Bali is an amazing location, so much history, a must see for any travel enthusiast. Yes, it’s crowded and persistent hawkers stalk the beach, but this famous stretch of sand, along with neighboring Legian and Seminyak Beaches just to the north, is still a fun day out, especially if you’re a beginner surfer or you just want to soak up the scene. You can book surf lessons and rent surfboards, boogie boards, sun loungers, and umbrellas directly from vendors set up on the sand, and plenty of cafes and restaurants border the beach. Beach vendors are easily dissuaded with a polite “no thank you,” but an icy cold coconut sloshing with juice served directly to your sunlounger can be a blessing on a sultry day. For a more peaceful slice of coast on the island, head to the soft sands of Sanur, Jimbaran Beach, or Nusa Dua (Geger Beach here has public access). Surfers should check out Dreamland, Canggu, Balangan, Bingin, Padang-Padang, or the cliff-fringed hidden coves of Uluwatu.
You’ve probably seen the photos and now really want to visit Nusa Penida. The good news is that it can easily be done as a day trip from wherever you’re staying in Bali (assuming that’s Ubud or one of the popular southern beach areas). We did the typical Nusa Penida day trip and really enjoyed it. Kelingking Beach is amazing, and the other places are nice too. Nusa Penida is a large island and you could spend a couple of days exploring it by scooter or car / driver if a day trip doesn’t appeal. I think over time Nusa Penida will get way more popular and more beaches and viewpoints will be “discovered”. See more details at Bali to Gili.
Located in Ubud, the Sacred Monkey Forest is a natural forest where many macaque monkeys swing through the trees and scamper across the ground. There are shaded paths leading through the forest, where you’ll spot an array of other fauna and flora. Sacred temples of old are scattered throughout the forest, and there are many interesting statues and sculptures too. Although generally well preserved, many of the old structures are covered in moss and slightly overgrown, adding to the wild and mysterious atmosphere. You can explore the site independently or walk around with a knowledgeable guide to learn more about the monkeys and the forest’s significance.
If you are looking for a quieter corner of Bali undisturbed by the crowds of tourists who flock here then Amed is a great choice. This part of the island is still relatively off the radar and is not exactly a town, but rather a collection of villages strung together next to the sea. The reason many people come here is for the snorkeling and diving as the visibility is excellent and you can dive relatively cheaply compared to other parts of Bali.
Gili Ferries is a ‘hassle free’ online booking system for fast boat tickets from Bali to Gili, Bali to Nusa Penida and Bali to Nusa Lembongan. Because we work directly with the fast boat companies we can offer the best price and issue instant e-tickets. All our prices are inclusive of free hotel transfer in Bali (terms apply). Source: https://giliferries.com/.