Bali, Bali, Bali.
My first trip to Bali was at the beginning of 2013 (so literally “at the beginning” that we celebrated New Years on the flight from JFK to Taipei). My friend and I picked a nice big hotel to stay at (for nine consecutive nights) in a super touristy area and we had NO IDEA the culture, the history and the beauty we missed out on, until after the fact.
Safe to say, my second trip around – I intended to make the most out of my trip. I booked hotels all around the island and even on a smaller island about 30 minutes off of the east coast. Some of the most beautiful moments I had in Bali weren’t captured by a camera – in typical “real, genuine” moments for the solo traveler fashion. However, some of the photos below are some of my favorite from Bali and I’m sure they’ll spark some instant wanderlust for Bali.
A Bali sunrise complete with palm tree silhouettes and sacred “saput poleng” the black and white cloth can be found all around the island, marking statues and even trees to be sacred.
And a typical Bali sunset! Complete with scooters, umbrellas, string lights and palm trees.
Scooters are so typical in Bali that you can even catch a ride on one (usually for only $1-$2 USD!) the same way you can catch an Uber in the states!
Many of the properties in Bali have rooms that open right to pools like this one at Inaya in Nusa Dua.
The constant debate over sunset or sunrise being better will never end in Bali. This was a perfect #PinkHour sunrise over the Inaya property in Nusa Dua.
Another perfect sunrise over the sea in Nusa Dua.
Even shopping in Bali is pretty! Look how perfect the décor at this home décor shop in Seminyak was!
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Lotus flowers are sacred in Bali and you can stumble across charming lotus ponds, like this one at Hotel Tugu in Canggu, all over the island.
The only thing better than the topical flora at Hotel Tugu is when it overflows into the spa area and is accompanied by antique Balinese furniture.
Having my own private pool at Hotel Tugu didn’t hurt, either.
The tropical flora at Hotel Tugu also makes for an awesome selfie opp.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Hotel Tugu is located on the west coast of Bali so you get to capture a stunning sunset like this one.
The sunsets at the Breeze, the beach front restaurant at The Samaya Property in Seminyak were almost unbelievable.
All of the villas at the Samaya came complete with their own private pool for private floating sessions just like this.
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Just when you think Bali can’t get any better – you make friends with a monkey at the sacred monkey forest in Ubud.
The rice paddies all have little walking/bike paths and are the perfect place to get lost.
This is your average scenery when walking along one of the rice paddy paths.
The only thing better than a rice paddy? A sunset reflecting in a rice paddy.
When strolling along the rice paddies you’ll inevitably stumble upon people ankle deep, harvesting and sowing the paddies.
The Balinese’s dedication to their religion is unlike anything I’ve experienced before and signs of it can be found all around the island.
Offerings can be found all around the island and when you visit a local market you’ll find evidence (in the form of flowers, petals and banana leaves) of how the offerings are made!
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#IHaveThisThingWithDoors Do you have a thing with doors? You will after you leave Bali!
The yoga house at Kayumanis Resort in Ubud was stunning amongst the morning light and fog.
The honeymoon suite at the Kayumanis resort in Ubud had sweeping views and not only its own private pool but also its own hot tub.
A view from the top! The top of Nusa Lembongan island, with Bali in the backdrop.
A swing over the aptly titled, “Dream Beach” on Nusa Lembongan.
The swing was also a great photo op, of course.
Lunch for one on Lembongan. Can you get enough of these views and hues?
Nusa Lembongan was so beautiful it brought a smile T H I S B I G to my face.
The only thing better than a sunset over Bali? A sunset over Nusa Lembongan.
Rice paddies, palm trees and pretty skies.
Rice paddies, palm trees and pretty skies *insert heart emoji*
Sunset over Tanah Lot, one of the many sacred temples in Bali.
Tanah lot is divided into two temples and the sunset behind both of them were wonderful.
Stunning photos – especially the ones of the rice paddy fields! This was one of my absolute favourite things about visiting this beautiful island, particularly around sunset. Now I’m wishing I had gone to Nusa Lembongan though, that sunset photo is incredible.
Thanks so much for your wonderful compliments! Nusa Lembongan is worth the trip back to Bali in itself!
You’re photos are wonderful. I’m so glad that you got out past the tourist trap and explored this wonderful place. It certainly looks like you had a lot of fun!! One day I’ll make it to Bali.
I hope you get to enjoy Bali, too, Jean!
Mission accomplished! These are fantastic shots of heaven on earth. We are totally inspired to go back to Bali.
Glad to have inspired you!
These images bring alive the varied beauty of Bali so well. The exquisite beauty of the island and its diverse character is indeed spell- binding.
The sunrise is really magical and probably one of the reasons for drawing visitors to its fold. hope to get to Bali to experience the heavenly delights.
Thank you for such wonderful compliments on my photos, Sandy! I hope you get to enjoy Bali, as well. It’s a truly special place.
I love the vibrancy in all of your shots. You have captured Bali perfectly. The water is glorious! I wouldn’t mind swimming in my own pool. Do you think the hotel mentioned would be suitable for kids?
Thanks for your amazing compliments! Hotel Tugu and The Samaya Seminyak might not necessarily be the best options for kids as they’re upscale/luxury and cater to couples/romance but Inaya sure would be perfect for kids!
Love your photography, the pictures are really inspiring my wonderlust. It’s interesting that a lot of the hotels have rooms opening right onto the pool, that’s the dream!
Thanks so much for the wonderful comments – and the pools in Bali are my favorite!
Bali is a thing of beauty, right? The sunset shots are beautifully captured and so are those landscape shots. The accommodation are lovely too! A private pool and a swing by the pool? It’s heaven alright!
Bali is straiiiiight beauty! and having your own pool doesn’t hurt. 😉
Wow, your pictures are always gorgeous and you manage to visit the most amazing places! PS SOOOO glad you’ve opened up commenting :P<3
Haha, thank you darling! I opened the comments specifically for you <3
And the wanderlust has sunk in! But seriously, those sunset photos – stunning!
Thanks so much!
Literally your Bali picks have always killed me!! In a good way hehe. I can’t wait to go here finally! I’ve always wanted my Eat, Pray, Love solo travel moment here as cony as that sounds hahah. Great pics Jackie!!! And I’m so glad you finally opened up your comments. I’m gonna blow them up now hehehe jk 🙂
haha I had a ton of pressure to turn them on!! Thank you so much for your compliments on my photos <3 and this trip was totally my own eat pray love moment lol I'd highly suggest a visit there!!! I love it so much that I want to plan a third trip back.
Beautiful pictures! I can’t wait to visit Bali one day. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much! I hope you get to visit Bali – its beautiful!
Yup, I’m inspired! I’m glad you got the chance to go again after missing out on the culture and “real” Bali the first time!
I’m sure both trips were incredible though!
Also, this is my first time visiting your blog and I must say, your blog is beautiful!
Thank you so much for your wonderful compliments!!
My husband and I had our honeymoon in Bali and loved it so much that we are planning a second trip this year! It is just so beautiful, the nature is gorgeous, the people are so warm, and the food is delicious! So glad that you went a second time and had a more in-depth experience of the place. 🙂 You are right, though, the sunsets in Bali are always so picture-perfect!
I’m so glad I went back and explored Bali for a second time, also! You’re spot on – everything from the nature to the people and the food are all perfect! I’m so jealous you’re going back! Enjoy your time there!
I love Bali and usually visit twice a year. Loved this photo journey you put together. In the sunrise vs sunset debate I am all over the sunsets with a cold Bintang in hand. I’ll be back in two weeks to enjoy one of those private pools. Yay!
Oh man I’d kill for a cold Bintang right now! And SO JEALOUS you get to visit beautiful Bali twice a year! Oh, man, to be Aussie lol
The pictures are jawdropping. I’m living in the Philippines and visiting Bali is in my bucket list but I felt like it’s just something that I can tick off at a later time. Now, after reading your post, I’m kicking my feet to experience a sunrise in Bali.
Thank you so much Marie!! I can’t endorse Bali enough, its one of my favorite places in the world and you’re so much closer to Bali than I am in New York!
Wonderful and fun photographs Jacklyn.. A wonderful place to be as I can see and feel.. Thank you for sharing some of your time there with us.. Perhaps I will one day go.. Cheers girl! XO
Thank you so much!