Bali: Renewal for the Soul

Explore East Bali (Candidasa and surrounds)

Wake up early for a sunrise over the Indian Ocean—Virgin Beach glows with pink, orange, and purple skies that no photo can truly capture. Pair the views with visits to Lempuyang Temple’s iconic ‘Gates of Heaven’ (go early but skip the long photo queue and simply enjoy the scenery) and Tirta Gangga water palace, where you can wander the grounds, feed the koi, and cross the stepping stones through the water gardens. It does get busy, but it’s worth it. Don’t miss a stop at Tunas for a luwak coffee and tea tasting in the middle of their plantation.

Slow down in Sidemen

Sidemen is Bali at its most serene—endless rice terraces, tranquil spas, and boutique resorts with infinity pools. This is the place to unplug: take a leisurely walk through the fields, book a massage, and embrace the slower pace far from Bali’s busiest areas.

Spiritual journeys: temples and purification rituals

For a meaningful cultural experience, take part in a traditional water purification ceremony (melukat). Skip the crowds at Tirta Empul and head to Holy Water Sebatu instead, and visit Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave Temple) or Goa Lawah (Bat Cave Temple) for unique glimpses of Bali’s sacred sites. You might even decide to meet a traditional Balinese healer, known for offering uncanny insights with just a touch—and remedies that locals believe can restore balance to body and mind.

Get lost in Ubud

Wander the streets of Ubud with no plan—browse bustling markets, pop into boutiques, visit the palace, sip a fresh juice in a hidden café, and stumble upon live performances. The joy is in exploring at your own pace.

Try an artisan workshop

From silver jewelry to batik painting and wood carving, hands-on classes let you bring a piece of Bali home—and visiting the workshops themselves is just as inspiring as the creations you’ll make.

Eat your way through cafés and warungs

Beyond fine dining, Bali shines in its café and beach club culture—think smoothie bowls, fresh juices, and seafood bites like the ahi tuna tostada at Times Beach Warung. Don’t miss local warungs either, where humble family-run kitchens serve some of the island’s most authentic flavors.

Spa day, every day

With affordable prices and world-class treatments, Bali is the perfect place to indulge in daily spa rituals. Favorites include Bali Botanica Day Spa, Putri Ubud Spa 2, and Glo Day Spa.

Chase sunsets

Bali sunsets are legendary, whether from beach clubs like Ku De Ta or La Plancha in Seminyak, boho-chic La Brisa in Canggu, or the cliffs of Tanah Lot temple, they’re a sight you won’t want to miss. Arrive early to secure your spot, then sit back and watch the sky turn gold and crimson.

Experience a Kecak dance performance

A hypnotic fire dance telling the Ramayana, best known at Uluwatu Temple but also performed around Ubud. I caught mine at the Sahadewa Kecak Dance near Sthala, and the rhythmic chanting under the stars was unforgettable.

• Herbivore by Locavore (Ubud): A plant-based offshoot of Locavore, Herbivore puts vegetables in the spotlight with an imaginative, seasonal, flavor-packed tasting menu. This dining experience is truly a gem—it’s stylish, creative, and proof that Bali’s dining scene goes far beyond the expected.

• Room4Dessert (Ubud): Chef Will Goldfarb’s stage for edible storytelling puts desserts at the center of a 15-course tasting menu paired with local wines or craft cocktails. The journey begins with a tour of the gardens where some of the ingredients you’ll eat are grown, then moves through different spaces of the restaurant in a jungle-chic vibe. In a word—unforgettable.

• Merah Putih (Seminyak): A striking glasshouse-style restaurant with soaring ceilings and palm trees inside, you’ll feel like you’re dining al fresco even indoors. The menu celebrates Indonesian classics alongside modern interpretations, and the vegan tasting menu with wine pairing is a standout—letting you sample a wide range of local flavors in smaller portions. You will not leave hungry!

• Sangsaka (Seminyak): Modern Indonesian cuisine with a twist—Chef Kieran Morland reinvents the archipelago with fire-based cooking techniques, creating dishes that made me stop mid-bite just to savor them. Intimate and inventive, it’s a favorite among food insiders.

• The Sayan House (Ubud): Set above the Ayung River Valley with epic sunsets, this Japanese—Latin fusion restaurant is as much about the sweeping jungle views as it is about the menu. Perfect for cocktails, romantic dinners, and lingering evenings—but worth visiting earlier in the day, too.

• Asri Dining at Samanvaya (Sidemen): An intimate open-air restaurant surrounded by rice terraces at Samanvaya Resort, serving refined Indonesian and Western dishes with valley-sourced ingredients. Peaceful, romantic, and a perfect complement to a stay there.

• Laughing Buddha (Ubud): A lively Ubud bar and restaurant known for nightly live music, creative cocktails, and a vibrant crowd. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring—more casual and full of atmosphere.

• Notable mentions: La Lucciola (Seminyak), a beachfront Italian institution; Mozaic (Ubud), a fine-dining pioneer blending French technique with Indonesian ingredients; and Ling Lings (Seminyak), a lively late-night spot with playful Asian fusion and cocktails.