42 Days in Bali: A Love Letter to Island Life

Bali. The island of dreams, digital nomads, and a million scooters. I tanned, I ate my weight in smoothie bowls and sushi, and somehow survived the infamous Bali Belly.

First Stop: Uluwatu—Beaches, Cliffside Views & An Unfortunate Encounter with Bali Belly

You know those beaches that look like they belong in a screensaver? That’s Uluwatu. Dramatic cliffs, turquoise water, and waves so massive they should come with a warning sign.

First beach stop? Nyang Nyang Beach. Beautiful, very few people, and huge waves.
Bingin Beach aid-back vibes, cute cafés, and boutique shopping I didn’t need but absolutely indulged in.
Padang Padang? Gorgeous, touristy, and home to surf lessons but also huge waves.

Then, just as I was settling into my beach routine—Bali Belly. One day you’re sipping fresh coconut by the ocean, the next you’re aggressively hugging the toilet. If you take nothing else from this, carry activated charcoal everywhere.

Canggu: Where Cafés, Surfboards & Finn’s Beach Club Rule the World

Canggu. The land of avocado toast, perfectly priced matcha (if your from the US at least), and tons of traffic and scooters everywhere yelling “bike bike”

Best matcha? Matcha Cafe. 10/10, life-changing, I got the strawberry matcha, would drink daily.
Favorite meal? Fuji Sushi Berawa. Cheap, fresh, and I’d fly back just for one more bite.
Best beach club experience? Finn’s. Touristy & Overpriced? Yes. Worth it? Also yes but Mexicola’s and Old Mans are also good.

Ubud: Monkeys, Rice Fields & One Very Cute Elephant

Just when I thought I’d seen the best of Bali, Ubud completely changed the vibe. It’s green, peaceful, and filled with yoga retreats.

The Tegalalang Rice Terraces at sunrise? 10/10, would frolic through again.
Sweet Orange Walk? A quiet hidden gem, complete with a mango matcha. 10/10
Mason Elephant Park? The best day ever. We bathed, fed, and rode elephants what more could you ask for

Gili T: Biking, Beach Bars & the Best Scuba Dive of My Life

No cars. No scooters. Just bikes, beach bars, and an endless island breeze.

Gili T was an absolute dream. Mornings started with a bike ride along the coast, and every afternoon ended with a coconut in hand, toes in the sand.

I went with DPM Diving and saw everything from turtles to eels and even a black-tip reef shark. If you’ve never dived before, do it here the water is so clear and the marine life is something you’ll never forget.

Amed: Black Sand & Shark Sightings

I didnt expect a lot from Amed because most people don’t make the journey there when visiting Bali, However since we had the time we did and I’m so glad we did! From Lahanagan Sweet to the diving the USAT shipwreck everything was amazing.

Scuba highlights? Spotted jellyfish, eels, and another black tip shark
Lahanagan Sweet? Sunset was absolutely unreal from Lahanagan Sweet even with the clouds.
Vibes? Super chill. If Amed was much more chill and relaxing and definitely more for the nature and adventure lovers.

Final Adventure: Nusa Penida

Broken Beach & Angel’s Billabong
- Natural rock arch, crashing waves, and an infinity pool straight out of a dream.
- Broken Beach has a hidden cove surrounded by cliffs, making it look like something from another world. Its crowded but for good reason.
- Angel’s Billabong is a tide pool where you can watch the ocean crash dramatically into the rocks and supposedly great for snorkeling! We even spotted the manta rays swimming from the viewing point.
T-Rex Point (Kelingking Beach)
- The most famous view in Bali—and for good reason.
- White cliffs drop into impossibly blue water, creating a T-Rex-shaped rock formation.
- Packed. Try to go early if you can because it gets super busy during the day with all the tours.
- Tons of monkeys everywhere so be careful of your stuff.
Lunch & A Flat Tire
- Stopped for a quick lunch before heading to the next spot.
- Then—plot twist—a flat tire.
- Our driver handled it like like it was nothing and it was fixed by the time we were done with lunch.
Diamond Beach
- Easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen probably in the top 3.
- Towering white cliffs, golden sand, and electric blue water.
- The hike up is brutal, just standing at the top is already breathtaking but the hike down is so worth it.
Back to Bali
- One last look at the dramatic cliffs before heading back to the ferry.
- The roads are bumpy and if you get car sick you might be in for it but if your in Bali its a must see for sure.