visited one. Its rice terraces, great beaches, yoga, delicious food, loving people and the most amazing energy makes it one of the best destinations in the world.

When you hear so many good things about a place you can only imagine how expensive it should be… Well that’s another great thing about Bali, is really affordable no matter your taste!

When you get there

Ngurah Rai International airport (also known as Bali or Depansar airport) is the only one in Bali and is located at its capital Depansar. You can get a taxi outside the airport, Blue Bird taxis are the safe option, the others might charge you more. You can also use Uber or Grab but just remember you have to be a little discrete since they’re not quite accepted.

*If you are from Costa Rica you don’t need a visa to entry Indonesia (free entry, 30 days valid not extendable), if you are from another country check if you can get it on arrival or before.

The best way to move around Bali is in scooter, traffic is crazy there so the easiest and fastest way is to rent a scooter (and is also more fun!). In case you don’t want to rent one there’s a service called GO-JEK which works like an Uber but with bikes, you just need to download the app.

Currency , ATMs, credit/debit cards

The currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR or Rp) and is around 13,540 for every $1 and 15,970 for every 1€. Is better to carry cash with you everywhere, not many places accept debit cards and credit cards pretty much nowhere. Bali is very safe in general but while I was there I heard there are a lot of scams with the ATM’s or when you pay with your card. I got stolen a considerable amount of money by using my card so I suggest you don’t take any risks and use cash only.

Where to stay? Canggu, Seminyak or Kuta?

You definitely are going to enjoy Bali no matter where your accommodation is but I recommend you to stay in Canggu (pronounced Changgu). This is the coolest and hippest area. Amazing villas, great restaurants and cafés, beach bars, really cool nightlife… anything you need you can find it here besides is one of the best spots to surf in Bali! This place has the best vibes, it’s not far from Seminyak and Kuta so even tho you are staying in Canggu you have to go and check them out!

Where to eat?

Bali has some great spots for vegans and non-vegans. I loved that I could find acai bowls, kombucha, lots of fruits and refreshing smoothies almost everywhere besides of super cute spots. Here are a few that I really liked:

Peloton Supershop: This is a vegan cafe and available gluten free. A great choice for breakfast, they have a lot of delicious options including the smoothie bowls and avocado toasts! Address: No.46 Jln Raya Pantai Berawa Berawa, Bali, Indonesia.
The Shady Shack: A tropical spot in Canggu with healthy wholefoods. This one is a perfect option for breakfast and lunch. Address: Jl. Tanah Barak No.57, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia.
La Baracca: Delicious Italian restaurant in the middle of Canggu. Great atmosphere and the authentic cuisine makes it a great spot for dinner. It can get a little busy but the wait is totally worth it. Address: Jl Tanah barak Canggu (echo beach) Bali, Indonesia.
Sea Circus: A super cute spot with a unique design located in Seminyak. With a variety of dishes you can’t go wrong here. Is great for any time of the day and you probably are going to take lots of pictures here! Address: 22 Jalan Kayu Aya Seminyak, Bali.

Things to do

I still have so much to discover in Bali but so far some of the things I recommend you:

Visit Ubud: One of the most important towns in Bali, Ubud is great if you want to really relax. Is a combination of a country town with a lot of nature and is a little more spiritual. Is like one hour-hour and a half drive from the airport.
Take a yoga class: Bali is well known for its yoga, there’re plenty of good places where you can take a class, The Yoga Barn located in Ubud is amazing with good prices.
Go Surf or take a surf lesson: Bali is one of the best surfing destinations in the world so why won’t you do it?
Go for drinks and watch the sunset at La Plancha in Seminyak: This spot is great for cocktails and watch a beautiful sunset while sitting on colorful bean bags with cool music in the middle of the beach.
Climb Mont Batur: Is an active volcano and according to Hindu believe is one of the sacred mountain. Once you are in Ubud there’re a lot of sunrise trekking tours to choose from.

Sip coconuts or a cocktail and eat pop corn at The Lawn in Canggu: This place is perfect to relax in a great atmosphere with the best vibes while chilling on the lawn under palm trees. You can also catch amazing sunsets here. Make sure to go if you are in Canggu.
Go to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: If you are crazy about monkeys as much as I am then you can’t miss this one. Is a nature reserve located in Ubud and for a small fee you can enter and explore the place with a lot of monkeys roaming free, you can also feed them with bananas you can buy inside. Remember to be careful with your belongings because the monkeys would take anything!
Visit Pura Batu Bolong: Is an ocean side temple situated between rocks and juts into the sea. It’s a beautiful Hindu sacred site located near to Senggigi Beach.
Go to Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Bali is famous for its rice terraces and Tegalalang is a beautiful one in Ubud. You can find tours or go by yourself, there’s a small fee for the entrance.
Canggu Market in Old Man’s Restaurant: Is a really cool market but it only opens every last Saturday of the month. With good music and vibes you can find a lot of unique stuff from handmade items, swimsuits, clothing, Jewerly to organic fruits, sweets, kombucha and many other things. It’s from 8am-3pm and located at Canggu, Batu Bolong beach, Old Man’s.

I hope this travel guide can help you when you are in Bali. I love this island, it really is one of my favorite places in the world and I know you’ll feel the same once you see it! Have you been to Bali before? What other things would you recommend? Let me know in the comments below! Thanks for reading and hope you have a wonderful week!