One month of traveling and working in Bali – part 2
Bali has a way of pulling you back. After our first experience working remotely here, we knew we had to do it again. We returned for almost a month, our second time balancing work calls with island life. From sunrise walks on the beach to weekend scooter adventures, here’s how our 24 days in Bali unfolded.
Table of Contents
Day 1: Make your way to Uluwatu and relax by the pool
Accommodation: Ancala Uluwatu
This year, confident in Vlad’s scooter skills, we rented one for the whole month. We booked with @dewarentalbali, and can’t recommend them enough – they delivered the scooter right to the airport. Once our backpacks were strapped in, we set off toward our accommodation in Uluwatu. Along the way, Bali’s energy welcomed us back: the lively streets, the sweet scent of flowers, the warm air turning into a light drizzle. We instantly felt at home.
Our stay was a bit off the beaten path, but it came with the most incredible sunset-view pool. After the long flight, we grabbed lunch at Loca Warung and spent the rest of the day unwinding by the pool.
Day 2: Uluwatu Temple + Karak Dance
Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliff 70 meters above the Indian Ocean, is one of Bali’s most iconic sea temples and a stunning spot for sunset views. In its open-air amphitheater, you can experience the famous Kecak dance, a mesmerizing performance of chanting, fire, and traditional storytelling. Tickets sell out quickly, so book a few days in advance. And keep an eye on your belongings, cheeky monkeys often roam the parking lot looking for snacks or shiny items.
Day 3: Padang Padang Beach + Pantai Bingin Beach
The next day, we headed to the beach to explore two of Bali’s coastal gems: Padang Padang Beach and Pantai Bingin. Padang Padang impressed us with its clean, clear waters and well-kept sands – especially refreshing since many Bali beaches can be a bit messy. After some sun and surf, we stopped for lunch at Kata’s Warung, famous for its delicious Brazilian feijoada and relaxed vibe. Later, we made our way to Pantai Bingin, where the laid-back atmosphere and stunning cliffside views offered the perfect spot to unwind and watch the surfers in action.
Day 4: Pantai Nusa Dua
The next day, we headed to Pantai Nusa Dua to enjoy its calm waters and pristine beaches. Known for being more peaceful and family-friendly, Nusa Dua offers soft sand and gentle waves, perfect for swimming and relaxing. The beach is lined with plenty of beach bars where you can rent sunbeds and enjoy refreshments. Just a heads up: reaching the beach isn’t straightforward, as many resorts block direct access, so be prepared to navigate through hotel grounds or designated public paths to get there. Before heading back home, we stopped by Warung Kampungku for a delicious meal, rounding off a perfect day by the sea.
Day 5: Scooter Practice and Relaxation Day
A few days ago, on our way to Balangan Beach, we spotted some wide, empty driving lanes near New Kuta Golf Course – perfect for scooter lessons. So, we gave it a try! I think I’m starting to get the hang of it, though I’m still not quite confident enough for real road driving. Maybe next time. To celebrate my small win, we enjoyed smoothie bowls at Jeffry Coffee Shop and topped the day off with a relaxing massage at Carina’s.
Day 6: Suluban beach and Single Fin
Suluban Beach is a hidden gem tucked beneath the cliffs of Uluwatu, famous for its unique cave entrance and excellent surfing waves. After exploring the beach and its tide pools, head up to Single Fin, a popular cliffside bar with unbeatable ocean views, perfect for sunset drinks and live music.
Day 7: Transfer to Canggu
Accommodation: Semat Raya Village
The next day, we moved to Canggu, got settled into our new place, and enjoyed a stroll along the lively main street. We even took on the infamous Canggu shortcut – and yes, the wild traffic stories are absolutely true!
Day 8: Relax at La Brisa Bali
The next day, we spent some time at La Brisa Bali, one of Canggu’s most iconic beachfront spots. Its bohemian vibe, ocean views, and cozy seating make it the perfect place to unwind. On Sundays, La Brisa also hosts a lively local market filled with handmade crafts, clothes, and tasty treats. We didn’t get to experience it this time, but if you happen to be in Canggu on a Sunday, it’s definitely worth adding to your list.
Day 9: Tanah Lot
The next day, we made our way to the iconic Tanah Lot Temple, one of Bali’s most famous sea temples. The surroundings were peaceful and lush, with beautiful desert rose bonsais adding charm to the scenery. The atmosphere was calm and unhurried, making it the perfect place to sit on the grass, enjoy the sea breeze, and watch local women in their beautiful traditional outfits as they made their way to the temple for prayer. It was a serene pause in our trip, offering a glimpse of Bali’s spiritual heart.
Day 10: Drive around rice fields
Today, we felt like escaping the hustle of Canggu, so we drove out of town to explore the rice fields and catch a glimpse of the preparations for the Ogoh-Ogoh parade. We watched locals carefully working on the final touches of the impressive Ogoh statues, their creativity and attention to detail on full display. Even more captivating were the penjors – tall, ornate bamboo poles decorated with intricate offerings, standing proudly at the gates of homes. These stunning decorations are displayed in the days before Nyepi, adding a festive and deeply cultural touch to the already beautiful scenery.
Day 11: Ogho – Ogho parade
On the eve of Bali’s Day of Silence, the streets came alive with the Ogho-Ogho parade – giant, colorful statues made of bamboo, paper, and other materials, crafted by local communities in the weeks leading up to the celebration. Each figure represents demons or negative spirits, and the parade is meant to scare them away before the island falls into complete silence for Nyepi. The energy was incredible: music, drums, and the sight of locals proudly carrying their creations through the streets. We watched the parade near Nirvana Fitness Club starting at 7 p.m., but it’s better to ask some locals about the parade’s location and schedule because it may change every year.
Day 12: Nyepi Day
Nyepi Day, Bali’s Day of Silence, is the island’s most unique celebration, marking the Balinese New Year with 24 hours of stillness: no traffic, no flights, no lights, and no going outside. Tourists should be aware that they must remain in their hotel or villa, so it’s wise to check if your accommodation provides electricity and internet, and to stock up on food in case the hotel doesn’t provide any, since no restaurants will be open. Also, keep in mind that on the day before Nyepi, most supermarkets and restaurants close earlier than usual, so plan ahead.
It’s a rare chance to experience Bali in complete peace, with a night sky full of stars. It was our second year celebrating Nyepi Day in Bali, so we planned our itinerary with this info in mind.
Day 13: Spend the day at Lima Bay
The next day after Nyepi, Bali comes back to life. People are roaming the streets again, music starts playing, and tourists are welcomed back to restaurants and beach clubs.
We spent the day at Lima Bay – a laid-back spot that’s not a typical beach club, but quickly became one of our favorites. The pool is stunning, perfect for cooling off and relaxing, and the staff couldn’t have been friendlier or more welcoming. The vibe was just right, and their playlist was hands down the best soundtrack to a perfect, relaxing day.
Day 14: Coffee and massage at Marissa Spa
I don’t think there’s anywhere else in the world with as many gorgeous coffee shops as Bali. You could easily spend weeks hopping from café to café, savoring great coffee and pastries, riding your scooter with no real plan, and just soaking in the island’s beauty. Since this was our second time here, we didn’t have that FOMO we felt on our first trip. Some days were as simple as going out for coffee, lunch, a massage, and feeling grateful that we get to experience life here.
Day 15: Finns Beach Club
We spent the day at Finns Beach Club, soaking up the sun and enjoying the lively beachfront atmosphere with pools, comfy sunbeds, and great music. There’s no entrance fee, but you’ll need to rent a locker since you can’t leave your belongings unattended at your table. Highly recommend catching the happy hour for great drinks and even better vibes. It’s the perfect spot to relax and soak up the best of Bali beach life.
Day 16 – 17: Coffee and relax by the pool
Since we have some busy days coming up in Sidemen, we decided to take it slow for our last two days in Canggu – sipping coffee, lounging by the pool, and catching up on a bit of work. One morning started at 7 AM Coffee Shop with a pastry and a perfectly brewed cup, which we enjoyed from the balcony seats – great for a bit of people-watching and quietly judging tourists’ scooter parking skills. The rest of the morning was spent by the pool, reading and simply unwinding.
Day 18: Transfer to Sidemen
Accommodation: Pelangi Villas Sidemen
The transfer from Canggu to Sidemen by scooter feels like stepping into a different world. You leave behind the busy, touristy vibe of Canggu – with its traffic, beach clubs, and coffee shops – and slowly the scenery shifts to quiet countryside roads, rice terraces, and endless lush greenery. By the time you arrive in Sidemen, the air feels fresher, the pace slower, and it’s hard to believe you’re only a couple of hours away from the chaos of the coast.
Day 19: Sidemen Rice Terrace Trekk
We eased our way into Sidemen with an easy trek through the rice terraces, stopping often to take in the beautiful views of Mount Agung. The trail starts here, where you’ll also pay a small entrance fee. Along the way, we got to watch locals tending to their crops and even identify which plants grow into which vegetables (one of my favourite activities). After all the walking, we went on the hunt for food in the area. Although Sidemen doesn’t have as many warungs and restaurants as the southern part of the island, the ones we did find were fantastic, starting with the lovely Warung Tirta Unda.
Day 20: Gembleng Waterfall + Pura Besakih
A day trip to Gembleng Waterfall and Pura Besakih is the perfect mix of nature and culture in East Bali. Start with Gembleng, a small but magical waterfall hidden in the jungle, where you can take a dip in the natural rock pools while looking out over sweeping rice terraces. From there, continue to Pura Besakih, Bali’s largest and most important temple, majestically set on the slopes of Mount Agung. The complex of shrines and towering gates feels grand and spiritual, with breathtaking views over the island. Together, these two stops make for a beautiful journey that blends Bali’s serene landscapes with its deep cultural roots. Also, the drive here is stunning.
Day 21: Tukad Cepung Waterfall + Penglipuran Village + Ubud
Today we made the most of the weekend with a longer scooter drive all the way to Ubud, stopping at some incredible spots along the way. First, we visited the magical Tukad Cepung Waterfall, where sunlight streams dramatically through the cave opening, creating one of Bali’s most unique waterfall settings. On the way, a sudden rain shower gave us a perfect excuse for a short roadside break, which we actually loved – it added a fresh, magical vibe to the ride.
Next, we explored Penglipuran Village, famous for its beautifully preserved traditional Balinese houses and peaceful atmosphere, and even tried durian for the first time – we absolutely loved it! We wrapped up the day in Ubud, wandering the vibrant streets and stopping by our favorite spot, Sun Sun Warung, for a delicious meal before heading back.
Day 22: Tirta Gangga + Bukit Cinta + Amed
For another scenic day trip in East Bali, we explored Bukit Cinta, Tirta Gangga, and Amed, chasing breathtaking views of the volcano along the way. We started our day trip with a scenic drive toward Bukit Cinta, but unfortunately didn’t find the official viewpoint. Instead, we stumbled upon a stunning local road winding between rice fields and waterlily ponds, offering incredible views of the volcano. It was a magical detour, and if you want to find it, just type “Cinngu View” into Google Maps. From there, we continued to Tirta Gangga, the royal water palace with serene gardens and reflecting pools, and finished the day in Amed, a peaceful coastal town perfect for a relaxing walk along the black sand beaches while admiring the volcano in the distance. On our way back to Sidemen, we made a stop at Bertina Rice Terrace hoping for a stunning sunset. Unfortunately, clouds rolled in, softening the colors, but the terrace’s lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere still made it a beautiful, serene pause on the journey.
Day 23: Sidemen viewpoints + Yellow bridge
After two days of long road trips, we decided to slow down and enjoy our surroundings. We spent a lazy morning at our accommodation with a slow breakfast before hopping on the scooter in search of more views of Mount Agung. A great spot can be found by typing “spot for Mount Agung” on Google Maps. On the way, we stopped at the Yellow Bridge, where we watched locals skillfully navigating their scooters across the narrow wooden planks, a simple but fascinating glimpse of everyday life in Bali.
Day 24: Rafting with BTR (Bali Tubing & Rafting)
On our last day in Bali, we decided to try something adventurous and went rafting with BTR (Bali Tubing & Rafting). It was the perfect way to wrap up our trip, an exciting mix of fun rapids, stunning jungle scenery, and a refreshing escape on the river before saying goodbye to the island.
This was our second time working remotely from Bali, and once again we had a great experience. All three accommodations we stayed in offered stable, high-speed internet, and we can highly recommend each of them. If you’re planning to work remotely from Bali, check out our first article – at the end, you’ll find plenty of tips for a smooth and productive remote-working setup.
