Places To Adventures
If I was to go back again I and had to stay on the mainland I would stay in an area like Ubud. Not only is it closer to temples it’s much quieter, more peaceful away from all the chaos. Though it is abit far from the beach. Though if I didn’t have to stay on the mainland I would easily choose one of the islands bellow to stay at for the majority of the time. Same reason as above, except they have the sernity of the beach surrounding it.
Nightlife & Shopping: Kuta/Seminyak.
For the more spiritual quiet cultured part of Bali: Ubud, Tampaksiring.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Ubud)
Tegenungan Waterfall (1 hour north)
Komodo Island Vllage (native village of locals)
Temples
Tanah Lot Temple
Ulawatu Temple
Mount Kawi Temple
Beautiful Islands Off The Coast
Nusa Lembongan
Nusapeneda Island (boat from Sanur)
Quieter Non Crowded Nicer Beaches / Areas
Tulamben (3 hours North)
Lombok Island (few hours on a boat)
Padang Padang Beach
Dream Resort To Stay
The Hanging Gardens (30min North Of Ubud)
Logistics & Money
Money: The goal for me was hit under 500k IDR per day / $50 AUD. Often hit well under it while eating out multiple times per day. Also get a ton of smaller bills. You won’t need big bills.
Tipping: As soon as you come of the plane they’re gonna want to take your bag and get you to a taxi. Then they’re going to ask you for a tip. Don’t make my mistake like me and tip them 20,000 IDR which next to no one will ever tip. In general yes they expect 10-20% tips at restaurants but they usually include it. If you have one it’s normal to give 10-20k to housekeepers/porters.
Transport: USE UBER. Not only are the cars much more comfortable, the drivers are more often than not friendlier, more reliable and cheaper. A 1 hour trip up north that takes 45min can cost as little as $15-$20.