Bali is one of the most Instagrammable holiday destinations in the world. With miles of sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and lush greenery, it’s no wonder this place is known as the Island of Peace. For ideas on how to maximise a short getaway to this little piece of heaven, read on!
Day 1: Cooking Class, Temple Tour, Dinner
Cr: Honeycombers
Take a cooking class
One of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in Balinese culture is to take an authentic cooking class. Learn about the ingredients that go into local cuisine and pick up some skills to whip up your own creations back home. Veteran chef Iboe Soelastri’s cooking class in Hotel Tugu is as close to authentic Balinese cooking as you can get. Starting with a tour of a traditional Balinese market, you get to learn about the ingredients used in Balinese cuisine, and try your hand at cooking up to five dishes on a woodfire stove – then enjoy them for lunch!
Find it at Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong, Pantai Canggu, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Click here for more information on Tanah Lot.
Tanah Lot by sunset
After cooking up a storm in the kitchen, take some time to relax and enjoy the sunset at Tanah Lot, a sea temple located less than 20 kilometres from Denpasar. The temple sits on a rock on the coast that has been continuously shaped by the tide, and is said to be the work of the founder of the Shaivite Priesthood in Bali, Dang Hyang Nirartha. While this temple is spectacular at any time of day, it is particularly beautiful in the fading light of the setting sun. Make sure you go with a tour guide, and hope for a clear day, which makes for beautiful photos.
Find it at Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 8217
Click here for more information on Tanah Lot.
Cr: Tripadvisor
Dinner at Warung Disini
If you’re famished after snapping photos and exploring the sea temple, you’ll be glad to know that dinner is not far away! Warung Disni is located less than ten minutes from Tanah Lot, and serves up authentic Balinese cuisine at wallet-friendly prices. Beloved by locals and tourists alike, this little gem is abuzz with activity no matter what time of day it is, and is actually reminiscent of a small hawker centre. Try their Indonesian Noodles, or Yellow Rice with various toppings. A meal here is the perfect way to round off your first day in Bali!
Find it at Jl. By Pass Tanah Lot, Beraban, Tabanan, Kediri, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 12950
Click here to find out more about Warung Disini
Day 2: Mount Batur, Ubud Rice Fields
Watch the sunrise over Mount Batur
Rise early for this one, as the way to Mount Batur can be long if you are not staying within Ubud. Get a guide and begin your trek to the top of the mountain. You need to have a moderate level of fitness to make it to the top, but rest assured your guide will allow you to take breaks and ensure you’re hydrated throughout the trek. Bring your camera along, as the view at the top of the mountain is amazing. Take some time to enjoy the silence and the spectacular view with some traditional Balinese snacks and drinks available from the stalls on the peak.
Find it Bangli Regency, Bali
Click here for more information on Mount Batur.
Tegalalang Rice Fields
After your early morning adventures, it’s time to soak in more views. Just a short drive from the mountain are the the Tegalalang Rice Fields, which were recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The breathtaking greenery of the terraced fields makes for amazing images, but are best enjoyed in person. Soak in the lush views and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals. The surrounding villages of Ubud are good for gorgeous handcrafted wares, or, if you’re game, a silversmithing class.
Find it at Jalan Tegalalang, Tegalalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561
Click here for more information on Tegallalang
Lunch at Plantation Restaurant
This gorgeous gem is set amongst the lush greenery in Ubud, so you can enjoy an alfresco dining experience that is a feast for the senses. Unwind from your long morning with a delicious lunch at the Plantation Restaurant. Located in the Alila hotel, this exotic restaurant combines rustic decor with modern techniques to bring you the best dishes from across the archipelago. Indulge in one of their signature roasts, or get a taste of local cuisine with their extensive set menu featuring ingredients such as Balinese spice paste and tempe.
Find it at Alila Ubud, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan, Gianyar, Bali 80572
Book a table at Plantation Restaurant and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.
Cr: lembahspa.com
Get a massage in Ubud
If you’re exhausted after a long morning of trekking, unwind with a massage. What better place to unwind than the serene greenery of Ubud? The area is home to many spas, offering a range of treatments – from scalp treatments to full-body massages. If that’s not your idea of luxury, we don’t know what is. Our favourite spa is Tjampuhan Spa, which offers several traditional Balinese beauty treatments at affordable spices. Try the Mandi Lulur, a traditional massage followed by a yogurt and sandalwood scrub and a soak in a flower petal bath.
Find it at Hotel Tjampuhan Spa, JL. Raya Campuhan, Ubud, Bali 80571
Click here for more information on Tjampuhan Spa
Dinner at Uma Cucina
After your decadent massage, you’ll want to eat food fit for royalty. Just a short walk from Tjampuhan Spa is Uma Cucina, a modern Italian restaurant serving up delicious and authentic classics. The warm ambience and large communal dining table will warm your heart and transport you to the heartlands of Italy. Get one of their regular pizzas, made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and cooked in a woodfire oven, these tasty creations are the closest you can get to Italy without getting on the plane.
Find it at Jalan Raya Sanggingan No. 21, Ubud, Bali 80571
Book a table at Uma Cucina and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.
Day 3: Last-minute shopping
Cr: Bali Kids Guide
Kumbasari Market
It’s your last day in Bali, so it’s time to start buying souvenirs for people back home, and what better place to do so than one of Bali’s largest and most eclectic markets? An icon of Denpasar, this market consists of hundreds of stalls peddling locally-produced artisan items such as art pieces, sculpture and pottery as well as food and clothing. Prices here are relatively lower than other markets, but be sure to haggle with the stallholders for the best price for your items. Be sure to get a handmade piece of pottery or art to remind you of your Bali adventure!
Find it at Jl. Gajah Mada, Pemecutan, Denpasar Bar., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80111
Click here for more information on Kumbasari Market
Lunch at Bale Udang
Finish your Bali trip on a high note with lunch at Bale Udang, one of Bali’s most recognisable restaurants. Literally translated as “shrimp gazebo” this place specialises in seafood, and is beloved by many locals. Fresh seafood adds flavour to authentic Indonesian dishes in a gorgeous natural environment. If you have children, they’ll be delighted by the dedicated play area available. Looking for a more intimate setting? They have that too, giving couples and small groups their own gazebos with a private entrance.
Book a table at Bale Udang and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.
Find it at Jalan Nakula No. 88 Sunset Road, Kuta, Bali 80361
Cr: grandsukhumvithotel.com