Bali, Indonesia
My first deep dive into Bali completely reshaped my understanding of the island. I went looking for beautiful beaches and found a culture so deeply intertwined with spirituality that it changed the way I travel. Experience the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana—harmony with God, people, and nature—woven into every aspect of daily life.
🎧 Deep Dive Podcast
Listen to the complete 14-day Bali guide - perfect for planning or reminiscing about your trip
Beyond the Postcard: Your 14-Day Deep Dive into Bali
Iconic allure and authentic soul • 5 minutes preview
What you'll learn: Extended itinerary beyond the 8-day experience, hidden gems in Sidemen and Munduk, detailed budget breakdowns, cultural insights, and insider tips from extensive Bali exploration.
Perfect for: Planning your trip, during travel for inspiration, or post-trip to relive the memories.
Must-Do Experiences
The absolute highlights you can't miss in Bali
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
Watching sunrise over neighboring volcanoes while sipping tea cooked by volcanic steam—pure magic
Kelingking Beach T-Rex Viewpoint
The famous "T-Rex" headland on Nusa Penida—one of Bali's most iconic Instagram spots
Swimming with Sea Turtles
Snorkeling around the Gili Islands with gentle sea turtles—a definite trip highlight
Balinese Cooking & Canang Sari Class
Learn to grind spices and make flower offerings—profound insight into Balinese daily gratitude
5-Day Itinerary Preview
A taste of my recommended Bali itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Settling into Ubud
- Land at Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS)
- Drive to Ubud through chaotic but functional traffic
- Check into Alamdini Resort
- Evening walk down Jalan Monkey Forest
- Explore Ubud Art Market
- Dinner at Warung Di Koi
Day 2: Cultural Immersion in Ubud
- Morning trip to Gianyar market
- Balinese cooking class in traditional home compound
- Learn about Balinese home design honoring gods and ancestors
- Make canang sari flower offerings
- Understanding daily practice of gratitude
Day 3: Sunrise Trek & Temple Exploration
- 2 AM start for Mount Batur hike
- Summit at sunrise with tea cooked by volcanic steam
- Views of Mount Agung and Mount Agang
- Afternoon at Pura Tirta Empul holy water temple
- Witness purification rituals
Day 4: Chasing Waterfalls & Rice Terraces
- 7 AM early arrival at Tegalalang Rice Terraces
- Explore UNESCO-recognized subak irrigation system
- Visit secluded Tibumana Waterfall
- Swimming in beautiful cascade
Day 5: Island Escape to Nusa Penida
- 40-minute fast boat from Sanur (wet landing!)
- Kelingking Beach T-Rex headland viewpoint
- Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach
- Overnight at Sunrise Penida Hill Hotel with infinity pool
Budget Breakdown
Real costs for a 2-week Bali adventure
accommodation
Alamdini Resort + island stays
food
Mix of warungs and cafes
transport
Private drivers + ferries
activities
Tours, treks & entrance fees
~$104/day including accommodation, food, transport, and activities
Insider Tips
Hard-learned lessons to make your trip smoother
Hire a driver, not a scooter unless you're very experienced—Bali traffic can be overwhelming and dangerous
Use Gojek and Grab for short trips within towns—incredibly cheap and reliable for scooter-taxis and cars
Always carry Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) cash—many warungs and market stalls operate cash-only
Book ferries to Nusa and Gili islands in advance, especially peak season—they can sell out
Always dress modestly at temples—cover shoulders and knees, sarongs available for rent at entrances
Don't step on canang sari offerings on the ground—be respectful of daily spiritual practices