Reading Time: 7 Minutes
By Mark Knoff-Thomas
If paradise had a postcode, Bali would be on the shortlist of contenders. This Indonesian jewel is the kind of place where jandals are ok pretty much everywhere, smoothies come in every shade of Insta-friendly pastel, and every sunset looks fake - they are that good. From chaotic Kuta to bougier Seminyak, the jungle zen of Ubud, and the “I’m here to find myself ” Canggu, Bali has something for everyone – especially if you like your days with a side of sunshine, the most divine food and with a cocktail or beer in hand.
I probably wouldn’t recommend staying here ifyou want to chill, but have friends who love it… however Kuta is definitely worth a visit. If you need a touch of retail therapy, or a last minute infinity symbol tattoo, or some tailor-made clothes, Kuta is where it’s at. The Beachwalk Shopping Centre offers a break from the beach across the road. This open-air mall feels more like a tropical resort than a shopping centre, complete with palm trees, water features, and sea views. You’ll find everything from lux global fashion brands, to Zara, Uniqlo and H&M alongside local boutiques selling handcrafted jewellery and breezy resort wear. There’s also a decent selection of cafes and restaurants (top tip – avoid the burger place) if your shopping bags get too heavy and you need a caffeine fix, rest assured the coffee here is good. In the nearby streets there are a plethora of tailors who can whip you up a suit, shirt, dress or jacket in a day or two for a ridiculously reasonable price. (Side note: you should be getting all of that in Newmarket of course…)
I have only ever stayed here, book a villa, indulge in a lil affordable luxury. Seminyak is where beach clubs are plentiful, and everyone is kitted out in the latest athleisurewear. Think of Seminyak as the more sophisticated cousin of Kuta: a little less chaos, a lot more cocktails. The beaches here are wide and golden, perfect for a lazy sunbathe. However you may just find your villa an oasis of calm, and really hard to leave. Many villas are enclosed with walls but open plan inside and complete with a pool a few metres from your bedroom.
When hunger strikes – and it will, after all those Bintang beers – Seminyak’s hospo game is chefs kiss top-tier. Honestly the range of restaurants and cafes here – the quality and the price makes this a foodies heaven. You are literally spoilt for choice. But if you do get villa-bound – the food delivery apps of Grab and Gojek mean you can absolutely disconnect, and still eat like royalty. Seriously.
Before sunset, grab a bean bag at one of the beach clubs, order your tipple of choice and watch the sky turn from blue to pink to “wow, this looks filtered” – see comment in intro.
About an hour’s drive inland (traffic willing – and to be honest Bali’s traffic makes Broadway look like a cake walk – on my last trip this took 3 hours), you’ll find Ubud, Bali’s lush, leafy soul. If Seminyak is the island’s party-loving extrovert, Ubud is its spiritual, slightly incense-scented introvert. But don’t be fooled: there’s plenty to do here beyond yoga and smoothies – though there’s an abundance of both if that’s your vibe.
Start with the Sacred Monkey Forest, where long-tailed macaques rule the roost (and occasionally your sunglasses/ backpack/ snacks – keep a handle on anything grabbable). It’s beautiful, chaotic, and mildly terrifying in a Planet of the Apes kind of way. From there, head into the village for a massage – Ubud has more spas per capita than perhaps anywhere else on Earth – and you’ll walk out feeling like you’ve have a complete system upgrade.
No trip to Ubud is complete without a wander through the Rice Terraces, where the hills roll in layers of green like a matcha latte. If you’re brave and patient (and just want a photo for the ’gram), try the Bali Swing, which launches you with a woosh out over the rice fields. It’s equal parts exhilarating and slightly heart-stopping.
Ubud is full of arts and crafts (add that extra bag to your return flight before you get the airport!) it is also an inland region – nowhere near a beach. But if you feel the need to be near water, along with a desire to visit an amazing historical site – add the Saraswati Temple to your To Do list. This remarkable temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess of knowledge, Sarasvati. The grounds are decorated with tropical huts, lotus ponds, and water gardens – a great place to unwind and reflect.
Evenings in Ubud are low-key, and organic – think vegan food with live acoustic music, and gentle encouragement to be asleep by 10 p.m. – a contrast to Seminyak’s beach bar beats.
If Bali were Home & Away, Canggu would be the effortlessly cool teenager who surfs before breakfast, DJs on weekends, and somehow always knows the best coffee spots. Located just up the coast from Seminyak, Canggu has literally exploded in popularity – and with good reason. It’s a hipster’s dream: street art on every corner, tattoo studios next to boutique fashion shops, and cafes where the menus are gluten-free, dairy-free, but not fun-free.
Surfing in Canggu is big business, whether you’re a seasoned pro or someone who has developed a taste for gulping salt water. Lessons are everywhere, and even if you spend more time falling than riding waves, you’ll earn some serious street cred – and get sore shoulders.
Canggu’s food scene is a mash-up of health conscious and comfort food. But well worth a look. Nightlife in Canggu is the kind that starts with a casual dinner and somehow ends at 3 a.m. dancing barefoot – it’s casual, a little wild, and full of stories you may or may not remember.
Also highly recommended…
Uluwatu, which is located on the southwestern tip of Bali, is famous for its dramatic cliffs, and breathtaking sunsets. It is home to the iconic Uluwatu Temple – perched on a steep cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean with a long stone paved walkway leading to the edge. Go here for the sunset – it is exceptional. Just be mindful that all those cute monkeys you pass on the walk down to watch the sunset, will still be there, when you walk back….in the dusk…
Bali has a way of sneaking into your heart. Maybe it’s the kindness of the people, the gentle waft of incense from the daily offerings in the breeze, or the sheer variety of things to do packed into one small island. Whether you’re getting measured up for a suit in Kuta; sipping turmeric lattes in Ubud; dancing under fairy lights in Seminyak; or learning to surf (badly) in Canggu – Bali somehow always gives you exactly the kind of adventure you didn’t know you needed. History – check. Activities – check. Nature – check. Nightlife – check. Shopping – check.
Just remember: the Wi-Fi might drop out, the scooter traffic might terrify you – especially as these days they see footpaths as a new opportunity… and the monkeys might try and steal your sunglasses – but you’ll love it anyway.
Air NZ has direct flights from Auckland to Denpasar year round. Go!
Tags: travel
