Having not visited Bali since 1997 — despite selling it countless times while living in Perth, Western Australia — I jumped at the chance to return for an updated look in 2019. Here are some of my thoughts and tips from the trip.
Transfers
Grab and Gojek (similar to Uber) are very common throughout Bali and are an affordable way to get around. However, be aware that these services are not permitted in certain areas, particularly around some hotels and tourist zones.
There are plenty of taxis available, and they are generally very inexpensive. That said, arriving at the airport can feel quite overwhelming, with so many drivers waiting outside it can be difficult to locate your own transfer driver.
For travellers who may feel a little nervous or overwhelmed on arrival, I would highly recommend arranging an airport transfer directly through your hotel. Hotel drivers are usually much easier to identify, often wearing uniforms and carrying clearly marked signs.
An even better option is to arrange a Fast Track arrival service for approximately USD35 per person. You are met directly at your flight and escorted through Immigration and Customs, making the arrival process far smoother and far less stressful — especially after a long flight.
Hotel Indigo Seminyak
Located in the southern part of Seminyak, this hotel is separated from the beach by a small bike path and roadway. It is within easy walking distance of Seminyak Square and is surrounded by plenty of shopping, cafés, and restaurants, making it a fantastic location for those wanting to explore the area on foot.
The hotel also provides a convenient shuttle service operating three times daily, offering drop-offs and pickups to and from Seminyak Square.
While the beachfront setting is lovely, the beach itself is not the best for swimming.
The lobby area is very impressive, with beautiful styling and thoughtful touches throughout the property. One standout feature is the unique welcome drink that changes colour — a fun and memorable way to begin your stay.
The Pottery Cafe was an excellent coffee spot and roasts its own beans, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a quality coffee while exploring Seminyak.
SugarSand Beach Club offers beautiful sunset views over the beach and is a fantastic spot for people-watching. The venue also features a pool and comfortable daybeds, and it is open to the general public for those wanting to enjoy the beach club atmosphere.
Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach is also home to the impressive Sava Spa, which was awarded “Best Spa in a 5-Star Resort in Indonesia.” This recognition marked the first national-level award received by the hotel’s talented spa team and highlights the exceptional wellness experience on offer.
Intercontinental Jimbaran Bay
Located in Jimbaran Bay, this resort enjoys a beautiful stretch of beach that is ideal for swimming and famous for its amazing sunsets. The beach is relatively uncrowded, making it perfect for a peaceful morning or evening walk.
The local seafood markets are located just down the beach, offering a great option for dinner outside of the resort. While there is not a great deal of shopping immediately nearby, there are a few local restaurants within the area. For a more traditional Bali shopping experience, South Kuta is approximately a 15-minute drive away.
The resort itself is expansive, with rooms overlooking different areas of the lush gardens, tranquil pond systems, and in some cases, the beach itself. The gardens are beautifully maintained, with plenty of relaxing spaces and multiple swimming pools throughout the property. It is an excellent choice for both couples and families.
There is a lovely swim-up pool bar, along with numerous outdoor dining options located around the pool areas and beachfront. Families are well catered for with a children’s play area near the beach and bar precinct, a dedicated kids’ pool, and an excellent kids’ club. The resort also offers a wide range of activities including bicycle hire and morning yoga sessions.
Dining options are extensive, with several food and beverage venues across the resort. There are three breakfast locations, two of which are situated near the beach. Guests can also enjoy a Japanese restaurant with teppanyaki, an Italian restaurant, a beach bar and grill, and an excellent poolside dining menu. The food and beverage offerings were first class, as was the service throughout the resort. Live music is also featured at selected venues during the evenings, creating a wonderful atmosphere.
For guests departing Bali on late-night flights, the resort offers a complimentary day lounge complete with light refreshments, showers, toilets, and large lockers for luggage storage. It is an excellent facility that removes the need to pay for a late check-out and makes departure day far more comfortable.
Komaneka at Keramus Beach
Located in a quiet area on the east coast of Bali, this resort sits on a beautiful black sand surf beach and is the perfect place to completely relax and unwind for a few days away from the busier tourist areas.
Even if you are not staying at the resort, guests are welcome to visit for lunch and enjoy use of the pool facilities, making it a lovely day-trip option.
Timur Kitchen has a beautiful beachfront setting with stunning ocean views and serves fabulous food in a very relaxed atmosphere.
One of the lovely features of the resort is its commitment to fresh produce, with many of the vegetables, herbs, spices, and even oyster mushrooms grown onsite.
The one-bedroom villas are beautifully appointed, each offering ocean views and private pools. These villas are conveniently located closer to the main facilities including the pool, restaurant, and spa, making them easy to access.
The two-bedroom villas enjoy lovely outlooks towards the rice paddies at the rear of the property. However, it is worth noting that the ocean views are partially over the rooftops of the villas in front, and these villas do require a longer walk involving stairs or uphill paths to reach them.
Ubud
I would recommend spending a few nights at one of the beautiful, relaxed retreats overlooking the rice paddies. It is a wonderful way to experience a quieter, more peaceful side of Bali, surrounded by nature and traditional scenery.
If you are only visiting for the day, I would suggest leaving early in order to avoid the heavier traffic, particularly as you get closer to the main town areas.
The main town is now quite busy, with a large number of shops and a bustling market, so planning your timing carefully can make the visit much more enjoyable and relaxed.
Beach Clubs
Potato Head Beach Club in Seminyak was once the place to be, and while it still has a strong reputation and an iconic setting, many visitors feel it has lost a little of its original buzz and edge in recent years.
It remains part of the wider Katamama and Desa Potato Head precinct, which is currently drawing more attention for its design-led approach, restaurants, and creative atmosphere. Katamama in particular is seen as the more “on-trend” dining and lifestyle space within the complex at the moment.
Overall, it’s still worth a visit for the beachfront location and sunset views, but the experience today feels a little more polished and curated compared to its earlier, more raw beach club vibe.
One of the other very popular spots right now is Mexicola — a lively Mexican restaurant and bar in Seminyak, known for its energetic atmosphere, bold interiors, and late-night vibe. It’s not far from The Samaya Seminyak, making it an easy stop if you’re staying in that area.
They also have a sister venue, Tropicola Beach Club, which has opened more recently and has quickly become a favourite. Located between Seminyak and Canggu, it’s close to Finns Beach Club and offers a bright, retro-inspired beach club setting with pools, music, and a strong social scene.
Together, they represent the newer wave of Bali venues — more curated, design-focused, and experience-driven — with Mexicola leaning into high-energy nightlife and Tropicola delivering a stylish beachfront day-to-evening beach club feel.
Canggu
This area is definitely where a lot of the current energy has shifted in Bali — it’s more about beach clubs, bars, and social dining rather than traditional resort-style accommodation, so many people stay in nearby Seminyak or Canggu and come in for the day and evening scene.
A few of the standout spots include:
The Lawn Canggu — A very popular beachfront venue that sits somewhere between a relaxed restaurant and a lively bar. It’s known for sunset drinks, casual dining, beanbags on the grass, and a chilled but social atmosphere rather than a full nightclub feel.
Old Man’s Bali — One of Canggu’s most iconic hangouts and still considered one of the key social hubs in the area. It has a very casual surf-bar vibe during the day and becomes more lively in the evenings, often hosting events and themed nights.
Finns Beach Club — One of the largest and most high-energy beach clubs in Bali. It has multiple pools, DJ sets, daybeds, and a very party-focused atmosphere. It’s often described as a “nightclub on the beach” and attracts a big international crowd. Overall, this stretch between Seminyak and Canggu has become one of the most dynamic parts of Bali, especially for sunset drinks, beach clubs, and nightlife — although accommodation is still more limited directly in the immediate beachfront hotspots, with most visitors staying a short drive away.
Day Spa Option
Bodyworks Spa in Seminyak is a long-established day spa offering a wide range of treatments, from traditional Balinese massages and body scrubs to hair and beauty services.
It’s known for being well-priced compared to many resort spas, while still maintaining a professional standard of service and experienced therapists. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it a popular choice for both visitors and repeat travellers looking for good-value spa treatments in a convenient Seminyak location.
With such extensive experience in Bali, you’re in safe hands with me when you need to book your next getaway — whether it’s with all the luxury trimmings or for a transformative peaceful escape.