Ahhh, Bali. This mystical and romantic island lures travelers from all over the world…. including myself. The secret is absolutely out, so avoid the tourist traps unless you want to get caught in crowds of Instagrammers.

Personally, I don’t mind moving around every 2-3 days, and I am happy we decided to do so. Each region looks totally different and offers something unique, so I am grateful we got to experience it all. You could always cut out a destination and slow down the pace if that’s more your travel style.

Read on to learn about what my husband Slater and I did on our blissful Bali adventure -

Getting There

It takes a full day to get to Bali from the USA. There are more direct routes out there, but I am pretty loyal to Qatar Airways for long haul travel. Hamad International Airport (in Doha) is modern and sophisticated, so it’s an ideal airport to spend a layover. We flew from Philadelphia, to Doha, and then onwards to Denpasar. Also, Qatar Airways service is by far the best that I have experienced in the sky. If you want to splurge, their Business Class cabin is incredible, and makes it sooooo hard to go back to Economy.

Getting Around

Hire a local driver for the duration of your stay - they go for about $40-75 USD per day. Really, it’s that cheap. If you are adventurous, rent a motorbike, but I don’t recommend this in the busier regions as it can be dangerous.

Day One: Uluwatu

Uluwatu is known for it’s rugged coastlines, incredible surf breaks, and vibey beach clubs. It’s the perfect destination to ease into your Balinese adventure.

After the 24 hour journey from Philadelphia, we craved the ocean and some refreshing food. We hiked down to Bingin Beach and watched some surfers for a few hours with a Bintang in hand. We mingled with locals and fellow tourists from France, Brazil, and Australia, all coming to Bali to relax and escape.

The pitaya (dragonfruit) bowls from Kelly’s Warung were exactly what we needed after a long flight.

Next we visited Padang Padang Beach, famous from the movie Eat, Pray, Love. And honestly, it’s iconic for good reason. The blue-green water and rock formations definitely make you feel like you’re in South East Asia. Note - you’ll need to pass some monkey-covered temples and tiny walkways to access the beach from the main road above.

During sunset, we ventured to Single Fin which was recommended by most of my friends. The views were epic and the place was packed with easygoing people, vibing to the DJs set list.

We booked a villa on Airbnb for 2 nights. It was beautiful, but wasn't in the best location. Lessen learned: If you’re going with Airbnb, book an accommodation on the water and double-check the specific location before committing. For this region, look for villas in Bukit or Pecatu.

bali villa pool _ the adventure concierge

Day Two: Uluwatu

There’s a strong Australian presence in Bali and that translates into some delicious breakfasts. We enjoyed flat whites, eggs benedict, and a chocolate smoothie bowl at Bukit Cafe.

Then, we decided to post up at Sundays Beach Club…. for much longer than we originally planned. There’s a stunning beach to explore, and activities like snorkeling and paddle boarding are complimentary. The food and drinks were fresh and ever-flowing and you really can’t beat the atmosphere. It feels exclusive and remote, which can be hard to find in Bali. We thought it was well worth the $25 per person entrance fee, especially since they provide a $10 credit towards your bill.
The funicular down to paradise…..

Day Three: Canggu

After exploring the dramatic coastlines of Uluwatu, we headed to Canggu, a flat, beachy village backed by rice fields. It’s an expat hotspot; many freelancers base their stay here due to affordable rent and the fun outdoor lifestyle.

The best part of Canggu was our hotel, Hotel Tugu Bali. It has one of the largest collections of fine Indonesian antiquities. The wood engravings from Java and tranquil gardens make you feel like you’ve stepped back into time.

A Balinese massage followed by an herbal soak was included in our nightly rate and it is still one of my most memorable spa experiences. I loved how we did not even need to leave our room.

Day Four: Canggu

We spent our free time exploring the local markets and browsing the chic boutiques of Canggu. This is the place to shop! There are also so many yummy eateries to choose from like Crate, Nalu Bowls, and Milk and Madu. Spring Spa is gorgeous if you’re looking for some more spa treatments.

Canggu is fantastic for beginner surfers as they don’t have the crazy waves like Uluwatu. We chilled out on the urban beach until sunset and ended the night at the trendy La Brisa Bali and Old Man’s, a laid-back beer garden.

Day Five: Ubud

After experiencing Bali’s beaches, we headed inland towards the spiritual heart of the island. We were lucky to be traveling during the cherished holiday, Galungan, and it truly enhanced our cultural experience. During this bi-annual holiday, ornate decorations called penjor line the streets and act as offerings. The Balinese Hindu’s believe that their gods and ancestors come back to the earthly realm for 10 days, so it’s a particularly special time to be there.

We meandered around the ancient streets of Ubud and embraced the zen atmosphere. You can’t help but relax as the scents of jasmine, ylang ylang, and incense waft through the air.

Don’t be ashamed if you want to visit to the Monkey Forest … we did too, and loved it.

Day Six: Ubud

If you’re up for an adventure, wake up at 2:00am to trek up to the peak of Mount Batur and view the sunrise from an active volcano. On the drive back to Ubud, you can stop at thermal spas and coffee plantations.

Day Seven: Ubud

On our last day in Ubud, our driver picked us up in a land cruiser for an off the beaten track excursion. We drove through authentic Balinese villages and rice fields that spanned as far as the eye can see. We skipped the famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces and visited Jatiluwih instead, which was such a good call by our driver as we were the only people there.

While in Ubud, delicious dinner spots include the casual Naughty Nuri’s Warung or the riverfront, multi-level Bridges Restaurant. The Sayan House is another luxe establishment if you’re seeking something fancy, but be sure to book a res.

For your accommodation, there’s a wide range of options. Private villas and luxury resorts are the most popular choices. Your dollar stretches pretty far in Bali, so you might be surprised how elegant hotels can fit into your budget. Standout choices are the COMO, Amandari, Four Seasons, and Bambu Indah . We decided to book something more low-key for this stay since we splurged elsewhere, and The Alena Resort exceeded our expectations.

Days Eight - Ten: An East Coast Hideaway at Amankila

Amankila is a remote hideaway up a winding hill on the East Coast. Tucked within a lush mountainside overlooking the Lombok Strait, Amankila means “peaceful hill” and the grounds exude a sense of tranquility. It’s an excellent choice for discerning travelers seeking an exclusive escape in paradise.

Read a detailed review of our stay at Amankila here! Amankila will leave you feeling inspired and rejuvenated, and is an idyllic haven to end a Balinese vacation.