This trip wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t accidental either. It was one of those journeys where every stop slowly flowed into the next — beaches to jungle, jungle to rice fields, rice fields to islands, and finally back to the cliffs. Looking back, this route felt balanced, varied, and very Bali.
Here’s the exact route I took, step by step — and why it worked so well.
From Europe to Bali: Düsseldorf – Dubai – Denpasar
I flew from Düsseldorf via Dubai to Denpasar. It’s a long journey, but breaking it up via Dubai made it surprisingly manageable. Once you land in Bali, the warm air hits you instantly — that familiar “you’re far from home now” feeling.
No lingering at the airport. We jumped straight into the car and headed north.
Canggu (2 Nights)
Our first stop was Canggu, and honestly, it’s a perfect soft landing in Bali. Relaxed, social, and beachy without being overwhelming.
We stayed two nights, which was just enough to:
• Explore the beaches around Batu Bolong and Berawa
• Visit a few beach clubs
• Enjoy long breakfasts and casual dinners
• Ease into Bali’s rhythm
Canggu feels modern, creative, and lively — a good contrast to what comes later on the route.
Ubud (3 Nights)
From Canggu, we drove inland to Ubud, where the scenery changes quickly. Less ocean, more jungle.
We stayed three nights, split between two very different experiences.
One Night at Padma Resort Ubud
This was hands down one of the highlights of the entire trip. Hidden deep in the jungle, surrounded by nothing but green, this resort is an experience on its own. Infinity pool overlooking the valley, misty mornings, complete silence — if you can stay here even for one night, do it. It resets your entire trip.
Two Nights in Ubud Town
After Padma, we moved into Ubud town, staying in a small local guesthouse. Simple, central, and perfect for exploring.
From Ubud, we visited:
• Rice terraces
• Temples like Tirta Empul and Gunung Kawi
• Local markets
• Cafés and massage spots
Ubud is busy, yes — but it still offers depth if you take your time.
Sidemen (1 Night)
From Ubud, we drove through rice fields toward Sidemen, and this part of the route felt incredibly special. The road itself is already an experience.
We stayed one night in a beautiful guesthouse with an infinity pool overlooking the valley, with views toward Bali’s volcanoes in the distance. Waking up here, surrounded by rice fields and silence, felt unreal.
Sidemen is quiet, slow, and grounding — a perfect pause between busier destinations.
Sanur → Nusa Lembongan (2 Nights)
From Sidemen, we drove to Sanur, where we caught the ferry to Nusa Lembongan.
The ferry ride itself is part of the adventure — not always the smoothest, but memorable. Arriving directly on the beach, shoes in hand, luggage through the sand — it instantly feels like island life.
We stayed two nights on Nusa Lembongan:
• Exploring beaches and viewpoints
• Relaxing by the water
• Snorkelling and slow island days
Lembongan is laid-back and refreshing after inland Bali.
Uluwatu (3 Nights)
After returning to Bali, we headed south to Uluwatu — cliffs, surf, and sunsets.
We stayed three nights, which gave us time to:
• Visit beaches like Padang Padang and Suluban
• Relax at beach clubs
• Watch sunsets at places like Single Fin
• Explore the Uluwatu Temple and Kecak dance
Uluwatu feels dramatic and calm at the same time. A strong ending before heading back.
Kuta (1 Night)
Before flying home, we spent one night in Kuta. Not my favourite area, but practical for the final night. Close to the airport, easy logistics, and a chance to grab last-minute souvenirs.
Sometimes convenience wins — and that’s okay.
From Kuta, it was time to head back to Denpasar Airport and fly home — tired, sun-kissed, and full of memories.
