Bali was once a magnet for in-the-know backpackers and surfers drawn to the Indonesian island’s tropical climate, friendly locals, and laid-back vibe. Today, Bali draws every type of traveler, from wellness enthusiasts seeking renewal to sun-seekers looking to unwind by the beach.
From flashy Seminyak to bohemian Canggu, peaceful yoga hub Ubud and surfer’s paradise Uluwatu, there’s much to uncover.
Seminyak
Seminyak is home to Bali’s upscale restaurant scene, not to mention some of the most stylish hotels on the island.
Mama San is a modern South East Asian spot with mouth-watering food and cocktails. For a day club vibe, try out Mrs Sippy, a bar/restaurant/pool combo where the menu diverges from your typical deckchair fare with dishes like sashimi bowls and wagyu beef.
Meanwhile, Da Maria aims to ‘bring the Amalfi Coast to Bali.’ The Instagram-able space serves up Napoli-approved pizza and a mostly Italian drinks list, including pinot grigio, chianti, and apertivo.
Head to the W Bali – Seminyak to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with Asian influencers at the beachfront Starfish Bloo restaurant.
Canggu
For a slower pace than Seminyak, head about half an hour up the coast to Canggu, a five-mile stretch of killer surf break and fishing villages that offers a more authentic experience of the ‘real’ Bali.
Cycling through rice fields and wandering around markets are the two main activities here aside from surfing, swimming, and eating—of course. Canggu is a hipster café dream; smoothies, acai bowls, and avocado toast, as well as nutritious modern takes on Indonesian fare reign supreme at cool kid spots like Crate Café, Milk & Madu, Poke Poke, and Deus Café.
At sunset head to The Lawn, a sprawling stretch of grass overlooking the ocean where you can enjoy food and drinks on an array of mats and cushions on the ground, or on the large deck strung with fairy lights. For fine-dining, don’t miss Sangsaka‘s modern take on traditional Indonesian cuisine in a chic, intimate setting.
Ubud
An hour north of Seminyak and away from the coast is Ubud, famous for its green hills, Hindu temples, and terraced rice paddies, as well as a yoga scene that’s been booming since Elizabeth Gilbert wrote about the area in Eat, Pray, Love.
Locavore spots rule the fine-dining scene in Ubud, where local ingredients are prepared and presented in an uber-modern style by world-class chefs, and buzzy ingredients like duck eggs, wildflowers, and fermented produce make the menu.
Take a sunrise hike to Mount Batur (the early start time is worth it), a stroll along the Campuhan Ridge Walk (refuel at Karsa Cafe at the end of the trail), a visit to Tirta Empul Temple where locals worship in the water, or shopping for locally-made goods such as silk scarves and woven bags at the Ubud Art Market opposite the Royal Palace.
Uluwatu
Beloved by board riders thanks to reliably good surf breaks, Uluwatu—on Bali’s southwest peninsula—has a look and feel entirely different from that of Seminyak or Canggu.
Single Fin Bar is an Uluwatu institution, especially in the afternoon when flip-flop clad surfers and land-dwellers alike gather to sink cold Bintangs (popular local beer) as the sun sets. The menu is an eclectic mix of food, such as curries, tacos, pizza and burgers.
While you’re in town, don’t forget to visit Dreamland Beach, arguably the most stunning stretch of white sand in the area, and visit the ancient Uluwatu Temple. Just make sure you hold tight to your things—the monkeys that inhabit the temple are known to snatch up unaware tourists’ belongings.
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