Bali is known as the Island of the Gods and there really is something divine about this jewel in the middle of the Indonesian archipelago. It has it all, from lush rice fields and towering volcanoes, to hip nightclubs and mouth-watering food. So, let’s dive in and see how you can enjoy the best of Bali for less than $25 per day.
1. Sunrise in Sanur – $ Free
The best place on the island to catch sunrise by a country mile is Sanur. Sanur is known for being a lot more sedate than other areas on the island, and what better time to find that peaceful solitude than with the sun rising out of the ocean and bathing you in the possibilities for the day ahead? Highly recommended would be to watch the show upfold from Pantai Karang.
2. Breakfast Bagel at Bread Basket – $2.80
Just a short walk from the beach will take you to Bread Basket. This bakery not only has a fantastic range of delicious breads, but the relaxed ambience will want to make you stay there all morning sipping on your latte as you watch the world go by.
3. Snorkeling in Amed – $3.50
When you ask about snorkelling or diving in Bali, Amed is the first answer; and for good reason. The underwater life here will blow you away and the best part is that there is no need for a lengthy boat trip. Just rent your fins and mask from any of the cafes along the beaches and walk straight off the sand into a world of colour. Lipah beach is a great location to look for turtles and just further down the road at Banyuning Bay there is a Japanese shipwreck which is shallow enough to enjoy with just a snorkel!
4. Campuhan Ridge Walk, Ubud – $ Free
Unlike many of the longer hikes in Bali, there are no entrance fees for the Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud. However don’t let this fool you – the views are priceless! Hidden off the main strip in Ubud, the route is fully paved and meanders along the ridge above the palm trees and rice paddies. The walk will take 1-2 hours and it is recommended to go before the sun gets too high, as there is no shade up on the ridge. Don’t forget your sunblock or your camera.
5. Babi Guling (Suckling pig) – $4.50
Babi Guling is synonymous with Bali and you will find it offered all over the island, but one of the best places is ‘Babi Guling Ibu Oka’ in Ubud. With over 12 years’ experience these guys know what they are doing. A whole pig is slowly spit-roasted and then the meat is marinated in a delicious sauce that will have your taste buds tingling.
6. Enjoy a Coconut Watching the Sunset at Single Fin, Uluwatu – $2.50
There are few places better to witness the raw power of the ocean than the clifftops of Uluwatu. Discovered in by surfers in 1972, this stretch of waves pulls adrenaline seekers from all over the globe. Overlooking the crashing waves is Single Fin, the coolest surf bar on the Bukit Peninsula where you can enjoy a fresh coconut and watch the sun sink into the Indian Ocean. Keep your eyes peeled because it is not uncommon to see dugongs (A relative of the sea-cow) grazing on the seagrass in front of the waves here.
7. Dinner and Dance at LXXY, Legian – $7.00
While Bali is more known for its beach clubs, there are still some great nightclubs in the Kuta/Legian area, and LXXY is right up there. They offer an all-you-can-eat BBQ with free flow drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) which also gives you free entrance to their club, so you can dance till you drop!
8. BONUS: Natural Hot Tubs at Nyang Beach – $0.50 (Parking)
You may find yourself exhausted after such an action-packed day, and if that is the case then there is a little-known secret at Nyang beach. When the tide goes out it reveals dozens of natural ‘bathtubs’ created by holes in the exposed reef. Time it right and you can take advantage of nature’s gift while gazing out across the ocean as you plan your next day of adventure on the Island of the Gods.