The 8 best surf beaches of Bali
Bali
The 8 best surf beaches of Bali
There are quite a few places in the world well known for their killer breaks, massive tubes, and the ever ongoing fun of waves rolling in. Bali is definitely one of those places and surfing Bali is as popular as can be. Even though the island does get more crowded every day, there are still quite a few good spots that aren’t discovered by the masses just yet. As long as there are waves, we don’t need much, do we? Here’s an overview of our favorite surf beaches differing in level and crowdedness on the beautiful island of Bali.
Canggu
One of the most well-known surf beaches is definitely Canggu. With different breaks along its coastline like Berawa, Batu Bolong, Old Man’s, and Echo Beach, there’s something for everyone. Whether you still gotta learn how to stand up or you have been riding waves since you could walk, Canggu is a popular spot for everyone. It’s mostly a reef break with both lefts and rights, that seems to work best with upcoming high tide. The easy access is definitely a plus. It does also mean that everyone knows this place and it gets pretty crowded. Don’t be surprised if it’s you and a hundred others in the line up when the swell is good.
On your way to Canggu? Don’t forget to read our Canggu guide for some tips and tricks!
Kedungu
Just a little north of Canggu and Tanah Lot, there’s the stunning beach of Kedungu. Here you’ll find a long stretch of black sand and an almost always working wave. While all the breaks around Canggu get really crowded, Kedungu is just a short scooter ride away and gives you empty lineups. With both a left and a right-hander on offer, there are good waves for everyone. We had quite a few good sunrise and sunset sessions out here. The rewarding beer afterward is just what you need (after the sunset sessions of course). The wave works best during low or mid-tide.
Balian Beach
Pantai Balian is not yet on the travel radar. It’s mostly surfers that make it out here and not without reason. Plenty of people say it’s their favorite wave in Bali and we can’t disagree. Balian’s waves are normally bigger than anywhere else on the West coast. So when all other places on the West coast are flat, Balian most likely still got some nice waves rolling in. There’s both a left- and right-hander, although the left-hander usually works better. However, do watch out for sharks here, especially after heavy rains.
Stay at Pondok Pitaya
A perfect place to stay in Balian is Pondok Pitaya. You simply can’t get any closer to the waves and the beach, as it’s literally two steps from your room. Sleep in indigenous houses from Java, do some morning yoga, or get a massage when the muscles are sore from all that paddling. When the waves aren’t working you can wait and keep an eye on them from the pool with a cocktail in your hand.
Balangan Beach
This is my absolute favorite beach. A little hidden, a bit of a mission to get there, but a massive treat the moment you arrive. Palmtrees, check. Golden sand, check. Bright blue ocean, check. Waves rolling in, check. Every time we got to Pantai Balangan, the waves were pumping and there weren’t that many people on them. It’s a fast and hollow wave, that works best during mid or high tide. This left-hander offers plenty of good long rides, while the paddle out is fairly easy.
Bingin Beach
Bingin Beach is a great place to stay if you fancy surfing the peninsula’s waves for days. This cute little beach town is built against the rocks offering stunning views every morning you wake up and every night you go to bed. There’s a really consistent wave that breaks on all tides and provides a different wave for different standards of surfers. It’s a short ride, but can be pretty intense. At mid-tide Bingin produces nice left-hand barrels breaking over the reef. During low tide, it really is only a wave for advanced surfers as it gets shallow and hollow. At mid to high tide, it is a much more surfable wave, offering a more mellow right-hander suitable for intermediates and beginners.
Padang Padang
While we stayed here the Rip Curl Cup was about to start, which must be a sign of being in the right spot. The reef break of Padang Padang only seems to work when there’s a big swell coming in. It’s a long and hollow left-hander that should be saved for the advanced among us. Surfing Bali’s pipeline isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s a popular place among the experts and can get pretty crowded with a competitive vibe. Booties aren’t a luxury here, since the reef is pretty sharp.
Uluwatu
Surfing Bali isn’t complete without a day out on the waves of Uluwatu. A surfer’s dream where waves keep on rolling in no matter the season, no matter the tide. Probably the most well-known surf spot as well, so don’t expect empty lineups. This spot is for intermediate or advanced surfers only, so if you’re a beginner fix a spot at Single Fin and watch the big boys do their tricks. To reach the reef you must paddle through the Uluwatu cave which can have very strong currents.
There are four different sections at Uluwatu. Temples is a long and hollow wave that works best during mid or high tide. The Peak is best on high tide and offers steep drops. Racetracks is a fast wave with possible tubes that work best during low tide. It does get really shallow and is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Outside Corner starts to work from 8ft up. It’s a fast and long ride, that can be really rewarding for the daredevils among us.
Keramas
Last, but definitely not least is Keramas! You haven’t been surfing Bali properly if you haven’t paid Keramas a visit at least once. Located on the east coast, Keramas has an endless black sanded beach, with palm trees swaying in the wind and powerful waves rolling in. Keramas’ wave is a powerful, very fast, and hollow right-hander. It’s best surfed during mid or low tide, or during early mornings before the wind picks up. And it does have another trick up its sleeve…
Komune resort
For those who don’t feel like leaving this piece of paradise after a day of awesome surf, check out Komune Resort. This dream of a place has anything you can wish for on your surf holiday, and more. Comfy beds, great food, yoga lessons, a spa, and a swimming pool with the best view possible. Did I mention the night surfing at Komune? That should get you sold for sure. ‘Cause at Komune the surfing goes on even when the sun goes down.
Surfing Bali waves
With about 60 different surf spots, Bali attracts both beginners and daredevils from around the globe. Depending on the spot it can get a bit busy and competitive here and there, especially on the well-known spots. However, there is lots to make up for that and thankfully Bali still has a few hidden treasures as well. Somehow talking about surfing Bali is always a bit doubtful. Do you share your favorite spots or will you keep them to yourself? I know the opinions about this differ, but for me sharing is caring. That is what Mokum Surf Club is all about, showing you those off the beaten track places. And getting “WOW-ed” by them. So let those Bali waves wow you and feel free to share your treasures as well.
Love,
Marthe
Photos by: M. Barends & J. Roeland©.
The ultimate Ubud guide: escape the crowds
Bali
The ultimate Ubud Guide: escape the crowds
Those who have been to Bali and those who haven’t, everyone heard of Ubud at some point in their life. Ubud is probably the number one tourist town on the island and develops as rapidly as weeds. I’ve been to this town about ten years ago when it literally existed of one main street surrounded by rice fields. Coming back this time gave me a bit of a culture shock. What happened here?! The main street was congested with traffic, the streets were filled with tourists and there are way more shops and restaurants.
The alternative Ubud experience
Don’t worry, even though the city center might get a bit overwhelming, there are still plenty of reasons to visit Ubud. There’s loads to do in and around Ubud, but it’s most likely you’ll run out of its village center after one day. The first piece of advice I can give you is to rent a motorbike. There’s literally nothing better than touring Ubud’s surroundings and that’s exactly what we’re gonna talk about here. So hop on and drive along!
Campuhan Ridge Walk
You don’t have to go far to enjoy Ubud’s rolling hills and stunning views. The Campuhan Ridge walk is just a 5-minute walk from Ubud’s main street but gives you the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere. It’s a popular little walk so it can get a bit crowded especially during the day and during sunset. However, during sunrise, there might be just a few souls around and that morning light gives everything a gorgeous golden glow.
Gunung Kawi
Temples and rice fields, that pretty much captures Ubud. Where those two things come together perfectly is Gunung Kawi. With rock formations dating back to the 11th century and the ruins of an old Buddhist monastery, this is quite a special place. Add to this the amazing backdrop of stunning rice terraces and green hills, and I’m pretty sure you don’t wanna miss out on this place.
Shopping silver in Celuk
Celuk is the silver capital of Bali. I don’t know about you guys, but I love to collect jewelry from places all over the world. A lot of jewelry brands bulk up in Celuk, but the silver factories here are also perfect for those on the hunt for a pretty souvenir. If you see something in one of the factories on the main road, make sure to bargain hard. They work with a commission deal with a lot of drivers and tour operators, and the prices are adjusted to this. Bargain at least 30% to 50% off the price to get a proper deal.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Get here are as early as possible. That’s my best advice I can give you. Get there at sunrise and you will be treated to the most gorgeous light and a 360 view of rice terraces. Have a stroll around, climb up and down, and soak up the beauty before the masses arrive (map). If getting up at sunrise isn’t your thing then be sure to line up with a whole bunch of tourists all trying to get that Instagram shot.
Tirta Empul
Tirta Empul is the holy water temple. People from all over the world come to this place to be blessed by its holy waters and live a happy life from thereon. It is a bit of a doubtful thing, this water temple. In general, if you wanna see something in Bali and you wanna be the only one to experience the beauty, you gotta get up as early as you can (7 am early preferably). However, to properly experience Tirta Empul you might actually wanna visit this place around noon when the madness is on in all its glory. During prime hours this place is as busy as Ubud’s main street. Which is very, very busy, believe me. Whereas the main street of Ubud just drives me crazy and makes me wanna flee asap, here the masses make the beauty.
Take the scenic route
If you’re visiting the Tirta Empul temple make sure you take the route from Ubud via the Tegallalang rice fields. This is the scenic route with a capital S. Beautiful rice fields, jungle cliffs, and sleepy little villages where people play cards on the streets or do their prayers. Just type in on google maps and make sure you are on route to the Tegallalang rice terraces. You are in for a treat!
Sleeping in the hills of Ubud
There’s definitely no lack of sleeping places in Ubud, but I totally get that the number of options might be a bit overwhelming. We tested a few and got two absolute favorites in the green hills of Ubud only five minutes from the main street. The first one is Sandat Glamping Tents. Sleeping in a tent has never been this comfortable. With your own private pool, surrounded by rice fields and jungle, this is definitely a gem. Delicious food, yoga lessons, and amazing massages (read more about Sandat Glamping here).
Adiwana Svarga Loka
For all the wellness lovers out there, head to Adiwana Svarga Loka. This jungly getaway gives you the feeling of being on a movie set. With the most gorgeous infinity pool overlooking the river, bathrooms that overlook the Ubud hills, and a restaurant overlooking it all, you get it… priceless views no matter where you are at Svarga Loka. Add to this the Svarga Loka wellness center with the most relaxing massages, healing sessions, and facials, and there surely isn’t a place you’d rather be.
Ubud restaurants
No guide would be complete without discussing our favorite restaurants. Restaurants are definitely not scarce in Ubud, so there’s something for everyone’s liking. Since we don’t wanna give you an overkill in options and text, hereby a quick sum of delicious places in Ubud. Watercress is a must-visit. Anything on their menu is mouthwatering good. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and cakes, it really doesn’t matter for which meal you visit Watercress. My absolute favorite was the Tuna Steak, although their burgers were pretty mean as well. Not the cheapest eatery in Bali, but definitely worth spending a few bucks.
Organic, local, or Italian?
For the best view and a lovely organic lunch head to Yellow Flower Cafe. It’s a bit of a mission finding this place (by foot), but when you do you’ll get rewarded big time. For the best bbq duck go to Warung Mendez. Succulent, sticky, and covered in a finger-licking good sauce, this BBQ duck is an absolute winner. Last but definitely not least; Mamma Mia. Italian food in Indonesia. You wouldn’t expect this to be a success. However, we came back to Mamma Mia not once, not twice, but three times. If that isn’t a sign of Italian delight, I’m not sure what is.
Ubud off the beaten track
Spending a few days in and around Ubud is definitely something you don’t wanna miss out on. There are still plenty of places where you can escape the crowds and experience that true Bali vibe. Fall in love with the beautiful green hills, the great food, the best massages, and pretty temples. Make sure to rent a motorbike to get around and explore Ubud’s beautiful surroundings. It’s not without reason this place got so popular. So take our guide along with you and discover Ubud’s gems.
Love,
Marthe
P.S. If you don’t feel like diving into Bali’s mad traffic, find yourself a driver. Unfortunately getting an Uber in Ubud is a nightmare. So ask around for a good price or ask your hotel to organize a driver, cause they will rip you off big time in Ubud’s main street. It might be a bit of a hassle, but definitely worth it!
Photos by: M. Barends & J. Roeland©
Desa Seni: yoga heaven in Canggu
Bali
Desa Seni: Yoga heaven in Canggu
As I’m writing this it’s our very last morning at Desa Seni in Canggu. I’m still in one of the comfiest and romantic beds of our trip and the rain is pouring down on our roof. I was supposed to do sunrise yoga at this very moment… but the sound of the rain kept me in bed. As a Dutch girl, we normally hate rain (we get to see too much of it), but somehow I actually love it here in Indonesia.
One of a kind
Desa Seni is a special place. Every time we walk around here we say to each other, ‘this really is one of the prettiest places we’ve been’. The winding little pathways lead you through gardens full of local produce. Colorful lanterns and Balinese umbrellas color up every single corner. All the rooms are antique wooden Indonesian houses, one even more charming than the other. And the pool is the BF’s favorite so far, a saltwater one of almost Olympic size. Better for you and the world. This seems to be the overall theme at Desa Seni, trying to leave as little of a footprint as possible on this world while taking extremely good care of their guests.
Personal care
One of the things that really strikes me as amazing is the personal care at Desa Seni. Everyone who works here knows you’re name, greeting you with a big smile and asking you about your day. Every morning we get a beautifully organized prayer box in front of our house with a small note of wisdom, and every night our room is made ready-to-sleep. Those are the things that stand out. It’s not often while traveling you end up in places where everything is so personal.
Yoga heaven at Desa Seni
As much as Desa Seni is just a safe haven to relax, there’s also lots to do. Desa Seni made a name over the years because of their yoga. There are several classes on offer differing in levels and styles. Besides the regular vinyasa and hatha yoga, they offer some more adventurous classes as well. This is how I ended up at a Flyhigh Yoga class, which kind of looks like being with the circus and pretty much impossible, but turned out to be so nice! I got such good stretches out of it, way more than I normally do when doing yoga, and it looked pretty badass if I may say so myself.
Pamper time
As if doing yoga isn’t enough on the zen scale, there’s a beautiful spa to take your zen vibes to the next level. There are different treatments available ranging from a mani/pedi to chakra therapy to the best massages and full-body treatments. With Western and Eastern techniques, natural products, and specialists from all over the world, I can assure you your body, mind, and soul will be all aligned with the stars again. The only thing left to maximize your inner and outer happiness is eating, and even that is covered more than well at Desa Seni.
A place for the senses
Maybe words can’t do it justice how amazing Desa Seni is, but I’m pretty sure the photos will convince you. So if you’re planning a visit to Bali, go check this place out. Whether it’s just for the amazing yoga lessons, their Spa, their restaurant, or to stick around for a bit, Desa Seni is definitely a must-visit. It’s refreshing to take a pause, breath, and really look around for a moment and absorb the smells, the sights, the sounds, and the flavors that surround you. Don’t we all need to do that a little more often? Desa Seni, I can’t wait to see you again.
Love,
Marthe
For more info and bookings check their website here.
Photos by: M. Barends & J. Roeland©
The Bali surf guide for beginners
Bali
The Bali surf guide for beginners
How to start? Isn’t that a question we ask ourselves all the time? It’s always hard to start something new. The older you get, the higher boundaries seem to go and the less flexible we seem to become. Whether it’s learning another language, starting your own business, or in this case, jumping on a surfboard and chase waves. It’s an adventure. Learning to surf isn’t easy, let’s clear that up. It’s a lot of fun though and worth every single wipeout. A great place to start surfing is Bali. But where should you start? And how? What do you need to know? And aren’t you too old to learn? Nope, never. Just keep on reading this Bali surf guide for beginners. I bet I can even convince my mom to get on a surfboard.
Where to start?
Let’s start with the most important question. What would be a Bali surf guide without discussing the best beach in Bali to start learning? I would start in either Batu Bolong (Canggu) or Legian Beach (Kuta). These two beaches have a (semi) beach break, which means that beneath those waves there’s just sand. No rocks or reef that can hurt you when you fall (you will fall off a lot). Both of those beaches have lots of surf rental shops on the beach where you can get a surfboard and surf lessons. I know it’s really tempting to get a shortboard straight away, but believe me, you WANT one of those big ass foam boards. Why? Because of your balance. One of the first things you’ll learn while surfing is how to stand up, and it’s way easier to learn this on a big stable foam board than it is on a shortboard. Safer for you and your surroundings as well, so aim at 8’ feet up to 9‘6. The bigger the better.
How to start learning to surf
It depends a bit on the time you’d like to invest in learning how to surf. If you just wanna give it a try for an afternoon, get a three-hour lesson, preferably private. This way you can really get a taste of it, while actually achieving something with a guide that’s totally focused on you. If you feel like you need more time to properly get the hang of it, book yourself into a surf retreat. I would highly recommend doing this. That way you spend lots of time in the water, you learn a bit more about how to read waves and the ocean, and you can actually see the improvement you’re making in quite a short time. There are plenty of surf camps in Bali, so finding one that suits your needs won’t be a problem.
The power of the ocean
The most important thing to take into account before jumping into that big blue ocean is that actual pool of water. That ocean is a force of nature and it’s good to know that every single beach is different. Make sure you know how the current is, if there are any rips, and what the general conditions are. That way the lifeguards can keep on chilling on the beach, just how we like it. When arriving at a surf spot, make sure to spend at least 30 minutes studying the waves before you paddle out. Watch where the waves break, where other surfers paddle out, how big the sets (the bigger waves coming through) are, and what level of surfers the other people in the water are. Don’t paddle out when the waves look too big or heavy for you.
Safety first
Then, important as well, as I notice a lot of beginner surfers tend to forget about this. Hold on to your board! You got a big foamy board that, although made of foam, can do some damage to the people around you. Your teacher will learn you how to get through the waves, so pay good attention here. Don’t just jump off your board or let it slip without looking around if there aren’t any people around you. When trying to get through the waves, always make sure your board is vertically placed, not horizontally. It saves you a broken nose.
Right of way
It’s not only the ocean that brings a set of rules with it, but also the activity itself. There are a few surfing etiquettes that are handy to know once you go surfing green waves. The most important one is to make sure you’re not taking anyone else’s wave. Remember that the surfer closest to the breaking wave has priority. If anyone else is already on the wave, then it’s not yours to take. Have respect for the locals, as they surf those waves every single day and you are visiting their home base.
Do a warming up
Believe me when I say that a warming-up is crucial for your happiness. You will be using muscles you never knew existed and with that comes some serious muscle pain. However, warming up will help you minimize this a bit, plus will make it easier for you to paddle out and pop up. Focus on your shoulders, arms, and core while losing up and stretching.
You got addicted. What's next?
I totally get you! Apparently with surfing you either hate it or love it. I remember my first surfing experience where I actually expected to hate it but ended up being dragged out of the water because the sun was really setting and dinner was really ready. I got hooked. That feeling of catching a wave is one of the best in the world, and the paddling does get easier.
If you got addicted the best thing to do next is surf as much as possible. Spend as many hours as you can in the water, practicing, falling off your board, getting wiped out, and reading the waves. If you think of buying your own surfboard I can recommend buying a Longboard or a Mini Malibu. These boards are big and stable enough to get some confidence, and small enough to improve. One of the most made mistakes is that people tend to buy a shortboard too quickly, which leaves them struggling in the water instead of catching loads of waves and learning to become better.
The Bali Surf Guide for beginners Recap
Do you rather look at images than reading stories? No worries, we have a short recap of everything you need to know below.
Best beginner surf beach
Legian Beach or Batu Bolong
Surf essentials
Long sleeve rash guard, sunscreen and block (LOTS), zinc, and patience.
Surf shop
Folklore Surf in Canggu
After surf breakfast
Best time to visit
From May till September; it's the dry season and the swells hit the West Coast and Bukit Peninsula.
Water temperature
Between 27ºC or 81ºF in July-September, to 29ºC or 84ºF in November-May.
Just some final words
I hope this Bali surf guide gave you some itchy feet to give surfing a try as well. Those sunrise surfs, the salty hair, the good-looking surf boys and girls, and of course, just being out and active in nature really gets addictive. Maybe some last advice. Have a good sunblock, a proper warm-up (you’ll regret it the rest of the week if you don’t), and lots and lots of fun. Surf’s up!
Love,
Marthe
Ps. The best tip I ever got: PADDLE, PADDLE, PADDLE! The moment the wave touches your feet, give it three more paddles, and GO! Guaranteed success.
Photos by: M. Barends & J. Roeland©
Canggu: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Bali
Canggu: The ultimate travel guide
Canggu, the town of surfing, yoga, and vegan food (map). The town where to escape from busy Kuta and Seminyak and just go with the easy flow. I think Canggu might be one of the pioneering places in the world if we’re talking healthy stuff with their collection of vegan and raw restaurants, plenty of exercising possibilities, and spas that will make you as zen as you can be. Don’t worry, you can party till dawn as well. We spent quite a lot of time in Canggu and if there’s one thing you should do it’s surfing. Batu Bolong beach is ideal if you’d like to learn how to surf, but even the pro’s among us can have a few great sessions here or at Echo Beach. However, there’s more to Canggu than just surfing…
Sleeping in Canggu
Bali is a frontrunner in the world of amazing hotels and resorts. Beautiful interiors, infinity pools with stunning views, and exceptional hospitality are the standard, instead of the exception. Just like the rest of Bali, Canggu is scattered with one of a kind accommodations. Our two absolute favorite places to sleep in Canggu are 4Quarters and Desa Seni. Both completely different, but absolutely amazing in the interior, service, and location.
Desa Seni
Desa Seni is just beautiful. They invented the Bali vibe that all of us so desperately want to get into our own homes. The rooms are all antique Javanese homes, beautifully decorated inside out. What Desa Seni is really famous for in the area are its yoga classes which are open to both guests and non-guests. Add the outstanding personal service with an eye for details, and we were sold. Spend your days relaxing at the pool, doing yoga, getting pampered in the spa, or simply just eating. It’s all top-notch.
4 Quarters
4Quarters has four private villas that will make you wanna move in straight away. Located only 300m from Berawa beach and a short scooter drive from Batu Balong, 4Quarters is close to everything you need. The place is decorated with a love for street art and industrialism, which makes it look so cool and unique. With your private pool, not one but two semi-outdoor showers, and the most delicious breakfast menu it’s not easy to even leave the villa. Did I tell you they bake you cookies every single afternoon… I’m sold, I’m moving in for good.
Canggu restaurants
Monsieur Spoon
Monsieur Spoon… you are something special. After months of traveling through Indonesia and getting white bread every single morning, Monsieur Spoon is absolute enlightenment. Freshly baked croissants, pain au chocolate, and any choice of bread you can think of. Don’t get me started on the cakes. I had my birthday breakfast here and did a serious tasting of all of them. Nauseous at the end for sure, but that was the best breakfast ever.
The Slow
The unique interior of this Batu Balong restaurant is reason enough to visit. The way the light falls through their walls is just mesmerizing. They could serve chicken nuggets and you would still feel cool. But thank god, they don’t. Cause they look cool AND cook up great food. Their lamb is something you may wake me up for. But also the ceviche, the octopus and the chocolate pop dessert (Magnum, eat your heart out) are must-tries. For bookings for either sleeping or eating check out their website.
La Barraca
Good wine and good Italian food. La Baracca is like heaven for me. Their pizzas are just a plate of love and happiness. Oh yes, I’m a sucker for Italian deliciousness. This cozy restaurant brings Italy to Bali in all the right ways. Make reservations or get there early, cause it doesn’t matter what day of the week you visit, the place is packed.
Milk & Madu
Best garlic bread ever. Very random to say so I guess, but it has to be said. It’s not the only thing they do well, cause their extensive all-day breakfast menu got quite a few winners on it as well. Milk and Madu is a really relaxed place with good food and very friendly service, which will make you come back several times.
Not to miss in Canggu
Shop a new surfboard
If you’re looking for a new board or just simply wanna drool on beautifully shaped boards then head to Folkore Surf Shop. This surf shop on Batu Balong produces the most stunning retro boards all made to order. While doing this the ocean and the environment are constantly a big priority and taken into account in every process possible. When you buy a board here, they donate water filters to the local community who are in need of clean water. Such a beautiful brand in every way possible and we can’t support brands like Folklore enough!
Rent a motorbike
A motorbike is a must in Bali. To cruise around the island and to escape the traffic jams as much as you can, a bike is your way to go. If you fancy not only a fast ride but also a good-looking one, then MalaMadre is your friend. Old school Hondas, Cafe Racers, and even heavier motorcycles are for rent here, so eat your heart out and flaunt it. Make sure you have your international driving license with you to avoid dealing with corrupt policemen in the Denpasar area.
Surf spots in Canggu
Surf, of course! Whether you have never touched a surfboard in your life or you brought half your quiver to the island, the surf’s up in Canggu. There are several surf spots for different skill levels. Do keep in mind that no matter where you go, it’s a busy lineup. The more advanced among us will appreciate the racey, hollow, waves at Echo Beach. It’s a fast left-hander breaking over some shallow reef, so definitely not a wave for beginners. The slow wave of Batu Balong is the perfect spot for beginners. The wave works best at incoming mid-tide, but be aware of the crowds. The beach break of Berawa is a good spot for intermediates and more experienced surfers, offering a pretty fast lefthander.
Sundowners at The Lawn
Let’s just say it straight away… I love this place. There are many beach clubs in Bali, but not one of them as pretty as The Lawn in Canggu. Once you’ve tasted their espresso martini, you won’t go anywhere else. Fridays are for happy hours from 8 pm till 11 pm.. pizzas, beers, and cocktails two for one! Guess where I’ll be…
Date night at La Laguna
This place is just magical. Whether you go to La Laguna for lunch or for dinner, it really feels like you just walked into a fairytale. The whole bohemian vibe, the fairy lights, the beach view, and the delicious food are all ingredients for an incredibly romantic date night or just an amazing experience with your travel buddies.
Disco dancing at the Sand Bar
The Sand Bar represents a bit of how life should be. When you think everything is closed, just head down to the beach of Batu Balong in front of Old Man’s. Here you can dance the night away with your feet in the sand, a sky full of stars above your head, and a happy bunch of travelers from all over the world. Beers are sold straight from the cool box and the Sand Bar proofs you don’t need a lot to have a great night.
Canggu playground
Hopefully, we helped you out a bit in the playground called Canggu. It’s a great place to settle down for a bit and do day trips to all the surrounding sights. Even if you just want to unwind and reset the mind, Canggu is perfect to get stuck. Get spoiled on food, waves, and friendly vibes, and keep an eye on the website.. cause we sure have to talk about the restaurants here very soon.
Marthe
Photos by: J. Roeland & M. Barends©
Sandat Glamping Tents: an oasis in Ubud
Bali
Sandat Glamping Tents: An oasis in Ubud
Bali is well known for its original places to stay with gorgeous infinity pools, stunning views, and beautiful rooms. However, there’s one that definitely stands out here on all those points and more. Meet Sandat Glamping Tents. A luxury tent resort in Ubud with very unique rooms and great service. They are proudly the first glamping resort in Indonesia, and I can’t blame them. I would be pretty damn proud as well. This place is magnificent. It’s a small-scale accommodation just a little bit out of Ubud in between the lush green rice fields.
Peace and Serenity at Sandat Glamping Tents
While the streets of Ubud are filled with cars, people, restaurants, and shops, Sandat Glamping Tents is only ten minutes away from the main street and the complete opposite. It’s serene, quiet and you feel like you are in the middle of nature. Which technically you are. So you’re sleeping in a tent, you either love it or you hate it. However, there are places in the world where both haters and lovers would have no problem staying in a tent for a few nights. And Sandat Glamping Tents is definitely one of those places. This is camping to the next level.
How to Glamp
Our tent is surrounded by jungly greens and while washing my hands in the bathroom I’m overlooking the rice fields. At night you’ll hear the crickets and the frogs singing their song, while the wind blows through the open windows of the tent. It’s almost as if you’re sleeping in the open air in the most comfortable beds. Showering can be done inside or outside, but both with pretty views of the rice fields and forest. Each tent has a private pool, which is so private you can basically skinny dip. I love how this place integrates nature in every single way.
Become one with nature
The tents at Sandat Glamping have all the luxury you can ask for. But the biggest luxury might be the wind blowing through, the sounds of the animals at night, and waking up with the rising of the sun. One morning we had this whole sunrise plan of visiting the rice fields when it all fell apart because of heavy rains. Bummer you would think. But the sound of the rain on the tent was so peaceful, I fell asleep seconds after my 6.15 am alarm and had the best sleep-in in months.
No time to get bored
Even though there is loads to do around Ubud, I could’ve easily entertained myself around Sandat Glamping. There are yoga lessons on request (with a killer view), there are spa treatments, there’s a big collection of books and there’s your very own jungle pool. When hungry the restaurant cooks up the most delicious dishes all with as much local produce as possible. So if you’re looking for a place to recharge your battery, then this is definitely it.
Sandat Glamping Tents
Thumbs up for Sandat Glamping Tents for creating such an oasis. A place where you’ll say “wow” every time you wake up, and every time you go to bed under a sky full of stars. Where nature is such a big part of everyday life and where sustainability is very important. Go check it out for yourself, but be careful… you might stay a little longer than you planned.
Love,
Marthe
For more info on Sandat Glamping Tents or bookings have a look at their website.
Bali off the beaten track: some undiscovered treasures
Bali
Bali off the beaten track: some undiscovered treasures
Bali seems to be the hottest destination in the world at the moment. I bet your Instagram feed is full of dreamy Bali pics these days (and yes, we are very guilty of this as well). I don’t know about other countries, but in The Netherlands, it kind of is like you haven’t lived if you haven’t been to Bali yet.
Bali is, of course, stunning and there’s loads to do, so its popularity is no surprise. But when people visit Bali they seem to follow each others’ footsteps. Party in Seminyak, get your surf and vegan fix in Canggu, do yoga and visit a rice field in Ubud and maybe visit the temple of Uluwatu. Three weeks filled with fun. Yes, definitely true, but there’s so much more! Don’t you wanna discover some less touristy spots on the island of the gods? Tag along and we’ll show you the other side of Bali!
Sekumpul Waterfall
Bali has quite the collection of waterfalls, but the Sekumpul waterfalls in Northern Bali are probably its most impressive ones. An hour by scooter from Lovina Beach these waterfalls aren’t on the to-do list of most travelers. However, this is a missed chance for many. If I had to imagine how the Garden of Eden looks like, this would probably pop up in my mind. It is incredibly stunning. Take your swimmers with, cause honestly, what’s better than a waterfall shower?
Local guide
The only “downside” is that they force you to take a guide. Personally, I’m a bit allergic to this approach. Especially when it turns out you can perfectly do it on your own. However, we had a really sweet and knowledgeable guide that did add to the whole experience and made us eat the most delicious Dadar Gulung (coconut pancakes). Ha, he knew how to convince me.
Surfing Keramas
This might just be THE surf spot of Bali. And somehow no one knows about it, or at least, only diehard surfers seem to be up to date. Keramas has a powerful right-hander on a reef that can produce some great tubes. I’ve heard this place can get a bit crowded early in the morning cause of its great glassy waves, but when we were there we didn’t see more than ten people in the water at any time. Compared to the numbers of Canggu or Uluwatu, this is nothing. And shall I make it even better… there’s night surfing here!
Long headline to turn your visitors
For those who don’t surf it’s a beautiful place as well where you can enjoy your book or cocktail. The black sand beach, with its green palm trees and bright blue waters, is completely deserted which is a relief in comparison to the western beaches. Great for a day trip or, if you wanna stay overnight… definitely check out Komune Resort; heaven on earth for both surfers and non-surfers.
Munduk
Up in the Northern hills is the tiny village of Munduk. Munduk itself isn’t really mindblowing, but its surroundings definitely are. Rolling green hills with ricefields, and vanilla and coffee plantations will give you endless vistas. On a clear day, you can even see the ocean from up here. There are lots of waterfalls and the temples around the nearby Danau Tamblingan and Buyan are definitely worth a visit. Munduk is a place for relaxation. If you are looking for a place to stay in the Munduk area, look into Sanak Retreat. We didn’t stay here, but this place looked absolutely beautiful with its wooden bungalows surrounded by nature. Not only does it looks amazing, but they also make sure they give back to the local community in every way possible.
Gunung Kawi
When you are visiting Ubud and you got a bit of time left, then take the scooter to Gunung Kawi. This ancient temple from the 11th century is not the most well known and is surrounded by rice fields. Gunung Kawi is different from other temples because of its huge rock statues carved into the mountain behind it. While walking down to the temple complex you’ll get treated to some stunning proper Bali vistas and locals selling fresh coconuts. It’s best to visit the temple early in the morning as it’s a little bit cooler and hardly any people. Bring a sarong as it’s mandatory to have your legs covered for both women and men.
Wanna discover more hidden gems in the Ubud area? Check out our Ultimate Ubud Guide!
Balangan Beach
Google maps led us through dry hills with endless views and little villages wondering if we were really going in the right direction. The beach couldn’t be that far, right? We might have taken the scenic route, but it did add to the feeling that we were on to something. A place that isn’t packed with tourists and doesn’t include a traffic jam for getting there. And Balangan delivered. This gold sandy beach has cute little beach huts serving up fresh coconuts and local fare with the best view possible. Waves kept on rolling in here and they were absolutely perfect. Surrounded by cliffs Balangan beach has quite the backdrop, and it’s just a short climb up those cliffs to enjoy some million-dollar vistas.
Bali's treasures
The island of the Gods has so much to offer you can spend months discovering it all. Those places above will be in contrast to the well known Seminyak or Ubud, which will give you such a diverse taste of Bali. Get a scooter or a local driver and explore the east, the west, and the north where tourists aren’t on every square meter. Isn’t it good to know there are still some quiet spots on the island of Bali to enjoy its beauty without the crowds?
Peace, love, and coconuts,
Marthe
Photos by: M. Barends & J. Roeland ©