Best places to visit in Bali

If you're planning a trip to Bali, here's some insider knowledge on the best places to visit. Tranquil beaches and white sand can be found in this tropical paradise, and if you're looking for parties and nightlife, Bali offers this too. Read on to discover the best places to visit and decide where you want to go...

Canggu

The place I call home, Canggu is a popular beach town and attracts many backpackers and expats. Although it can be pricier than other parts of Bali, there's good surf and there are many restaurants to cater for everyone in the surrounding areas, especially vegans (which I know can be hard in other parts of South East Asia). It costs only 50K to rent a surfboard for 2 hours at Batu Balong beach.

Things to do in Canggu: Echo beach, Batu Balong beach, surf, paint balling, coworking cafes.

Best places to eat and drink: Sista Dumpling, Tyga Sushi, Burger Brothers, The Avocado Factory, Mimpi Cafe, Luigi's, ARTE, Penny Lane, Mason's, Black Sands, Lola's Mexican, Santorini, Canteen, Australian BBQ & Grill, Sandbar, Pasta Bar.

Seminyak

Only a short 20 minute bike ride from Canggu through the shortcut, Seminyak has an abundance of nightlife and parties in and around it. Shi Shi Ladies' Night on a Wednesday means free dinner and drinks for girls. There are so many other great places to go out in Seminyak, with an atmosphere and music genre for everyone.

Best places to go out in Seminyak: Ku De Ta, Bar 68, Da Maria, Velvet Room, Green Door, Cabanon, Shi Shi, La Favela, Warehouse, Vault.

Uluwatu

My favourite place to relax in Bali is Uluwatu. Away from the hustle and bustle, life here is slower, quieter, and more peaceful. Famously known for its surfing, experts can be found at Single Fins, however, if you're still a beginner on the waves, Padang Padang beach will suit better. You can check the surf conditions on Magic Seaweed to see how the waves are. A little pricier than Canggu, surf boards can be over 100K for 2 hours.

Things to do: surf, Padang Padang beach, relax, abandoned waterpark and airplane, Sunset Point.

Best places to eat and drink: La Baracca, The Loft, Warung at Uluwatu beach.

Amed

Best known for its gorgeous diving spots, Amed is home to many scuba diving and free diving schools. Secluded away in the East of Bali, it would make a romantic getaway for a few nights as it's incredibly quiet, with few tourists. Make sure you visit Blue Earth restaurant to soak up panoramic views of the beach.

Things to do: scuba dive, free dive.

Best places to eat: Blue Earth Village, Rimba Cafe.

Ubud

Art, culture, and nature can perfectly sum up Ubud. An abundance of yoga retreats means it's ideal for those wanting to connect with themselves on a spiritual level, as well as physically. Many waterfalls surround the area, making Ubud a magnificent place to explore for a few days at least. Ubud is also home to Kopi Luwak, a coffee that ferments after it's eaten by the luwak, then roasted and ground. Don't forget to visit Ubud Monkey Forest while you're here!

Things to do: yoga, waterfalls, art, monkey forest, coffee plantation.

Best places to eat: Umah Pizza, Melali Ubud, Zest Ubud.

Kuta

Although it's been a while since I visited Kuta, it's renowned for glorious markets and street food as well as waterfalls. Grilled corn with butter dripping will tingle your tastebuds after a busy morning shopping.

Things to do: markets, street food, beach.

Lovina

For the ultimate dolphin sightseeing trip, head north to Lovina. Here, you can take a boat tour to see dolphins at sunrise, and enjoy an awe-inspiring morning watching them swim and jump out of the water. As Lovina is more remote than some other parts of Bali, it can be cheaper for food and accommodation.

Things to do: dolphin tour, waterfalls, beaches.

Nusa Penida

Although not strictly in Bali, Nusa Penida is an island just off Bali and I can't recommend it enough! A short 1hr 30 min boat ride will take you to this paradise, and you may just fall in love with how beautiful it is here. Hardly touched, Nusa Penida will take you back to how Bali probably would have been many years ago (there's only one road that goes around the island!)

Things to do: The Chill Penida, snorkel, dive with manta rays, Kling Kling beach, Diamond beach, Broken beach, explore the island by bike.

Gili Islands

Gili Trawangan is usually a tourist hotspot, where many visitors spend a few days partying. Crystal blue waters surround the island, creating a picturesque getaway from mainland Bali. Bicycles add to the intimacy of the island, and a full loop can be cycled in a couple of hours. I enjoy spending afternoon soaking up the sun after a morning dive at the underwater statues. Gili Meno and Gili Air are a little quieter, attracting couples looking for a private escape.

Things to do: scuba dive, free dive, snorkel, relax by the beach, ride a bicycle.

Kuta Lombok

Despite not actually being in Bali, I strongly recommend taking a trip over to Lombok if you have enough time to explore the neighbouring island. You can either take a boat or a plane which will save you a good few hours. I stayed in Kuta, Lombok, and driving around these almost untouched places left me in awe! Surfing with LMBK was unforgettable, and the people there were incredible. Whether you're a beginner or have years' of experience, I highly suggest staying with them to surf.

Things to do: surf, explore the island by bike, visit secluded beaches.

Best places to eat: Satu Lagi, Boom Burger, Sapori, La Cabana, Bush Radio, Krnk, Jiang Nan.

No matter where you go in Bali, I'm certain you'll love it, and you always have the option of travelling around multiple places so that you can really experience as much as possible. Let me know where you're going in Bali down below in the comments - I'd love to know how you enjoy it!