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Hayley on Holiday

20 Photos Of My Favourite Things in Bali

October 7, 2016 in Asia, Bali, Indonesia, Photography
Sunsets on Legian Beach in Bali

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here.

It’s no secret on this blog how much I love Bali. I feel just as at home walking the Legian streets as I do in Vancouver or Townsville. I’ve written posts on my favourite places to eat and drink, my sponsorship experience, and the epic sunsets. But what else keeps me going back to Bali again and again? Here are my 20 favourite photos of my favourite things in Bali.

Here are 20 photos of my favourite things in Bali - including the food, the people, the scenery and more!

THE BEST OF BALI

BALI BEACH BARS

There is seriously nothing better than sitting at the beach, with your feet buried in the sand, and an icy cold beer in your hand. I love the beach bars in Bali, and in particular Jerry’s Beach Bar outside Jayakarta Resort on Legian Beach. Jerry is a really friendly guy, and I love to support him whenever I visit.

Where to Eat and Drink in Legian, Bali: Jerry's Beach Bar

Beach bars on Legian Beach in Bali

BEER!

To be honest, I rarely drink beer and much prefer cider. But during my birthday trip I discovered the excellent drink that is the Bintang Radler. It’s a lemon-flavoured beer and the alcohol content is probably very minimal. But it’s the most refreshing drink to sip after a day in the Balinese heat. I could go for one right now actually…

Bintangs on Legian Beach in Bali

Bintangs on Legian Beach in Bali

BALI SUNSETS

We all know how much I love watching the sunset over the water, which is why I am all about the West Coast. Watching the sunset from Kuta or Legian Beach is a must when visiting Bali. They are usually quite spectacular and colourful — my favourite kind. There are also many great bars perfect for sunset watching too, which you can check out here.

Sunsets on Legian Beach in Bali

Bali sunsets

STREET ART

Can we please take a moment to appreciate this amazing street art? My mum and I stumbled upon it while taking the Legian/Kuta back streets one day (Jl. Lebak Bene). The detail and the colour is what impressed me the most. There were quite a few pieces in this area, and I have heard Canggu has quite a good selection too.

Bali Street Art

MY SPONSOR CHILDREN

This kid melts me every time I look at this photo. Just look at those cheeks! I’ve written about the sponsorship program I am a part of through an Australian Rotary Club, but for such a small amount of money I am able to make a big difference to this little boy’s life. The fact I got to see him, hug him and give him a Lego present on my birthday this year was unbeatable. He was stoked with the Lego as well — who knew it had such a worldwide reach?

Sponsor a child in Bali. Just one of my top travel memories in 30 years!

POOLSIDE VIEWS

I basically grew up in the swimming pool, so being able to spend my Bali days in and beside the pool (in the shade) is definitely one of my favourite things. For my birthday trip, Mum and I stayed at the Swiss-Belinn, and it was fantastic.  There were beach views from the rooftop pool, and I loved looking out at the terracotta roofs, which are quintessentially Balinese.

No Bali packing list is complete without bathers and a towel.

THE BALINESE CULTURE

The Balinese people are some of the nicest you will ever have the pleasure in meeting. They are extremely trusting, thoughtful and appreciative. Dancing is a way the Balinese have told stories for generations, and these children performed for us at the village school where we met our sponsor children. I also always admire the offerings the Balinese place outside for their Gods.

Balinese Dance

FOOOOOOD

As if I could do any kind of favourite post without mentioning food! But seriously, I could live on Nasi and Mi Gorengs easily. Throw in a Nasi Campur too every now and again for variety, and I am a happy girl. Bonus points for when the Nasi is accompanied by fried chicken, satays or prawn crackers.

Where to Eat and Drink in Legian, Bali: Sammy's Bar and Restaurant

Where to eat and drink in Legian, Bali

HERE’S MY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN LEGIAN

THE BEACH

Because I haven’t mentioned the beach enough already. But it is the best place to be for sunset, and it is just so photogenic. I recommend walking along the beach in the morning, as you are less likely to find the beach sellers out early in the day. Although the beach isn’t the prettiest, it is still lovely to start your day with a beach walk towards Kuta, Seminyak or Legian, depending on where you begin. My mum and I walked and exited at a different spot each morning.

Top Bali travel tips

SHOPPING

I love this photo and I love shopping in Bali. However, I don’t like to barter. It is part of the culture, but I pretty much suck. So I go to fixed price shops and buy dresses for $6 and singlets for $3. Type into Google “Ketut’s in Garlic Lane” for my favourite shop.

Legian Street is great for buying Balinese accessories, such as bags, shoes and homewares. I also love to visit Silverberry. I have an extensive collection of good quality silver jewellery from there, including one ring that cost me $12 and I’ve been wearing it for five years now. If you’re in Sanur, check out Hardy’s too.

Shopping in Bali, Indonesia

COCKTAILS

If cocktails were cheaper in the Western world, I would drink them all the time. So you bet I make the most of $5 cocktails in Bali and order all different kinds of delicious vodka concoctions.

Where to Eat and Drink in Legian, Bali: Sammy's Bar and Restaurant

FRIENDS

This is totally not the most flattering photo, but it is the happiest. These ladies on Legian Beach have basically seen me grow up in my 20s and move around the world. I don’t know how they always remember us, but they do. In the past, I have been able to help them by bringing over clothes I no longer wear. They like to wear long-sleeve tops, jumpers and jeans to protect their skin. Our friends will always be one of my favourite things.

Our Balinese friends on Legian Beach in Bali

THE ARCHITECTURE

I love the intricate design of the Balinese buildings and temples. Even today, they don’t have a lot of the same technologies construction workers in Australia use. This photo is a beach entryway, complete with Hindu statues. It is definitely not something you will see in many places.

Balinese architecture

WANDERING THE STREETS

One of my favourite things to do in Bali is just to wander the streets, and dodge the scooters. No matter where you are, there are always so many shops, spas and restaurants to discover. Even if you visit Kuta regularly, you can always see something new.

Wandering Garlic Lane in Bali, Indonesia

SO MANY PLACES TO EXPLORE

Although I have spent most of my time in Bali in Legian, there are so many other regions to explore. Amed, Lovina, the Gili Islands and Canggu are just some of the places I can’t wait to explore. There is so much endless beauty on this island, which is just another reason it is a favourite destination.

Visiting Nusa Lembongan in Bali

CHEAP CHEAP!

How many times can you use the world cheap in one blog post? A LOT. But seriously, the budget aspect of Bali is definitely one of its highlights. It is such an affordable destination and so close to Australia, why wouldn’t you visit? In this photo, I am drinking a cheap beer on the beach and I’m buying (too many) cheap bracelets. That is the Balinese life.

Having fun shopping and drinking on Legian Beach in Bali

THERE’S NOWHERE QUITE LIKE BALI

There are so many things to love about Bali, and this post just covers a few of my favourite things. I hope you get to visit the beautiful Indonesian island for yourself.

Please let me know if you have any Bali-related questions in the comments below.

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Hi 👋🏻. I’m Hayley, an Australian who’s been solo travelling around the world for 10 years. 40+ countries and two working holidays in Canada later, Hayley on Holiday is my one-stop resource for solo and budget travel. I hope it inspires you to take the leap and explore this wonderful world we live in.

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SOLO TRAVEL

Places to visit in Australia: Mount Wellington in Hobart, Tasmania

The 10 Best Places to Visit Alone in Australia

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here. I’m back with another solo travel-focused post today. This time, we’re talking about my favourite solo travel destinations in Australia for solo weekend getaways. Here are my recommendations for the best places to visit in Australia alone. My solo travels are not limited to overseas destinations. Yes, I’ve travelled solo across Europe and North America. But I’ve also visited many Australian cities alone as well. Don’t be daunted by solo travel in Australia, because I guarantee you can have a great time Down Under with or without a travel companion. Based on my personal experience (and wishlist), here are the best places to visit in Australia alone. Can you tell I’m a Queenslander? 😂   Note: Australia is a big country and most people will recommend hiring a vehicle to see all the best sights: from cute country towns to cosmopolitan cities. 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Lake Bled, a great day trip from Ljubljana.

My Top Picks For The 21 Best Places To Travel Alone In Europe

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Enjoying the view at Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida in Bali, Indonesia

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here. As someone who’s visited Bali, Indonesia on multiple occasions (both with my family and as a solo female traveller), here is my top advice for solo travel in Bali. Keep reading to discover the best places to visit in Bali for solo travellers and the top things to do in Bali alone. Hi, my name is Hayley and I miss Bali. But seeing as we can’t travel there right now, the next best thing (for me, anyway) is to write about it. I’ve visited Bali on several occasions and last year I stayed for a whole month (and didn’t get sick 🙌🏻). Bali will always be one of my favourite places and it’s already been the focus of quite a few blog posts. But I thought I would talk about Bali from a solo female traveller’s perspective today. 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Alternatively, you can visit the taxi desk at the airport. Day to day transport As for day to day transport, if you feel comfortable renting a scooter, it’s one of the most popular options. There are locals renting scooters everywhere in Bali, which shouldn’t set you back more than 60,000 IRP per day. However, if you want to hire a scooter I recommend organising an international driver’s licence before you leave your home country. Personally, I rely on walking and Blue Bird taxis as a solo traveller in Bali. Blue Bird has an app, but I’d just walk and wait for one to appear on the main road. Once you arrive in Bali you’ll understand what I mean. The Balinese streets are overwhelmingly filled with a lovely combination of scooters, cars and taxis. Now, Blue Bird is the best company because all taxis have meters for the most affordable rate. If you hop into a different taxi, the driver may try to barter with you or “forget” to turn the meter on and no one has time for that. Uber and Grab are also present in Bali, but drivers are prohibited from entering many of the main tourist areas. As for public transport, the only option is the Kura-Kura public shuttle bus service. It travels between Bali’s most popular tourist attractions and destinations. I’ve never used this bus network, but I have seen them travelling around Bali. Travelling around Bali alone On my last solo trip to Bali, I also travelled from Kuta to Ubud and back again. In the first instance, I got my family’s driver to drive me as I wanted to stop at a few different places along the way. He’s fantastic, isn’t pushy like some drivers and speaks great English. If you’d like his details, let me know. On the other hand, from Ubud to Kuta I paid 60,000 IRP to travel on a shuttle bus with other people backpacking Bali alone. I just booked it at the travel desk outside my homestay in Ubud. If you’re a fellow budget traveller, this is a good option.  Money tips When I visit Bali, I travel with my Citibank debit card as I don’t get charged any international fees. I also predominantly use official bank ATMs. If you prefer, you can also bring cash in your local currency and change it at a money exchange. Although a few high-end restaurants have card facilities, cash is king in Bali. Tipping is also always appreciated at both restaurants and spas.  What to pack for solo travel in Bali As luck would have it, I’ve already written a post that highlights the 10 things I highly recommend packing for a trip to Bali. Check it out here. How to avoid Bali Belly on your solo trip to Bali We have to get real for a second because Bali Belly is a menace I am, unfortunately, all too well acquainted with. It’s essentially an upset stomach or travellers’ diarrhea that you can get while travelling around Bali. Predominantly caused by contaminated food and water, stay away from Bali’s tap water as it isn’t potable. Although experts say to not drink the ice in Bali, it’s government-regulated now and safe to drink.  I also take Travelan before lunch and dinner in Bali and it seems to be the magic ingredient. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever been as excited as I was when I travelled around Bali for one month without getting sick. Life goals, friends 😂. If you do inevitably get struck down by Bali Belly, make sure you stay hydrated, take rehydration drinks (available from convenience stores) and stick to a bland diet. Bali Belly is also why I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance before your solo trip to Bali.  Is Bali safe for solo female travellers? This is probably one of the most commonly-asked questions when it comes to solo travel in Bali. In my option, Bali is safe for solo female travellers. Personally, I’ve never felt afraid while walking around Bali alone. On my last trip, I stayed […]

Tower Bridge in London, England

My Complete Solo Traveller’s Guide to Lovely London

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here. My latest solo travel guide focuses on lovely London. Keep reading to find out where I stayed in London, solo London travel tips and the best things to do alone in London. It’s about time I wrote a guide on solo travel in London. I’ve spent nearly a month in London overall, so I’m basically a local 💁‍♀️. It’s one of my favourite cities to visit – there’s just so many cool neighbourhoods to visit and attractions to see. It’s also a great city to visit as a solo traveller. So here’s my guide to visiting London by yourself, including the best things to do alone in London. If you’ve ever wondered what to do alone in London, I have you covered. Solo London travel tips First up, here are a couple of travel tips for fellow solo travellers visiting London alone. Most importantly, be aware of your surroundings in busy places as there are pickpockets in London (like every other major city in the world). I also found I felt safe walking from the tube back to my hostel at night alone, as it was located on a busier street and there were always people around. However, I only did this on a couple of occasions. As always, do what feels right to you. All of the amazing things to do alone in London listed below are daytime activities anyway. How to get to London alone Hello, my name is Hayley and I am now a pro at travelling to London alone. So far I’ve arrived and departed from London by plane, train and bus. I’ve flown in and out of London from both Vancouver and Australia – check Skyscanner for the best flight deals. I’ve also taken the Eurostar from London to Paris and FlixBus to Bruges. Within the UK, I have taken National Express buses and the train from London as well. So yes, there are plenty of ways to get to and from London. How to get around London Public transport is fantastic in London, so take advantage. I used the tube most days and even caught a few buses. I simply relied on Google Maps to figure out which tube line or bus would take me to my destination. The best hostel in London for solo travellers In my opinion, the best hostel in London for solo travellers is Wombats City Hostel. I’ve now stayed there multiple times in a six-bed female dorm room (with an ensuite). It’s conveniently located 10 minutes from both Tower Bridge and Brick Lane in East London. The hostel is also within walking distance of two tube lines and two grocery stores. I like the large common areas at the hostel and the onsite bar. The bar hosts weekly events as well, which is the perfect place to meet other solo travellers in London. I’ve also stayed overnight at the Astor Victoria as it’s walking distance from Victoria Coach Station. Let’s just say, Wombats is 100 times better. I had to walk up seven flights of narrow stairs to my female dorm, which isn’t the easiest with a nearly 20kg suitcase. I also thought the shared bathrooms weren’t the cleanest and the common areas at Wombats are so much better.  Here are my top hostelling tips & travel essentials for fellow solo travellers Fun things to do alone in London  Here are lots and lots of things to do in London on your own. You won’t be bored in London after reading this list! 1. Walk along the Thames to see the best London attractions If you’re wondering where to go alone in London, here are several ideas. On my first day in London in 2017, I ended up walking from my hostel near Tower Bridge to Oxford Street. It was a lot of steps, but I passed so many beautiful London attractions on the way. Firstly, there’s Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. I haven’t been to the Tower of London yet, but I’ve heard it’s worthwhile. Then there’s St Paul’s Cathedral before you make it to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. It was pretty quiet until I got to Big Ben, which is always overflowing with tourists. Don’t forget Westminster Abbey either. On another day, I walked on the other side of the River Thames to visit some Christmas markets. This is where you’ll find the Shard, the London Eye and Shakespeare’s Globe. A final, but nonetheless awesome option, is to take a cruise along the River Thames.  2. See the Queen at Buckingham Palace Can you even say you’ve been to London if you don’t visit Buckingham Palace? It’s fortunately located in central London, so there are other things to see and do nearby. If you happen to visit in autumn like me, don’t miss seeing all the falling leaves in St James’ Park and Green Park. It’s magical! While we’re on the topic, check out my autumn packing list 😉 3. Do a free walking tour Can you believe I’ve never done a free walking tour in London? I’ve done one in like every other country in Europe, but not London. Anyway, don’t be like me and join a free walking tour. It’s one of the best things to do alone in London (and any place for that matter). 4. Go shopping along Oxford and Regent Streets Oxford and Regent Streets are hectic, no matter when you visit. But Oxford Street is home to all of my favourite English stores (a.k.a. Primark), so it’s always on my personal list of things to do alone in London. If you end up visiting London at Christmas, you also must see the Christmas decorations along Oxford and Regent Streets. While you’re in the area, head to Carnaby Street, which has more independent stores. I loved the handmade products and unique London souvenirs inside We Built This City. Here are […]

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