Sonia Majumder

Bali is known as ‘The ‘Island of Gods’ and a place for spiritual awakening. Surrounded by rice paddies and surf themed beaches – it is a little slice of ‘paradise’ on earth. You can spend days riding bicycles around the villages on the south coast of the Indonesian Islands, swim in the dreamy oceans, watch the beautiful colored sunsets and eat a range of food from fresh local food rich in spices to vegan, wholesome meals.

It was February 2018, when I decided to travel solo for the first time and it was some of the best days of my life. Bali seemed like the place to meet new like-minded people and feel inspired.To explore, experience and take everything as it comes.

A simple 4 week Guide. Things to do, Where to stay and What to eat:

1. Jimbaran Beach

The area is relaxed and filled with beachfront seafood restaurants serving fresh grilled seafood oozing in local spices. Enjoy a candle lit diner while watching the sunsets. A soft collision and a blend of blue, purple & orange pallete colors.

2. Seminyak

It is all about hip hotels, beach clubs and relaxation. It is simple really: If you want good food, drinks and a pool with the view of the beach this is the place. All day beach lounges such as Potato Head and Ku De Ta wins the cards. Spend the day sipping on afternoon drinks and then go for retail therapy. Not forgetting the photo worthy and delicious smoothie bowls at Kynd community.

3. Canggu

Laid back with a bohemian vibe where you can get creative inspiration from. I loved the people I met in this little town- surfers, writers and digital nomads. It is also a place you could detox the mind and soul. Perfect spots – Old Mans for beach food and seafood or Peleton Supershop for vegan meals and don’t forget to the grab the best burger in town from Pitstop! Surf Lounge is 700 metres from Batu Bolong beach nearby lots of cafes & restaurants. It’s super cozy & clean place to stay, you can check the reviews through booking.com or tripadvisor.com

4. Ubud

Surrounded by lush greenery – there is plenty to do from starting your day with a walk around the Tegalalang Rice Terraces to the monkey forest, waterfalls and the holy springs of Pura Tirta Empul temple.

5. Uluwatu

The view from Uluwatu temple to watch the sunset is beautiful. The temple sits on a high cliff top overlooking the Indian Ocean is just breathtaking and so peaceful.

6. Nusa Lembongon

The quietest island of the whole trip – Dream beach with its turquoise clear waters and white sand.There are restaurants at the top with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, you can either pay 50,000 IDR to use the pool or use the pool for free if you buy drinks or a meal which is pretty reasonable.

THE LESSON LEARNT: Get out of your comfort zone. Be open to uncertainty and new experiences.