Bali Getaway: My 4-Day Solo Adventure
Just back from a spontaneous trip to Bali! I crafted my own itinerary to see the famous sights, focusing on locations that appealed to me while keeping travel logistics smooth. I'll share the expenses at the end!
First things first: I grabbed an eSIM and exchanged currency into Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) before leaving.
Day 1: Arrival and Ubud Immersion
Landing at 4:30 PM, the airport process was surprisingly quick. Immigration asked a few simple questions about my travel purpose, companions, and duration of stay.
I pre-booked a ride to my resort, lured in by positive online reviews. While convenient, consider using the Grab app for potentially cheaper options.
By 8:00 PM, I was checking into Pitamaha Resort in Ubud. The reception and staff were incredibly friendly and helpful.
Day 2: Resort Bliss and Enchanting Dining
The resort grounds were so beautiful that I dedicated the morning to exploring and taking photos. In the afternoon, I visited Wedja Restaurant, a popular and magical spot in Ubud. (Vlog review coming soon!)
Day 3: Nusa Penida Mishap and Ayana Luxury
An early start! Up at 4:00 AM for hair and makeup. Check-out was scheduled for 6:10 AM, but delays pushed it to 6:30 AM before heading to the island. The drive to the harbor took two hours.
The local guide/driver purchased the ferry tickets, but due to the delay, we boarded around 8:30 or 9:00 AM. A fast boat ride of over an hour got us to the island. By 11:00 AM, we were at Kelingking Beach (T-Rex Bay). The line to take photos was long. I had to tip extra to get a quicker turn. After the photo, I wanted to go to Kelingking Beach, but the driver said there wasn't enough time because it would take 40 minutes to get there and I wouldn't make the ferry back. I spent money and only got one photo!
My tip: Dedicate an entire day to Nusa Penida if you want to see it all, as many points of interest have lines and take time.
At 3:30 PM, I checked into the super-popular Ayana Resort Bali. This resort is huge and stunning! It's a must-stay. I freshened up before heading to Rock Bar within the resort grounds at 5:30 PM. A truly spectacular experience!
Day 4: Kubu Beach and Departure
Another early start for makeup! Then, I explored Kubu Beach, a stunning area within the resort. A funicular took me down to the beach. Relaxing!
Breakfast at Ayana was fantastic, with three restaurants to choose from. After the beach, it was time to check out at 12:00 PM.
At 1:00 PM, I headed to the airport (about a 50-minute drive) for my flight back home. End of trip!
Food Notes
I mostly ate at the resorts, where the food was easily enjoyable and delicious.
Four days wasn't enough to see it all, but my take on Bali is that it is a stunning island with beautiful nature, affordable prices, friendly and helpful locals, and delicious and diverse cuisine. Highly recommended!
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