Bali
Selamat tinggal!
Welcome to my page about Bali! This blog will be one of the many blogs about Bali that already exist online, but whatever! You’re here now, so enjoy the ride 😉
Little side note, I have been in Bali in 2018. So some information might be a bit outdated, however, when re-writing this blog I did thorough research into all the places recommended ánd I did a little bit of extra searching for you (because that’s just who I am…) So you have a mix of the old & the new!
To start on a positive note, I think Bali is overrated, overpopulated and over westernized. I am sorry to write this, but it’s true. Places such as Changgu, Kuta and some sightseeing spots have become so popular in the last decade, that it has barely anything authentic or Indonesian to them anymore… Which is a shame, because the Balinese island and culture are so beautiful and have so much to offer! To continue on a truly more positive note, I will let you know via this blog some truly hidden gems, a couple of good (local) restaurants, and cool sightseeing spots. Also, I will go with the tourist flow, and mention some popular restaurants and tourist attractions, because frankly, some of them are worth visiting.
I divide this blog into the different areas of Bali:
Uluwatu
Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Penida
Canggu
Ubud
Uluwatu
It sounds like a tropical beach town in Hawaii, it’s almost the same: it’s a tropical beach town in Bali. Uluwatu is located deep in the south of the island, and to this day I can’t really describe the exact feel of Uluwatu. It’s a mix between a surfers town, beautiful beach clubs and resorts get-away and Chinese-hangout spot (especially on Balangan beach during sunset, the ‘soon to be married’ couples pop-up like sandflies and have their photoshoots there). Renting a scooter to discover this part of Bali is essential. Renting a scooter in Bali in general is essential, but also especially here.
Best beaches:
Melasti Beach – is similar to an Indonesian version of the Philippines. A stunning beach with unpolluted blue water that is situated beneath a tall cliff. The long coastal strip gives you plenty of space to perch yourself in and unwind for the day. Of all the Uluwatu beaches, Melasti Beach has the calmest waters. How to get there? Click here
Green Bowl Beach – Don’t let the name fool you, this little strip of white beach heaven is truly a hidden gem amongst this coast. It’s very small and the way down is steep and eventful. However, if you’re when the tide is decent (do a google search yourself to see when this is the case), it’s a perfect hangout spot for the day!
– Cashewtree restaurant
– Bukit Cafe
– Suka Espresso
Other:
– Ga op zondag middag naar Fin’s beach voor een vette minimal/techno party! Drank is wel kneiter duur (€5,- voor een bierie), maar het was het zeker waard, beetje Woodstock Bloemendaal maar dan in Bali
Sleeps in Ericeira
They host cooking classes, yoga lessons. retreats and other fun activities. The family who runs it is super friendly and I would 10 out of 10 recommend staying here.
Where surfers and tight hamstrings go, Yoga follows!
Now… If there wasn’t a big yoga community in Ericeira, it couldn’t be a nomads valhalla, could it? There are many yoga studios and retreats dotted around Ericeira, but Sandhi House is one of the best locations to go if you’re serious about your practice.
Sandhi offers at least two yoga courses every day, excluding Sundays, with instructors from all over the world. The first class will be more intense, like Vinyasa Flow, whereas the second will be more relaxing, like Yin Yoga. If you’re fortunate enough to be staying at Sandhi House, these classes will be included in your stay and are ideal for yogis of all levels.
Best things to do in Ericeira
Take a Hike! Along the Atlantic coast.
Despite not being a hiking destination, Ericeira offers some lovely coastline strolls for casual amblers.
My favorite, and undoubtedly among the best things to do in Ericeira, is the excursion that begins at Foz do Lizandro beach and proceeds along the headland to Praia de So Julio. Even though it just takes 30 minutes one way, the trip offers a variety of landscapes and colors, all set to the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks below.
It’s a brief stroll, but before beginning, be sure to check the tides because, during mid-high tide, a tiny pool of water will separate the beach from the rocky footpath. The worst-case situation, though, would just create wet ankles.
Walk through the charming streets of Ericeira
The peaceful fishing town that was originally Ericeira has grown significantly. It rapidly grew as more and more people learned about her attractiveness.
The village’s historical center, with its characteristic white buildings, cobblestone alleys (where cars shouldn’t pass but sadly do), and the countless details that show its soul and history in each corner, has managed to stay loyal to what it was.
Visit Praia da Ursa for a day trip
Amongst both travellers and photographers, Praia da Ursa is probably rated as one of the best places to visit in Ericeira.
Located at the very tip of the Sintra coast, Praia da Ursa’s lighthouse may be seen from Ericeira on a clear evening. Before you get to the lighthouse when arriving by car at Ursa, park in the first tiny parking lot on the right. Although this area is essentially a wasteland, it is the starting point of the beach trail and the busiest parking area. Just be aware that some cars have been broken into around here, so try not to leave anything of value in the car.
The distance to the beach from this parking lot is about 15 minutes, and there is only one trail to follow, making it impossible to get lost. The beach and the well-known rocky needle of Ursa, which is the most well-liked location for photographs, are visible about halfway down. Although it’s just as beautiful here as it is on the beach, on warmer days it would be simple to spend the entire day lounging around, swimming, and shooting pictures—especially around sunset.
