16 APR - 2023
Me and the flatties taking the world by storm.
Ah, Bali – the mere mention of this Indonesian island paradise conjures up images of sun-kissed beaches, lush green rice terraces, and crystal-clear waters. For a gal looking for a fun and relaxing getaway, Bali is the perfect spot. Finding time to relax from the daily grind can be so hard to prioritise taking a vacation, but oh my god girl, DO IT. My favourite people and I saved our pennies and said sayonara to NZ for three sweet weeks. Bali was the obvious place to go - Why? Well, it’s bloody cheap, brimming with things to do, and not to mention, a tropical paradise. With its colourful culture, gorg scenery, and lively nightlife, Bali is one of the best places to forget about your troubles and live in the present.
As someone who loves to travel, I was ecstatic to visit Bali finally. And let me tell you. She did not disappoint!
The trip consisted of a lot of eating, relaxing, and drinking. I had the opportunity to visit some of the island's top restaurants, day clubs, and other must-see spots that were an absolute blast. Here are some of my top recommendations for anyone looking to have a fab time in Bali like us:
Canggu
If you're a foodie, Canggu is the spot to be. This trendy coastal town is home to some of Bali's best restaurants, offering a wide range of cuisines. Canggu is where we discovered all the under-30’s were hanging - and fair enough! From authentic Indonesian dishes to Western fusion, Canggu has it all. I honestly wasn’t expecting to have the best food in my life in Bali, and I’m not talking just Indonesian cuisine. The pasta, the poke bowls, the Mexican food?! It was wild. All of us ate our little hearts out - never fear, the Bali belly took those extra kgs right back of us (help).
One of my favourite restaurants in Canggu was Mason. This chic spot features an extensive Mediterranean menu inside a stylish space with a wood-fired oven and a very Instagramable terrace. The cocktails are also to die for, and the atmosphere is perfect for a night out with friends.
After lunch, head to one of Canggu's many day clubs for drinks and views. Potato Head Beach Club is a must-visit, with its stunning infinity pool and ocean views. You can dance the day away to live music and DJ sets while sipping on tropical cocktails; it's just unreal. We went back here twice after having quote “out-of-body experiences in the pool.” By this, we mean being so buzzed out and utterly mind blown by how lucky we were to be in such a wild corner of the world, we couldn't fathom being back in the reality of day to day Auckland life - it was the tequila talking.
Ubud
We timed our Ubud leg of the trip to be right in the middle, which was the perfect time for us all to zen out a little. The handmade craft markets, the temples, the monkeys on the street lights, it’s a whole new world. We stayed in an AirBnB that we quickly named the love island villa (we had a huge outdoor fire pit), which happened to be right in the centre of everything. We saw monkey forests, ate amazing street food, and collectively became much more wholesomewhich was natural as we were physically living in a jungle paradise.
In Ubud, I highly recommend doing the ATV bike tours. This had us in fits of laughter. My confidence went through the roof when I felt like I could take on anyone in a mud race. We drove our bikes through caves, waterfalls, and rice paddies - just the typical Bali tings.
We also hit Cretya day club for a full day of eating, drinking, swimming and dancing (in the pool) as the DJs were insane. Heaps of tourists flood through here, which could be a really great place to check out if you want to meet some new pals.
Gili T Island
Though a bit of a bitch to get to, Gili T Island is a must-visit for anyone looking for a wild few nights out. This place pumps with parties and has things going on left, right and centre. This tiny island off the coast of Bali, known for its nightlife, has the most incredible full-moon parties, which was an experience I'll never forget. The party was held on the beach, with live music and DJ sets. We danced the night away under the stars, surrounded by hundreds of people worldwide. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Seminyak
Last but not least, Seminyak is another great spot to visit. Of course, the first thing on the Seminyak agenda is eating. Seminyak is another foodie's paradise similar to Canggu, with an abundance of local and international restaurants offering everything from traditional Balinese cuisine to modern fusion dishes. We absolutely ate our way through the town, trying new things and trying to claim the next big find. Seminyak is also known for its really sweet stores and markets. You’ll find one-of-a-kind souvenirs, clothes, and accessories at bargain prices.
But the real highlight of my Seminyak experience was Mrs Sippy's day club. This place is a must-visit for anyone who loves pool parties, live music, great food and delicious cocktails. We probably spent hours lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun, while sipping on frozen daiquiris - did you know happy hour runs like all day everywhere?
Our time in Bali was thrilling and exciting the whole way through. We threw ourselves into the chaotic spirit of vacation and made the most of every second. Canggu has some of the best restaurants on the island, Ubud has plenty of outdoor pursuits, Gili T Island has a vibrant nightlife, and Seminyak has hip day clubs. My time in Bali was more than I could have ever imagined, and I came away with memories that will stay with me forever.
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