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Bali Travel Diaries: A Day-by-Day Blog From the Island of Gods

Day 1: Arrival in Bali — Kuta First Impressions

Touched down at Ngurah Rai International Airport after a smooth direct flight via Singapore Airlines.
Got my Visa on Arrival and grabbed a local SIM card from a Telkomsel kiosk at arrivals — super useful for Grab taxis and Google Maps.

Checked into my budget hotel near Kuta Beach. First stroll along the beach — surfers catching waves, families building sandcastles, and the smell of satay grilling at roadside carts.

  • Small moment: Tried fresh coconut water right from the husk — refreshing in Bali’s humid heat.


Day 2: Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Dance

Hired a scooter and rode down to Uluwatu Temple — perched dramatically on a cliff edge above the Indian Ocean. Watched cheeky monkeys trying to snatch tourists’ sunglasses.

Stayed back for the famous Kecak Dance at sunset — rhythmic chanting with the sun dipping into the ocean was magical.

Dinner at a seafood shack on Jimbaran Beach — grilled snapper, rice, and spicy sambal.

  • Small moment: A local helped me rescue my flip-flop when a monkey stole it!


Day 3: Seminyak Cafés & Beach Clubs

Moved to Seminyak for a change of vibe. Spent the morning at a cute café with smoothie bowls and Balinese coffee.

Afternoon chill at a beach club — bean bags, chilled Bintang beer, and views of surfers riding sunset waves.

Walked around Seminyak’s boutique shops for souvenirs.

  • Small moment: Bought handmade coconut soap from a tiny local shop.


Day 4: Ubud — Rice Terraces & Monkey Forest

Drove to Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart. Started with Tegalalang Rice Terraces — endless green layers, perfect for sunrise.

Explored the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary — hundreds of long-tailed macaques everywhere. Bought tickets at the gate, easy and cheap.

Lunch at a warung — nasi campur, fresh juice, and a banana pancake.

  • Small moment: Found a tiny roadside art shop selling hand-painted Batik bookmarks.


Day 5: Tirta Empul & Coffee Plantation

Visited Tirta Empul Temple to watch locals do a traditional water purification ritual. Respectful dress code: sarong and sash provided.

Stopped by a local Luwak coffee plantation — tasted Bali’s famous civet coffee. Learned how they roast the beans.

Dinner at Ubud market — satay sticks and fresh tropical fruit.

  • Small moment: Bought a small packet of vanilla pods for my kitchen back home.


Day 6: Mount Batur Sunrise Hike

Woke up at 2 AM for the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek — a must-do for adventure lovers. Tough climb but worth every step. The sunrise over Lake Batur and surrounding volcanoes was unforgettable.

After the hike, relaxed at a nearby hot spring.

Late lunch at a local café with mountain views — fried rice and fresh papaya juice.

  • Small moment: A local guide shared stories about living near the volcano.


Day 7: Nusa Penida Island — Beaches & Views

Booked a day trip to Nusa Penida Island — 45 minutes by speedboat from Sanur Harbour.

Visited Kelingking Beach for the iconic cliff view that looks like a T-Rex head. Crystal Bay for swimming and sunbathing.

Back to Bali by evening, with tired legs and a phone full of photos.

  • Small moment: Had the freshest grilled corn by the roadside, sprinkled with Bali’s sweet-spicy sambal.


What to Pack for Bali

  • Light cotton clothes for hot, humid days.

  • Swimwear for beaches, pools, and waterfalls.

  • Sarong and cover-up for temples.

  • Good walking sandals and flip-flops.

  • Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.

  • Small first-aid kit.

  • Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.


Health & Altitude Tips

  • Bali is mostly low-altitude — no mountain sickness risk except on volcano hikes.

  • Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth.

  • Carry mosquito repellent — especially near rice terraces.

  • Try new food slowly if you’re not used to local spices.

  • Respect local customs at temples — wear appropriate clothing.


Unique Experiences in Bali

  • Attend a Balinese cooking class in Ubud.

  • Watch a traditional dance at Uluwatu or Ubud Palace.

  • Try a purification ritual at Tirta Empul.

  • Take a surf lesson at Kuta Beach.

  • Stay overnight in a bamboo house or eco-lodge.


Best Ways to Travel to Bali from India

  • From Maharashtra (Mumbai/Pune): Best connections via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok.

  • From Kerala (Cochin/Trivandrum): Good options with AirAsia or Singapore Airlines.

  • From Karnataka (Bangalore): Many affordable flights with one layover.

  • From Delhi: Multiple connections through Southeast Asian hubs like Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.


Indian Food & Local Cuisine

  • Plenty of Indian restaurants in Seminyak, Ubud, and Kuta — look for places like Queen’s Tandoor or Ganesha Ek Sanskriti.

  • Balinese must-try dishes: nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), babi guling (suckling pig, for non-vegetarians).

  • Loads of vegan cafés with smoothie bowls and fresh juices.


Currency & Budget Tips

  • Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

  • ATMs and money changers are everywhere — stick to reputable ones.

  • Eat at warungs (local eateries) for authentic and affordable meals.

  • Daily budget: ₹2,500–₹5,000 per person for mid-range travel.


Connectivity & SIM Cards

  • Buy a local SIM at the airport — Telkomsel and XL Axiata are reliable.

  • Packages are cheap with lots of data — handy for maps, Grab, and translation apps.

  • Free Wi-Fi in most cafés and hotels.


Shopping & Souvenirs

  • Balinese Batik fabrics and sarongs.

  • Handmade soaps and coconut oil products.

  • Wooden masks and carvings.

  • Luwak coffee and vanilla beans.

  • Dreamcatchers and bamboo crafts.


Instagram Spots in Bali

  • Tegalalang Rice Terraces.

  • Uluwatu Temple cliffs.

  • Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida.

  • Pura Ulun Danu Beratan floating temple.

  • Bali swing spots near Ubud.

  • Bali Handara Gate.


Final Thoughts

Bali is more than just beaches — it’s rituals, rice paddies, volcano sunrises, and quiet chats with friendly locals. Mauzee Holiday made my trip stress-free — from ethical guides to hidden food spots.

If Bali is calling you, pack light, bargain at the markets, respect local customs, and take in every sunrise — they really are magical here.

Ready to plan your Bali adventure?