Group member Li Ly and her friend just finished a Bali trip during the rainy season and are here to share their travel stories!

Key Highlights: This rainy-season Bali free-and-easy trip—surfing at Kuta Beach is best at 9 AM when it’s less crowded and you won’t get sunburned; leave your belongings with your private driver for safekeeping. Complete all e-customs declarations online beforehand to breeze through the automated gates (but luggage pickup might take 40 minutes). Below is a detailed breakdown of recommended activities, SPA, and food.
Thanks to all the info in the group, I’m sharing my late-February Bali free-and-easy experience for your reference. Our itinerary mainly included: some activities, SPA, and food—everything else was just ‘enjoying life.‘
Arriving in Bali
We handled all arrival-related stuff online and paid in advance, then zipped through the automated gates on the far left (but unluckily, my luggage took 40 minutes 😅😅😅).
Quick Reference: 2026 Latest Arrival Procedures - From Landing to Exit
Activity Recommendations & Tips
Surfing at Kuta Beach
- One-on-one coaching, including one hour of instruction and one hour of free practice. Though a bit rough compared to lessons in Taiwan, it’s still a decent experience. However, Kuta Beach really has quite a lot of trash.
- To avoid sunburn, we started surfing around 9 AM. At that time, we were the only group, making for a great experience.
- During surfing, no need to worry about your valuables—just leave them with the driver.
- A dedicated person took photos and videos of us, helping us capture precious memories.
- Changing clothes and rinsing off are also available (for an additional fee).
Xiao Jie’s First Surfing Experience
Sunset Beach Horseback Riding

- Booked online, about USD$55 per person, with one-on-one coaching where the instructor leads the horse.
- The experience was quite enjoyable—each instructor used our phones to take photos and videos.
- However, all activities come with some risk. Near the end, I was suddenly thrown off the horse. Luckily, I kept a firm grip on the reins and have some athletic ability, so when I flipped over, I was half-thrown and half-jumped off, avoiding serious injury. My instructor kept apologizing, and eventually, a staff member gave me a ride back on a small scooter. When I talked to the business, they said this was the first time it happened, so they wanted to understand what went wrong. But I only remember the horse suddenly bucking—I felt helpless, and so did the instructor.
- The scenery here is truly beautiful, and the prices are quite affordable compared to Taiwan. The only thing to watch out for is safety—all activities carry some risk, so travel insurance is a must.
Sunrise Jeep Tour

Photo courtesy of group member Li Ly
- Booked via KLOOK, about USD$48 per person including transfers.
- At 02:50 AM, driver Dita arrived promptly at the hotel lobby for pickup. Though he drove fast, he still kept it safe. I left my water in the car on the way back, and he kindly returned it to the hotel.
- Jeep driver Suda was very friendly, giving advance notice before turns and steep sections, making sure we were holding on tight before moving, and took photos for us seriously.
- Due to bad weather, we didn’t see the sunrise. The driver said on clear mornings, you can also see a sky full of stars before dawn. It was a pity we missed out this time, but I’d love to go again!
- Remember to dress warmly and bring a hat, as it gets very cold on the mountain in the early hours.
Bali Spa Recommendations & Reviews
The following are personal experiences for reference only: Also, whether by coincidence or not, the six spas I found less comfortable were all last-slot massages.
Unsolicited advice: get massages during the day.
- Putri Ubud Spa Seminyak: Located at No.5, Jl. Kayu Jati, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Seminyak, Denpasar. Booked through Arie, it’s the most local-feeling small shop, overall clean, no disposable underwear change and no rinse, affordable. Recommended experience: 13:00 Balinese Spa 60 minutes, price 165K IDR.
- Jaens Spa Shanti Ubud: Located at Banjar Kumbuh, MAS, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571. Recommended and booked by Arie, beautifully decorated and clean, excellent service attitude, disposable underwear provided, great experience, mid-range price. Recommended experience: 13:00 Hot Stone Massage 120 minutes, price 595K IDR.
- Putri Bali Spa: Located at Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali. Booked via WhatsApp, larger scale, beautifully decorated, but poor experience. Experience: 18:00 Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy Massage 90 minutes, price 400K IDR. (Book here)
- The Calma Spa Bali - Jimbaran Beach: Located at Jl. Uluwatu II No.108X, Jimbaran, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361. Recommended and booked by Arie, beautifully decorated and clean, disposable underwear provided, but some therapists were average. Experience: 19:00 Hot Stone Massage 120 minutes, special price 650K IDR.
- LuxMe Bali Spa: Located at Jalan Nuansa Utama VIII, Jl. Nuansa Utama Jl. Taman Griya No.6, Jimbaran, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361. Booked via WhatsApp, tucked away in an alley, clean, disposable underwear provided, great service, comfortable massage. Recommended experience: 15:30 Four-Hand Massage 60 minutes, price 420K IDR.
- ASAI Spa: Located at Jl. Pura Sekaang, ASAI Village, Jimbaran, Bali 80361. Booked via WhatsApp, overall clean, slightly less privacy, disposable underwear provided, mid-range price. Experience: 11:00 Deep Tissue Massage 90 minutes, price 575K IDR. (Book here)
Spas I wanted to try but couldn’t book:
Body Works: The photos look stunning, but it’s extremely popular. If you’re interested in experiencing it, you’ll need to book well in advance! (You can book here) We went on our first day, and couldn’t find a single opening for the entire seven days… orz
Restaurant Recommendations & Reviews
- WAHAHA Pork Ribs - Jimbaran: For pork ribs. The second floor has air conditioning, and the delicious flavors make us want to return.
WAHAHA Pork Ribs Introduction
- Bakso LA: A street-side eatery. Since we wanted to try local flavors, Arie took us to his regular spot. Delicious—though the texture was a bit like Taiwanese meatballs, these giant ones are uncommon back home. A bowl costs 17K.
- Terang Bulan and Martabak: Street snacks, another must-try for us. Arie took us to buy them; they’re somewhat like Taiwanese scallion pancakes. We enjoyed them back at the villa with beer—perfect pairing. While waiting, it started to drizzle, and Arie kindly let us stay cool in the car while he waited outside.
- HATIKU Jimbaran: For grilled fish, which we compared with the next spot, Lia Cafe. This place had heavier sauce flavors and was slightly pricier.
- Lia Cafe: Arie’s recommended grilled fish restaurant. We all agreed it suited our tastes better. If the weather’s bad, it’s best to come another day.
More Jimbaran Dining and Entertainment Guide

Jimbaran is a coastal paradise on Bali renowned for its romantic ambiance and culinary delights, featuring stunning golden beaches and breathtaking sunset views. The seafood restaurants here are a must-try culinary experience, while luxurious resorts and tranquil fishing village vibes allow visitors to enjoy both indulgence and local life. Whether for family trips or romantic dates, Jimbaran will exceed your expectations! Want to learn more about Jimbaran? Click here
Jimbaran Accommodation Themes
- Bali Accommodation Recommendations: Stunning Ocean View Jimbaran Stays
- 【2026 Bali AYANA Complete Guide】Rock Bar Reservation Tips
- 18 Family-Friendly Resorts with Kids Clubs in Bali|Best Choices for Family Vacations in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, and Ubud
- Bali Family Fun: Fifteen Resorts with Water Slides and Playgrounds
- Bali Group Free Travel: Jimbaran Private Villas with 3/4/5/6+ Bedrooms Recommended for Family Stays
- Double-Six Rooftop: A great spot for sunset views. If you reserve, you get front-row seats (minimum spend of 1,000K per table), and there’s a buy-one-get-one-free cocktail deal before 7 PM.
- Merah Putih: Indonesian cuisine—delicious with beautiful decor, comfortable air conditioning indoors, though a bit pricey.
- La Brisa Bali: A stunning beach club, perfect for photos. The food and drinks are good, and you can walk directly to the adjacent beach.
Further reading: Dubbed ‘Bali’s Most Beautiful Restaurant’: How La Brisa Stands Out Among Tens of Thousands of Dining Options?
More Canggu Food and Fun

Canggu is a hotspot on Bali that combines a relaxed atmosphere with trendy vibes. Not only does it boast stunning beaches, but it's also home to many unique cafes, creative restaurants, and boutique shops, making it a favorite among surfers and young travelers. Whether you're seeking natural scenery or looking to explore local culture, Canggu has something for everyone! Want to learn more about Canggu? Click here.
Canggu Accommodation Themes
- Bali Accommodation Recommendations: Top 17 Canggu Stays You Can't Miss
- 16 Private Pool Villas in Canggu: Canggu Villa Recommendations You Can't Miss
- Luxury Resort in Canggu: Regent Bali Canggu
- Bali Group Travel: Canggu Private Villas with 3/4/5/6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays
- L’Osteria Pizza e Cucina Ubud: Great pizza, but the risotto was even more impressive. Prices are much lower than in Taiwan, making it worth a return visit (it’s a chain).
- Tebasari Resto, Bar & Lounge: Located by the rice terraces, with a beautiful setting and tasty food, though some drinks might not suit everyone’s taste.
More to Explore in Ubud

Ubud is the cultural and artistic heart of Bali, drawing travelers with its lush rice terraces, serene jungles, and deep-rooted traditions. It's the perfect place to unwind and recharge. Whether you're diving into local customs, soaking up natural beauty, or seeking thrilling outdoor adventures paired with stunning food and scenery, Ubud offers a truly unique experience. Want more Ubud tips? Click here
Ubud Accommodation Themes
- 【Bali Ubud Accommodation】30+ Unique Stays in Ubud: Experience a Magical Journey Amid Bali's Mountain Scenery!
- 【Ubud Accommodation Guide】Ubud Villa Pool Villas: Private Paradise – 20+ Stunning Bali Villa Recommendations
- Bali Ubud Yoga Retreats: 10 Dreamy Choices Combining Yoga Classes and Mindful Relaxation
- 18 Bali Kids Club Family Resorts: Best Family-Friendly Options in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu & Ubud
- Bali Group Travel: Ubud Private Villa Rentals with 3, 4, 5, 6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays
Bali Accommodation Recommendations & Insights

Inara Alas Harum
We stayed at three places this time, and one of them, Inara Alas Harum Trip Booking, left a lasting impression. Although it’s nestled in the jungle, away from the bustling areas (but Arie will ensure you get there safely), the staff are incredibly friendly. Any request can be made via WhatsApp, and even with our limited English, there was no issue—they patiently translated everything. Despite being in the jungle, the environment was spotless; among the three places we stayed, this was the cleanest, with no bugs at all.
On the third day, we stayed at an older villa in Jimbaran, but it was a nightmare. The air conditioning was noisy and not cold, the water pressure was weak, and there were many millipedes both outside and on the room floor. On the bright side, they offered a free breakfast from 07:00 to 12:00 with a wide selection—we tried several dishes and they were all delicious. They also provided a free afternoon tea from 16:00 to 17:00, which could be ordered to the room and was equally tasty (the spring rolls left us wanting more). The dinner (at our own expense) was also excellent, though we didn’t have any drinks.
Swimming in the jungle at Inara Alas Harum Trip Booking was incredibly refreshing, and there was also a hot tub, though unfortunately no spa services were available. Overall, we’d love to stay at Inara Alas Harum Trip Booking again on our next Bali trip—at under USD$48 per night, it gave us a full sense of vacation.
▶ Inara Alas Harum Trip Booking Booking Link
Featured in 【Ubud Accommodation Guide】Ubud Pool Villa Private Paradise: Stunning Bali Villa Recommendations
No-Fail Accommodation List
- Family Villa Stays with 3, 4, or 5+ Bedrooms
- Bali Accommodation Guide: Jimbaran Stays with Stunning Ocean Views
- Understated Luxury Family Villa Choice! Arpana Private Pool Villas: Full Guide to Location & Amenities
- 【2026 New Stay】La Mewali Resort: 'Modern Cave-Style' Pool Villas & Panoramic Lagoon
- Raffles Bali in Jimbaran Named One of the World's Best Luxury Resorts
- Canggu Bohemian Boutique Accommodation Recommendation: Belajar Bali Boutique Hotel and Retreat
- A Must-Save for Foodies! 8 High-Value Villas & Stylish Hotels Within Walking Distance of Eat Street
- Bali Accommodation Guide: 10 Budget-Friendly Stays in Seminyak's Prime Area
- 【2026 New 5-Star】Jumeirah Bali Uluwatu Review: An All-Villa Secluded Luxury Guide
- Regent Bali Canggu: A Top-Tier Resort in Canggu
About Tipping
When it comes to tipping, we usually go by how we feel. Generally, we tip for luggage assistance and room service. For restaurants without a service charge, we tip if the service is good, and for those that already include a service charge, we also tip if the service is excellent. As for spas, regardless of whether a service charge is included, we tip if the experience is comfortable and enjoyable.
Additionally, we also tip surf instructors, jeep drivers, and transfer drivers. However, for the horseback riding experience, I didn’t tip because I fell off the horse.
Driver Recommendation

Provided by group member Li Ly
For transportation, we hired Arie for the entire 7-day, 6-night trip (except for 2/28 when Arie needed to go home to help with a festival). We highly recommend him. Here are his strengths:
- Fluent in English (we prefer drivers who don’t understand Chinese, as it makes chatting more relaxed).
- Very thoughtful and polite (he helps with umbrellas when it rains, opens doors, handles luggage, etc.).
- The car is new, clean, and smells pleasant (he washes the car inside and out every morning, showing his professionalism).
- Acts like a personal assistant (the day before departure, while in Taiwan, we tried to book Double-Six Rooftop via WhatsApp but got no response; after asking Arie, he immediately helped us secure the reservation and called to book various spas).
- Offers itinerary suggestions but fully follows guests’ preferences.
- Makes you feel at ease and safe.
- Drives smoothly.
- Recommends delicious local street food (even for someone like me with a sensitive stomach, I had no issues after the second day).
- Transparent and reasonable pricing (the service was so good that we gave 20-30% tips daily, yet it still felt like great value).
- He engages warmly in conversation but doesn’t disturb when it’s not needed (when he saw other friends sleeping, he proactively turned off the car music).
- Basically, if you have any needs or curiosity, just ask him—he almost always delivers!
We visited Bali six years ago (an eight-person small group organized by a travel agency), but the experience was poor, mainly due to the driver-guide. Although he spoke Chinese, communication was nearly impossible, which made us realize how crucial a good driver is for a trip—they can make the journey more complete and relaxing. Because Arie was so attentive, we gave him 20-30% tips every day.

Driver Recommendation: ARIE
WhatsApp: +6287861098850
LINE: abayka10
FB: Abayka Arieprayudha
Mail: abaykaari@gmail.com
More About Private Car Hire
- Nusa Penida Transport Guide: Taxi, Gojek, Car Hire & Scooter
- Bali Ride-Hailing Driver Scams: How to Avoid Grab/Gojek Traps
- Bali Motorbike Rental Safety Checklist
- Must-Have Bali Travel App: Complete Gojek Guide
- Bali Motorbike Rental Guide: Prices, Safety & What to Know
- Find Your Perfect Bali Driver: Real Traveler Reviews
- Bali Private Car Hire Guide: Costs, Booking Tips & Benefits
- Arriving in Bali: Airport Transfer Options & Day-1 Tips
Do you think the itinerary arranged by Li Ly is amazing? Go ahead and plan your own Bali independent trip! You’re also welcome to share your itinerary in the group!
Bali Travelogue Treasure Trove

Click here for more Bali travel stories
Want to write a travelogue but don't know where to start? Check out "How to Write an Amazing Bali Travelogue" to make your travelogue shine!
No-Fail Accommodation List
- Family Villa Stays with 3, 4, or 5+ Bedrooms
- Bali Accommodation Guide: Jimbaran Stays with Stunning Ocean Views
- Understated Luxury Family Villa Choice! Arpana Private Pool Villas: Full Guide to Location & Amenities
- 【2026 New Stay】La Mewali Resort: 'Modern Cave-Style' Pool Villas & Panoramic Lagoon
- Raffles Bali in Jimbaran Named One of the World's Best Luxury Resorts
- Canggu Bohemian Boutique Accommodation Recommendation: Belajar Bali Boutique Hotel and Retreat
- A Must-Save for Foodies! 8 High-Value Villas & Stylish Hotels Within Walking Distance of Eat Street
- Bali Accommodation Guide: 10 Budget-Friendly Stays in Seminyak's Prime Area
- 【2026 New 5-Star】Jumeirah Bali Uluwatu Review: An All-Villa Secluded Luxury Guide
- Regent Bali Canggu: A Top-Tier Resort in Canggu
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