Our route:
Kuta, Bali (3 nights)
Ulu Watu, Bali (3 nights)
Ubud, Bali (5 nights)
Gili Trawangan, Gili Islands (2 nights)
Gili Meno, Gili Islands (4 nights)
Gili Air, Gili Islands (2 nights)
Kuta, Lombok (2 nights)
Senggigi, Lombok (2 nights)
Senaru, Lombok (1 night)
Senggigi, Lombok (2 nights)
Amed, Bali (4 nights)
Lovina, Bali (4 nights)
Canggu, Bali (4 nights)
Ubud, Bali (2 nights)
Ulu Watu, Bali (2 nights)
Indonesia was great. We really loved Bali. Our favorite place was definitely the South. Nusa Dua and the beaches around Ulu Watu were amazing. Padang Padang Beach and Blue Point Beach were beautiful but the most breathtaking place was Nyang Nyang Beach.
We also loved Ubud. What a special place. So cute and artsy. Despite the fact that Ubud is in general a great place, I really enjoyed the Sunrise Tour to Mount Batur and of course the Yoga Barn. But a big reason why we loved staying there was also Ben Homestay, where we had the most amazing room.
Amed and Lovina, in the North of Bali were definitely worth going to as well. The highlights were renting a scooter in Lovina and getting lost in the mountains and the snorkeling trip to Menjangan Island.
Unfortunately the Gili Islands were quite a disappointment. Gili Trawangan was the worst. That is no paradise what so ever. My favorite of the Gili’s was Gili Meno because it was quiet and authentic and of course staying at Seri Resort was the biggest luxery we’ve had so far and we enjoyed it to the fullest extend.
And then there are the two Kutas. The one in Bali was a terrible place. It’s all about “see and be seen” and the people wanna sell you things everywhere and in a very annoying way. I have to admit though, that we had one of the highlights of Indonesia in Kuta…Waterbom was awesome! It was really expensive but so much fun! The Kuta in Lombok was nice. The beaches were beautiful. The only problem is, that it’s really dangerous. Tourists get pushed off their motorcycles while driving and then they get robbed. Apparently it’s a big problem in Kuta and pretty scary.
To compare Indonesia to Malaysia…I think we were a bit to harsh with Malaysia. Looking back it was a great country to travel in. It was so easy to get around with buses, which is not the case in Bali and Lombok. The food in Malaysia was amazing, the food in Indonesia is not that great. If it’s about the people, Malaysia is the clear winner as well. The people in Indonesia try to rip you off everywhere, which made me crazy at one point. But…the landscape in Bali was amazing. We finally had the breathtaking nature that we were looking for. Another plus for Indonesia was the high living standard. We stayed at so many nice places, a lot of them with pool, for the same prices that we paid for pretty shitty rooms in Malaysia. To summarize the summery: Bali was a great choice and I’m pretty sure that we will go back one day.
Thank you Bali, for all the amazing memories. We will miss you!
Expenses:
~ CHF 2’660.00
General tips:
Rent scooters
Bargain, bargain, bargain!
Must eat/drink:
Nasi Campur
Balinese tapas at restaurant Nomad in Ubud
Gado Gado
Copi Luwak
Babi Kecap
Pineapple cut as a popsicle
Best accommodations:
Ben Homestay (in Ubud, Bali)
Bali Sari Homestay (in Amed, Bali)
Bagadang Backpackers (Gili Air, Lombok)
Worst accommodations:
Restu by View (Senaru, Lombok)
Syifa Homestay (on Gili Trawangan)
Highlights:
Nyang Nyang Beach
Driving through the mountains around Lovina
Waterbom in Kuta
Blue Point Beach
Padang Padang Beach
Ubud (yoga barn)
Sunrise Trekking to Gunung Batur
Nusa Dua
Snorkeling Trip to Menjangan Island
Gili Meno
Overrated/not our cup of tea:
Kuta, Bali
Gili Trawangan
Danau Bratan
Find the reasons and explanations in the different parts of the diary under “Indonesia” and then under the certain name of the place (village or city).
If you’re planning on going to one of the places we have been to, ask me anything. I would be happy to help you!
The Travelling Smiths 