BALI IN 7 DAYS
Bali is on every traveler’s bucket list! The oceans, mountains and evergreen forests just win your heart. I had the chance to tick Bali off my bucket list when I went there with my girls for a bachelorette. In spite of warnings given to us by people who said it wasn’t safe for women, it was a trip worth making. Bali is actually a completely safe destination for women! We faced no problems while partying or touring around & I returned with sand between my toes and a smile on my lips.
If you’re planning a trip to Bali anytime soon, I have all the details. From where to stay and what to do, here’s my handy guide to Bali for 7 Days.
DAY 1:
We arrived in sun-kissed Bali at Ngurah Rai International Airport and stayed at Nice Villa, Seminyak. Which was approximately an hour away from the airport. Seminyak is considered to be the hub of Bali and we could really feel the energy! We booked our villa via AirBnB. Located about 5 minutes away from the Main Road, it had 2 well-kitted rooms, a kitchen and a private pool that gave us the perfect Bali vibe. Rearing to go out & explore, we hired bikes at just $ 6 (INR 390) and quickly headed to Queen’s Tandoor, a famous Indian restaurant. The meal was delicious and much needed after a long tiring flight, after which we walked around to get acquainted with the streets. Make sure to end your day with a charged-up party at Potato Head or WooBar. We visited Potato Head and had a great time!
Quick Tip: Queen’s Tandoor serves the best vegetarian Indian food in the vicinity.
Potato Head is an expensive place to visit. Make sure to dress well.
Stay – http://alturl.com/8wqs2
Price per night –$ 108 (INR 7,000)
DAY 2:
On Day 2, we hired a car to Ubud, in the uplands of Bali, also home to one of the royal families. Our 1st stop was the Bali Bidadari Batik, where we saw how beautiful prints were made on pretty local cloth. All you shopaholics will be happy to know that you can also shop for the products you like!
When the gurgling Ayung River called out to us, we signed up for rafting with Ayung River Rafting. At $ 55 per person (INR 3,575), we had the most energizing & amazing 2 hour rafting experience amongst the rapids, under an open sky. This was followed by lunch, which is part of the package. Be prepared to walk for quite a stretch as there are 150-200 steps to climb and get down in the process.
Our next stop was the famous Bali Swing, a total of 5 large swings. It was so liberating to be able to swing over the abyss. We couldn’t get enough of that adrenaline rush! We were charged $ 35 per person (INR 2,275), with drinks and food served. Needless to say, we got some great pictures (including selfies!).
To settle the adrenaline rush, we took a breather by visiting Tanah Lot for breath-taking views of the sunset. The Tanah Lot Temple was the perfect backdrop to the scene. I really enjoyed watching the sky turn marvellous shades of burnt orange and summer yellow with a hint of red, with my girls by my side.
DAY 3:
We booked a car to spend our day in Nusa Dua and stopped at Pandawa Beach. The pure blue water and open skies here are great for some R&R and we just didn’t want to leave. You can also rent a kayak and enjoy a bit of adventure! While you’re at it, you should also drop by Dreamland Beach, grab a yummy snack at one of the many cafés or go surfing.
Quick Tip: Carry an extra pair of clothes.
We also visited the much talked about Uluwatu Temple, a sea temple perched on top of a magnificent cliff. We paused there to take in the sunset and the spectacular views from the top. It was a very peaceful spot & the journey there was absolutely worth it.
Quick Tip: This spot is home to a lot of monkeys, so make sure to not carry anything in your hands.
We also visited Rock Bar, Ayana. Surrounded by rocks and the water, it’s a great place to wine and dine and catch the beautiful sunset.
Quick Tip: Be well dressed, as it’s an expensive place too. Reach Rock Bar by 4 for a table.
We headed back to the villa and relaxed. Once we were charged up, we went to Motel Mexicola to bust a move. It was an evening to remember! Alternately, you can even visit La Favela, which we did. It’s a famous spot in Bali. It has an exotically modern vibe in terms of the decor, with themed alcoves and dining nooks in the garden area. The party here went on till 4 am!
DAY 4:
Day 4 was my favourite, as it was all about shopping, relaxation and pampering ourselves at the spa! We shopped around the Seminyak streets & grabbed the best hauls at the street across La Favela hotel. There are lots of local spas, so take your pick. It costs about $ 12 per person (INR 780), for 1 hour my friends and me enjoyed a relaxing, much-needed spa session.
Quick Tip: Check out the local brands when you shop.
Shop at the lane around Seminyak Square for the best finds.
We ended our evening with a meal and a view, at Ku De Ta. Facing the beach, it serves delicious food and cocktails.
Quick Tip: Carry enough cash, as Ku De Ta is an expensive place. Dress well.
DAY 5:
It was time to rise and shine and head to the powdery white sands and crystal blue waters of Gili! At the wind-whipped port, we took a ferry to Gili at $22 – $ 25 per person (INR 1,430 to INR 1,625)
Quick Tip: Don’t carry too much luggage.
We checked into Melati Cottage. It was like our own personal paradise, as it was literally a minute walk from the beach. They serve a yummy full English/Irish breakfast everyday too!
We settled in & hit up the infamous Jiggy’s Boat Party, where we had a great time. It costs $19 (INR 1,235) for girls and $26 (INR 1,690) for boys. The party went on for 5-6 hours. They played really great music and gave us free shots too! You can also jump into the ocean if you’re feeling spontaneous.
We wrapped up with a yummy dinner right at the beach, at popular local joint Egoiste, which I highly recommend.
Quick Tip: Gili is a great spot for scuba diving.
Although it’s a small island, you should stay for at least 2 days.
Stay – http://alturl.com/aatg7
Price per night – $ 39 (INR 2,535)
DAY 6:
We got ready and packaged our bag for heading back to Bali. Enjoined a great breakfast at the shacks with an amazing view of the crystal blue water to end our beautiful memories made at Gili.
Returned back to Bali and stayed at its party centre – Kuta, famous for its Beachwalk Shopping Centre. We dug our toes in the sand at Jimbaran Beach and had dinner at the local shacks. Did I mention how yummy the local food is? Also, you can’t go to Kuta and not put on your party shoes! We went to Sky Garden, a famous spot. It has 2 bars, one of which has an Open Bar with dance music. The 2nd bar plays trance music & you can enjoy the live DJ. It was one of our best nightlife experiences.
Stay – http://www.zhmhotels.com/hotel/grand-zuri-kuta-bali/
Price per night – $ 38 (INR 2,500)
DAY 7:
On the last day, we enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast at our hotel before we headed over to the airport which was an hour away from our hotel. It was a bitter sweet symphony as while we were excited to get back home, we had left our hearts at the ‘The Land of Thousand Gods’.
DO’S & DON’TS :
- Download the Go-Jek app to book cabs at cheaper prices.
- Go-Jek is going to be your best friend to help you find many things during the trip.
- Queen’s Tandoor is the best Indian food chain, and also serves a lot of vegetarian options
- Rent a bike or hire a cab to tour around Bali.
- In Bali, stay in Seminyak as the party places are not very far away
- Book a villa instead of a hotel
- The best street to shop from is the one across La Favela hotel, Seminyak.
- Shop the local brands.
- At Kuta, visit Beachwalk Shopping Centre
- Bargain as much as you can in Bali
- Try the local beer – Bintang
- Travel to Gili with less luggage as it’s a very small island with not many modes of transport
- Exchange rate is really good in Bali so not to worry
- Safe place for girls to travel alone
- You must surely try the ‘Bali Swing’
- Buy sim card from a local shop
- cost for a sim $ 23 (INR 1,500)
Never fly Air Asia – They don’t even serve water for free
Accommodation Cost – Average $ 30 (INR 2,500 per day) at a good hotel and average $ 60 (INR 5,000 per day) at a good villa.
Flights – Approx. $ 323 (INR 21,000), we had to pay separately for luggage as only 7kg hand luggage was allowed.
Food – Average $ 23 (INR 1,500 per person) at an average place
Full Trip Cost -$ 923 (INR 60,000)
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