Itinerary (11 days) - The Trip That Changed My Life: Bali
- notxsofia
- Dec 8, 2024
- 12 min read
If you’ve been following me for a while, you probably know that my first trip to Bali was very important to me. It was an 11-day trip that truly changed my life and helped me reconnect with myself. During that time, I embarked on a spiritual exploration program designed by my friend and I, where we focused on mindfulness and personal growth. This experience included everything from yoga and meditation to visiting ancient temples and sacred sites.
In a previous post, I talked about how Bali helped me reconnect with myself and navigate some big life changes. Now, I’m excited to share the exact 11-day itinerary we followed during those amazing days.
Whether you’re planning your own Bali adventure or just curious about what made this trip so special, I hope my journey inspires you to dive into the beauty and charm of Bali too!
Table of Contents
Why Bali
Bali is famous for its rich spiritual traditions and the vibrant community of healers, teachers, and practitioners who live here. It's a place where you can connect with people from all walks of life and learn from their unique experiences.
Being in Bali gave us the chance to explore yoga, meditation, and other spiritual practices in a way that felt truly special. We were also drawn to the island’s unique blend of Hinduism, Buddhism, and other spiritual traditions, which made our experience even more meaningful.
And of course, Bali’s natural beauty was a huge part of why we chose it. Whether it’s the beautiful beaches or green jungles, the island’s landscapes provided the perfect setting for our journey. Bali’s combination of culture and stunning scenery made it the ideal place for our spiritual exploration.
Things I Did Daily
For this trip, I made sure to truly be immersed in the moment and experiences I was living. I’d start with a morning meditation to set a present mindset for the day, and then I’d journal about what I was experiencing and what I was grateful for. It was my way of keeping things real and appreciating everything around me. I honestly think that having the right attitude can make any experience awesome, and that’s exactly what this trip was for me. So I definitely recommend you do something similar if you want to have a deeper experience.
The Itinerary
Ubud
Ubud is truly a special place, often referred to as the spiritual capital of Bali. This town deeply connects to Hindu mythology, where rituals and traditions have been practised for centuries. With its rich history and serene atmosphere, Ubud is a perfect destination for anyone looking to explore spirituality. Here, you'll find temples, ceremonies, and spaces that invite you to deepen your spiritual journey.
Day 1
After landing in Bali, your adventure begins. You'll first need to pay for your tourist visa, which you can conveniently do at the airport or online for IDR 150,000 per person. If you have USD on hand, that's accepted too.
Once you've sorted that out, grab a taxi to Ubud – it'll cost you around IDR 350,000.
Settle In and Explore The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Once you’re settled in, it’s time to dive right into the magic of Ubud! Start by visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest. This place is a blend of nature, culture, and adventure, where mischievous monkeys roam free. But watch out! These clever creatures are known for their quick hands, so keep your belongings close.
The entrance fee is IDR 80,000 for adults and IDR 60,000 for children on weekdays. On weekends, it is IDR 100,000 for adults and IDR 80,000 for children.
Day 2
Morning Yoga at The Yoga Barn
Start your day with a yoga class at The Yoga Barn, a beautiful space where you can dive into a wide range of classes, from beginner yoga to advanced teacher training. Their classes run daily from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, so you can easily find a time that fits your schedule.
It’s a popular place and you cannot book in advance, so aim to arrive 30 minutes early to secure your spot. The drop-in rate is IDR 165K per class, and you can pay by cash or card. Other nearby centres worth considering are Radiantly Alive and Alchemy Yoga.
I am a big fan of doing yoga. Besides it being a great way for me to keep my physical body healthy, it also has a great philosophy to learn from. It helps me stay present, be gentle with myself, and accept my progress without comparing it to others.
Pura Tirta Empul Temple & Melukat Ritual
Next, visit Pura Tirta Empul Temple and participate in the Melukat Ritual, a traditional Balinese cleansing ceremony. The temple is home to several holy springs, believed to have been created by the God Indra. These springs are said to hold blessed water that can purify those who bathe in them, making the Melukat Ritual a powerful experience for cleansing the body, mind, and soul.
Note that two of the spouts at the temple are reserved for cleansing the dead, so they’re off-limits for the living during the ritual.
When visiting, you'll need to rent a bathing sarong for 10,000 IDR, and if you need a locker, it’s an additional 15,000 IDR. The entrance fee is currently 50,000 IDR for adults, 25,000 IDR for children under 11, and free for kids under 5.
Your entrance fee also includes the rental of a standard sarong, which you'll need to wear while exploring the temple grounds.
Having this experience during the first days of the trip helped to set the mood and the intention for the following days. To make my Melukat more significant, I thought of different things I am grateful for at every stage. Doing this truly helped me feel more renewed and grateful for having the opportunity to be where I was.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Head to the beautiful Tegalalang Rice Terrace, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traditional Balinese irrigation system called "subak" which has been around since the 8th century.
This place absolutely blew my mind.
It is so beautiful and it is easy to get lost in admiring the fields and it's different tones of green. It brought me a lot of peace to walk around this amazing place.
Cretya Ubud
Finish your day at Cretya Ubud, a luxury day club and restaurant that offers a beautiful blend of nature and fun. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the green rice fields while relaxing by the pool. You can also explore the rice fields from here. Day access for adults (18+) is IDR 50,000.
Day 2 Route
Day 3
Photoshoot at Ubud Swings
Ubud is iconic for its swings. I am pretty sure you have seen beautiful pictures of it online!
I went to Swing Heaven. This spot is perfect for reconnecting with your feminine energy, which is something I felt I was lacking at that point in my life. Wearing one of those long dresses in bright colours, allowing myself to be guided on how to pose (believe me, they know what they are doing), and letting myself go when on the swings, it was all a beautiful experience.
The package includes access to multiple swings, a photographer at each station, lunch, and transportation (from Ubud) for IDR 630,000 per person. Dress rentals are available for USD 20.
Balinese Massage
I have tried many different massages around South East Asia, but none of them compares to Balinese massages! It is a unique combination of acupressure, skin rolling, and firm but gentle strokes. It’s a great way to relax and rejuvenate. So. Good.
Day 4
Day Trip to Tirta Gangga
Tirta Gangga is a water palace built in 1948 by King Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut. This site blends Balinese and Chinese architectural styles and is renowned for its sacred spring water, used in local rituals.
There is a beautiful pond with huge fish that you can feed. It is a great place, but be warned! There are many many tourists here.
Local Lunch at Warung Padang Kecag
We found this restaurant by accident and I am glad we did! We enjoyed a delicious meal at this beautiful spot where you can dine in private little houses, offering a unique and intimate dining experience.
Tengnan Village
Tenganan Village is one of the oldest Balinese traditional villages, preserving its unique way of life that has been passed down through generations. It is impressive how this village has remained largely untouched by modern influences, making it a rare gem where you can witness ancient traditions and culture thriving in the present day. They are also known for their ancient traditions and the unique double ikat weaving technique called "gringsing."
Something that caught my attention here was the practice of marrying within the village. This custom helps maintain the village's cultural purity, but it also means that those who marry outsiders must leave the community. Despite this, the villagers are incredibly welcoming, and they are eager to share their way of life with visitors!
Visiting Tenganan is a great reminder that we all have different ways of life, and exploring those differences can really challenge and enrich our own perspectives!
There is no entrance fee, but you have to make a donation.
Tea and Luwak Coffee Tasting at HoneyBee Farm
Tea and Kopi Luwak coffee tasting is a must-do in Bali. Kopi Luwak is the world's most expensive coffee. The reason behind this is its production method: the coffee beans are fed to an animal called Luwak, which then digests it and then excretes them. The outer layers of the beans are then removed and the remaining beans are cleaned before being roasted.
Not all places treat the Luwaks (the animal that’s essential to the coffee-making process) very well—they often keep them just for tourists. But HoneyBee Farm is different! They only keep the Luwak for a week and then let it go free.
The farm itself is beautiful, and the tasting experience is absolutely delicious! Plus, you can buy some of their locally-made products to take a piece of Bali home with you.
Gembleng Waterfall
End the day with a visit to Gembleng Waterfall. Bali is popular for its waterfalls, and this one is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s not as crowded as some of the more popular spots, so you can enjoy a more peaceful experience.
The natural pools here offer breathtaking views of the island's green jungle, and watching the sunset from this spot was absolutely magical. Just be prepared to climb quite a few stairs to reach it, but once you’re there, it’s a perfect place to admire the beauty of nature!
Day 4 Route
Day 5
After so much exploration, take an easy morning to recharge our energies.
Afternoon Workshop
In the afternoon, participate in a workshop at Radiantly Alive. I chose a workshop on chakras, but many people also recommend the cacao ceremony. We learned about the concept of chakras, the different types, how to identify when they are imbalanced and how to bring them back to equilibrium. It was super interesting! There are many other places where you can do this around Ubud, so feel free to explore!
Uluwatu
High cliffs with waves crashing against them, wild monkeys playfully scampering through the trees, and the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean stretching out as far as you can see. Uluwatu is another great place to connect with nature! It's a spot that should definitely be on your Bali itinerary.
Day 6
This day we moved from Ubud to Uluwatu. It takes 2-2.5 hrs to get there from Ubud so we decided to take it easy and planned nothing else for the day. We headed straight to Dreamland Beach as soon as we arrived. It quickly became one of our favourite spots in Uluwatu—soft sand, stunning waves, and that incredible blue ocean. Watching the sunset here was absolutely unreal.
Day 7
Thomas Beach
The colour of the water here is stunning, but the beach does have a lot of rocks, which can make swimming less enjoyable. If you're more into appreciating the scenery or just resting by the shore without getting in the water, Thomas Beach could be perfect for you!
Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple
This traditional Balinese dance ritual is not just a performance but a spiritual journey. The Kecak dance is performed in a temple or an open-air amphitheatre, where a group of men chant "cak" while reenacting a battle scene from the Hindu epic, Ramayana. The high priest or priestess leads the chanting, creating a trance-like state that helps the performers connect with the spiritual realm. It’s not just a cultural experience—it’s also deeply meditative, offering a unique opportunity to connect with your inner self and the divine!
If you're interested in experiencing this interesting ritual, you can book your tickets here.
Seminyak
Seminyak has a different vibe from the rest of Bali—it’s a place where you can blend your spiritual journey with a bit of fun. Known for its trendy coffee shops and amazing restaurants, we decided to take it easy, enjoy some great food, and explore the vibrant atmosphere.
Day 8
After immersing ourselves in Bali's spiritual and natural beauty, we headed to Seminyak, a lively and stylish area on the island's southwest coast. The drive took about 1.5 to 2 hours, giving us a chance to relax and think about everything we’d experienced so far.
Day 9
Feeling refreshed, we decided to try something new—surfing! I’ll be honest, I went into it thinking it would be more about getting that perfect Instagram shot, all about aesthetics. But it turned out to be way more challenging than I expected! It was tough but so much fun. It was a great reminder to stay open to new experiences and to keep trying no matter how many times you fail, you will get there eventually! There are plenty of locals offering surf lessons, so be sure to negotiate a good price before hitting the waves!
In the evening, we headed to Finni's, the world’s best beach club. With great drinks, a beautiful pool, and fantastic music, it was the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the lively side of Bali after a day of physical activity.
Day 10
This day was all about saying goodbye to Bali in a way that felt personal and meaningful. With no plans on the agenda, I had the freedom to explore, meditate, and reflect on everything I’d experienced. Sometimes, no plans are the best plans!
I spend the evening watching the sunset at Kayu Aya Beach, which is supposed to be one of the best beaches to watch the sunset from in the area!
Day 11
And just like that, it was time to head home.
We caught a taxi from Seminyak to the airport, which cost 200,000 IDR. As we drove away, I felt a mix of sadness and gratitude (not gonna lie, I was crying on our way to the airport) knowing that Bali had given me so much more than just memories.
This trip will always hold a special place in my heart.
Where To Stay in Bali
Ubud
I strongly recommend you stay in the area between the Scared Monkey Forest and the Ubud Palace. It is more convenient since it is within walking distance of many attractions, shops, and restaurants.
Here are some hotel options! The Sender Pool Suites
Uluwatu
While many hotels aren’t directly on the beach, you can still find great options! There are plenty of beautiful hotels, with amazing pools and super-friendly staff!
This is a hotel I've stayed in and recommend:
Here are more hotel options!
Seminyak
I suggest staying in the northern area of Seminyak, specifically in the Petitinget area. It offers a great blend of boutique stores, amazing restaurants and coffee shops, and fun beach clubs. Plus, it is near Canggu, so it is great if you are considering exploring that area as well!
Here are some hotel options!
Getting a SIM Card in Bali
Grabbing a SIM card at the airport is always an option, but here’s a little tip: consider going for an e-SIM instead. I highly recommend Airalo’s e-SIMs—they're super convenient and let you skip the lines and get connected before you even land. Plus this way you can maintain your original SIM card active while getting internet access during your holiday.
Airalo’s e-SIMs offer solid coverage throughout Bali, making it easy to share your adventures or look up the best local spots on the go. It’s the perfect travel companion for a hassle-free experience!
Transportation in Bali
Getting around Bali is easy, and there are a few options you can choose from depending on your comfort level. First off, I highly recommend downloading Grab or Gojeck—basically Bali’s version of Uber. They work super well and offer affordable prices for short trips.
If you’re planning to explore further or need to travel across the island, hiring a driver is a great option. I did this for my day trips and longer journeys. The drivers are incredibly friendly, and it’s a nice way to get to know locals while cruising around.
For those who feel confident, renting a scooter is another popular and convenient way to get around. It’s cheap and gives you tons of freedom, but only go for it if you're experienced! Bali’s roads can be a bit wild, so let’s avoid any injuries.
Conclusion
As I sit here reflecting on my journey through Bali, I can’t help but smile and feel gratitude.
This trip was so much more than just a holiday—it was a chance to reconnect with my spirituality, and nature, explore new cultures, learn to let go and trust the process, and find peace within myself.
Every stop had something unique and memorable to offer. Leaving Bali, I feel renewed, inspired, and more in tune with my inner self. This island has a way of reminding you to appreciate the little things and to stay present in the moment. I'm already daydreaming about when I can come back and explore even more.
Bali, you’ve been incredible. Until we meet again!
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