Bali in 13 Days: Salt in My Hair, Peace in My Soul
- Binge Living
- May 17
- 3 min read
If paradise had an address, I’m pretty sure it would be Bali. From rugged coastlines and coral-rich waters to beautiful rice terraces and soul-soothing massages, our 12-day journey across this Indonesian gem was nothing short of magical. Here’s a snapshot of what went down:
Canggu Mornings & Seminyak Detours (3 Nights)
Our Balinese escapade began in Canggu, the beachy boho heart of Bali. Picture surfer-friendly waves, beachfront cafes, and smoothies that look too pretty to drink. We explored the buzzing cafes by day and dipped into the music and party scene by night.
One evening, we zipped off to Seminyak—a contrast to Canggu’s laid-back vibe. Think high-end boutiques, swanky beach clubs, and perfect sunset selfies at Potato Head. We also carved out time to visit Uluwatu, with its majestic cliff-top temple and famous Kecak fire dance at sunset. A cultural and visual treat, Uluwatu was our perfect first taste of Bali’s spiritual and natural drama.
Gili Trawangan: Island Life & Underwater Dreams (2 Nights)
Next stop: Gili Trawangan, reached via a fast boat from Bali. Gili T is equal parts party island and peaceful escape.
The highlight? Scuba diving. The underwater world off Gili was mesmerizing—crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral gardens, and graceful sea turtles gliding past. For a first-timer, it was intimidating and exhilarating all at once. If you ever want to understand what “serenity” feels like, try breathing underwater while surrounded by marine magic.
Nusa Penida: Beaches from a Dream (3 Nights)
From there, we hopped over to Nusa Penida, Bali’s wilder, more rugged cousin. The island's dramatic cliffs and Instagram-famous beaches delivered every bit of the awe we were expecting.
We covered all the postcard-perfect spots—Diamond Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, Kelingking, and Atuh Beach. Each had its own raw beauty, with crashing waves and towering rock formations. Be warned: Nusa’s roads are not for the faint-hearted, but every bumpy ride leads to a jaw-dropping reward.
Ubud: The Heartbeat of Bali (4 Nights)
We ended our Bali journey in Ubud—the island’s cultural soul—and honestly, there couldn't have been a better place for a finale.
Our days here were a beautiful balance of nature, culture, and just the right dose of thrill. We wandered through the iconic Tegallalang rice terraces, mesmerized by the layered greens and quiet charm. The Ubud Palace gave us a glimpse into Balinese royalty, while the town’s buzzing shopping streets had us happily hopping from handcrafted souvenirs to boutique finds.
Of course, no trip to Ubud feels complete without doing the famous Bali Swing—and yes, we took the leap, screamed a little, and snapped a lot.
One of the most grounding highlights was visiting Tirta Empul Temple, where we joined locals in the sacred water purification ritual. It was peaceful, moving, and one of those travel moments that quietly stay with you.
Then came the muddy fun—an adrenaline-filled ATV ride through jungles and off-road trails, followed by an unforgettable round of white-water rafting down the Ayung River. Between the splash fights and the stunning riverside scenery, we couldn’t stop grinning.
We made it a point to end most days with soothing Balinese massages, letting our bodies completely surrender to the rhythm of rest and relaxation.
And while we didn’t make it to the Mount Batur sunrise trek this time, it’s something we’d recommend to every adventure lover. Watching the sun rise from a volcano’s edge? Sounds like pure magic—and reason enough to come back.
What made this trip unforgettable was the mix—surf town charm, island adventure, beach-hopping, and cultural immersion. Bali gives you a little bit of everything: thrill, peace and love.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat.
Until next time, Bali 🌺
