Bali
In the late summer of 2022, my wanderlust was reignited and I desired to experience something new.
A few weeks prior, Mei and I had ended our relationship, so I decided to embark on my journey alone.
I was searching for a country that offered warmth, sun, broad beaches, and stunning landscapes. It also had to be a sociable place, somewhere I hadn’t visited before. After much consideration, I chose Bali, and I do not regret my decision. I took a four-week trip, reserving six accommodations in five different locations, and set off in early September.
Bali is a truly stunning island located in Indonesia and it’s no wonder why it’s such a popular tourist destination. From its breathtaking beaches to its lush green rice paddies and traditional temples, Bali has something to offer for everyone. The culture of the island is rich and vibrant, with friendly locals and a strong sense of community. The food is also fantastic, with a mix of local Indonesian cuisine as well as international options. Overall, I would highly recommend a visit to Bali for anyone looking for a relaxing and unforgettable vacation.
Canggu
My first accommodation was a bungalow located just outside of Canggu. It was a lovely and peaceful place surrounded by serene nature. I rented a scooter there, which made it easy and convenient to explore the area. The roads in Bali are very narrow, and the traffic in Canggu can be heavy. A scooter was the perfect way to get around. Canggu is a very laid-back and open-minded place, and I soon made some great acquaintances. One of them was Lea, who was very passionate about my photography. We did a brief photo shoot on the beach and in my bungalow.
Ubud
From Canggu I went further north to Ubud which is located in the central region of Bali. Known as the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud is renowned for its rich artistic heritage, stunning natural beauty, and spiritual atmosphere.
Here I met Ling, and we went on a walk through the Hidden Canyon (Beji Guwang) and did a short shooting there. I also visited the Monkey Forest and the stunning Tegallalang Rice Terraces, where I spent several hours wandering.
Additionally, I took a trip in an old VW Kübelwagen, also known as a VW safari in Indonesia, to the Batur volcano in northern Bali.
During my journey to my next destination, I made stopovers at the Hindu temple Pura Goa Lawah and the temple complex Tirta Gangga.
Amed
Located in the northeast of the island, Amed is ideal for snorkeling and diving due to its calm seas and stunning coral reefs.
The area is dotted with small fishing villages and is relatively untouched by mass tourism. This gives it a serene and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday experience.
I rented a budget-friendly bungalow at Ocean Prana and took part in a thrilling AIDA freediving course. Two of the standout experiences were meeting giant tortoises in the ocean and witnessing the stunning sunsets from Sunset Point Amed.
Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida, located just east of Bali, is a small island that boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches I have ever encountered. The island is also renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, making it a popular spot for activities like snorkeling and diving.
During my two-day stay, I dedicated one day to snorkeling and exploring the northern and western parts of the island on my own with a rented scooter. For the other day, I hired a driver who took me to visit the renowned Diamond Beach, Klinking Beach, and Broken Beach in both the eastern and western parts of the island.
Seminyak
I spent the last few days in the south of Bali. My hotel was in Seminyak from where I enjoyed long walks along the beach up to Canggu and down to Kuta. By chance I met Lea again and we went on a trip to Uluwatu together, where we visited the Garuda Wisnu Kencana park and the Uluwatu Temple and did a photo shooting on the beach.
Most of the pictures were taken with a Xiaomi 12S Ultra smartphone. In addition, I used my Fuji X-T2 camera for a few shots.
Hey Florian,
Your post about Bali is really fantastic, and obviously you have a deep appreciation for this beautiful island. Your pictures of the stunning beaches, beautiful rice paddies, and cute turtles give me a great impression of the natural beauty that Bali and Nusa Penida have to offer.
And I totally agree: ”Don’t overthink live just live it” Bali is a truly stunning destination that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list.
Overall, great job on the blog post and your beautiful pictures. I’m sure it will inspire many people to plan their own trip to Bali!