5 Ways to Take Your Bali Bucket List to the Next Level
When it comes to Bali, it doesn’t matter what floats your boat or blows your hair back. There’s genuinely something for everyone here. It’s a big reason why Destination TEFL chose to open up a TEFL certification centre here.
Whether you’re an aspiring ESL teacher or an accountant, this island is guaranteed to level up your life in ways you can’t even begin to imagine. Old or young, well-travelled or newbie traveller, it’s one of the best places in the world to kick back and enjoy life.
If you haven’t already begun to put together your Bali bucket list, you’ll probably find a million things to do here. But why settle for a typical Bali vacation when you can take your experiences from ordinary to extraordinary with some of our expert advice?
Whether you’re looking for a spiritual experience, adrenaline-pumping activities, or unique cultural experiences, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to pack your bags, grab your reef-safe sunscreen, and discover some of our favourite places in Bali.
Let’s dive in!
How to Find the Perfect Beach to Fit Your Vibe
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a disappointing beach in Bali. With over 100 beaches to choose from, we’re sure there’s a beach that’s just right for you. When it comes to finding out the best beaches to add to your Bali bucket list, there are a few different vibes you’ll want to understand first:
If deejays playing chilled tunes and an easygoing barman on hand to refill your drink are your thing, you’ll want to check out one of the many beach clubs spread across the southern part of the island. Although there is typically an entrance fee or minimum charge requirement at these locations, we’re confident you’ll realise that the price was well worth it. Our favourite beach clubs are located in Uluwatu. Have a look at Palmilla and Ulu Cliffhouse to satisfy your “chill day lounging around being waited on hand and foot” cravings.
If sublime waves begging for a surfboard to go gliding across are your vibe, you’ll want to hit up the island’s West side. From Kuta to Seminyak you’ll be able to find a plethora of surf shacks right on the beach where you can easily rent a board or have a surf lesson and start riding some incredible waves dude. This side of the island is well known for being a surfer’s paradise. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, the West side of the island is the place to be!
If hanging out with locals and chilling in a bean bag under tasselled sun umbrellas is your vibe, you’ll want to check out the North side of the island. Lovina Beach in particular is a slice of calming utopia compared to some of the busier beaches in the South. Spend some time chilling and singing with some of the locals at a beach warung where you can eat some classic Indonesian dishes or book a boat ride to swim with dolphins. (Yeah, you read that right: swim with dolphins dude!) Not to mention the incredible sunsets here. Honestly, anything you do on the north side of the island, you’ll quickly discover just how easy it is to settle in and relax.
If you need a nice beachside cafe to chill at while planning your next ESL lesson or doing some work online, then the East side of the island is the place to be. This also just so happens to be the place where our Destination TEFL training centre is located. We’re just a 10-minute walk to Sanur Beach and we can definitely confirm that this beach is one of the best for hanging out and getting some work done. Check out Byrd House or Tootsie’s for the best wifi and productive vibes.
Wherever you find yourself on the island, if you’re looking for a beach; just listen for a good beat and let your nose follow the scent of coconut suntan lotion. You’ll soon see inviting chairs and tasselled sun umbrellas just waiting for you to hang out with them.
Where to Learn About Balinese Culture
If there’s anything you should add to your Bali bucket list it’s temples. Bali has some of the most incredible, awe-inspiring Hindu temples in the world. With over 10,000 temples on the island, finding out which ones to go to can get pretty overwhelming. Our favourite temples include both beautiful scenery and opportunities to learn.
If you’re looking for a spiritual experience that ends in a blessing, then the Tirta Empul Temple is the place to be. Here you can literally immerse yourself in the waters of the temple and receive a blessing from the gods after a specific set of actions. Although this is one of the most popular temples on the island, and you’ll likely find yourself waiting in a few lines, it’s well worth it for the experience.
If you’re wanting to catch a beautiful sunset while watching an incredible cultural dance performance, then the Kecak and Fire dance at Uluwatu Temple at sunset is the best. This incredible fusion of fire and storytelling will have you on the edge of your seat (and on the edge of a cliff) as the sun goes down in front of you. Be sure to get there a little earlier to explore the area on foot and say hello to the local monkeys.
If you’re looking for a stunning view and endless exploring opportunities, then the Tanah Lot temple area is going to amaze you. This area is most famous for its main temple which is only accessible during low tide. However, there are a number of other temples in this area as well that have easy walking paths to and from. You’ll likely find yourself wanting to spend the whole day here as there are also many delicious restaurants and great local souvenir shops as well.
In order to get the most out of your experience we highly suggest hiring a local guide. You’ll find many opportunities to find a local guide by taking taxis and spending time with locals. Someone is always willing to show you around the island and answer any questions you have. So, find someone you think is cool and hire them to take you around! It’s one of the best ways to help out the local economy.
What Food Spots You Should Add to Your Bali Bucket List
A visit to Bali is no time to diet. From delicious local dishes to international fare, Bali is a foodie’s paradise. Add to that a coffee culture and beach bar scene and you’ll never want for a good meal as long as you’re here. Of course, restaurants with a view are aplenty – whether it’s a view of a beach in Kuta or a picturesque rice paddy in Ubud. From street food to fine dining Bali has it all.
If you’re looking for delicious local food on the less expensive side, check out any of the local warungs in your neighbourhood. We tend to frequent the Warung Kecil Infinity quite often since it’s just down the road from our training centre. However, another one of our favourites is located in Ubud and is one of the top-rated warungs on the entire island. Head over to Warung Pondok Madu for some of the most mouth-watering food you’ll experience on the island. If you’re a meat lover, be sure to check out their Balinese pork ribs, they’re quite addicting!
If you’re looking for a menu that has it all from Western to Eastern cuisine and everything in between, check out Beachwalk Shopping Centre in Kuta. Here, you’ll find as many restaurants as there are shops and some of the best mid-range dining on the island. Even in the surrounding areas around Kuta, you’ll find restaurants with cuisines from all over the world.
If you’re looking for a fantastic brunch spot, then either Kuta or Canggu are great places to explore. Brunch Club Bali in Kuta is superb. And we really love Fat Mermaid or Copenhagen in Canggu. However, if you’re staying with us in Sanur, then we’d highly suggest Soul on the Beach, or The Porch Cafe. You really can’t go wrong with any of them. Can you tell we really love brunch??
If you’re looking for a unique and more upscale dining experience, head to Merlin’s Magic in Ubud. This place is truly a one-of-a-kind dining experience and is sure to leave you believing in magic if not coincidence. The combination of masterful flavours with unbelievable experiences will have you on the edge of your seat with excitement. This spot is a must-add to your Bali bucket list.
Who’s Looking for Some Outdoor Adventure?
Each day can bring on a new adventure in the great outdoors of Bali, from exploring the many beaches to hiking a volcano to meeting the inquisitive monkeys in the Monkey Forest in Ubud. Bali’s interior, mountains and beaches, as well as the surrounding island all invite you to explore as much as you can.
If you’re looking for the best snorkelling spots, check out the nearby islands of Nusa Lembongan or Gili Trawangan. Although the island of Bali itself has some incredible snorkelling spots, sometimes it’s nice to explore other islands in the area as well. Both of these islands are easily accessible from the main island. And, if you’re lucky enough while you’re training for your TEFL certification with us, we’ll even take you!
If you’re looking for the best diving spots, check out the Northern part of the island, in particular, Lovina. This is one of the best places on the island to learn how to dive, get your diving certification, and even explore an abandoned shipwreck. It also happens to be one of the most affordable places on the island to dive as well. Sure there are definitely other spots on the island with world-class diving, but we like Lovina the best for its low-key and easygoing vibe which will allow you to have a much more comfortable experience.
If you’re looking to chase some waterfalls and go for a nice swim, check out the Kroya Natural Water Slide and surrounding waterfalls like Aling-Aling. Honestly, there are so many incredible waterfalls in Bali that you really can’t go wrong. Depending on your desired level of adventure, you can really go off the wall with adrenaline-pumping opportunities. To venture to the best waterfalls on the island, don’t forget to hire a local guide!
We really haven’t even touched the surface here of all the awesome outdoor activities you can do on the island. These are just some of what we’ve had the pleasure of checking out. If you find one that you really love and want to send us a recommendation, please do!
Why You Should Leave Half Your Stuff at Home
Bali is well known for being a shopper’s paradise – and if you didn’t know, now you do! We have no doubt once you arrive, you’ll be tempted to buy everything in sight. Our best piece of advice? Take about half of what you thought you wanted to pack and leave it at home. Seriously. No need to buy that special swimsuit in advance. Trust us. Anything you might have forgotten, you can easily get here with no problem.
Of course, there are a plethora of high-end shopping opportunities here. You can find just about any popular brand you desire here and even discover new brands you’ve never heard of before! Particularly in Seminyak where the shopping strip includes some of the best retail therapy outlets for clothing and interiors. You’ll pick up some great bargains, but better yet, you’ll find unique items, often locally made. In Sanur (Home to the Destination TEFL training centre in Bali), you’ll find the same, yet better priced and a bit less touristy.
But the best shopping on the island isn’t at the big brand stores or at a big shopping mall, it’s at all the little local shops all across the island. They offer everything from handmade clothing to hand-painted works of art, hand-carved items, and so much more.
If you’re seeking a chill stroll through an art market, then Ubud is where you’ll find exactly that. The Ubud Art Market is known across the island for being one of the best places to shop. There you’ll find a little bit of everything and even a few coffee shops and massage parlours nestled in between. It’s really one of the best shopping experiences on the island.
If you’re wanting to find unique brands you can’t find anywhere else in the world, you’ll want to check out Canggu. This little slice of the island is home to many digital nomads who also bring their unique flavour to the island. Here you’ll find boutique shops galore like Earth Circus and Divine Goddess among many others.
As Porky the Pig would say; that’s all folks!
What else has made it onto your Bali bucket list? Tell us all about it in the comments!
In the meantime, have you considered moving abroad full-time but aren’t sure about the best way to go about it? Teaching English might be just the answer you’re looking for and getting qualified with a TEFL course in Bali with us could be just the start you need to launch a new and exciting career.
If this sounds like you then, send us a quick email or complete the pre-application form and our team will send you all the relevant information. Either way, we’d love to hear from you!
