Embarking on a journey to the enchanting island of Bali is a dream for many travelers seeking a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and serene relaxation.
I will take you through my Bali diary, sharing the amazing places I visited during my recent trip to this tropical paradise. Join me as I delve into the sacred temples, vibrant markets, and hidden gems that make Bali a truly unforgettable destination.
Each place offers something unique, as if every corner is a postcard come to life. Here’s a glimpse of the incredible spots I visited during my trip for 5 days in Bali.
Monkey Forest
During my trip to Bali, I was excited to visit the famous Monkey Forest in Ubud and click a selfie with the monkey. However, to my surprise, the Monkey Forest I ended up at was not the one I had in mind. Let me explain!
We had arranged for a private car to take us from Kuta to Ubud, and it included stops at places like the Monkey Forest, Alas Harum rice terrace, and Ubud market.
As we made our way, our driver stopped at a Monkey Forest and we bought our tickets. But once inside, I realized it was much smaller and less crowded than I had expected.
That’s when I asked the driver if this was the only Monkey Forest in Ubud. He explained that there was another one, but due to traffic and crowds, he had brought us to this one instead.
Although we had a good time, I couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed that I didn’t get to see the Monkey Forest I had originally planned on visiting in Ubud.
Nusa Penida: A Day of Adventure
No visit to Bali would be complete without a day trip to Nusa Penida. The boat ride felt like a mini adventure, the wind in my hair and the ocean spray on my face. I had the pleasure of meeting some people from different countries and chatting with them. It was lovely to have a little conversation with three friends from Turkey who were visiting.
The island was a feast for the eyes, with rugged cliffs and sparkling blue waters that looked like jewels scattered across a blanket of green.
At Kelingking Beach, I stood at the edge of the cliff, feeling like I was on top of the world. The view was breathtaking, as if I’d discovered a hidden paradise.
We decided to go on a day tour to Nusa Penida and opted for a package that covered everything – pick up and drop off at our hotel, a ferry ride, visits to 4 stunning beaches, and a delicious lunch, all for just 5k per person.
Our experience was fantastic! We first stopped at Broken Beach for about 20-25 minutes, then visited the beautiful Billabong nearby, and finally made our way to the breathtaking Kelingking Beach.
After a delicious lunch, we wrapped up our day by relaxing at Crystal Bay Beach before heading back on the ferry. It was an unforgettable day filled with amazing sights and delicious food – we highly recommend it!
Ubud Market
Wandering through Ubud’s bustling markets was a feast for the senses. The vibrant colors of handmade crafts, the scent of incense and spices, and the sounds of bargaining filled the air.
The market is bustling with tourists from around the world – Japanese, Korean, European, you name it! The atmosphere here is incredible. Just like in any other town, Ubud Market is truly the heart of Ubud!
Bali Pulina coffee plantation
For a taste of Bali’s famous coffee culture, I visited Bali Pulina, a coffee plantation nestled in the lush greenery of Ubud. Here, I learned about the traditional process of making Luwak coffee, one of the world’s most expensive and sought-after brews.
I also tried one of the coffee and it was splendid. The serene surroundings and panoramic views of the rice terraces made this visit a truly enriching experience that awakened all my senses.
Ubud Palace
If you’re heading to Ubud Market, be sure to stop by Ubud Palace too! It’s located right in the heart of the market, making it a convenient addition to your itinerary.
A sojourn to the historic Ubud Palace felt like a journey back in time to Bali’s regal bygone era. This historic royal residence is a masterpiece of Balinese architecture, with intricate carvings and lush gardens. I was mesmerized by the grandeur of the palace and its rich cultural heritage.
Alas Harum Rice Terrace
One of the highlights of my trip was a visit to Alas Harum Rice Terrace. This stunning landscape of terraced rice fields took my breath away.
I had seen many videos and most of them recommended Alas harum for its breathtaking view and am glad it didn’t disappointed at all.
I was all excited to do the famous bali swing by wearing the bali swing dress. There are many photo spots and I enjoyed my time over here.
Tirta Empul Temple
When in Bali, you absolutely have to visit a temple! I chose to visit Tirta Empul Temple in Ubud because it’s a sacred water temple and I heard it’s a must-see. Plus, it’s closer than some of the other famous temples, so it fit perfectly into my plans.
This ancient Hindu water temple is a place of spiritual cleansing and purification, where visitors can participate in a traditional ritual of bathing in the holy spring waters.
The serene atmosphere and spiritual energy of the temple left me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, making it a truly transformative experience.
Bali isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience that seeps into your soul. From bustling markets to serene beaches, every location has its own magic. Each place I visited felt like a chapter in a beautiful story that I’ll cherish forever. If you ever get the chance to visit Bali, take it. The memories you’ll create will be worth it.
However, until you come and see for yourself, we have our own version of ‘Goa’ that is just as wonderful. In my opinion, Bali is like the larger sister of Goa. But remember, you won’t find anything quite like Nusa Penida in Goa. So make sure to add it to your travel bucket list!
