After our month trip to Australia to start off the year, our trip was coming to an end and lets say we wasn't quite ready to leave to go back home so soon. From a spontaneous idea of thining of going to Bali whilst in our Sydney apartment, very soon turned into looking at flights and booking a hotel.

"We've come all this way to Australia, we might as well stop at Bali on the way home! Right?"

Arriving at Bali airport, we soon got a taxi from outside. (Be aware that Bali taxi drivers will come over to try and win your fair between the other taxi companies). Don't worry to much about this, they are just competing between each other.
After an hours drive in the taxi to our hotel we was soon ready to get changed and grab some food and head to bed!

So, where is Bali and when should you visit?

Bali is one of the most popular islands in Indonesia, located in South East Asia.
Typically Bali is a tropical warm climate all year round. However, there are time of the year known for there rainfall season. Which you may want to take note of, because as we experienced.. it can easily become a wipe of!

Rainfall is highest between Nov – March.
The most popular time (and expensive time) to come is July and August.

Where To Stay In Bali

For my first time in Bali we decided to stay in Jimbaran towards the bottom island of Bali.
However, I don't think there's just one typical best place when visiting Bali. Everywhere in Bali is an adventure!!

As our trip was rather last minute and a quick stop for only one week we wanted somewhere close to a beach and quieter than the main busy streets.
Our location was a good choice if you want a relaxing break away but still travelling to see the sights that Bali has to offer.

If you wish to stay more within the centre of Bali near shops, market and tourist attractions your probably best staying in the areas such as Uluwattu which is where the Rice Terrance fields are. Also Badung, which is close to the beach, shops/markets.

Travel and Getting Around

Getting around Bali is either by Taxi which you can pick up pretty much anywhere, or by scooter/motorbike. Bali is a very busy place especially on the main streets, with not many road rules to say the least! Therefore, if you wish to use the motorbikes (which is a much cheaper way of getting around) then be careful, it can get rather CRAZY!

For longer distance journeys to see the main tourist sights of Bali, then I would recommend paying for the Taxis as navigating your own way on a bike would be impossible.
PS- This is a good way to get a deeper insight into the culture and history of Bali through your tour guide or taxi driver.

Lets Eat...

What food to expect in Bali?

Although you may be thinking 'but what's the food like? what am I going to be eating?'
The food is incredible in Bali.

If you are hitting the shops and markets within the main centre, then you defiantly wont be stuck for choice. Myself and Katie decided to look up some nice cafes to try within the different areas we we're going to be exploring.

When in Bingin we found a gorgeous hidden away café (but very popular) health café The Cashew Tree, offering many healthy options which was perfect. Including burgers, smoothies/juices, acai bowls, breakfast options, creative salads and healthy treats for afters.

Taking a trip into Seminyak, we explored the hundreds of shops and markets then stopping off for some lunch at a cute side street café Beach Bowl Bali. As you may have guessed, we went for the acai bowls as well as a meal on the side to share.

On our day out to the rice terrace fields, our taxi driver stopped for us to grab some food wherever we wanted. We had seen a lovely Café called Muse Café & Art in the heart of Ubud.

A few more delicious spots around Ubud:

Food Cafe and Tonic Bar
Seeds of Life
The ALL Coconut Cafe

My Top Bali Picks..

With so many places to explore when visiting Bali, you should definitely try to see as much as you can.

Ubud

Best known for known as the culture of all things temples, holistic centre, yoga studios and markets. Coming across and then finding out that each local town as there own pacific job. including one area is known for red brick making, one as stone carving, or art and painting.
There is a variety of talent to be found when exploring the streets of Ubud.

**Exploring The Markets**

The markets can be overwhelming are there's just so much to see. With every gift, art, clothing, bags and food on every corner. You may want to save up!!

Not forgetting the well known Rice Terrace Fields.

This is a must when visiting Bali! On a sunny day the rice fields look overwhelming. Especially when you think of how much work they do in keeping on top of their land.
To remember, when entering the fields you will need to have cash handy to walk around the main rice terrace. This is to help keep the locals in maintain the land.
And of course the big hanging swing! Which you pay for there around $35 USD price.

Another option is the legendary Monkey Forest. Be aware they may jump and sit on you!!

Bali people love when you go to visit there stall. Which makes you want to buy all the more.
Remember you can barter with the prices on the markets to get the best price for you and them.

Other amazing things to do whilst there are:

The incredible landscapes of the temples, which are highly worshiped within the country of Bali as sacred grounds.
Special times during the year all locals are the villages will come together at the temple grounds to pray together and the whole village will fall to a silence.
(Maybe this could be a special time to visit Bali to experience the real Bali culture.)
Including: Pura Taman, Gunung Kawi Sebatu, Gunung Kawi, Goa Gaja, Tirta Empul

Joining in a yoga class at the many studios around Ubud. This could be an increble way to take a breath out of your travels.

Get a massage! Both myself and my sister had to try a massage whilst in Bali. We chose to book our within our spa hotel. However there are many massage spots around. This was defintly the best 20 minuites decision we made. Following a nice dinner overlooking the sea.

If your thinking about travelling to Bali, then I say Do It!
Many more posts like this to come.

As always, Happy Travels!

Jess.

Travelling To Bali