Travel Bali by Yourself

Travel Bali by Yourself: The Charm of a Cultural Island and Ocean Waves

For me, mr.hotsia, Bali is an island with a unique charm unlike anywhere else in the world. Although many know Bali for its white sandy beaches and strong ocean waves of the Indian Ocean, if you truly travel Bali by yourself, you will experience much more: the vibrant Hindu culture, Balinese way of life, and local food so delicious you have to share.

Choosing Accommodation in Bali: Kuta, Ubud, or Denpasar?

When it comes to choosing accommodation in Bali for most tourists, they usually think of theKUTAarea, which is about 5 kilometers from Denpasar Airport. This place is the heart of strong sea breezes and waves, making it a paradise for surfers from around the world, especially foreigners visiting during the high wave season. It’s like Phuket’s Patong Beach with lively atmosphere, a variety of restaurants and hotels ranging from budget options costing just a few hundred baht to luxurious 5-star hotels. If you love the sea and want to wake up to a walk along the sandy beach, Kuta is a choice you shouldn’t overlook.Read more about traveling from the airportfor convenience

But for those who don’t like the sea or want to experience Bali from a different perspective, I, mr.hotsia, recommendUbudlocated in the center of the island. Ubud’s atmosphere is that of an art and cultural town with many tourists but still peaceful and surrounded by beautiful nature. Most accommodations are beautifully decorated in traditional Balinese style. I once stayed atSULENDRA Bungalowwhich is in the Hanuman Street area near the town center. It’s quiet and suitable for those who really want to relax. Although some rooms are a bit humid, overall I liked it a lot. If you want maps or more details, click to seeUbud City Information, Bali

Another area where I stayed for 4 nights is the city center ofDenpasarwhich is about 10 kilometers from Kuta. This city has almost no foreign tourists and is perfect for those who want to experience the real Balinese way of life. You can walk through the lively fresh markets and flower markets open 24 hours, and enjoy local food like delicious satay at local markets. Accommodation prices are also very affordable. This is a side many overlook, but I, mr.hotsia, believe it is the true heart of Bali.Read more about Balinese cuisine

Traveling Bali by Yourself: Renting a Car, Visiting Temples, and Viewing Volcanoes

For traveling Bali like mr.hotsia, I recommend renting a car with a driver because the main tourist spots in Bali are spread far apart. Especially if you travel in a group of 4, it’s very cost-effective. For me, once I rented a car for a day (10 hours). The driver took me to two main places:Tanah Lot Templewhich is a famous sea temple, andthe viewpoint of Mount Batur volcano craterwhich offers beautiful views of the volcano and lake. This viewpoint has a buffet restaurant, but the food taste is generally not outstanding. It’s better for enjoying the view. Entrance fee is about 300 baht per person. The driver also receives a small commission.

From this viewpoint, I saw black soil left from the volcanic eruption in 2000, but the driver said it’s dangerous to walk close. After that, he took me tothe underground sacred water templewhere water springs continuously and tourists often bathe for good luck. This temple impressed me greatly.Watch the video of Bali’s sacred spring

Balinese Culture and Way of Life to Discover

Bali is not just about the sea and volcanoes but also an island rich in strong Hindu culture. Every Balinese household has a personal shrine and regularly places offering baskets along houses and streets. This atmosphere made me, mr.hotsia, feel like I was truly experiencing the real life of the people here, not just passing tourism.

If you like walking markets and eating local food, don’t miss the fresh and flower markets in Denpasar. They are lively day and night. I tried Balinese satay calledsate kambingor goat meat satay, which was very fragrant and tender. The sweet dipping sauce matched perfectly, so I ordered many more sticks. There are also chicken and pork satays that are cheap and equally delicious. Try to find a chance to taste them.Read more about Medan and Balinese cuisine

Tips for Traveling Bali by Yourself

I traveled in May. The weather was quite hot with some rain in the evenings, so it’s good to bring a small raincoat or umbrella. If you want to rent a bicycle in Ubud, be careful because the roads are narrow and busy. Choose a bike with gears for convenience and to avoid getting too tired.

If you want a complete and worthwhile Bali trip, I recommend going with at least 4 people because the car and driver costs will be much cheaper and it’s convenient to travel to temples and viewpoints that are far apart. Also, don’t forget to plan well because some places require taxi or rental car travel only.

Summary of mr.hotsia’s Experience with Bali

For me, Bali is not just an island for surfing or taking photos with sea views, but a place full of culture and interesting ways of life, including local food with unique charm. Whether relaxing by the sea in Kuta, enjoying nature and art in Ubud, or strolling markets and eating delicious food in Denpasar city, every area has its own story and charm. I, mr.hotsia, recommend you try traveling by yourself, and you will discover much more to explore in Bali.