Let’s be honest: planning a trip to Bali can feel like ordering brunch at a 12-page menu café — everything sounds amazing, and you want it all. With over 5,000 places to stay and enough beaches, rice terraces, and smoothie bowls to last a lifetime, it’s hard to know where to start. But don’t panic. I’ve done the over-researching, over-packing, and slightly excessive resort and Balanise spa bookings so you can just sit back and enjoy the ride.
✨ Before You Go: Define Your Bali
Start by asking yourself these three questions:
- What’s your travel vibe? Relaxation, adventure, culture—or a mix of all?
- What’s your ideal setting? Beach, jungle, or a bit of both to adventure across the island ?
- What’s your stay style? Hotels, Luxury Resorts, A Staffed Private Villa (hello, 30,000+ options!), a Cozy Airbnb with a homey kitchen and washing machine (great for a week+). No matter how big or small, even the most basic villas and accommodations are beautiful. AND no matter where you stay in Bali, it’s surprisingly affordable — you do not have to break the bank to stay well here!
Here’s my no-fluff, no-filter Bali guide, based on my very real, very fabulous three-week trip with my college bestie:
Start in Jimbaran Beach
- Why: Super close to the airport, ideal for jet lag recovery.
- Vibe: Peaceful,and famous for beachfront seafood cuisine
- Where to Stay: From the Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay to boutique stays, you’ll find a good range of options.
Next Stop: Ubud (Your Jungle Escape)
- Stay: We loved Villa Cella Bella – serene & picturesque. Opt for the Dream Villa, comes with your own private water slide straight to your private pool. Another great option: The Temple Suite. The breakfast is great and delivered to your room.
- Wellness: Check into Wellness Resort, Abisena and opt for their 3–5 day wellness package.
- Whats Included:
- Visit the famous rice terraces
- Try a Balinese water purification ceremony
- Enjoy yoga, Abisena’s Signature bamboo massage (a must), and cultural performances
- Full Board of healthy meals
- Divine Nightly Herbal Baths (Made from over 146 herbs- smells divine) Set up in the suite every evening before bedtime.
- What else To Do:
- Explore the lively Ubud town for local food, art, and massages
- Dine in town for a lot of great options such as This is Bali
Then Head to Canggu & Seminyak (Trendy Coastline)
- Stay: Sages Hotel – centrally located, aesthetic, and bonus: free gym access.
- Do:
- Take a Pilates class
- Explore boutique shops and surf-friendly beaches
- Dine at Manaw – hands down the best Thai food on the island (we went 4 times!)
- Cocktails at District 9 – perfect for people-watching and vibing
Add a Quick Stop in Nusa Dua
- Stay: The Apurva Kempinski – luxury, family-friendly, and allergy-aware. Justin Bieber and David Beckham have stayed here. See the Lady in Red for all your special requests.
- Must-Try: Underwater dining experience at Koral, beach clubs, and resort spas
- Tip: 1–2 nights here is plenty.
End Strong in Uluwatu & Pecatu (The Crown Jewel of Bali’s Beaches)
- Activities:
- Take a surfing lesson
- Visit cliffside temples at sunset
- Where to Stay:
- Bvlgari Resort Bali if you’re going big ($2,000+/night) and want that bespoke luxury experience with all the fashionable amenities. Jumeirah Bali is another spectacular option.
- Or keep it chill at Hotel Klapa in Pecatu (And right next to Jumeirah, so same sunset views!) for just $50/night—sunset snacks included!
🥥 Bali Essentials
Do This
✔ Get daily massages ($10+)
✔ Book a wellness retreat (even if its short)
✔ Eat local dishes (nasi goreng, satay, sambal!)
✔ Bali Sunsets (especially in Uluwatu or Pecatu)
✔ Take a Boreh mask and scrub making class
✔ Take a sightseeing tour (trust me—it’s efficient and enlightening)
✔ Sip fresh coconut water & eat pink dragon fruit, Luwak Coffee Tasting
✔ Be wary of ‘Bali Belly’, so brush your teeth with bottled water provided
✔ Say yes to happy hour with strangers
✔ Engage in Local Customs
✔ Visit temples, rice paddies, and waterfalls along your journey
✔ A flower petal bath or petal pool (Everywhere in Bali)
✔ Take a surfing lesson (if you are feeling bold)
Pack This
- A Raffia tote to hold all of the below
- SPF Sunscreen
- Mosquito Repellent (although it is sold everywhere and complimentary in most resorts)
- Swimwear
- Linen everything
- Sunhat & sunglasses
- Light sandals or slides
- Leave behind the expensive handbags and jewelry—you won’t need them, so why worry about them?
🚗 Quick Tips
- Grab app = Bali’s version of Uber (cheap, reliable, a must-download before you land)
- Weather? It’s always warm, year-round. Think tropical: either hot-humid or hot-wet.
- Airport Tips: Easy to navigate, and the moment you step outside, Bali’s soft, warm air lets you know: vacation has officially started.
Bali is not just a destination—it’s a feeling. Time feels slow here! It’s peace in Ubud, sunsets in Uluwatu, spice in every bite, and warmth in every interaction. Whether you’re there to heal, party, explore, or all of the above, Bali embraces every kind of traveler and sends you home lighter, happier, and full of stories worth telling.
Spoiler Alert: Next time? I’m bringing the whole family.
But for now, this trip was pure magic.
