Indonesia
CAPITOL CITY
Jakarta
LANGUAGE
Indonesian
CURRENCY
Indonesian Rupia
FLIGHT DURATION
+/-14.5 hours
In Indonesia, you don’t just discover breathtaking nature and rich culture — it’s the warmth of the people that truly makes every journey unforgettable.
That evening, the three of us decided to have dinner together before the trip began. The only option nearby was the hotel’s own restaurant, which offered a buffet for a reasonable €40 per person. Well… let’s just say it’s a meal we’ll never forget — not because it was great, but because we genuinely wondered how it was even possible to cook so many dishes with absolutely no flavor at all. A culinary low point, to put it mildly!
Practical Tips
- Vaccinations: Make sure you’re up to date on the recommended vaccinations, such as DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and polio) and hepatitis A and B.
- Health: Bring insect repellent and medication for motion sickness — they’ll come in handy, especially if you’re travelling between islands or taking longer drives.
- Clothing: Dress respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites. Lightweight, breathable fabrics that cover your shoulders and knees are a great choice.
- Grab: The local version of Uber — super easy to use and very affordable. You can book taxis, scooters, or even food delivery straight from the app.
My food & drink experiences
- Red Carpet Champagne bar: Our very first spot to grab a bite and a drink! We both ordered a curry with rice — mmm, the first taste of Bali! The walls were decorated with photos of Dutch celebrities who had visited before us, including Patricia Paay and Marco Borsato.
- BATIK Restaurant: We enjoyed a cold Bintang beer while a song by Bintangs from Beverwijk.
- De jukung Resto & Bar: A lovely coffee break near Tanah Lot. Peaceful, with a great view.
Where I stayed
- For our first two nights, I had booked a luxury stay: Disini luxery Villas. It was absolute bliss. After sleeping like a rock for what felt like 12 hours straight, we were gently woken by a staff member delivering breakfast to our villa. I was too dazed to take a photo, unfortunately! The hotel itself was amazing — a spacious room with a bathtub, a huge bed, and… a spa! Pure relaxation.
Wat I saw and did
Pura Tanah Lot: The temple of Bali. Built on a large rock formation in the sea, it’s a truly breathtaking sight, especially during high tide. Tanah Lot is also called Bali’s “mother temple.” There’s a local legend that a sacred sea snake guards the temple and possesses healing powers. This spot isn’t just spiritually significant, it’s also one of the most iconic symbols of Balinese culture.
The next day, we took a Grab taxi from Seminyak to the south of Bali, to Jimbaran. It’s only about 15 km — a ride that should usually take 30 minutes — but in Bali, you often need double the time. The traffic is always busy, so patience is key. But we weren’t in a hurry and actually enjoyed the journey. Watching the bustling local life pass by through the car window became part of the experience. Sometimes, it’s nice to take the scenic route.
My food & drink experiences
- Aroma Restaurant: A beachfront restaurant where my father and I created a memory we’ll never forget — one you should’ve been there for. We noticed a man sitting alone, likely waiting for his partner. He ordered shrimp. A portion, we assumed. But he kept ordering… more and more shrimp. Then his partner arrived. She ordered something light, and he? He ordered even more shrimp.
- Jendela Bali – The Panoramic Resto: We mainly came here for the view, on our way back from GWK Park. The food was okay, but nothing particularly special.
- Boatrocks bar: A typical Asian-style sports bar where you can catch a game. A bit too touristy for our taste, though.
Where I stayed
- Argya Santi Resort: A very comfortable hotel. We had a ground-floor room and, right across from us, was the pool. Perfect for a refreshing dip whenever we wanted. We stayed here for two nights.
What I saw and did
- Jimbaran beach: Unlike the busy beaches of Kuta or Seminyak, Jimbaran is all about tranquility. Think soft golden sand and a calm, azure sea. Peaceful and beautiful.
- Pura Uluwatu: Perched dramatically on a cliff 70 meters above the Indian Ocean, this is one of Bali’s most iconic temples. Be warned: The temple is guarded by cheeky monkeys who are known for stealing sunglasses, hats, and anything else they can trade for food. Stay alert — they’re professionals!
- Kedonganan Fish Market: If you want the raw, authentic side of Bali, this is the place to go. Local fishermen sell their fresh catch of the day here, straight from the sea. Located right by Jimbaran Beach. You can even enjoy freshly grilled seafood on the spot. Delicious!
- Garuda wisnu kencana cultural park: Home to the gigantic Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue (a mythical eagle), this monument is taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York! While we were there, we also caught a live traditional Balinese dance performance — beautifully done and full of energy.
On our way from Jimbaran to Ubud, we made a stop at one of the plantations where Kopi Luwak coffee is made. Remember that scene from The Bucket List with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson? In the film, Nicholson’s character, Edward Cole, drinks his favorite — and very expensive — Kopi Luwak coffee, completely unaware that it’s produced through civet cats. Near the end of the film, he finds out exactly how the coffee is made, leading to a hilarious twist. Naturally, I had to see the process for myself.
Food & drink experiences
- Pison Ubud: Ohhh this was so good. We came here for lunch, and both ordered the Tom Yum soup —delicious! We loved it so much that we came back for dinner. My dad had a pizza, and I had a proper pasta carbonara — made the traditional way (no cream!).
- Sayan Night Market: You can’t visit Asia without diving into the world of street food. There’s something magical about sitting on a tiny plastic stool while enjoying dishes like babi guling (roast suckling pig), nasi campur, freshly grilled satay, and pisang goreng (crispy fried banana)—pure joy.
- L’ osteria Pizzza e cucina Ubud: As much as I love Asian cuisine, sometimes you just crave Italian. This cozy Italian restaurant had a fun Asian twist — a lovely mix of both worlds.
- Restoran Gunung Sari: We came here for the view, overlooking Mount Batur and Lake Batur. The food was great, but the scenery was even better.
- Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku:A tiny local spot with authentic flavors. Absolutely incredible. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
- Batubara Wood fire: This place focuses on wood-fired cooking, using traditional charcoal (batubara) to add that delicious smoky flavor to every dish—a great experience — warm, rustic, and memorable.
Where I stayed
- Kahayana Suites: Tucked away in a peaceful valley surrounded by rice fields, tropical gardens, and lush jungle. This place was all about calm and quiet, complete with a pool and a luxurious spa—the perfect escape after a day of exploring.
What I saw and did
- Lumbung Sari Housr of Luwak Coffee: A visit to a coffee plantation where we learned all about the unique (and controversial) process of making Kopi Luwak, from harvesting the beans to roasting them. Definitely worth seeing — and tasting.
- Sumampan Waterfall: I’ve seen quite a few waterfalls during my travels, but they never lose their magic. The sound of rushing water, the fresh air, the peaceful greenery… This one’s a bit off the beaten path, which makes it even more special.
- Kintamani Cycling Bali Bike: Bali Bike Tour: One of the highlights of our trip! We rode mountain bikes through the countryside, past rice paddies, local villages, and with sweeping views of Mount Batur and Lake Batur. Breathtaking in every way.
- Kahyangan Spa: If it were up to me, I’d get a massage every day. And honestly? You can feel the difference between a Thai, Vietnamese, Laotian, Nepalese, or Indonesian massage. This spa was beautifully done — very relaxing, very high-end.
- Tirtagangga: A peaceful garden with beautiful pools and fountains, designed initially as a royal retreat and sacred place for rituals. You’ll see lots of locals bathing in the fountains with soap — it’s spiritual, refreshing, and fascinating to witness.
From Ubud, we continued to the east coast of Bali: Amed. It was about a two-hour taxi ride. This area is much calmer than the south. So lovely! And the snorkeling here is absolutely excellent. I discovered some new fish species I hadn’t seen before: Wahoo, a type of mackerel, and mahi mahi, which is like dorade.
What I saw and did
- Penataran agung Lempuyang temple: A stunning temple with the famous Gates of Heaven. It’s a bit of a climb up again, but the view of Mount Agung from the temple is absolutely worth it.
- The Blue lagoon:A hotspot for all kinds of sea creatures. You can spot plenty of tropical fish, sea turtles, coral, octopuses, and other underwater life.
We took the ferry from Amed to Gili Air. Gili Air is the largest and most lively of the three Gili Islands near Lombok. Cars and motorbikes are not allowed here, so people get around by bike, on foot, or by cidomo (horse-drawn carriage).
My food & drink experiences
- Mowie’s air: Great vibe. A beachfront restaurant where you can eat with your bare feet in the sand. I had a delicious tuna and avocado salad here.
- Sunrise resort: Tasty food and a lovely swimming pool. Definitely a recommendation.
Where I stayed
- 7seas cottages: Right on the beach. Beautiful bungalows where you can relax and unwind. You can also rent bikes here to cycle around the island.
Met de veerboot gingen we van Amed naar Gili Air. Gili Air is het grootste en meest levendige eiland van de drie Gili-eilanden bij Lombok. Auto’s en motoren zijn verboden, dus mensen verplaatsen zich per fiets, te voet of met een cidomo (paardenkar).
Mijn eet- en drinkervaringen
- Mowie’s air: lekker sfeertje. Een restaurant aan het strand. Met je blote voeten in het zand. Hier heb ik een lekkere salade van tonijn en avocado gegeten.
- Sunrise resort: lekker eten met een fijn zwembad. Een aanrader
Mijn overnachtingen
- 7seas cottages: direct aan het strand. Mooie bubgalows waar je lekker kan chillen. Ook kun je hier fietsen huren om het eiland over te fietsen.