You know those moments when you hit your limit and all you want to do is escape? It doesn’t even matter where—you just need to leave. That’s exactly where I found myself last March. Thankfully, my travel partner-in-crime, Nicole, was on the same wavelength. One phone call later, we were scrolling through flights to far-off destinations, ready to commit to anything that felt like freedom. The choice? Bali. A place we’d both dreamed of visiting for years, inspired by all the stunning photos we’d seen.

Within two weeks, it was happening. A friend who spends his winters there gave us some tips, and from that point, we loosely “planned” our trip—if you can even call it that. By “planned,” I mean we booked the first three nights of accommodation and left everything else up in the air. Neither of us had the time or energy to dive into detailed itineraries. Between work deadlines and our overworked brains running in “safe mode” (hence the need for this escape), we kept things simple. Thankfully, booking.com had plenty of last-minute options, so we knew we’d figure it out as we went.

True to form, I packed my suitcase the night before we left. It was my first trip to Asia, and I wasn’t entirely sure what to bring—how hot it would be compared to February in Greece, or whether I should follow my more seasoned friend’s advice and ditch the suitcase for a backpack. In the end, the internet came to the rescue with packing tips, and somehow, we made it to the airport without forgetting anything (a minor miracle).

And just like that, we were off. A whirlwind, last-minute escape that turned into something beautiful, spontaneous, and exactly what we needed.

Here are my tips after a most successful Bali experience.

Packing:

When packing for Bali, keep it simple and light. Heavy clothes are unnecessary—stick to breezy outfits that match the tropical vibe. Temperatures hover between 25–35°C year-round, so all you’ll need is a raincoat for sudden showers and 1-2 lightweight long-sleeve pieces for cooler nights or sun protection. No need for high heels; comfy sandals or sneakers are your best bet for getting around easily.

If you plan to move frequently between places, a backpack is the most practical option, especially if you’ll be hopping on boats to explore nearby islands. However, if your trip involves stays at upscale hotels and you’re relying on transfers, a suitcase works fine too—and it offers extra space for the irresistible finds you’ll pick up (seriously, accessories and items you’d pay a fortune for at home are a fraction of the price here).

A few must-haves: cleaning wipes are your best friend to combat the tropical humidity, keeping you fresh on the go. As for anything else, Bali’s tourist-friendly infrastructure has you covered. It’s easy to find whatever you need, and the island is notably cleaner than many other similar destinations. Pack light, stay flexible, and get ready to enjoy!

Flight:

When it comes to choosing airlines for your trip to Bali, there are plenty of options, including low-cost carriers. While they’re not quite RyanAir-cheap, you can often find significant savings compared to standard airlines. For our last-minute escape, we flew with Scoot Airlines, the low-cost branch of Singapore Airlines. While I’m not sure I’d choose them again for such a long journey (comfort matters for me on extended flights), the €1,000 price difference made it an easy choice at the time.

The plane itself was brand-new, and the staff was polite and professional. However, beyond the safety procedures, the overall vibe felt more like a bus ride than a flight—feet on seatbacks and a more casual atmosphere. As with most budget airlines, everything came at an additional cost: luggage, food, WiFi, seat selection, and even water. Speaking of water, you’re not allowed to bring outside snacks onboard (unless you’re departing from Athens—wink, wink), and water bottles on the plane cost around 5 Singapore dollars each. For a 13-hour flight, this added up quickly.

Our journey included a 3-hour layover at Singapore’s Changi Airport before continuing to Bali. Just before landing, we completed a simple visa-on-arrival form, which was the only documentation needed for Greek citizens. However, visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, so it’s always best to double-check your country’s agreements before traveling.

Tips for long flights:
• Small blanket or shawl: Planes get chilly, and wrapping yourself up can make sleeping much more comfortable.
• Neck pillow: A game-changer for long trips.
• Power banks: Essential for keeping your devices charged, especially if in-flight charging isn’t available.

While low-cost airlines may not offer luxury, they’re a good option if you’re booking late or trying to save on airfare. Just go prepared, and the savings will make the experience worthwhile!

Accommodation:

We decided to do Bali the right way. After all, if you’re traveling all the way to such a dreamy destination—and you’re over 30—you might as well make it special. That’s why we chose to save on airfare and splurge a bit on accommodations. Bali offers exceptional value, with hotels providing incredible quality and service at prices far better than anything comparable in Europe.

Following the advice of our friend Alex, we avoided staying in one spot for the entire trip (we had 10 days to explore). This turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. Bali doesn’t have public transportation, and traffic can make traveling between areas a challenge. By staying in three different locations, we were able to fully experience the distinct charm of each region without constantly commuting.

Each stop gave us the chance to immerse ourselves in the unique surroundings, from serene beaches to lush jungles and cultural hubs. Below, you’ll find photos and links to the incredible places we stayed—each one a highlight of our trip!

Moving around:

Bali is a sprawling island, home to two volcanoes and countless breathtaking landscapes. Its size means that traveling from, say, the central regions to the coastline can take several hours—valuable time lost from your trip if not planned well. Because public transport is nonexistent, getting around involves renting a car or scooter or relying on taxis and hotel transfer services, which we ended up using for most of our days.

To make things easier (and avoid unnecessary stress), the best thing you can do upon arrival is download the “Grab” app. It’s a reliable ride-hailing service that not only connects you to taxis but also gives you the actual price for your trip in advance, so you won’t need to haggle or worry about being overcharged.

A quick tip: Avoid flagging down taxis randomly on the street, as the risk of being ripped off is high. With Grab, you’ll have peace of mind, knowing you’re paying a fair rate while navigating this beautiful yet busy island.

Connectivity:

Mobile phone charges can quickly add up if you’re coming from Europe. For example, Vodafone Greece was charging us around €15 per day just to use our Greek numbers in Bali! To avoid this, we opted for local SIM cards with internet access, which turned out to be a game-changer. For just €6, we got 8GB of data—more than enough to use maps, stay connected with each other, and call back home via internet apps like WhatsApp or Viber.

The convenience of having mobile data was invaluable, especially for navigating the island and staying in touch. That said, free WiFi is widely available across Bali—in hotels, cafes, and even some public spots—so you’ll always have a backup if you don’t want to rely on a local SIM. It’s a small investment that makes a huge difference in staying connected without breaking the bank!

---

Our itinerary:

First stop: Ubud (3 nights).

For me, Ubud, a charming village nestled in the heart of Bali, could easily have been our final stop—it’s the perfect place to unwind, immerse yourself in the lush jungle surroundings, and let time slow down. It’s a tranquil escape where you can wander narrow streets, soak in the relaxed atmosphere, and connect with the island’s natural beauty. In fact, it might have been the place I loved the most during our trip.

The area around Ubud offers so much to explore, from stunning rice terraces and temples to vibrant local markets and cultural experiences. While it may sound touristy, I highly recommend booking one of the many day tours available. These tours allow you to see as much as possible without the hassle of navigating on your own. We found this to be a much better option than relying on taxis or juggling maps and itineraries.

Most of our days involved guided tours, which were a delight. Having a private car with cold water, WiFi, and a knowledgeable guide who shared stories and insights made exploring stress-free and enjoyable. Many hotels, including ours, offer this service, and it’s well worth it.

We stayed at the magical Goya Boutique Resort, and I can’t recommend it enough. The serene setting, luxurious vibe, and impeccable service made it one of the highlights of our stay.

If you visit Bali, don’t miss Ubud. It’s a destination that leaves an impression, and I’m sure the photos below will show you exactly why!

Must see things are:

1. Rise fields
2. The Monkey forest (Some monkeys can get aggressive so always follow the rules)
3. The Holy Water temple.
4. Swings in the rice fields (you know. It is everywhere on Instagram!)
5. Local markets
6. Kopi Luwak plantation (where the world’s most expensive coffee is made).

Goya Boutique Resort, Ubud.

Rice Fields (and Swing experience), Ubud.

Holy Water Temple, Ubud.

Copi Luwak Plantation (“Cat” poo coffee!), Ubud.

Monkey Forest, Ubud.

Elephant park, Ubud.

Local Markets, Ubud.

Second stop: Nusa Penida (2 nights).

Nusa Penida, a small island just a 20-30 minute boat ride from Bali, feels like a hidden gem—though I have a feeling it won’t stay that way for long. It’s already gaining popularity for its jaw-dropping beaches, like Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach, and Broken Beach, largely thanks to Instagrammers posting those iconic photos. Compared to Bali, Nusa Penida is far less touristy, with its jungle-filled landscapes and quaint villages that feel like stepping back in time.

While planning our next accommodation from Ubud, we stumbled upon a brand-new gem: The Mesare Resort. Tucked into the middle of the island and about a 30-minute drive from the port, this resort was nothing short of magical. Picture bamboo houses, a dreamy pool shaded by palm trees, and a restaurant serving delicious local dishes—it was a perfect retreat. Our two-night stay here was not only incredibly comfortable but also unforgettable, and the value for money was unbeatable.

We also booked a day tour to visit Nusa Penida’s famous beaches, which was a fun adventure, but here’s a tip: if you want to swim in the waters, consider renting a car, scooter, or taking a boat to reach them directly. Our tour only showed us the beaches from above, as most require significant hikes down steep cliffs. Kelingking Beach, for example, involves a challenging 1.5-hour hike from the viewpoint to the shore. If that’s your goal, plan accordingly.

Another thing to note: the roads on Nusa Penida are rough. Even coming from someone used to bumpy dirt roads on a Greek island, these were next-level. Be prepared for a rugged ride to reach some of the island’s most stunning spots, but trust me—it’s worth every jolt and bump. Nusa Penida is a slice of paradise that’s still untouched in many ways, and it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

The Mesare Resort (Nusa Penida):

Kelingling Beach (Nusa Penida):

Broken Beach (Nusa Penida):

Nusa Penida village life.

Cave Temple (Nusa Penida):

Third stop: Seminyak (3 nights).

Seminyak, the capital of Bali’s nightlife scene, is a bustling town filled with traffic, shops, restaurants, bars, and plenty of (often tipsy) tourists. It’s also a popular destination for Australians, which adds to its lively, party-friendly vibe. Looking back, we probably should have started our trip here rather than ending it. Seminyak’s energy was a sharp contrast to the calm and serenity we’d experienced in other parts of the island.

That said, we did have a few highlights. We discovered a fantastic brunch spot called Cafe Organic, which we enjoyed so much we visited 2–3 times. On the other hand, our (supposedly) 5-star hotel turned out to be quite a disappointment—enough to frustrate me into leaving it unnamed here. Thankfully, our final night in Bali was redeemed by dinner and cocktails at Potato Head, a trendy beach club that made for a memorable send-off.

If I were to do it again, I’d either start with Seminyak to ease into the buzz or skip it altogether if a busy town isn’t your style. It really depends on your personal taste.

As for photos, there aren’t as many from Seminyak. I only carried my camera with me once, so most of our moments here were captured on my iPhone, and I don’t typically post those on the blog. Still, Seminyak has its charm if you’re in the mood for a lively, vibrant atmosphere!

Potato Head Beach Bar, Seminyak.

If you have the chance to visit Bali, don’t miss it. This enchanting island offers a little bit of everything: kind and genuine people, stunning natural beauty, a rich and fascinating culture, breathtaking temples, magical landscapes, pristine beaches, lush jungles, and awe-inspiring volcanoes. Add to that the exceptional accommodations and warm hospitality, and you have the recipe for a truly rich and fulfilling experience.

One peculiar thing that will always stay with me is the distinct smell of burning bamboo, which lingered on my clothes and suitcase long after I returned home. It wasn’t unpleasant—just unfamiliar and intriguing, a scent that instantly takes me back to the island.

But more than anything, it’s the kindness and politeness of the people and the breathtaking nature that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Bali is a destination that leaves an imprint on your soul—don’t let the opportunity pass you by.

Thank you for reading! 😉

Dione