ICBRKR GUIDE: BALI

‘Bali is more than a place. It’s a mood, it’s magical. It’s a tropical state of mind.’
– Unknown

Bali is not just a mecca for downshifting and relaxation, but a whole unique world that is prime for magical exploration. From its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters to its lush jungles and ancient temples, Bali offers an unforgettable adventure for every type of traveler. Dive into the world of surfing, hiking, and water sports, or indulge in the island's delicious food, wellness practices, and vibrant culture. Whether you're looking to unwind or to explore, Bali has something special to offer. So, pack your bags and get ready for an enchanted journey into the heart of Bali.

Facts about Bali

It has a population of 4.3 million
Used to be a Dutch colony
Bali is home to over 20,000 temples, earning it the nickname "Island of a Thousand Temples"
The Balinese calendar system is different from the Gregorian calendar and is based on a 210-day cycle
The island is a popular destination for surfers, with world-class breaks like Uluwatu and Padang Padang.
There are over 500 reef-building coral species can be found in Bali
Bali is the only Hindu-majority province in Indonesia
Ubud is Bali's cultural centre

WHEN TO VISIT

It is a tropical island, anytime is great to visit. Bali is one of those places you can visit all year round. Peak season is from May to September. Spending New Year here is popular too. But if you’re looking to avoid the rainy reason, steer clear between December to April.

INSIDER TIPS

Use fast track service for meet and greet you to get passed security and immigration line
Try to conserve the water. Over-exploitation by the tourist industry has led to 200 out of 400 rivers on the island drying up
Avoid Seminya unless you are going there for restaurants
Bali traffic is real. Try to avoid traveling during rush hours
The island is quite big. Depends if you want more beach time (stay in Uluwatu or Canggu) or more inland forest time (stay in Ubud) or something more remote (north of the island), you pick the area you want to stay in or mix it up
There is not public transportation. Book a driver to take you around or rent a scooter
Do plan ahead for restaurant reservations during peak seasons

WHAT NOT TO MISS

Tirta Gangga Water Palace. Photo from woman.travel.magazine

FOR ARTS AND CULTURE

Pura Dalem - temple
Besakih Temple
Tirta Gangga Water Palace
Sindhu Night Market (at Sanur)

FOR BEACHES

Padang Padang (Uluwatu)
Green Bowl Beach (Uluwatu)
Jimbaran Bay (Uluwatu)
Bingin (Uluwatu)
Suluban (Uluwatu)
Nyang Nyang (Uluwatu. Less crowded beach)
The Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno)
Amed (west coast)
Bingin
Kelingking Beach (east of the island)
Crystal Bay

FOR SIGHT-SEEING

Bali is one of the few places in the world where you can witness the sunrise from the top of a volcano, Mount Batur.
Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud
Beji Guwang Hidden Canyon
Nusa Penida
Mount Batur - rice terrace
Tjampuhan Soa (Ubud)

FOR WATERFALLS

Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Tibumana Waterfall

WHERE TO STAY

Four Seasons Resort Bali At Jimbaran Bay

Curating incredible resorts and hotels is something Bali does almost too well, making choosing where to stay damn near impossible. We’d recommend staying in Uluwatu for the beaches and Ubud for the jungles and temples.

ULUWATU

Most of the hotels here are beach font and you get an amazing ocean view and ocean wave sounds from your room.

For the vibe and pool party, Cliffhouse

For groups, Alila Villas

To splurge, Bulgari Hotel Bali

For the lovers, Four Seasons Resort Bali At Jimbaran Bay

UBUD

There are many beautiful and unique hotels in Ubud and it’s so hard to pick from. These are out top choices.

Breathtaking and incredible, BUAHAN, A BANYAN TREE ESCAPE

To spluge, Amandari

More jungle vibe, NIRJHARA

Modern minimal design, The Tiing Tejakula Villas

Other notables, Chapung Sebali, ALILA UBUD, Viceroy Bali, Hanging Gardens of Bali

OTHER AREAS

Soori Bali

For secluded and away from the crowd, Damai

With the crowd, ALILA SEMINYAK

WHERE TO EAT

Bali has so many great healthy cafes and almost every restaurants offer farm to table or ocean to table ingredients. You get spoiled with good food when you are in Bali. Most importantly, its a reasonably priced. Important to check out Balinese food. These are recommendations from ICBRKR’S Bali locals and frequent bali visitors. Enjoy!

Special thanks Sherry L for the recommendations.

CANGGU

BREAKFAST/LUNCH/CAFES

Honey, (cute small spot, great food)
The Lawn
Crate (Aussie, very popular)
Shady shack (healthy and Insta food)
Sisterfields (a bit closer to seminyak but good food)
Warung Dua (local buffet super delish in Umalas)
Milu by Nook (cute spot, Indo and western fusion)
Moana Fish Eatary (Hawaiian, cute place)
Secret spot Canggu (vegan and on the beach)
Cafe vida (sit in the traditional villa backyard, great vegan, raw healthy Bali options)
The Avocado Factory
Peloton supershop

SUNSETS/DINNERS

La brisa (for sunset)
Woods (jazz night every Thursday, love the food)
Mostly (for the vibe)
Shelter (amazing food, must go)
Behind the Green Door
Sisterfields (a bit closer to seminyak but good food)
Mason (popular auzzie chef, busy vibe great food)
Maize it’s new spot just open by the green door, check it out, same owner of kilo)
Kilo ( seminyak, cute spot good food)
Murah Putif ( ridiculous interior, great Indo fine dining)
Ulekan (Greta Indonesian food, intimate and delicate)
Mosto (natural wine bar with some Italian bites, look for Francesco he’s manager of da Maria as well)
Indigo (Japanese, been there long time ago wasn’t really impressed with the price but very popular place cute spot)
Lacalita (great Mexican, amazing dragon fruit margarita)
Dandelion (super cute local spot, literally eating in a bunny 🐰 little farm)