Where to Play in Bali
Whether you’ve come for the great surf or the yoga retreats, Bali will not disappoint. There is so much to do on this beautiful island, but most people find a routine in the form of favourite cafes and sunset runs on the beach. Make sure to drag yourself away from your dreamy routine and spend some time exploring the island with it’s sun-soaked rice terraces and wild interior.
Explore Uluwatu
Bali is frenetic: there are traffic jams, honking horns and packed pavements. For a bit of peace and quiet, head to sleepier Uluwatu and its turquoise beaches. The vibe here is different from the rest of the island, attracting the laid-back surfer type.
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Morning light over Tegalalang Rice Terrace
These verdant multi-tiered rice terraces are one of Bali's most spectacular sights. Arrive at sunrise to catch the magical morning light and to beat the crowds.
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Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Despite the popularity of Tanah Lot, my favourite temple in Bali is this one. I love the traditional Balinese style of the layered thatched roof and the stillness of the surrounding water.
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Outdoor cinema in Sanur
Every Sunday evening, Genius Bar and Café hosts an outdoor cinema for restaurant guests. Feast on one of their delicious curries with sand underfoot and lanterns overhead and a movie on the screen. We were lucky enough to catch the Jungle Book when we stumbled upon this awesome spot and it was such a beautiful evening.
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Paella and Pimms at El Kabron
Gosh, where to start with El Kabron? All I can say is it deserves an entire day of your time. Lounge by the white-washed infinity pool, sip on crafted cocktails, feast on paella and other Spanish delights and don’t even think about leaving before sunset.
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Café-hop in Canggu
The food in Bali is sensational and incredibly cheap, so come with a big appetite and schedule in lots of time for eating. What else are holidays for? Canggu is a café-haven with back-to-back cafes lining the streets. Grab something caffeinated at Motion, brunch at Crate, smoothie bowls at Nalu Bowls and lunch at Betelnut.
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Shop in Seminyak
If you’re a sucker for the boho-chic style, then you’re going to have a ball shopping in Seminyak. Think beachy wrap dresses, round wicker bags, linen crop tops, hippie homeware and chunky jewelry. Yes, believe it or not the above photo was taken in a homeware boutique, where I also bought the ridiculous oversized hat I’m wearing.
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Watch the sunset at Single Fin
Single Fin has all the good vibes every night of the week. Pull up a stool at the wooden beach bar and watch the sunset as you drink your chilled beer from the bottle. Make sure to swing by Coco and Poke for fresh Hawaiian poke bowls and vegan coconut ice cream with all the toppings.
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Eat a smoothie bowl at Nalu Bowls
If you’ve been reading this blog for any time at all, you’ll know I’m a big fan of smoothie bowls and have eaten my fair share around the world. My favourite comes from the beachy surf shack, Nalu Bowls. The J-Bay made with peanut butter and banana is next level. I ate one for dinner nearly every day for two months, yes they’re that good.
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Sundowners at the Lawn
Low-level tables, slouchy poufs and overhead umbrellas make this one of the best hang-outs on the island. Grab a passionfruit mojito or kombucha if you’re off the booze and watch the sun go down to the beat of the pumping playlist. Stay until late and you’ll watch this bar turn from mellow to party in a couple of hours.
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Bingin Bali
Bali’s beaches can get pretty busy, but one stretch of sand that remains crowd-free is Bingin Beach. And come on guys what a cool name for a beach! Except for the odd surfer enjoying the waves, you’ll likely have this beach all to yourself.
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Frolic in waterfalls
The further inland you head, the more waterfalls you’ll uncover along the way. Hire a scooter and take the winding roads to Ubud and beyond and you’ll be rewarded with cascading waterfalls which you might just have all to yourself.
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Tanah Lot
When the tide comes in, Tanah Lot temple is submerged in the sea. Grab your camera and head there for sunset. Top tip: the sunset is best viewed from one of the bars overlooking the temple, rather than at the temple itself.
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Get your hippie on in Ubud
No longer Bali's hidden secret, tourists flock to Ubud to try meditation, sample raw vegan dishes, weave in and out of crystal shops and uncover the healing powers of this once hippie paradise. Don’t be put off by the crowds, no trip to Bali is complete without experiencing the spirit of Ubud for yourself.
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