The following content is provided by fellow traveler Yu Meng Ling
5-Day Bali Free & Easy Travel Guide
June 19 - June 23: Just wrapped up a relaxing and enjoyable Bali trip
Due to deciding on the departure date too late, I initially planned to join a tour group with a travel agency but ended up booking only flights and hotels for a free & easy trip. However, for me, finding attractions, restaurants, and arranging the itinerary wasn’t too difficult. Plus, everyone in this group has been very enthusiastic about sharing their experiences, making me realize that the most important thing is to find a reliable private driver.
Finding a Private Driver
After some research, I came across a recommendation in the group for Mang Loco. He said we could call him ‘Ou Ei,’ which means ‘Black Ei’ in Taiwanese. The key point is, he speaks Chinese! Having worked in Taiwan before, he can basically communicate in Chinese without any issues. Although English is usable in Bali, I often struggle to understand English with an Indonesian accent, so being able to communicate directly in Chinese is incredibly convenient!
Itinerary Planning and Communication
I first drafted a rough itinerary and then asked Ou Ei to help refine it. He also kindly provided some suggestions for the schedule. Throughout the trip, communication was very smooth. He not only understood our casual chats but also joked with us, which is a great advantage of hiring a Chinese-speaking driver! He also helped us solve some unexpected issues, such as changing restaurant reservations, last-minute massage plans, and bargaining with vendors. Below is the itinerary we planned after referencing many guides from Xiao Jie Indonesia on YouTube:
So, if you’re planning to take your family to Bali, feel free to reach out to Ou Ai! His Line ID is: mangloco94. By the way, although he can speak Chinese, he can’t read or type it, so it’s best to greet him in English initially. If your English isn’t strong, you can also call him directly—he mentioned that translation apps can help facilitate communication.
Bali Travel Tips: 32 Must-Know Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Bali
Trip Insights and Recommendations
Beverage Choices
In Bali, it’s best to avoid trying drinks from non-supermarket, non-major restaurant, or non-chain establishments. During this trip, one of our friends had a drink at a local eatery and ended up with diarrhea for two days. While the local beverages may look tempting, it’s safer to stick to reliable options to avoid falling ill during your trip. Additionally, carrying some stomach medication can be helpful in case of emergencies.
Bali Travel Health Tips: A Guide to Drinking Water and Diarrhea in Bali
Bring Extra Underwear
Bali is extremely humid, and if you’re engaging in water activities, you’ll likely need to change clothes twice a day. I initially thought I could wash and dry my clothes, but due to the heavy humidity, they didn’t dry completely. It’s advisable to bring quick-drying clothing, especially underwear, to ensure you have clean and comfortable clothes every day.
Kuta Area Traffic
Traffic in the Kuta area is notoriously congested. If you’re staying in Kuta, make sure to allocate extra time for traffic delays. The roads are narrow, and the number of vehicles means daily traffic jams. If your itinerary is tight, consider changing accommodations every two days to avoid spending too much time on the road in the evenings. Additionally, try to include walking or cycling activities to bypass the heavy traffic.
Accommodation
For our Bali trip, we stayed all four nights at the Grand Istana Rama Hotel resort. This hotel is right next to the Beachwalk Shopping Center, so every day when we returned to the hotel, as long as the mall wasn’t closed, we went shopping XD
Just across the street is Kuta Beach, and the area has vibrant nightlife. Although this isn’t the newest hotel, its rooms are spacious and clean, with complete facilities. The staff are friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home. Especially the seafood dinners and live band performances were fantastic, allowing us to enjoy some wonderful evenings. Our stay here was delightful, offering great value for money!
Grand Istana Rama Hotel: Book on Agoda
Currency Exchange
There are many currency exchange places in Bali. You can ask your guide or driver to take you there, which is safer and more reliable. Since exchanging money is very convenient, there’s no need to exchange too much at once. For this trip, because I had collected a public fund in advance, I only exchanged $200 for my five days of pocket money, and I still had some left. It’s advisable to carry some USD with you for emergencies, which can also reduce the number of times you need to exchange money locally.
Rafting Experience
Before rafting in Bali, you need to walk a long mountain path (downstairs) to reach the river. On the way back, you have to climb a slope of stairs. Although the return stairs are shorter, it can still be a bit challenging for those not in good physical condition. If you’re bringing elderly or children, be sure to assess their physical capabilities. However, the rafting process is truly thrilling and fun, making it an unforgettable experience, so it’s highly recommended to try.
Other Activities
Provided by Yu Mengling
(Left photo) GWK Cultural Park is worth visiting for photos, and it doesn’t take long to walk around! (Certified by lazy people 👍🏻)
GWK Cultural Park travelogue
(Middle photo) We even managed to break an ATV (neutral gear + revving the engine…
(Right photo) Not sure why we were brave enough to let go of our hands… Next time, we’ll definitely try parasailing again!
Uluwatu Guide | Soaring in Uluwatu! Stunning Ocean Views + Tips
Provided by Yu Mengling
(Left photo) The cliffside pool is amazing! This is Oneeighty Dayclub, and you can make reservations online!
Exploring Oneeighty Day Club: Breathtaking Cliffside Pool Views in Bali
(Pictured) The stunning Tanah Barak Cliff
Bali’s Batu Barak/Tanah Barak: A Spectacular Journey Along the Blue Highway/Cliff Road
(Right photo) Sea walking is amazing! Though you might experience ear pressure imbalance
Sea Walking at Nusa Dua
These are some insights and recommendations from my recent trip. Feel free to discuss any questions! I’ll probably visit again next year - Bali is truly a relaxing, comfortable, and fun destination!
Did you find Yu Mengling’s itinerary exciting? Start planning your own Bali free-and-easy trip now! We also welcome submissions of your itineraries to our community!
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