Over that time period, I stayed in four Airbnb villas and three resorts, and spent days relaxing in dreamy beach clubs. I was also nearly pickpocketed by a monkey and had at-home IV therapy service for the infamous “Bali belly,” which is common among tourists. I'd like to think that I've gotten a good sense of what to do in Bali, but more notably, what not to do. If you're planning to visit this year, here are my tips from spending a month in Bali.
2024 Bali Travel Guide
What to do in Indonesia
For me, Bali is about rest, relaxation and resetting mentally and physically. Whether it's the proximity to nature, abundance of healthy food or focus on wellness, there's something about the lifestyle in Bali that keeps bringing me back. I was lucky
enough to spend a total of one month in Bali last year, including a 3-week girls' trip in January and a 1-week trip with Blake over Christmas.
Over that time period, I stayed in four Airbnb villas and three resorts, and spent days relaxing in dreamy beach clubs. I was also nearly pickpocketed by a monkey and had at-home IV therapy service for the infamous “Bali belly,” which is common among tourists. I'd like to think that I've gotten a good sense of what to do in Bali, but more notably, what not to do. If you're planning to visit this year, here are my tips from spending a month in Bali.
Over that time period, I stayed in four Airbnb villas and three resorts, and spent days relaxing in dreamy beach clubs. I was also nearly pickpocketed by a monkey and had at-home IV therapy service for the infamous “Bali belly,” which is common among tourists. I'd like to think that I've gotten a good sense of what to do in Bali, but more notably, what not to do. If you're planning to visit this year, here are my tips from spending a month in Bali.
1. Stay in different parts of Bali
The two areas I've stayed in Bali are Seminyak and Ubud. If you have the time, I highly encourage you to stay in both places, as they're very different and an hour and a half drive away from each other. Seminyak feels like a chic, Western-style beach town, while Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, quiet and more spiritual. If you're staying in Seminyak, I recommend The BK Village, a boutique resort located between Seminyak and Canggu. We stayed in the Suite Joglo, which features traditional Indonesian architecture and a beautiful design that allows you to wake up surrounded by nature. The property feels like a tropical paradise, surrounded by tranquil pools and lush gardens.Up north in Ubud, my favorite resort is the luxurious Blue Karma Dijiwa Ubud. We chose this resort, because I specifically wanted to stay in the One Bedroom Villa Hammock Jungle View, where we could take in the jungle views from our oversized hammock - a bucket list item of mine! For a more affordable option in Ubud, we loved our stay at The Artini Dijiwa Ubud, specifically in the Premier Rice Field View. I woke up every morning for sunrise just for the stunning view from our balcony, which overlooked the swimming pool, surrounded by rice paddies and towering coconut trees.
2. Hire a private driver for a curated tour, and be camera ready
Before visiting Bali, I had no idea how vast it was. If you have a long bucket list, the best way to see everything you want is by hiring a private driver. We booked this private tour, which let us customize the places we wanted to visit that day. This also allows you to go at your own pace and even make last-minute changes to your itinerary if you decide to go on a spontaneous excursion, or like us, get tired from our 4 a.m. start time and want to head back to your accommodation earlier than originally planned.One thing that I must add is that Balinese tour guides are the most dedicated travel photographers I've ever met. As my friend commented on our trip, they put Instagram boyfriends to shame! Here's a photo of our tour guide climbing up a tree (which I did not ask him to do), just to take photos of us during our day trip to Nusa Penida.
3. Spend your day at a beach club
When I heard that Bali was known for beach clubs, the first thing that came to mind was the noisy day clubs of Las Vegas. To my surprise and delight, many of the beach clubs in Bali are more my speed: relaxing, surrounded by nature and offering fresh, delicious food. I have to start with Potato Head in Seminyak, which I always head to on my first night in Bali to take in the sunset over a soy-marinated tuna poke bowl. Potato Head is a unique and impressive space that's dedicated to becoming a zero waste operation. Even the entrance to the beach club is an impressive take on how artistic sustainable concepts can be.To treat ourselves, my friends and I got a day pass package at Hanging Gardens of Bali in Ubud, which included an amazing massage and Indonesian-style lunch, before spending the afternoon at their iconic infinity pools overlooking the jungle. All the way south in Uluwatu is Palmilla Bali. This beach club is a must-visit, with its white sand beach and this stunning cliff backdrop. We stayed here from opening at 10 a.m. until sunset, and spent a perfect day soaking up the sun, reading and taking dips in the pool.
4. Nourish yourself with healthy, affordable meals
One of the most exciting parts about waking up in Bali is knowing that my day would start off with a fresh, delicious breakfast that costs less than a latte in Hong Kong or San Francisco. Maybe it's the influx of Australian expats over the years, but avocado toast seems to be one of the most popular breakfast options at cafes. My favorite is the version at Sisterfields, which is served with za'atar spiced cashew, feta cheese and herbs on whole wheat sourdough.For an extra special morning, start your day with a floating breakfast, like this one offered at Blue Karma Dijiwa Ubud. This option is becoming more common at hotels and resorts as a way to enjoy your breakfast in a private pool, surrounded by nature. They usually offer a combination of Indonesian and Western dishes, depending on your preference, and are a fun, relaxing way to slow down and enjoy a beautiful morning in Indonesia.
5. Take advantage of the wide range of rest and wellness activities that Bali has to offer
From yoga classes surrounded by nature to the most relaxing spa days I've ever had, Bali is truly the best place to reset. One of my favorite mornings in Bali was spent doing yoga at Pranava Yoga while the rain was pouring in the nearby rice fields. I also got day passes for nearby gyms, and hired a personal trainer for the first time at a fraction of what the cost would be in Hong Kong.While we were in Bali, we also unexpectedly had the best massages of our lives at Jari Menari, where the highly trained therapists are award-winning for their healing techniques. Each room also had elements of nature, making the experience even more relaxing.
I love starting and ending my year in Bali, because every time I come home, I feel rejuvenated, at peace and ready to take on whatever comes next. For more videos and clips from my trips to Bali, check out my Instagram Story Highlights.
