THINGS TO DO 

Canggu

Echo Beach: Rent a surf board and catch some waves.

Love Anchor Market: Hipster market selling anything from jeelry and clothes to handmade soaps, soak up the good vibes and live music every Saturday and Sunday from 9 – 5.

Finns Beach Club: Lounge all day by the beach with amenities like a spa, infinity pool with a swim up bar, waterpark, multiple
restaurants, fitness center, and much more. Stay late to watch an unforgettable sunset.

Canggu Shortcut: Journey down this infamous shortcut through rice fields but proceed with caution on this narrow-raised path because it’s not uncommon for people to fall off.

Samadi: Relax and reconnect with your body and mind at a drop-in yoga class.
Seminyak 

Shopping: Walk along Jalan Laksmana or Jalan Kayu Aya, the main streets for shopping; you’ll find a range of things from local Balinese shops to Australian designers.

Uluwatu

Padang Padang Beach: golden sand, clear blue water, and consistent surf, one of the most popular beaches on the Bukit Peninsula.

Sundays Beach Club: posh all-inclusive resort, comfy bean bags, amazing blue water, paddle boarding, snorkeling, bonfires, delicious food and boozy drinks.

Thomas Beach: A local’s “secret beach” in Uluwatu full of white sand and captivating hues of blues. 

Uluwatu Temple: sea temple perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean, great place to watch the sunset, be careful of the monkeys here – they’re fierce.

Ubud

Bali Swings: One of the most instagram perfect areas to ever exist. Swing over terraces, and sit in cute woven designed seats.

Get a Balinese massage: Jari Menari in Seminyak or Cantika Spa in Ubud (town in central south-east Bali) are the best. 

Monkey Forest: Monkeys… in the wild… that jump on you when you feed them bananas. It’s fun, we promise.

Mount Batur Volcano: One of the most popular hikes on the island. Best to do at sunrise. Tours leave from Ubud and Seminyak.  

Tegalalong Rice Fields: Bali’s iconic rice terraces, located about 30 minutes from downtown Ubud. 

Tenenguan Waterfall: One of the grandest and stunning waterfalls in all of Bali. Located about 40 minutes from Ubud. 

The Yoga Barn: Experience inner healing and personal growth while participating in yoga, meditation, or ayurvedic treatments.

PLACES TO EAT

Canguu

Peloton Supershop: Is it a bike store or a restaurant? Who cares, the food is DELICIOUS; seriously some of the best vegan noms we’ve ever had.

The Shady Shack: Cute beach shack nestled in an overflowing garden with fresh, healthy meals.

Crate Café: Trendy hangout for digital nomads and breakfast to die for.

Warung Heboh: Traditional, delicious, and cheap Indonesian food.

I Am Vegan Babe: Chic interior and brimming with insta influencers, come here for the biggest, most heavenly cinnamon rolls.

Mai Tai: Hands down the best poke bowls on the island. 

Nude: Vibrant, fresh, LA vibe. 

Seminyak 

Cafe Organic: Smoothie bowls and deliciously healthy breakfasts. 

Earth Cafe: Immensely popular; healthy, organic food.

Kynd Community: Plant-based goodness from nachos to smoothie bowls, also a hot spot for bloggers and influencers.
Sea Circus: an extravaganza of color and whimsical designs with delicious food.

Da Maria: The best gourmet Italian food, pizza, and wine in all of Bali. All in a super-swanky setting.

Mad Pops: Natural artisan funky ice creams.

Motel Mexicola: Cabo meets Bali in this incredible Mexican restaurant that boasts tacos, margaritas, and one of the liveliest dance floors in all of Seminyak. 

Nalu Bowls: The best smoothie bowls in all of Bali. Blended inside a casual beach shack, order the Uluwatu. 

Revolver Espresso: Best coffee ever and the OG of boutique bean brands on the island.

Uluwatu

Nalu Bowls: Best smoothie bowls ever, served in coconut bowls.

Bukit Cafe: Fresh, healthy western inspired menu, sure to have something for everyone.

La Baracca: Amazing comfort Italian cuisine.

Ubud
Kafe: Wide range of food for any diet using organic, local ingredients.

The Seeds of Life: The most creative, delicious raw desserts.

Zest: Chill out in this cozy restaurant that features traditional Balinese architecture and modern art, along with an incredible menu.

Sarong Restaurant: Upscale South-east Asian food in Kerobokan. Beautiful atmosphere and a killer cocktail list. Date night goals. 

Alchemy: Juice bar, holistic clinic, health store, and restaurant all in one.

Pacha Mama & La Cevicheria: Crisp vegetarian Mexican food (with a cevicheria upstairs for the vegetarians) in a stylish courtyard located in Ubud’s Penestanan neighborhood. 

PLACES TO DRINK

Canggu 

Black Cat Mini Mart: At first glance it’s a mini mart, but head to the back of the store and open the fridge to reveal a mysterious, cool bar.

La Brisa Canggu: This nautical, vintage-inspired La Brisa is Canggu’s newest beach club. The view overlooks the surfers riding the waves and makes for a perfect sandy escape. 

La Laguna Bali: Hip, secluded beach bar in Canggu. Known for its colorful gypsy-inspired decor. 

Old Man’s: Canggu’s most famous beach bar has live bands and DJ’s every night. Any day of the week is fun, but their biggest nights are Wednesdays.

The Lawn Canggu: This chic daytime pool-club turns into the hottest evening spot come dusk. It’s a little Bali, a little LA, and it’s all great. 

Pretty Poison: Have a beer, listen to live music and watch the skaters.

Sand Bar: Situated literally in the sand this is the after party of all after parties.

Seminyak

Potato Head Beach Club: This Seminyak staple is the place to grab a drink at sunset. This beachfront club is all housed in an outdoor amphitheater, complete with a giant lawn for hosting concerts and festivals as well.

La Favela: Eclectic décor, raving music, cheap drinks, a night here is a legendary affair.

Ku De Ta: The first of its kind in Bali; cozy ambiance, DJ’s, and spectacular sunset views. 

Mrs Sippy: Massive saltwater pool, famous dive boards, incredible music, sure to be a good time.

Uluwatu

Omnia: Wanna feel like a celebrity for a day? Come to this all-day party perched atop a cliff featuring an expansive infinity pool and international DJ’s.

Rock Bar at the Ayana Resort: Bar built on a stunning cliff overlooking the ocean. Candlelit tables, comfy lounges and flavorful signature sunset cocktails. 

Single Fin: Mare sure to make it here if you want one of the best parties in Bali on a Sunday night. 

PLACES TO STAY

Towns: Canggu for a chill, laid-back surfer vibe. Seminyak for great access to dining, shopping, and the most bustling area of Bali. Ubud for jungle zen near the rice fields and waterfalls. And Uluwatu for the most beautiful beaches you’ll find on the island.

Airbnb: There are a ton of AirBnB options all over Bali. The best option for a bigger group. You can easily rent private villas with infinity pools at a decent price

Anantara Uluwatu: Dreamy infinity pools overlooking aqua-blue Uluwatu views. 

Bambu Indah Ubud: Super-secluded and peaceful hotel in the jungles of Ubud. 

Capsule Hotel Bali: huge party hostel in Seminyak, great place to meet other young travelers.

Colony Hotel in Seminyak: Affordable hotel in a hip location of Seminyak. Has picture-perfect courtyard pool. 

Ketut’s Place: Experience authentic Balinese living nestled amongst enchanting scenery in Ubud, recommended for the past 20 years by the `Lonely Planet` guidebook.

Puri Garden: Boutique hostel in the center of Ubud featuring a garden, swimming pool, free yoga classes and breakfast.

The Legian Bali: Beachfront Bali luxury hotel in Seminyak. Complete with three amazing tiers of beachfront infinity pools. 

The Jungle House: Arrive at a quaint hostel in Canggu with a jungle garden and leave with lifelong friends. Definitely one of the best hostels to get that community feel.

Viceroy Bali: Stunning five-star jungle luxury hotel high up in Ubud. Great getaway for honeymooners. 

TRANSPORTATION

The best transportation option is motorbiking around, if you’re comfortable with it. It costs less than $10 USD a day. 

Instead of depending on uber, download apps GO-JEK and Grab. They allow you to call a scooter or car to take you around the island. 

The best option for day trips is to hire a driver for the day.  (See our tip below for contact info).

TIPS

Avoid December/January, Bali’s rainy season if you’re looking for nightlife and beach days. It will come down hard, fast, and frequent, but is great if you’re searching for tranquility. The driest season runs April through October and the highest, busiest season is during the summer. 

If you are looking for a tour guide who can take you around the island look no further. Our trusted friend and previous guide Wayan from Bali Culture Tours will be happy to arrange any kind of activities you want for your next Bali vacation. He can take you to temples, waterfalls, culture sites, and even to hike Mt.Batur at sunrise. Please reach out to him for scheduling and rates via Instagram here. 

Bargain: When shopping at local markets or shops always remember to bargain the price a little, but keep in mind they are just trying to make a living so be a little generous.