Bali 2023

Bali is one of those places that really does have a bit of everything: beaches, jungle, temples, and plenty of ways to get your adrenaline fix. This post is a quick set of highlights from my trip, plus a few practical notes that made exploring a lot easier.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park

GWK is a cultural park best known for its massive statue of Vishnu riding the eagle Garuda. Even if you don’t spend a full day here, it’s worth visiting for the scale of the landmark and the panoramic views.

Beyond the main statue, the park has other attractions too, including a museum, a cultural village, and a children’s playground. It’s an easy stop if you want something that blends sightseeing with a bit of context on Balinese culture.

Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is the kind of place you visit when you want that “wow” coastline: white sand, clear water, and dramatic cliffs. It’s a great spot to slow down for a while: take photos, enjoy the view, and just hang out by the water.

Affordable excursions

Bali is also surprisingly budget-friendly when it comes to activities. Two of my favorites were white water rafting and quad biking.

White water rafting is a fun way to see the island’s rivers and greenery without needing to plan a complicated day trip. There are companies offering different difficulty levels, so you can choose something relaxed or more intense.

Quad biking is perfect if you want to get off the main roads and see a more rugged side of Bali. Tours vary in length, and it’s an easy way to add some adventure without needing a ton of gear.

Renting a scooter and exploring the island

One of the best decisions I made was renting a scooter. It’s usually affordable, and it gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace instead of building your days around drivers and pickup times.

Once you have wheels, the island opens up fast. A few easy categories to plan around:

• Ubud: A great base if you want nature, greenery, and day trips that feel more “in the jungle” than on the coast.
• Beaches: Popular options include Kuta Beach, Seminyak Beach, and Sanur Beach.
• Temples: Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, and Besakih Temple are all memorable in very different ways.
• Waterfalls: There are waterfalls all over the island: easy to turn into a half-day adventure when you’re exploring nearby areas.

If you rent a scooter, be realistic about the riding conditions. Traffic can be heavy, roads can be narrow, and rain can show up quickly.

Quick safety notes:

• Be sure to have an international driving license.
• Obey speed limits and ride defensively: many roads are tighter than you expect.
• Plan for rain (and slick roads) even if the day starts sunny.
• Be extra cautious at night: visibility can be lower, and some riders may be impaired.

With a little planning, scootering Bali can be one of the best parts of the trip.

Overall

Bali has a rare mix of relaxation, culture, and adventure in one place. If you want maximum flexibility (and you’re comfortable riding), renting a scooter is a great way to see more than just the main tourist areas.