Why I’m Still Obsessed With Bali (While Freezing in the US)
Bali travel guide? Landing in Denpasar hit different—scooters zipping everywhere, that first blast of warm wet air, the smell of incense and frying stuff. I immediately regretted packing jeans. But then you get past the airport chaos and it just… opens up. Anyway here’s my take, flaws and all.
Where to Stay in Bali: My Wins, My Facepalm Moments
I hopped around too much probably, but it helped me figure out what actually vibes.
Ubud – Jungle Feels and Rice Terrace Magic
Stayed in this little spot overlooking the rice paddies—pool basically hanging over the green steps.
![Tegallalang Rice Terraces: A Complete Visitor's Guide [2025]](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/66fab24d6dde4d79b3b50865/67de721a9834260c076e97be_Tegallalang%20Rice%20Terraces.webp)
Tegallalang Rice Terraces: A Complete Visitor’s Guide [2025]
Woke up to birds and monkeys fighting over territory. Cute at first, then one straight-up stole my toast. Go for something with a shuttle or scooter rental included because walking in that heat? I tried, ended up a sweaty mess asking strangers for directions like an idiot.
Canggu – Surf, Black Sand, Chill(ish) Energy
This area felt more my speed—villa with a pool, close to beaches where people actually surf instead of posing.
Exploring Canggu: Surf, Sunsets and Street Art – NOW! Bali
Seminyak’s nearby if you want fancier dinners and shopping, but Canggu has better casual eats and less pretension. Avoided Kuta after one look—felt like Myrtle Beach on steroids, no thanks.
Things to Do in Bali: Stuff I Loved + Dumb Things I Did
Don’t cram everything in one day like I tried. Pace yourself or you’ll crash.
Temples at Golden Hour (Tanah Lot Especially)
This place is ridiculous—temple on a rock, waves smashing, sun setting like it’s trying too hard to be cinematic.
Tanah Lot Temple Bali: Guide to Visiting the Iconic Sea Temple at Sunset
Got there late, elbowed through crowds, but that light? Worth the sweat and the 500 rupiah “donation” scams.
Monkey Forest – Chaos in the Best Way
Early morning visit saved me from peak heat. Monkeys are fearless—one literally climbed my arm for a banana I wasn’t even offering.
Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali – Sanctuary of Grey Macaques in Ubud – Go Guides
Laughed until it tried to take my sunglasses. Hold your stuff or lose it.
Rice Terraces & Random Wandering
Tegallalang was stunning—those green waves of rice.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces Bali | Best Bali Travel Guide 2026
Walked down paths in flip-flops, got muddy, felt like a tourist cliché. But views make up for it. Also loved scooter adventures—getting lost is half the charm.
Check out more on temples here or general inspo from Lonely Planet Bali.
What to Eat in Bali: The Part That Wrecked My Diet
Food was the real MVP. I gained like 5 pounds and zero regrets.
Babi Guling – Crispy Pork Heaven
Roast suckling pig with crackling skin, rice, spicy sambal. Ate this at a roadside warung and almost cried it was so good.
Babi Guling Bali: Discover The Best Traditional Balinese Suckling Pork
Pro tip: Portions are generous—share or prepare for food coma.
Other Hits
I got Bali belly once from dodgy ice, spent a day in bed cursing my choices. Lesson learned: bottled water only, folks.
More food recs? This guide nails it.
Final Ramble & See Ya Maybe
Bali’s messy—traffic’s nuts, monkeys are thieves, tourists swarm everything. But the sunsets, the food, the random nice people who helped me when I was lost? It sticks. Back here staring at my ceiling fan, I’m already plotting round two.
