Travel Blogs

BEST things to do In BALI

In this Blog we explore the BEST things to do in Bali and give you some tips and recomendations on how to get there and what to do.

Visit KELINGKING BEACH for sunset

Nusa Penida

Once you set eyes on Kelingking beach and the breathtaking T-Rex shaped headland, you will see why it is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. This was one spot that truely took our breath away.

Many people do day trips to nusa penida and it is becoming Bali’s number one hot spot. We suggest going their in the late afternoon once many of the day tourists have left. It is also much cooler in the afternoon and photos look much better at golden hour as the sun is setting. We visited this spot twice and the second time it was during the middle of the day and the heat was very uncomfortable. We sat in the shade under a tree most of the time.

BALI – Getting To KELINGKING BEACH

Many people take the option of riding a scooter, however we suggest that if you are not experienced do not do it this way. Emily rode a scooter for the FIRST time in Nusa Penida and it did not end well. Watch what happened here! Like most places off the beaten track in Bali, the roads are very poorly constructed consisting of one narrow lane barely fitting two cars. Also the roads are very rocky and sharp together with steep inclines and windy turns. We had 2 large camera backpacks with us so we chose to pay a driver to take us there. If you are looking to save some money, you could team up with some other people (the chances are anyone that is on Nusa Penida Island will want to visit Kelingking beach) and pay a driver then divide the cost. Alternativly if you do hire a scooter do a pre start check and make sure it is in good working order. Including good tyres, brakes work, lights work, helmet provided and fits well and you have plenty of juice.

Getting there by a private vehicle cost us 400,000 rupiah however we go the comfort of sitting in a large air conditioned van. We could then relax and enjoy the views instead of stressing about getting hit by a car or carrying heavy camera bags on our backs. Also our driver was our own personal photographer who took as many photos as we liked of us. By the time we left it was almost dark so if we did decide to rent a scooter it would be extremely difficult riding back In the dark. There is a small entrance fee of 5,000rph. Amenities such as toilets and small shops that sell drinks, food and fresh coconuts are also available. TOP TIP, The coconuts add a nice touch if your taking photos!

Go float in ANGELS BILLABONG and admire BROKEN BEACH

Nusa Penida

Angel’s Billabong is a spectacular rock formation on Nusa Penida island’s southwestern cliff edges. It’s nearby Pasih Uug (Broken Beach), another popular site with unique limestone formations. Angel’s Billabong is a spectacular rock formation on Nusa Penida island’s southwestern cliff edges. The rock pools are one of the must-sees for visitors to Nusa Penida. The naturally formed rock lagoon offers a scenic seascape and a natural infinity pool. Take extra caught ion when descending into the rock pool and we advise to only go down at low tide.

Just a short walk from Angels Billabong is Broken Beach. A natural arch has been formed over many years. From sitting onto of the cove it appears circular. You cannot climb down into the cove only admire it from up top.

Rent a scooter and ride to ATUH BEACH

Nusa Penida

BALI – Getting to ATUH BEACH

This day was no doubt one of the highlights of the trip! We rented a scooter each from our hotel for 70,000 Rph. Make sure your scooter has enough fuel. Even though it might say full, double check and look into the tank and make sure because my fuel gauge was broken. I actually did not fill up when Emily did, resulting in my scooter breaking down half way there. Lucky we were near a little village where we were able to get some fuel or “premium” as they say on the island. We took the coast road overlooking the sea then went inland through the forrest overlooking beautiful lush green rolling hills. This ride was was so beautiful with the wind in our face and so much scenery to look at along the way. We used google maps for directions then followed the signs to Atuh beach.

There were two ways of getting there. The left road takes you to the beach but you have to walk down many stairs. The right road takes you to the top of the headland where you look over onto Atuh beach and also the headland which was also spectacular. In the photo above we took the right turn and proceeded towards the coast. We decided to park our scooters before the ticket booth at the top of the hill. We were advised by locals that if we went all the way down we might have trouble getting the scooter back up. From here we walked to the entry point which took 5 minutes.

Entry Fee

Entry was 10,000 pp. It cost more here because the land is privately owned where as Kelingking beach is owned by the government. On the beach there were many sun lounges on the sand. Behind them were little wooden huts selling food non alcoholic drinks and alcoholic drinks such as beer and cocktails. There was no charge to sit and relax on the chairs.

Atuh Beach was one of the most beautiful beaches we have visited on Nusa Penida and all of Bali. We were able to capture some great photos and videos with our drone as the sun was slowley setting. We left before it got dark as it was a 1.5 hour scooter ride back to our hotel and we did not want to ride the rough bumpy roads in the dark. Check out our Atuh Beach Vlog HERE.

Visit TIU KELEP waterfall

Lombok

BALI – Getting to TIU KELEP WATERFALL

We left from Senggigi by car. We hired a driver for the day and it cost us 500,000 rupiah and the drive was roughly about 2 hours from the Holiday resort. When we arrived we were greeted by some locals who showed us on a big map where the waterfalls were and how we were going to walk there. It was raining at this time so they provided us with umbrellas. These of which became useful for photos once we got to the first waterfall. It cost us 250,000 rupiah each for entry and for the tour guide to lead us the way to the waterfalls. He carried one of my camera bags and also my tripod. He also supplied us with fresh sweet bananas, Tim tam biscuits and bottled water.

Waterfall One

The first waterfall was amazing. It was a 15 minute walk down a gradual incline of tiled stairs. It was actually 2 waterfalls with the second being on top of the one we could see. We were told that the second waterfall was better than the first and we were already amazed at the first one. The guide was more than happy to take many photos of us.

Waterfall Two

The second waterfall was about a 20 walk from the first. We walked along aqua ducks and dirt and rocky tracks through jungle Forrest. There were also 2 small river crossing. We wore our thongs (flip flops) but I probably suggest to wear shoes. There were many thongs that were broken along the way and you would have to walk barefoot back if this happened to you. We also seen a monkey, frogs and lizards on the ways there.

Once we arrived we were both amazed at the beaty, size and the power of this waterfall. A 20 meter high main waterfall with several little waterfalls to the rear. This was defiantly one of mother natures most beautiful places we have ever visited.

Best time to go

We arrived here in the late afternoon just before it was dark and there was only 2 other people there and they left as soon as we arrived. I suggest try to arrive here either early morning on late afternoon. Our guide told us that there was probably 300 people there earlier that day. Walking up to where the water breaks was not that tricky however the rocks are very slippery so be careful and take your time. There was actually a fallen tree in front of the waterfall and I thought it would be cool to stand on it for a photo but it was that slippery it was impossible to even climb onto. Out of all the waterfalls we have ever seen this one was probably the best.

Taste LUWAK coffee and ride the giant SWING

Terrace River Pool Swing – Ubud

Our taxi driver suggested we go to a recently built swing that also included Luwak coffee tasting. We had no Idea what a Luwak was however we soon found out once we arrived at the Terrace River Pool swing about 20min drive from Ubud town. Said to be the most expensive coffee in the world Luwak coffee comes from a Civet. Which is a mongoose like animal which eats coffee berries. The berries are then passed through the digestive tract and a natural fermentation takes place. The beans are then pooped out, then cleaned, roasted and grounded to a powder-like substance, leaving a richer and stronger tasting coffee.

We took turns in grinding the beans down and roasting the beans over a hot fire. After this we sat down overlooking the lush green scenery and had various samples of different flavoured coffee including the Luwak coffee. To be honest at first I could not taste the difference with the Luwak coffee however after trying regular coffee after it I could tell there was a stronger and richer taste. Em’s favourite was the chocolate flavoured coffee which she also purchased and brought back to Australia.

They save the best until last and that is the large swing. You are first fitted with a harness as you look at these two long ropes tied to the top of two tall palm trees. There was four workers who pulled you back then pushed you over the rice terraces ensuring the highest pendulum swing possible. The swing up felt as though is took a long while before reaching the climax and then swinging back down. It was defiantly lots of fun and a great photo opportunity with the Lush green palm in the background. There are now several bali swings and they have become an iconic instagram hotspot among tourists. We featured the swing in our video @ 1:18.

Visit North Bali and go to the FAMOUS HANDARA GATES

Bedugul

Now a very popular Instagram spot, known as the gate to serenity and is possibly the the most famous gate in Bali. Located 63 Kilometres north from Kuta in the Bedugul area are the balinese gates of Handara. You can’t miss them, they are seen at the entry of Handara Golf Resort. Many tourists head to the popular gates to take a photo for their Instagram. We chose to stay at the Handara Golf Resort for 2 nights so that we were right there. In the morning we would wake up early and walk down to the gates to take photos and fly the drone before it was busy. We recommend visiting the gates in the early morning to beat the crowds.

The Handara Golf Resort was very quite, I think we were the only ones staying there. Maybe its because we didn’t play golf and we didn’t see anyone around. We had our own small cabin hidden away from the golf course. To order food you had to call up and select off the menu and the staff would deliver the food on a golf buggy. I just remember waking up, opening the door and smelling the fresh dewy air and over looking the beautiful green hills. It was a nice refreshing change from being in main town Bali.

Stay a night at MONDUK MODING PLANTATION

Kabupaten Buleleng

Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa is a boutique hotel located in North Bali on a working coffee plantation with amazing mountain views, a stunning infinity pool and a hot tub. We stayed in a one bedroom villa nestled into the 5 hectares of lush vegetation. We had views over looking the plantation and our villa had beautiful hardwood floors and an outdoor shower. Breakfast was included every morning and is tea and coffee in the afternoons, which is actually produced from Monduk Moding.

There are a number of activities that you can also do when staying at MMP. Daily activities include daily buses busses from waterfalls, hiking through the mountains, tours to the lakes and ancient temples in the tropical rainforest, pony rides through the coffee plantation and bike tours.

The main attraction however is the infinity pool which provides scenic views of the surrounding coffee trees, rice fields and mountains. At sunset it is the perfect spot for photographs as the sky turns orange and you have panoramic views of the volcano.

To Book your stay at Monduk Moding Plantation HERE.

VISIT TIRTA GANGGA

Karangasem

Tirta Gangga is a beautiful water palace in eastern Bali and was built in 1948 by the Raja of Karangasem. Tirta Gangga means water from the Ganges, the name refers to the water palace built in 1948 by the Raja of Karangasem, Anak Agung Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem. Tirta Gangga water palace is a maze of pools and fountains surrounded by a lush tropical garden, stone carvings and statues. The 1.2 hecter water palace was originally built in 1948 but was destroyed by the eruption of mount Agung in 1963. Fortunately is was rebuilt and restored and to this day is of authentic royal magnificence.

The centrepiece of the palace is an eleven tiered fountain and there are many beautiful carvings and statues adorning the gardens. The area around Tirta Gangga is noted for its rice paddy terraces.

Entry fee for a foreigner is IDR 10.00/ per person and opening hours are from 6am – 1800. Located out East, Tirta Gangga is around 2 hours from Ubud and 2 and a half hours from Canggu.

We arrived at 7 am and we had the place to ourselves. The complex is only small so you don’t need a-lot of time there, just enough to walk around, take photos and admire the gardens. There is also a local pool you can swim in if you feel like a dip.

When you first enter the water palace you will see a large pond where rows of guardian figures cudgels are neatly arranged. Large polygonal stepping stones are arranged to allow you to tour around the pond and its statues. This is a great way to view the huge sized carp fish up close and iff you have brought bread you can bribe them with food to get in your photo.

Behind the first pond is the central towering fountain, again featuring guardian statues at its base. This 10m high fountain has eleven tiers with a shape of a lotus at its tip. The springs are located at a higher ground to the right of the entrance of the site, under a large banyan tree. The water is considered holy by the locals and is used during religious ceremonies, as well as a source of potable water.

The grand 100sqm pond at the southern side of the complex is filled with large golden carp and other large fish, and swimming is prohibited. Two bridges connect the sides of the pond, which feature ornate mythical Balinese dragon statues at its sides.

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BEST things to do In BALI

Visit KELINGKING BEACH for sunset