Let me start by saying that we seriously considered skipping our flight back home and staying in Bali for another week. This island of magic has the most vibrant culture, radiant sunsets, blissful food, and friendly people. We stayed for 2 weeks in September and ventured through 3 different cities. Rainy season typically starts in November and runs through March, but don't be too worried if you book your stay during these months. The rain is inevitable and doesn't stick around for long (I mean, how else would it be so green??). The majority of your money will be spent on airfare (especially from the US). However, once you've landed on the island, you'll find that hotels, food, beach clubs, and excursions are extremely affordable. Here are a few recommendations & tips for 3 Bali destinations you don't want to skip out on!

*Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.*

Hotel Accommodations:

• Chapung Sebali - We stayed at the Chapung Sebali Resort for 4 nights in a deluxe pool suite. We had our own plunge pool with floating breakfast prepared each morning. The hotel staff were very accommodating and coordinated all of our transport services. They have an amazing pool & bar (The Jungle Fish) where you can reserve a cabana or daybed for free if you are a guest. They have a restaurant, a spa, a gym, and morning yoga classes on the premises.

• The Kayon Jungle Resort - Although we didn't stay here, we visited their pool & had dinner at their restaurant. You can purchase a day pool pass for around $12 USD and that includes a towel and a drink!

Food:

• The Samaya 100 Candle Light Dinner - If you're looking for a romantic dinner, you have to check out the 100 candle light dinner at The Samaya. It is a 6 course sunset dinner at a private table overlooking the Ayung river. There are 100 lit candles and rose pedals to set the stage.

• Kepitu Restaurant - Located in the Kayan Jungle Resort, Kepitu has a fantastic menu. If you're going for dinner, make sure to check out their weekly schedule of theme dinners. We were able to catch a traditional Balinese Dance performance while we were there.

Activities:

• Tour - I know it sounds cheesy but seriously, take the private tour. We booked a private tour through a local company and we did so much within 8 hours. Book your tour here through TripAdvisor & request Agung as your driver! Here is what our tour included:

  • Tegenunan Waterfall - A breathtaking waterfall accompanied by all the photo opportunities. You can swim in the waterfall if you choose. Be prepared to walk down many flights of stairs. But trust me, the views will not disappoint!

  • Traditional Balinese House Tour - Learn about the Balinese lifestyle, traditions, and culture.

  • Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary - Walk through the Sacred Monkey Forest & learn about the Balinese Long Tail Monkeys. If you're lucky, you may even be able to hold one! If you'd like to book a visit, click here.

  • D'Alas Warung - Enjoy fresh local Balinese lunch while experiencing jungle views. They also have an adrenaline swing experience you don't want to skip!

  • Tirta Empul Temple - A public temple founded around a large water spring famous for it's holy spring water.

  • Kumulilir Coffee Plantation - Take a plantation tour highlighting the production of Balinese coffee. You'll get to try a coffee & tea flight while enjoying amazing rainforest and rice terrace views. Don't skip out on the Luwak coffee!

  • Tegalalang Rice Terrace - One of the most famous tourist attractions in Bali! There are lots of photo opportunities and zip line activities you can participate in. If you want to beat the tourist crowd, you'll need to get there around 6am.

• Tibumana Waterfall - This was the most beautiful, secluded waterfall surrounded by tons of greenery. There are lots of steps going to and from the waterfall but they aren't too steep.

Hotel Accommodations:

• Airbnb is a great way to find Bali's best gems. We stayed in a super cute Airbnb villa with a private pool. I linked it here if you want to check it out!

Food:

• Ruko Café - A cozy Australian style café within walking distance to the beach. They have some seriously talented baristas, hence their amazing latte art.

• Sisterfields - A modern venue for fantastic food and cocktails. The Bolognese ristretto & truffle pasta was definitely a fan fav. Oh, and don't pass up on their margarita.

• Coffee Cartel - If I could rate Coffee Cartel 11/10 I would. This place was my favorite breakfast/brunch spot in Seminyak. Aside from the botanical aesthetic, they have a great breakfast selection which includes lots of vegan options. Not confined to just breakfast, they also have a lunch menu. To wrap it all up, they even do personalized photos on your coffee!

• Kynd Community - 100% plant based meals with the freshest ingredients. For the vibe, think pink & neon signs. Very Instagram worthy.

Beach Clubs:

• Finns Beach Club - 4 pools, 9 bars, live DJ's, killer sunsets, & complimentary towels/sunscreen. What more could you ask for? We had a blast at Finn's & spent the entire day there. You'll definitely want to book a daybed in advance as they fill up pretty quickly.

• Potato Head Beach Club - Another spot for infinity pools, live music, and beach sunsets. Potato Head is actually a resort, however the nightly rate is quite expensive for not really being in the room that much (in my opinion). The food here is fantastic & their drink menu is anything but normal. It's rated as one of the top spots for sunset views & watching local surfers.

• Ku De Ta - A beach club and an upscale restaurant located directly on Petitenget Beach. The pool is rather small but you have direct access to the beach.

Night Life:

• Mirror Lounge & Club - A night life must. The most unique building with the best music. It opens pretty late so plan on getting dinner & drinks before.

• Vault - An underground nightclub with a live DJ, laser lights, and a lively dance floor. Mondays and Saturdays are dedicated to HipHop R&B.

• Motel Mexicola - Skip the dinner here, but come for the after party. Once the clock hits 9 the staff clears the central tables and it turns into a danced floor. Dancing on the tables is encouraged here!

Activities:

• Shopping - You'll find the majority of walkable shopping along the Jalan Raya Seminyak. It offers a variety of local and international boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.

• Seminyak Square - An area dedicated to vendor street booths filled with local handcraft goods. A good bargaining rule of thumb I learned while in Bali is to offer 60% less than the price the vendor offers the item to you at. Seminyak square is also home to the large "I <3 Bali" sign.

• Surfing - Whether you are a pro surfer or are looking for surf lessons, this is the spot for you.

Hotel Accommodations:

• Our AirBnb in Uluwatu was a total dream. It was a villa perched on the top of a cliff, had a private infinity pool, and had stairs that took you directly down to Padang Padang Beach. I linked it here if you want to check it out!

Food:

• Suko Espresso - If you're in Uluwatu, this spot is a must. The food was amazing & the coffee was spectacular. Order the Suka's Iced Coffee. It's made with espresso, milk, & vanilla ice cream. You won't regret it. If you're coming for breakfast, you'll want to arrive early as this spot is always poppin'.

• The Cave - Located in The Edge Resort, The Cave restaurant is a 7 or 10 set course dining experience. There are only 22 tables in the cave so you'll want to make a reservation as it books up pretty fast each day.

• The Loft - Holy gourmet latte's! If you're looking for a cozy place with charming aesthetic, this is it. They have bomb breakfast food with vegan options as well. It's located in an area with other cute shops & restaurants you can walk to.

• District 6 - We stopped here to enjoy drinks at the bar. However, rumor has it their pizzas are a must. They have multiple TV's in this cafe with live sports games.

• Single Fins - Come for the food, stay for the views. Unless it's Sunday, then come for the party. We grabbed breakfast here our first day in Uluwatu. We sat at their high bar overlooking the ocean and watched all the morning surfers at Suluban Beach.

Beach Clubs:

• Sundays - This spot is different than all the other beach clubs in Bali. When you enter, you will take an inclinator down through the jungle cliffs to the beach. They have a live DJ and watersport offering throughout the day. Once the sun sets, they fire up their beach bonfires with toasted marshmallows.

• TT Beach Club - Located on Melasti Beach, TT's Beach club has it all. Fire food, fun sips, an infinity pool that juts out onto the beach, a live DJ, and themed events. Make sure to check out their website & Instagram page to see what events they have coming up!

• Ulu Cliffhouse - A luxury resort with breathtaking views. We visited the beach club on a Wednesday so it wasn't crowded at all. Their pool area is on the smaller side but you have direct access to the beach.

Night Life:

• Rock Bar - Located in the Ayana Resort and Spa, Rock Bar is a must add to your wish list! Perched along multiple rock formations, it's a great spot for dinner, drinks, and watching the sunset. They have a live DJ which in my opinion was the best DJ we experienced while we were in Bali.

Activities:

• Shopping - Along the JL Labuansait you'll find local boutiques, souvenir shops, and surf shops.

• Padang Padang Beach - Our AirBnb was located above Padang Padang beach. This is a great place for surfing and surf lessons. The beach does fill up rather quickly so you may want to get there early if you plan to snag a good spot on the sand. You have to pay at the entrance (roughly $5 USD per person) but make sure you bring cash IDR, as they do not accept credit cards. Once you get a ticket, you'll take a couple flights of stairs down to the beach. There are a lot of monkeys in this area so make sure to keep phones, sunglasses, and hats secured to your person so they don't get snagged!

• Kecak Fire Dance - Located at the Uluwatu Temple, attending a Kecak Fire Dance at sunset is a must. You'll want to arrive about an hour early in order to get your ticket at the front gate, put on a sarong, and grab a good seat. Make sure you have cash IDR as they do not accept credit cards at the entrance. There is an international ATM on site if needed. The performance lasts around an hour.