Bali - personal experiences, with itinerary
- Panna
- Nov 13, 2025
- 7 min read
Bali was a real culture shock for me, in a good way. Despite the huge number of tourists visiting the island, which has brought significant changes, you can still find authentic Balinese settlements. If you want to experience the real Bali, I recommend that you don't get stuck on the southern coast, as that is where the biggest crowds are, and the constant constructions, traffic and huge hotel complexes don't give you the atmosphere that makes Bali worth visiting, which makes this island more than any other tropical tourist paradise.
The north and northwest, as well as the east coast, or the Sidemen area, are significantly quieter and allow you to better experience the spirituality and natural features of the original Bali.
I arrived in Bali from Kuala Lumpur. I had arranged in advance with a guide who would take me from one place to another during my entire stay, so he was already waiting for me at the airport. When I arrived, I had a complete Bali itinerary ready, with all the sights I wanted to see.
If you want to try the Asian taxi service, Grab, don't just hop into a random car at the airport, as it will be more expensive. Instead, download the app at home and call a car upon arrival.
Travel to Bali
Bali requires a visa for most European citizens.
I applied for the visa online, also from home, but it can also be purchased on site. If you want to spend a maximum of 30 days in Bali, the VOA (or online eVOA) is a good choice.
To apply for an e-Visa on the official website: https://evisa.imigrasi.go.ide-Visa
It's unpredictable how long you have to queue at the airport to get your visa. If you buy it in advance, you just walk through the automatic gate. It's important to know that if you decide to stay longer in Indonesia, you can only extend your visa online if you have already applied online.
If you are staying longer than 30 days, the B1 tourist visa is the solution, which is valid for 60 days and can be extended once, but if you want to stay in Bali for even longer, you will need a B211a (I think it was recently renamed C1) visa.
In addition to the visa, you need to make a customs declaration and pay a tourist tax upon entry, although the latter seems to be mostly a matter of honor, as I've heard from several people that they weren't asked for it. These can also be arranged in advance, online.
If you are traveling to Indonesia, make sure your passport is not damaged and must be valid for 6 months from the last day of your vacation.
Update: From September 1, 2025, the following health and customs declaration must be completed no later than 72 hours before entry:
Visa and tourist tax are still mandatory.
About the accommodations
I booked a total of 4 accommodations:
W Bali, Seminyak
W Bali–Seminyak is one of the island’s most stylish and exclusive beachfront hotels, perfectly blending luxury, modern design and Balinese living. Located right on the oceanfront in the heart of vibrant Seminyak, the resort is not only renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, but also for its iconic pool, elegant villas and vibrant social scene.
The tropical garden lined with palm trees, the world-class spa, and the trendy WooBar's nightlife make it a favorite destination for mainly young, discerning travelers.
W Bali–Seminyak also stands out from the island's gastronomic offerings with two special restaurants : FIRE and Starfish Bloo, a popular destination not only for hotel guests but also for food lovers in the area. You can also enjoy a delicious lunch at the pool bar.
FIRE restaurant reinterprets the classic steakhouse experience with Balinese influences, meats cooked over an open fire, local spices and a spectacular grill show – the culinary experience here is as much about the sight as the taste. Here you can also learn about Balinese cuisine and receive a lucky bracelet.
Starfish Bloo, on the other hand, is a more casual, beach-style restaurant known for its Asian-fusion seafood dishes. The open space and tables overlooking the sunset create a unique, relaxed atmosphere. There is also the option to grill your own fish, enhancing the experience.
AnandaDara Ubud
AnandaDara Ubud is a peaceful retreat in the spiritual heart of Bali, offering the perfect blend of natural luxury and traditional Balinese hospitality. Tucked away amidst the lush rice fields and jungle of Ubud, the property is a true retreat for those seeking peace, relaxation and authentic experiences. Traditional wooden architecture and natural materials, tranquil pools and yoga spaces overlooking the rice fields blend harmoniously into the landscape, while the hotel staff take care of guests with exceptional attention and heartfelt kindness. They even remembered our name, which was no small task, and they were very direct and helpful.
The only negative is that the air in the rooms was damp due to the high humidity, which made the clothes and bedding a bit damp, but this is not the hotel's fault, they can't do anything about it.
Candi Beach Resort & Spa, Candidasa
Candi Beach Resort & Spa Candidasa is a tranquil beach retreat on the lesser-known east coast of Bali, where you can enjoy the island’s natural beauty and quiet rhythm, far from the bustling tourist centers. The resort welcomes guests with lush tropical gardens, palm-fringed pools and a private cove, where crystal-clear water and a bright, almost white sandy beach create a special atmosphere. The villas and rooms built in traditional Balinese style are comfortable and elegant, many of which directly overlook the ocean. The resort is ideal for those looking for relaxation, snorkeling or a romantic retreat - while authentic local villages, water temples and rice terraces are also within easy reach in the area. We booked a small villa with a private pool, which we were very happy with. On the plus side, the hotel carries out daily mosquito control.
The restaurants of Candi Beach Resort & Spa perfectly reflect the hotel's relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, complementing your relaxation with diverse gastronomic experiences.
Biru Restaurant is located right next to the sea and serves authentic Indonesian cuisine - local fish dishes and fresh breakfasts are particularly popular.
Basil Restaurant & Pool Bar is more of a casual, poolside Italian-style restaurant, serving lighter dishes such as pizzas, pastas and salads, perfect for relaxing during the day.
The Ocean Terrace Restaurant is a more elegant option, serving both international and Indonesian dishes, while the open-air pavilion offers magnificent views of the Indian Ocean.
The bars – Ombak Bar and Pool Bar – offer a cozy setting for a cocktail or refreshment at sunset, making Candi Beach Resort’s restaurants and bars perfectly suited to both romantic dinners and casual, beachside lunches.
However, it is important to note that the Candidasa area is much quieter and less developed than the west or south of the island, so the choice of bars, restaurants and shopping is much more limited. For those looking for a lively nightlife or modern city amenities, this peaceful, nature-oriented region may seem too secluded - but this is exactly what makes Candi Beach Resort so special for those who are interested in the original, quiet side of Bali.
Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa
Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa is the perfect blend of modern elegance and natural tranquility, nestled against the dramatic cliffs of Bali. Although the hotel’s immediate surroundings are not particularly pretty (more reminiscent of Rio’s tin city), the resort is nestled among the lush hills of Uluwatu, with stunning ocean views, and every detail combines clean design with Balinese craftsmanship. The hotel features an interesting terraced structure, and due to the longer distances, guests can hire a minivan to get around the complex.
Its spacious, stylishly furnished rooms and villas offer the luxury of relaxation, while the hotel's charming pools, award-winning spa and excellent restaurants also contribute to complete relaxation. Although not located directly on the beach, the hotel offers a shuttle service to its own beach club.
What can be mentioned as a negative is that the hotel hosts a lot of events, and it can happen that hotel guests cannot use the pools during these events.
These hotels are not in the cheap category, but I wanted to be sure. There are countless other hotels in the same category to choose from.
You can find more authentic accommodations at significantly better prices, but in these cases you have to be prepared for insects or other animals visiting your room. To be honest, I couldn't afford this because of my traveling companions.
Bali itinerary
Let's see the itinerary!
It is also worth using the transfer time between accommodations for an excursion, and organizing your trip in such a way that you can visit as many attractions as possible along the way.
For example, when we moved from the W hotel (Seminyak) to Ubud , we saw the following on the way:
Tanah Lot
Puseh Batuan Temple
Tegenungan waterfall
Tlaga Singha
More day trips:
From AnandaDara Hotel, Ubud
Day trip:
Monkey Forest
Taman Dedari
Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple
Ulun Petanu Waterfall
Monkey Forest 
Monkey Forest 
Monkey Forest 
Taman Dedari Taman Dedari 
Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple 
Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple 
Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple 
Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple
Daytrip: northwest
Handara gate
Ulun Danu Beratan
Wanagiri Hidden Hills
Banyumala Waterfall
Sekumpul Waterfall
Handara Gate 
Ulun Danu Beratan 
Ulun Danu Beratan 
Ulun Danu Beratan 
Ulun Danu Beratan 
Benyumala Waterfall
Day trip:
Penglipuran Village
Goa Raja Waterfall
Besakih Temple
Day trip:
Alas Harum
Cretya Ubud
Coffee Plantation, coffee tasting - you can taste one of the most expensive coffees in the world, kopi luwak; I wrote about this separately
Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Tis Café
Alas Harum 
Alas Harum 
Alas Harum
Day trip:
Ubud Palace
Ubud Market
Peliatan Royal Palace
Swing Heaven
Kecak & Fire Dance
Ubud Palace 
Swing Heaven
If you want to practice yoga in Ubud, you can choose from many studios, the most popular among foreigners is Yoga Barn.
On the way to the next accommodation (Ubud -> Candidasa)
Pura Goa Gajah - elephant cave
Kanto Lampo Waterfall
Monkey Bar
From Candi Beach Resort (Candidasa):
Tirta Gangga
Lahangan Sweet
Lempuyang Temple
Virgin Beach
Asah Hill
From Uluwatu:
Turtle conservation: baby turtle release - gives you the opportunity to release baby turtles into the sea so they can start their own lives
Silver class - silver ring making workshop
GWK Park
Padang Padang Beach
Uluwatu Temple, Kecak Dance
Comments