My Unforgettable 3 Weeks in Bali: Kuta, Ubud, and Gili Air 🌊🌴

/ Experience, Indonesia, South East Asia / By

Bali has always been one of those dreamy destinations I’ve longed to explore. So, when my wife and I finally booked our three-week trip to celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary, I couldn’t contain my excitement! It turned out to be one of the most vibrant, soul-refreshing, and exciting experiences of our lives. Let me walk you through everything we experienced in Bali, from bustling Kuta to serene Ubud and the breathtaking Gili Air.

Week 1: Kuta 🍻🏝️

Kuta was our first stop, and it’s every bit the lively paradise I imagined. From the moment we landed, the energy of this place was infectious. Here’s what we got up to:

Uluwatu Temple

Our first big outing was to Uluwatu Temple, perched high on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. The temple itself was beautiful, a true testament to Balinese architecture and spirituality. But the highlight of our visit was definitely the sunset. Watching the sky turn vibrant shades of orange, pink, and purple as the waves crashed below felt surreal. The sound of the ocean combined with the chants of the temple priests created an otherworldly atmosphere.

I must admit, the monkeys here are quite cheeky! One of them tried to snatch my sunglasses, but thankfully a kind local warned me just in time. The temple grounds are sprawling, so we spent about two hours exploring. I also learned that Uluwatu is considered one of Bali’s six key temples, believed to protect the island from evil spirits. This sense of cultural importance added a profound layer to our visit.

If you go, don’t miss the Kecak Fire Dance performed in the amphitheatre near the temple. It’s a captivating traditional Balinese dance that narrates the story of the Ramayana. We paid IDR 150,000 (around US$10) per person to watch it, and it was worth every penny.

  • Entry Fee: IDR 50,000 (around US$3.25)
  • Transportation Cost: IDR 160,000 (approximately US$10.50) one way with Grab
  • Google Maps Location

Tanah Lot

Another stunning temple we visited was Tanah Lot, situated on a rocky outcrop in the sea. This temple is one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks, and for good reason. We arrived early in the morning to avoid the crowds, and the serenity was unmatched. The sight of the temple with waves crashing around it was like stepping into a postcard.

As we explored the area, we discovered smaller shrines and viewpoints that offered equally mesmerising vistas. We were also lucky to catch a low tide, which allowed us to walk closer to the temple. Local guides shared stories about the temple’s significance, explaining that it’s dedicated to the sea god and serves as a place of worship for Balinese Hindus.

One of the highlights was visiting the holy water spring beneath the temple. The locals believe it has healing properties, so we couldn’t resist trying it out! After exploring, we stopped by the nearby market to pick up some souvenirs and snacks. Grilled corn and fresh coconut water were my favourites. By the time we left, the place was packed with tourists, so arriving early was definitely the right call.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park was another must-see during our time in Kuta. The park is home to the massive Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, which stands at a staggering 120 metres tall. It’s one of the tallest statues in the world and a symbol of Bali’s cultural heritage. As we approached the statue, its sheer size left us awestruck.

The park itself is beautifully landscaped, with paths winding through gardens, fountains, and smaller statues. We spent the afternoon exploring and learning about the mythology behind the statue. The story of Vishnu riding his mythical bird companion, Garuda, to protect the world is fascinating and deeply rooted in Hindu tradition.

We also caught a live Balinese dance performance at the amphitheatre, which was vibrant and engaging. The dancers’ elaborate costumes and graceful movements were mesmerising. If you’re into photography, there are plenty of great spots in the park to capture memorable shots. We ended our visit with a meal at the on-site restaurant, where we enjoyed some delicious Balinese cuisine.

Exploring Kuta’s Local Bars

Kuta’s nightlife is legendary, and we made the most of it by bar-hopping through the area. One of our favourite spots was Sky Garden Bali, a rooftop bar with fantastic views, great music, and an all-you-can-eat buffet that’s surprisingly affordable. We also checked out some smaller local bars, where we enjoyed live music and mingled with both locals and tourists.

Each bar had its own vibe, from chill reggae tunes to upbeat dance tracks. Trying Bali’s local beer, Bintang, was a must, and I also indulged in some tropical cocktails. The nightlife here is vibrant and varied, catering to all tastes. Whether you want to dance the night away or relax with a drink, Kuta has it all.

Week 2: Ubud 🌿🍕

After the high energy of Kuta, Ubud was a soothing change. It’s a cultural hub with lush greenery and lots of opportunities to immerse yourself in Balinese traditions.

Ubud Main Streets

Wandering the main streets of Ubud was like stepping into a different world. The area is a mix of traditional and modern, with artisan markets, yoga studios, and vegan cafés sitting alongside ancient temples and family-run warungs. We spent hours just exploring, popping into shops and soaking in the atmosphere.

The markets were a treasure trove of handmade crafts, from intricate wood carvings to colourful textiles. I picked up a few souvenirs, including a beautiful batik scarf and some locally made jewellery. Food was another highlight—we tried everything from babi guling (suckling pig) to nasi campur (a mixed rice dish). Every meal felt like a culinary adventure.

At night, the streets came alive with traditional dance performances and street food stalls. One evening, we attended a Legong dance performance at the Ubud Palace, and it was enchanting. The intricate hand gestures and facial expressions of the dancers were captivating, and the setting added to the magic.

Lake Batur Taxi Tour

One of the highlights of Ubud was our one-day taxi tour to Lake Batur. The drive was stunning, with rice terraces and small villages along the way. When we arrived, the view of the lake and Mount Batur in the background was breathtaking. We stopped at a nearby coffee plantation to try kopi luwak (civet coffee), which was an interesting experience, to say the least!

We paid IDR 550,000 (around US$36) for the taxi tour after comparing prices from different agencies in Ubud’s streets. Many offer lower prices than the standard rates if you shop around, and this helped us save quite a bit on our day trips.

  • Cost of Taxi Tour: IDR 550,000 (around US$36)

Cooking Class

On another day, we joined a Balinese cooking class, and it was hands-down one of my favourite activities! We learned to make dishes like sate lilit (minced seafood satay) and Balinese curry. The experience of shopping at a local market in the morning made it even more special.

By exploring different options, we found a class for IDR 250,000 (about US$17), significantly less than some pricier options. Asking around really pays off when booking activities in Bali.

  • Cost: IDR 250,000 (about US$17) per person

Week 3: Gili Air 🏊🌺

For the final leg of our trip, we hopped over to Gili Air, a tiny island that’s part of the Gili Islands. Imagine pristine beaches, no cars, and a laid-back vibe – it was pure paradise.

Snorkelling Adventures

Snorkelling in Gili Air was unreal. The crystal-clear waters were teeming with marine life, and we even spotted a few sea turtles! There are plenty of snorkelling spots around the island, and you can either rent equipment or join a tour. We opted for a snorkelling tour priced at IDR 120,000 (around US$8), which we booked directly from a small booth on the island.

Comparing prices with different vendors saved us some cash, as most initial offers were higher. This budget-friendly option didn’t compromise on the experience—it was every bit as incredible as we hoped!

  • Snorkelling Tour Cost: IDR 120,000 (about US$8)

Exploring the Island on Foot

Gili Air is so small you can walk around the entire island in under two hours. We spent our days strolling along the beaches, sipping fresh coconuts, and enjoying the tranquillity. Sunset Beach was my favourite spot—watching the sun dip into the ocean with a cocktail in hand was the perfect way to end each day.

Final Thoughts ❤️

Bali exceeded all my expectations. Each place offered something unique, from Kuta’s vibrant nightlife and stunning temples to Ubud’s cultural richness and Gili Air’s island paradise vibes. Three weeks felt like a dream, and I left feeling refreshed and inspired. If you’re planning a trip, Bali should be at the top of your list!

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