Bali
- Tanja & Björn
- Oct 27
- 5 min read
A stopover full of impressions, relaxation and unforgettable moments
The island of Bali is a dream destination for many – temples, rice terraces, beaches, and a unique culture attract countless travelers every year. For us, it was a stopover before continuing on to Australia. But even though we took it easy this time, we were able to experience some special moments on the island.
Travel planning made easy – Visa & entry to Bali
Entering Indonesia is straightforward for German citizens. Upon arrival at Denpasar International Airport (DPS), you will receive a 30-day visa on arrival , which costs approximately USD 35 (depending on the exchange rate) and must be paid at the airport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months upon entry .
TnB tip: Of course, you can also apply for an eVisa online .
Table of contents:
**Please note that the information shared here is based on our personal experiences. Prices, opening hours, and offers are subject to change, and experiences are often weather or seasonal. Be sure to check the latest information directly with the providers to plan your best possible travel experience.
Arrival in Bali – An evening with friends
On April 22, 2024, we landed in Denpasar after an overnight flight from Puerto Princesa via Manila . We spent our first night at the Grandmas Plus Hotel Airport , which is close to the airport and ideal for a short stay.
That same evening, we met up with friends who were vacationing in Bali at the same time. After four months on the road, it was simply nice to have a piece of home around us , even if just for one evening.
The next day, a somewhat unusual item on the agenda was a visit to the dentist! Since Björn had a slight toothache, we thought it would be better to get it checked out here than to spend a fortune later in Australia. Luckily, everything was fine—but the short stop once again showed us how useful it is to have good travel insurance.
TnB tip: If you need to see a doctor or dentist while traveling, we recommend BIMC Hospital Nusa Dua or Prime Plus Medical Bali—both specialize in international patients . We personally recommend HanseMerkur and Ergo travel insurance —they have served us well on numerous occasions. Another important tip: Watch your Bali belly ! Stomach problems can be caused by unfiltered water or even ice cubes. Avoid tap water, raw foods, and drink water from sealed bottles.
Canggu – traffic jams, beaches & the first culinary highlight
Bali is known for its stunning natural beauty—but also for its chaotic traffic . Especially in busy areas like Canggu , it's often "on the road again"—stuck in traffic . Nevertheless, we managed to make a few cool stops.
We visited the famous Majabali Spa and made a quick detour to Majacanggu to check it out. We have been following these two places for years and appreciate the authentic, down-to-earth people behind them. Afterwards, we went to Kynd Community Restaurant in Canggu – a paradise for those who want to eat healthy and creatively.
In the afternoon, we finally wanted to go to the sea – and visited Canggu Beach . Honestly, after the Philippines, the darker sand didn't really blow us away. But the vibe there was cool!
TnB tip: If you're looking for quiet, less crowded beaches, you should head out early in the morning! Traffic is most bearable in the morning, and you'll have beaches like Green Bowl Beach or Geger Beach practically to yourself.
Single Fin Bali – Sunset with a view
After a day full of traffic chaos and sightseeing, some relaxation was planned for the evening.
We decided to enjoy the sunset at Single Fin Bali – one of the most popular spots on the island.
Yes, it's touristy and often crowded, but the sea views are simply magical . If you want to come here, get there early enough to secure a good spot.
Monkeys, coffee & an unwanted bath with the camera
The next day we went to Ubud – one of the most famous regions in Bali, famous for its rice terraces, temples and, of course, monkeys!
Our first stop: The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary . One thing to note: The monkeys are anything but shy. Please don't bring any food, and hold on tight to sunglasses, jewelry, or bags! We witnessed several unsuspecting visitors having their belongings stolen.
TnB tip : Please follow the rules and do not attempt to pet or feed the monkeys – they are not cuddly toys!
Afterwards, we continued on to Ubud Mesari , where we tried the famous "cat coffee" (Kopi Luwak). Here, we received an introduction to the production process and were able to sample different coffee varieties. Tanja doesn't drink coffee, so you'll have to trust my opinion. I'd say it's a must-try if you're there. And that was it!
Another highlight was the Sumampan Waterfall – a place that will remain in our memories both positively and negatively. We took beautiful pictures until... Björn and his camera slipped into the water! The camera was completely ruined – after an eight-month delay (back in Germany), it turned out that the repair would cost more than €250 .
Conclusion: A mistake from which we learned!
For future Bali travelers - You can't miss this
Bali has so much to offer—far more than just the typical tourist hotspots. Here are some must-dos that are worth checking out (no guarantees, as not all of them are self-made).
Nusa Penida : A day or multi-day tour to this stunning neighboring island with its spectacular cliffs, beaches and diving opportunities.
Sekumpul Waterfall : One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali – less visited than others, but absolutely impressive.
Munduk Region : Away from the crowds with beautiful landscapes, coffee plantations and waterfalls.
Batur Volcano : A guided hike at sunrise is worthwhile – breathtaking views guaranteed.
Tirta Empul Temple : A sacred water temple where locals and travelers perform spiritual purification rituals.
Amed : Perfect for snorkeling and diving, especially because of the sunken Japanese shipwrecks.
Local Warungs: Try traditional Balinese food away from the fancy restaurants—the small warungs often offer the most authentic dishes.
Respect nature and wildlife: Avoid elephant rides, dolphin shows, or places where wild animals are not kept humanely. Respect the environment to preserve this paradise!
A brief summary of Bali
For us, Bali was n't a classic adventure stop , but rather a short respite . We planned and organized a lot here before continuing on to Australia. Nevertheless, we were able to experience the special atmosphere of this island.
We understand why so many people come to Bali to live or work remotely. The infrastructure is very Western , there's a huge selection of stylish cafes, restaurants, and hotels , and the climate is fantastic (even during the rainy season).
But Bali also has its challenges – the traffic can be truly frustrating , and some places are heavily geared toward tourists. Those seeking authentic Bali will have to venture off the beaten track.
Our total expenses in Bali were €1,189.86 , with flights to Bali and onward to Australia alone accounting for 47% of the budget .
Would we come back? Yes! Next time, however, we would take more time to explore the less touristy parts of the island.
TnB tip: If you're traveling on to Australia, check for flights with a stopover in Bali - many airlines offer cheap combinations, perhaps allowing you to stay in Bali for a few days.