Welcome to my travel blog! Today, I’m taking you on a journey to two incredible destinations: places that are unique in their own ways and are equally beautiful. Let’s embark on the journey to the wonderful Bali and the Gili Islands. I hope this blog helps you decide which one might be the perfect destination for your next vacation.

Gate of Heaven 

What to Expect from Bali and Gili Islands

Bali is a popular destination, well known to travelers and explorers for its natural beauty and rich culture. From experiencing the unique and beautiful temples to trekking through the jungles to reach some amazing waterfalls, or diving into the lively market with its welcoming people and warm smiles, Bali has a lot to offer and can easily draw you into its magical charm.

The Gili Islands are small islands divided into three different islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. These trio provide a whole new level of experience with their crystal-clear beaches, relaxed vibes, lively music, attractive cafes, and underwater adventures. Each island has its own unique charm, yet all share a relaxed atmosphere that appeals to travelers seeking a serene escape.

How to Reach Bali and the Gili Islands

Bali’s main gateway is Ngurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar. Once you arrive at the airport, you have different options to transit to your destination, such as airport taxis, metered taxis, and, in our case, we booked our ride through the Grab app, which was very comfortable and user-friendly.

To visit the Gili Islands, you can take a direct ferry from Sanur in Bali or from Lombok. You can either reach Sanur and directly book a ferry to Gili or get your tickets online through 12go.asia. Make sure to reach the harbor an hour before to avoid missing the ferry, and sometimes the ferry gets delayed, so you may have to wait for long hours before you board.

How to Get Around In Bali 

Bali is a small island but has many places that offer unique attractions. Let’s break down Bali into five parts for better understanding: Central, North, South, East, and West.

• Central Bali includes Ubud, which is home to many major attractions. If you have limited time, you’ll likely spend most of your time in Ubud and exploring nearby places.
• In North Bali, you’ll find many beautiful waterfalls and attractions like Handara Gate and Ulun Danu Temple.
• East Bali offers attractions like the Gate of Heaven and water palaces. Sidemen is a great option for accommodation near East Bali.
• South Bali is where the airport is located and popular areas like Canggu and Seminyak, known for the day clubs and vibrant atmosphere. Further south, Uluwatu is where you can find stunning beaches and temples. You can cover these places either on a motorbike or by renting a taxi. A motorbike is useful within the city to avoid traffic and explore places. Apps like Grab and Go Jek come in handy while traveling in Bali.

In Gili Islands

The Gili Islands are uniquely beautiful with a laid-back lifestyle. You can get around on the island only by bicycle or horse-drawn carriage, making it an unpolluted island perfect for those looking to escape pollution. On the first day, we explored the places on foot, while the next day we took bicycles to explore the beautiful island, visiting most of the cafes.

Accommodation

In Bali, you can find a range of accommodations, from luxurious beachfront resorts to cozy guesthouses and affordable hostels, offering plenty of options to suit your needs. We primarily booked our stays through Airbnb, which provided decent accommodations, and some even offered us the option to cook our own meals.

Even though Gili is a tiny island, it has many hotels and even Airbnb hosts at very affordable rates. One unique thing we saw in one of the Airbnb properties was an outdoor bathroom and shower, more like blocks on all sides with a clear sky for a roof. Quite an experience it was.

Things to Do in Bali

• Waterfalls and Relaxation: Bali is home to several beautiful waterfalls. We started our journey at Munduk, and visiting the three beautiful waterfalls by trekking was something we never wanted to miss. Sekumpul, Fiji, and Hidden waterfalls made the trek all worth it. There are countless waterfalls, each with its own charm. Some of the waterfalls we visited were Leke Leke, Taman Beji Griya, Gembleng, Nung Nung, and Twin waterfalls. Tegenungan Waterfall is easily accessible and offers a refreshing swim. We unwound at one of Bali’s many spas, which offer traditional Balinese massages and treatments that actually became our evening ritual.

Leke Leke waterfalls

• Temples and Culture: Bali is known for its culture and unique temples. The Uluwatu Temple located on the cliff, overlooks the sea and showcases a well-crafted and unique way of story-telling of Ramayana by performing the traditional Kecak dance with a breathtaking sunset view. Tanah Lot is another iconic temple in the middle of the sea on a rock formation, this temple looks even more beautiful at dusk. Ulun danu Bertan temple, one of the most beautiful Hindu temples on the island located on a lake and surrounded by lush greenery, offers visitors a serene and spiritual experience. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary  is located in Ubud, it is a natural forest which is peaceful and monkeys click a selfie with us. It is all a unique experience that you get here.

Tanah Lot Temple

• Nature and Adventure: Ubud, in the heart of Bali, is known for its lush landscapes and amazing vibe. The Tegallalang Rice Terraces offer stunning views and a glimpse into traditional Balinese agriculture. Adventure seekers can hike up Mount Batur to catch the sunrise, an experience that rewards you with breathtaking views of the island, or go for an off-road ATV ride that takes you through stunning rice fields, jungle trails, and even along the waterfalls.

ATV ride

• Nightlife and Dining: Be it Ubud, Uluwatu, or Seminyak, each place shows its own magical charm when it comes to nightlife, with its array of beach clubs, bars, and restaurants. Enjoy a cocktail at Potato Head Beach Club or Finns Club. For food lovers, Bali offers a diverse culinary scene, from local warungs serving nasi goreng (fried rice) to amazing restaurants serving some mouth-watering food.

• Beaches and Surfing: Some of the beaches in Bali are famous for surfing. If you’re new to surfing, there are plenty of surf schools that offer lessons. We decided not to surf and ended up enjoying the view of people surfing while we sipped our cocktails.

Things to Do in the Gili Islands

• Beaches and Marine Life: Each of the Gili Islands has its own charm. Gili Trawangan, the largest, is known for its vibrant nightlife and beach parties. We enjoyed live music, beach bars, and hopping from one pub to another wherever the music attracted us. Gili Meno, the smallest and quietest, is ideal for honeymooners or anyone seeking tranquillity and relaxation without much happening around. Gili Air offers a mix of both, with a relaxed vibe during the day and some nightlife options in the evening.

Streets of Gili Islands

• Snorkeling and Diving: You can find snorkelling and scuba booking counters everywhere on the street. We booked one to experience four different snorkelling destinations, starting with colourful coral reefs and various fishes. We visited Turtle Point on Gili Trawangan and the underwater sculptures on Gili Meno. The snorkelling journey became memorable when we snorkelled with a bunch of dolphins playing around in the waves.

Marine Life, Gili Islands 

• Sunsets and Dining: The sunsets on the Gili Islands are truly spectacular. Riding a bicycle to the sunset destination was an experience in itself. Many beachside bars and restaurants offer happy hour specials, so you can sip a cocktail while watching the sun dip below the horizon. For dining, you’ll find everything from fresh seafood BBQs to international cuisine. Don’t miss the night market on Gili Trawangan, where you can sample local dishes like satay and grilled fish.

Sunset

To conclude our experience, both islands are beautiful in their own way. Whether you’re exploring the cultural richness and diverse landscapes of Bali or the serene beaches and underwater wonders of the Gili Islands, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.

Use my code ‘LIFE2WANDER’ to get a discount on your next travel destination booking with Travel LYKKE.

For any queries, you can reach out to holidays@lykke.travel

About the Author – We are Meghana & Pankaj, wanderers who balance our love for travel with our full-time IT careers. Our passion lies in discovering new destinations, uncovering off-the-beaten-path gems, and immortalizing beautiful moments through our lenses. You can follow us in Instagram & YouTube