My Bali Adventure: From Beaches to Ubud

Flight and Arrival:

Our journey began with an Emirates flight at 14:30, which meant we needed to be at the airport by 10:30 am. This gave us plenty of time to get checked in, go through security, and relax with a drink. Emirates provided excellent service with plenty of food, drinks, and entertainment — movies, podcasts, and music kept us entertained. The first leg of our journey to Dubai was 6.5 hours, followed by an 8.5-hour flight to Bali. We had a few hours to spare in Dubai airport before the long haul to Denpasar Airport in Bali.

Upon arrival, be prepared to wait around an hour for checked baggage and, if you’ve been flying for a while, expect some swollen legs. A note to fellow travelers: getting your Bali visa done before departure will save you long queues at the airport.

Day 1 - Monday: Arrival in Bali

Bali immigration can be a bit hectic, so we highly recommend arranging your visa beforehand. There’s also a customs form available via a QR code on your phone, but be aware that you’ll need a decent WiFi connection. We made it through smoothly and soon met a lovely girl from Cork traveling alone. Together, we opted for a SIM card from Telkomsel, which was easy and affordable. The staff handles everything for you.

After grabbing our new SIM cards, we shared a taxi to Canggu — the traffic was reminiscent of Dublin during rush hour. Nearly two hours later, we arrived at the Aston Hotel. Little did we know, it was party central! After check-in, we enjoyed dinner at the hotel (thanks to a voucher), had a few drinks, and watched the rain pour down before heading to bed exhausted.

Day 2 - Tuesday: Relax and Recharge

We woke up to a fantastic breakfast with plenty of choices and then headed up to the 5th floor to relax by the infinity pool. There’s a €15 full-body massage available at the hotel, which was an absolute treat. If you're traveling to Bali, consider using Revolut for better exchange rates, and be sure to download the GRAB app for affordable transport options.

In the evening, we visited Finn’s for food and entertainment. It’s a popular spot with plenty of energy, though it wasn’t exactly what we had in mind for a quiet night out. Of course, it rained again — a little reminder of Ireland!

Day 3 - Wednesday: Bali Belly and Surfing Adventures

Wednesday was a bit rough — my friend was struck with Bali Belly since early morning. After grabbing the necessary supplies from a nearby shop, I headed off for a surfing lesson with our new friend. Despite a few tumbles, including a head-on collision with my surfboard, it was so much fun! Afterward, I got a coconut drink and took a GRAB bike back to check on my friend.

Sadly, she was still unwell, so we called a doctor who arrived with an IV drip and some medication to help her recover. The night was long as the street noise made it difficult to sleep, but I was thankful for some rest.

Day 4 - Thursday: The Ups and Downs of Bali Belly

Thursday started with breakfast and some time by the pool. My second friend started feeling off, but she managed lunch, while I took a bike ride to visit the first friend. The scooters are so cheap and a fun way to get around. Unfortunately, by the afternoon, I started feeling ill too — yes, Bali Belly hit me as well. After booking a doctor, I spent the night uncomfortable but thankfully not as bad as my friend had been.

Day 5 - Friday: A Healthier Day and New Adventures

On Friday, the doctor came through with an IV drip, vitamins, and medication. I felt much better and was able to join my friends for lunch and some light shopping. We booked a couple of exciting trips — one to Uluwatu and another to Nusa Penida for the weekend. That evening, we walked to Echo Beach, had a small snack, and watched the cloudy sunset before heading back to the hotel for a quiet night in.

Day 6 - Saturday: Uluwatu Adventure

Our day trip to Uluwatu was filled with amazing sights! We started at the GWK Temple (the tallest in Bali), then visited a coffee plantation and Bluefin Beach for dinner (though the meal didn’t sit too well with me after Bali Belly). Our final stop was Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliff’s edge. The views were breathtaking, and the Kirtan Dance was a highlight. We returned to the hotel exhausted, knowing the next day would be another exciting adventure.

Day 7 - Sunday: Nusa Penida and Fast Boats

Sunday was our trip to Nusa Penida. We boarded a “Fastboat,” which was an experience in itself. The ride was scary, but the real adventure began when we tried to snorkel. After hearing about jellyfish stings from others, we hesitated, but eventually, we plunged in and loved every moment. Next, we went to Kelingking Cliff for some epic photos before heading to Crystal Beach for a more relaxed afternoon.

After a long day, we made our way back, catching a slow drive back through the familiar Canggu traffic.

Week Two - Ubud

On Monday, we hit the road for Ubud with Gede, our amazing driver and tour guide. As we left Canggu, we instantly felt the difference in the atmosphere. Ubud had a serenity that we hadn’t experienced yet. After checking in at the Grand Sehati Hotel, we explored the area and stopped by Atman Cafe for a light lunch — pizza and wine, perfect for unwinding.

Later, we found ourselves walking the Campuhan Ridge Walk, which offered stunning views of rice fields and the sunset. The walk was long, but the views made it worth it. We returned to the hotel feeling deeply relaxed, ready to dive into the peacefulness of Ubud.

Final Thoughts:

Bali has been a journey full of adventure, challenges, and incredible experiences. From the lively streets of Canggu to the peaceful serenity of Ubud, every moment has been unforgettable. Though Bali Belly struck, it couldn’t take away from the beauty and spirit of this island. If you plan to visit, be prepared for the surprises and magic that come with it!