Five of my favorite things to do in Bali!
My journey to Bali was truly an unforgettable adventure. Undoubtedly, it’s the second most remarkable place I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. Bali is a land of captivating beauty and rich culture. Here are the five enchanting places I discovered during my visit to Bali, listed in no particular order.
The Monkey Forest was such an amazing experience, even though I AM NOT a fan of the monkeys! I prefer to watch them at a distance. That being said, The Monkey Forest was a highlight of my trip! The beautiful surroundings and the chance to see these incredible creatures up close was truly incredible! As you step into this magical sanctuary, you’re greeted by playful monkeys swinging from tree to tree and having fun around ancient temples. Just remember to hang on to your belongings – these monkeys are famous for their playful antics!
The World Famous Bali Swing
If you’ve ever scrolled Instagram, I’m sure you’ve seen the Bali Swing! When I knew I was going to Bali, doing the swing was a “MUST DO” for me on this trip! It was part adrenaline rush and part breathtaking views! The pictures turned out amazing, and it was a really fun experience! I had a private guide and driver on this day of my trip, which I’d absolutely recommend. They knew all of the places and took me to one of the more ‘off the beaten path’ swing operations, which was much less crowded. I had heard horror stories of waiting hours for each photo and I didn’t want that!
GWK Cultural Park (Garuda Wisnu Kencana)
I’ll be honest, I arrived in Bali without any clue about the GWK. I mean, I knew it was a pretty popular attraction with iconic statues, but I didn’t quite realize what it was. Let me explain – when I landed in Bali, I saw this giant statue on a hill miles away. It was huge, and you could see it everywhere. I knew I had to see it. Once I started asking around, I discovered it was the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, or what locals refer to as the GWK. The towering Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue is an iconic landmark symbolizing Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage. It depicts the Hindu god Vishnu riding the mythical bird Garuda.
I spent an entire afternoon leisurely strolling through the park’s lush gardens, culminating in a tour of the inside of the GWK Statue. The GWK Statue is impressive, to say the least. It stands 121 meters tall, including the 46-meter base pedestal (that’s about 397 ft). To put it in perspective, the Statue of Liberty is 93 meters tall (that’s about 311 ft). Visiting the GWK was a highlight of my trip and a ‘must see’ if you are visiting Bali.
Nusa Dua
For more than half of my stay in Bali, I stayed in Bali’s premier luxury resort destination – Nusa Dua. With its pristine white sand beaches, world-class resorts, and upscale dining options, Nusa Dua offers a slice of paradise for those seeking a pampering retreat. While I was there for work, I saw guests around me indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment, teeing off at one of the championship golf courses, or simply unwinding by the pool with a refreshing cocktail in hand (okay I did have time for this!) Nusa Dua is the perfect blend of luxury and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for a blissful getaway.
North Bali
Bali has changed a lot over the years. Tourism really took off on the island in the 1960’s and today accounts for about 80% of the island’s economy. North Bali has remained untouched by the expansion of tourism other areas of the island have seen. It’s where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowds. Here, you’ll discover unspoiled beaches, serene waterfalls, and traditional villages nestled amidst lush rice terraces.
As we ventured north from Denpasar, the landscape became more rural. It was very similar to what we see when we head to the country, except it was miles and miles of rice fields instead of corn fields. As expected, it was much less crowded and the true natural beauty of Bali shined through.
On our way, we visited the amazing Banyumala Twin Waterfall. The walk down to the waterfall was steep and took about 20 minutes, but it was well worth it! Once we arrived in Lovina, we had dinner at arguably the quirkiest bar/restaurant I’ve ever been to – The Funky Place.
One of North Bali’s most popular experiences is dolphin-watching. We were up before the sun and loaded onto a small boat on Lovina Beach. Seeing the sun rise over the Bali Sea is a moment I will never forget! Shortly after the sun rose a large number of boats descended on a few pods of dolphins. It felt crowded, but seeing the dolphins close up in their natural environment was awesome.
So there you have it—my five favorite moments from Bali! Whether you’re a nature lover, culture enthusiast, or beach bum, Bali has something for everyone! Let’s chat if you are ready to embark on your own Bali adventure and create unforgettable memories in this tropical paradise! Bali has so much to offer!
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