How to Spend the Best 2 Weeks in Bali
Bali, Bali, Bali…a travel destination that, in recent years, have taken the world by storm. As arguably the most popular travel destination on social media, I was excited to visit Bali and see what it had to offer. I had the privilege of spending 2 weeks in Bali and exploring different parts of the island. If you’re interested in spending a couple weeks in Bali, then read on for information to help plan your trip!
But First…Some Background on Balinese Hindusim
One of the first things I noticed after leaving the airport in Bali was the presence of ornate and stunning statues. The statues had elements of what I would see in Ancient Indian Hindu art, but there was something else that seemed different, like the Balinese added their own flair. I noticed lots of animal depictions and lots of shades of blue. I think that Bali has developed a reputation of a culture in which spirituality and tradition are paramount. As an epistemophile (a lover of knowledge), I wanted to learn more about their religious practices.
Balinese Hinduism is a fusion of traditional Indian Hinduism with components of Buddhism and Balinese animism that has been practiced on the island for generations. What makes it even more cool is that the majority of Indonesians practice Islam. Bali is an island of Hinduism surrounded by an island nation of Muslims (fun fact: Indonesia is the country with the most Muslims in the world).
Here are just a few facts I found interesting about Balinese Hinduism:
A number of deities are worshipped, but the most important one is the trinity of Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu.
Many of these deities are ancestral gods called “dewa’ which are specifically local to the island.
They have their own caste system, but there isn’t an “untouchable” caste like there is in traditional Hinduism.
The feet of babies can’t touch the ground until they’re 105 days old. This is because babies are considered Gods until they reach this age.
A person who is menstruating, pregnant, or has just given birth isn’t allowed inside a temple because they’re considered to be unclean.
Where We Stayed
Bali has a ton of range when it comes to accommodation. Despite Bali being known for its lavish (and affordable) villas, there are a wealth of traditional hotels, boutique hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, and all-inclusive resorts available. When it comes to accommodation, there is something for everyone.
Since Abraham and I were traveling with a group during our entire time in Bali, we opted for villas throughout our stay. Most of the villas were booked via Airbnb, but many villas have their own websites where you can book directly and avoid Airbnb service fees. Villas in Bali range in size, from mansions that can accommodate 20+ guests to smaller, ranch-style homes for 6-8 guests. If you’re traveling alone or with 1-2 other people, I recommend looking into some of the beautifully designed and unique boutique hotels that are bountiful on the island.
Here are the places where we stayed with our friends around the island:
Ubud
Sideman
Mahagiri Panoramic Resort & Restaurant
Canggu
First Stop: Ubud
Ubud is a widely popular town in Bali, especially because it has earned the reputation as the “cultural capital.” When many people imagine Bali, chances are that they’re envisioning Ubud. Since it’s such a tourism hotspot, Ubud has no shortage of things to do. I personally appreciated Ubud’s temples, rice terraces, and food scene.
I recommend spending at least 4 days in Ubud.
Things to Do
Kanto Lampo Waterfall
Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Ubud Palace
Check out the food scene in downtown Ubud
Ubud Art Market
Spa Treatment
Second Stop: Sideman
Looking for a local Balinese experience while still being able to access tourist infrastructure? Look no further than Sideman. Located east of Ubud, Sideman was — at least to me — even more culturally authentic than Ubud. I noticed a nascent boutique/luxury hotel presence in the area, so I think this area will get more well-known with time.
Since it’s more local, there’s not a ton of touristy things to do, so I think 3 days in Sideman is sufficient.
Things to Do
Visit the market and talk to local vendors (this is how we were able to attend a Balinese cremation ceremony!)
Check out the Tukad Cepung waterfall
Rent a scooter and drive through the countryside
Grab dinner at Asri (located at the Samanvaya Luxury Resort & Spa) — one of the most amazing dinner experiences I’ve ever had!
Hike up Mt. Batur or Mt. Atung
Third Stop: Canggu (with a day in Uluwatu)
Canggu is colloquially considered as the new “hotspot” in Bali. Located northeast of the tourist enclaves of Kuta and Seminyak, Canggu is where all of the digital nomads and content creators are flocking to. Canggu is located on the coast so there’s plenty of beach access. Canggu is also home to world-class beach clubs, unique retail shops, and plenty of dining (lots of vegan and gluten-free options). I recommend 3-4 days in Canggu. Since it’s adjacent to Seminyak, you can always spend a day there.
During our time in Canggu, Abraham and I took a day trip to Uluwatu, which is an area located on the cliffs along the southern tip of Bali. It was about a 90 minute ride on the motorbike and well worth the ride.
Things to Do
Surf at Echo Beach
Relax at Berawa Beach
Munch on the endless vegan food
Party the night away at the multiple bars and lounges
Uluwatu Bonus:
OneEighty Day Club (MUST do)
Suluban Beach
Uluwatu Temple
