Exploring Bali: Travel Diary Chapter 2 by @brookestyless

Australian food, travel, and fashion blogger Brooke from @brookestyless introduces Bali, one of her most cherished destinations. Follow her journey through stunning private luxury villas and delightful hotels in Nusa Dua, Ubud, Canggu, and Seminyak. Continue reading to discover Bali’s best photo opportunities and the reasons for her repeated visits.

THE SAKALA RESORT BALI, NUSA DUA

Address: Jl. Pratama No.95, Benoa, Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali

Day 1: Upon our arrival at the Sakala Resort, we were greeted by a stunning view of Nusa Dua beach as we approached the beach club from the lobby. The lobby provided a welcoming atmosphere for relaxation while we waited for our room to be prepared. Eager to explore our new home for the next two days, we quickly checked in. Our room offered a view of the hotel’s main pool, lined with traditional Balinese huts. At the pool bar, I anticipated spending significant time relaxing. After enjoying a delightful Piña Colada, we made our way to the beach club.

The beach club was magnificent, featuring an expansive infinity pool that overlooked the beach. This captivating setting made it difficult to decide where to unwind and sunbathe for the next two days, as both the hotel pool and the beach club were equally enticing. As the day transitioned into evening, our appetites stirred, prompting a brief walk down the street where the Sakala is located to discover a variety of dining options. We chose to indulge in a $3 Nasi Goreng before retiring for the night.

Day 2: Rising early at 6:30 AM Australian time (4:30 AM Bali time) meant I could experience an unforgettable sunrise and capture stunning photographs at the beach club. With my newly acquired shell floaty, I enlisted my boyfriend’s help to snap incredible shots. Once we finished, we were ready for breakfast, and the Sakala certainly did not disappoint with its lavish spread. After satisfying our appetites, we returned to our room before venturing into town for a quick bite at a charming Mediterranean café, followed by a relaxing couples massage.

This massage proved to be one of the best I have ever experienced. The lovely staff at the Sakala warmly welcomed us with refreshing cucumber drinks and cool face cloths. We then indulged in an hour of pure relaxation, culminating in a soothing warm ginger tea. It was truly a heavenly experience. The rest of the afternoon passed pleasantly as we lounged by the beach club pool with delightful afternoon tea, before ending the day with an early night’s sleep.

SHAMBALLA MOON, UBUD

Address: Jl. RSI Markandya II No.21, Kedewatan, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali

Day 3: After a restful night, we ventured straight to breakfast, thoroughly enjoying a second feast. This day marked our farewell to the beautiful Sakala, as we prepared to head to Ubud. En route, we made stops at some must-see attractions that we missed during our previous visit. Our first stop was the Bali Swing, a magnificent experience not to be missed! The four swings provide breathtaking views of the rice terraces and jungle of Ubud, offering an ideal opportunity for Instagram-worthy photos. Included in the entry fee, we were treated to a refreshing soft drink and lunch. Our next destination was the Tegallalang rice fields, a short drive from the swing location. Despite being crowded with tourists, the visit was worth the small donation required to wander freely and capture photographs throughout the rice paddies. Upon our arrival at our next villa, The Shamballa Moon, the sun had already begun to set, casting a beautiful pink hue against the blue pool, creating an enchanting glow around the villa. Dinner was served poolside, where we enjoyed each other’s company in this serene corner of Ubud.

Day 4: The day was splendid, prompting us to relax by the pool and soak up the sun. We indulged in the most delightful homemade breakfast while overlooking the lush jungle. The time flew by, and before we knew it, afternoon approached, leading us to treat ourselves to a couples massage followed by a luxurious flower bath that was simply extraordinary. I languished in the flower bath for an hour, reluctantly emerging only for dinner. To cap off the day, we enjoyed a serene night swim in our private pool before retreating to bed.

LALASA VILLA, CANGGU

Address: Jl. Pemelisan Agung, Tibubeneng, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali

Day 5: Today, we departed from the enchanting Shamballa Moon and journeyed to Canggu, our favorite holiday destination in Bali. This morning, prior to checking out, we savored the most delightful homemade pancakes and soaked up the final rays of sunshine by the pool. After expressing our gratitude to the exceptional staff, we set off for Canggu. Before reaching the coastal town, we made a brief stop at the Ubud Monkey Forest to take captivating photos and feed the monkeys. With an entry fee of approximately $10 AUD, we were granted access to explore the forest and its temple. Caution is advised, as these mischievous monkeys may seize items, such as my water bottle, from belongings!

Upon our arrival at Lalasa Villas, we were welcomed by two adorable puppies at the reception, instantly captivating me. We learned that the furry companions belonged to the hotel and were named Google and Wifi! They guided us to our villa, showcasing the lovely surroundings. The restaurant, where we enjoyed breakfast, was tranquil and overlooked lush rice fields. Our two-story villa took my breath away; its living area opened up to the pool while a king-sized Bali hut rested across from it. This serene space was perfect for a relaxing getaway, yet today, our intentions were to explore.

We rented a scooter and navigated through the rice fields leading to the beachfront. A plethora of Instagram-worthy cafes awaited us along a single street leading to Finns Beach Club. We stumbled upon Sun of Panama and spent the afternoon lounging by the pool while relishing the best burger and exquisite cocktails.

Day 6: Our plan for the day was simple: relaxation, and that’s precisely what we accomplished. We indulged in a leisurely sleep-in until 9:30 AM, followed by a satisfying breakfast of delectable Balinese cuisine. We spent most of the day lounging by our beautiful private pool before venturing to find another café for an early dinner. Our searches led us to Folie Bali, a new favorite tucked away in Canggu. Its French-style decor and mouth-watering dishes rendered this restaurant an emerging Instagram sensation. Following our delightful meals and stunning photographs, we returned to Lalasa Villas to enjoy a night swim in the pool.

KALAPA VILLA, CANGGU

Address: Jalan Raya Uma Buluh No.14, Canggu, Tibubeneng, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361

Day 7: We embarked on a fresh journey today, remaining in Canggu for our stay. We arose early to relish a fresh smoothie bowl at Bali Bowls as the sun quickly climbed higher in the sky. Afterward, we returned to Lalasa Villas, spending time by the pool until our check-out at noon. Our next stop was Kalapa Resort, located just 10 minutes up the road. This hidden gem offered a serene escape, revealing its beauty in secrecy. We were greeted with refreshing beverages before being shown to our charming wooden cabin. This venue felt entirely different from previous accommodations, exuding an enchanting ambiance. The cabin featured a lovely balcony with a table and hammock overlooking one of the two pools. As we entered through the wooden doors, we encountered an open-plan living area adorned with exquisite attention to detail. Progressing to the outdoor bathroom showcased an expansive tub and shower, embodying tranquility. We relished lounging around our cabin, editing photographs to escape the heat, and subsequently hired a scooter through the resort.

Celebrating Halloween, we ventured back into town, excited to hear that SAFIA would perform at Finns Beach Club. We immersed ourselves in the lively atmosphere while savoring amazing snacks. The entire evening cost us a mere $20 AUD each, marking the ideal way to commemorate the occasion!

Day 8: After a late return from Finns Beach Club the previous night, we enjoyed a restorative sleep in the comfort of our peaceful cabin. Eventually, we surfaced to enjoy a delightful breakfast beside the rice fields. The rest of the day was dedicated to soaking up the sun by the pool, relishing every moment away from the bustling town of Canggu.

VILLA AIR BALI, SEMINYAK

Address: Jl. Lebak Sari, Br. Taman, Petitenget, Kuta, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali

Day 9: Today marked another transition as we headed to Seminyak, a vibrant hub bustling with exceptional shopping and dining experiences. Our affinity for Seminyak stems from its lively atmosphere, perfect for beach clubs and social gatherings with friends. Prior to checking out, we enjoyed delicious banana pancakes at Kalapa while bid farewell to the friendly staff. After a 20-minute drive, we arrived at Villa Air in Seminyak, passing several of my favorite restaurants and cafes, heightening my excitement for the upcoming days ahead.

The villa itself was stunning! Surrounded by a tropical garden, the pool and living area created an idyllic oasis. The bedroom offered direct access to the pool, ideal for morning swims. I also noted that the villa boasted one of the finest spas in Seminyak, and I was in dire need of a rejuvenating massage.

Day 10: It was time for our spa appointment! We were scheduled for an hour-long massage at Villa Air Spa, and our eagerness was palpable. The spa boasted a beautiful atmosphere, adorned with hanging white flowers and infused with a refreshing peppermint scent. Welcomed with a refreshing cucumber beverage, we selected our preferred massage oil. The hour itself was pure bliss as we luxuriated in a couple’s massage.

Following this deep relaxation, we felt compelled to unwind by the pool area as the kitchen team delivered breakfast to our villa. The day primarily consisted of sunbathing and swimming until hunger drove us to seek an early dinner. We ventured down the road and chanced upon Coffee Cartel, quickly enamored by its aesthetic and ambiance. Subsequently, we spent the afternoon indulging in drinks and delicious food.

THE COLONY HOTEL, SEMINYAK

Address: Jalan Laksmana No.22, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361

Day 11: Awakening to a delightful breakfast by our private pool, we savored every moment at Villa Air. A gentle knock on our door revealed a staff member from the spa, extending a warm farewell along with a lovely gift from her shop to take home. With that, we checked out and proceeded to our next accommodation.

The Colony Hotel, situated in the vibrant heart of Seminyak, is conveniently adjacent to Sea Circus, one of my favorite restaurants. Hidden from plain sight, the hotel charms with its French-style architecture and decor. Inside, marble flooring and gold-trimmed furnishings adorned our poolside room, ideally positioned next to the restaurant. Unfortunately, the afternoon saw a downpour, leading us to stay tucked in our room until nightfall.

Day 12: Awakened by the sun’s rays, we made our way to the restaurant where we enjoyed American and Indonesian breakfasts. Following some time by the pool to let our meals settle, we ventured into Seminyak for much-needed shopping. The retail scene is vibrant, featuring a mix of boutiques and markets, guaranteeing plenty of bargains. After a fulfilling day of shopping, we returned to the Colony to unload our bags and enjoyed dinner at Sea Circus right in front of the hotel. If you’re looking for robust margaritas and delectable fish tacos, this is the place to be. The night concluded with giggles and drinks before retreating to our room, curling up in bed while watching cartoons.

THEANNA ECO VILLA & SPA, CANGGU

Address: Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong No. 25 A, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali

Day 13: Our final day in Seminyak and indeed Bali. Today, we ventured back to Canggu for our last night before heading to the airport. We commenced our day by enjoying a well-deserved breakfast beside the pool at the restaurant prior to checking out. The Colony has certainly become one of my favorite hotel discoveries due to its ideal location, and parting was bittersweet. Back in Canggu, we settled into the stunning Theanna Villas, a delightful accommodation located on the main strip of town.

This villa exuded magic. It featured a private pool that the bathroom opened to, an experience unlike any hotel I had previously visited. I relish finding accommodations that stand out, as each one presents a new adventure. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a complimentary massage and refreshing beverage, then left to enjoy our brief stay. With the persistent heat, we sought refuge at the hotel’s exquisite pool bar for drinks and a refreshing swim. Time flew, and before we realized, the sun set as we sped down on our scooter to catch the sunset at Canggu Beach. The realization of our fast-approaching departure was bittersweet!

Day 14: Regrettably, today represented our last day in picturesque Bali. Breakfast was a delightful surprise, served floating in our private pool. Floating breakfasts are just one of the incredible offerings at Theanna. We lingered in the shallow waters, savoring our meal before preparing for our departure to the airport.

Bali has captured my heart, serving as my preferred destination for a long weekend getaway or an adventurous month-long stay. I eagerly anticipate returning within a few months to explore the emerging locations that are already gaining popularity.

3 Must-Do’s:

Bali swing, located in Ubud, is utterly enchanting and operated by wonderful locals. While there, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the renowned rice fields and monkey forest.

Favourite Spa:

The superior spa experience can be found at Villa Air Spa.

I Shopped:

The main street of Seminyak offers an eclectic mix of local markets and retail stores where amazing bargains can be found!

Best Photo Opps:

Among the many splendid Instagram-worthy spots I loved are Sun of Panama and Cabina Bali.

3 Essentials to Pack:

• Hair mask! Trust me on this!
• Lip scrub
• Heavy body moisturizer

Why I Would Come Back:

Bali is not only a short distance from Australia and an affordable getaway but also a beautiful country with remarkable and generous inhabitants. If you are contemplating a new travel adventure, this is the perfect place to ignite your wanderlust.