About Bali

Travel Tips

 

Flights into Bali

Bali is a bit remote but lots of airlines can get you there. If you are based in Asia, the low cost carriers have lots of affordable flights via Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong.

 

Entry Visa

Carry cash on entry and exit of Bali. They require you to purchase a $25 tourist visa on arrival and to pay a $25 departure tax on the way out.

 

Drivers

We highly recommend using a hired driver while in Bali. They are very affordable and often have big, comfortable vans with AC. You can rent a car but driving in Bali is a bit chaotic and the roads are not well marked.

 

Things to See & Do

 

In Seminyak

 

Shop - Seminyak is a shopper's paradise. The streets, in every direction, are lined with boutiques of all types.

 

Eat

Seminyak is loaded with world-class restaurants. From local warungs to glam Michelin rated spots, you'll eat well in this town. Here are some places that we recommend:

 

NEW! Fat Gajah
Great dumplings, noodles and drinks. Located right on a main shopping drag. Plan to take a respite here. Surprisingly good and inventive.

 

MamaSan
The little sister of the famous Sarong. Casual fare with a wide range of tasty fusion dishes from across Asia.

 

Petitinget
On the corner near the temple, this place has a great vibe, a courtyard dining area, swank bar and comfy sitting room where they show movies on certain nights. The food is creative, flavorful and abundant.

 

Ku De Ta - World renowned beach-front hub with multiple bars, live dj's and tapas. Great spot for sunset and a trendy evening out.

 

Potato Head Beach Club

Just go. It's a must see venue with something for everybody. Bring a swimsuit. Perfect for a lazy afternoon by the beach.

 

La Lucciola - Go for a sunset Italian feast right on the beach.

 

Made's Warung -  Great local food...perfect for lunch.

 

Relax

 

Seminyak has tons of good and cheap massage places. Most are upstairs off the main street so keep your eyes up.

 

 

In Ubud

 

Shop

The streets of Ubud are lined with shops of all types. Haggling is a must. Start your day at Ubud's famous outdoor market and then make your way down Monkey Forest Road.

 

Eat

 

NEW! Locavore Restaurant - Go. Go. Go. Simply one of the best dining experiences you may ever have. Outrageously tasty and creative food at reasonable prices.

 

Naughty Nuris - Great bbq in a roadside shack. Lots of charm but no AC. Watch out for the table of salty old men on the left side as you enter.

 

Three Monkeys Cafe - One of the better spots on Monkey Forest Road. Great, simple, healthier food with friendly service and tables stretching out into a rice paddie.

 

Clear Cafe - Definitely stop here for a drink and some wifi. Popular retreat for local yogis.

 

Mozaic - Bali's world famous, Michelin rated food experience. Reservations are required. Well worth a few extra bucks and still a real value compared to anything like it elsewhere in the world.

 

Relax

 

Get A Rub - Spas and foot rub spots are all over the place. Haggle and get one everyday.

 

Have a drink by the pool at the Ubud Hanging Gardens.

 

Watch tourists at the Monkey Forest. (Do not buy the bananas unless you really want to get to know a monkey intimately.)

 

Do

Ride the rapids down the spectacular Ayung River with Sobek Rafting Tours. Guaranteed fun, safe and an easy paddle.

 

Absolutely go and see the rice paddies at Tegallang. It's touristy but still worth the view...green like you've never seen!

 

Suggested Hotels

 

It's hard to go wrong with hotels in Bali. They are some of the best on the planet and there are tons of options for every price range. If you are single or a couple, hotels are your best bet. If you have a group/family, private villas are surprisingly affordable. The key is to stay in some of the better areas...Ubud, Seminyak, Canguu and Jimbaran are all areas that are nice and close to the action.

 

In Seminyak:

 

The Haven

Right in the heart of the action in Seminyak. Walk to everything and easy access to some of the better restaurants, nightclubs and shopping. Reasonable prices.

 

U Paasha
New  spot right on "Eat Street". Good sized rooms with comfy features and quality fittings. The rooftop pool is pretty epic.

 

The Oberoi

Often listed as one of the best beachfront resorts on the planet. It's a slurge but well worth it.

 

The W

You've got to see the rice paddie inspired terraced pool. The W is beachfront, big and maintains the W standard of youthful energy.

 

In Jimbaran:

 

Intercontinental Jimbaran

A little more quiet and on one of Bali's better beaches. The Intercontinental is right next to a stretch of famous seafood stalls on the beach and within 10-15 min of the airport and Seminyak.

 

The Four Seasons

A hillside of private villas with pools overlooking scenic Jimbaran Bay, plus the incomparable service of Four Season's hotels makes this place a surefire winner.

 

The Ayana

It's big, beautiful and is home to the now world-famous Rock Bar. Five star accommodations in a more remote locale with cliff-top ocean views.

 

 

In the Ubud Area:

Ubud is our favorite part of Bali. it's eclectic, spiritual, buzzing and abundant with natural beauty.

 

Kajane Mua

Their website stinks but their villas are in one of the best locations...right on Monkey Forest Street in the heart of Ubud. Negotiating for better rates is very much accepted here.

 

The Purist Villas

Posh, secluded villas for health nuts and people who look good in yoga gear. Nice location on the outskirts of Ubud.

 

De Ubud Villas

Surprisingly nice little villas right in the heart of Ubud. Walk to everything.

 

Komaneka Hotel

This hotel has two locations right in Ubud...Monkey Forest and Rasa Sayang.