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【SPA Madness】Bali Free & Easy Travel & Tips: SPA Recommendations

2024年3月14日 · 更新於 2026年7月10日 ✏️ 編輯文章

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Fellow traveler Li Ly and her friend just returned from a rainy-season Bali trip and are here to share their travel insights! Thanks to the group's wealth of in…

Fellow traveler Li Ly and her friend just returned from a rainy-season Bali trip and are here to share their travel insights!

【瘋狂做SPA】峇里島自由行 & 心得分享：SPA推薦清單

Key Takeaways: 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 online immigration declarations before arrival, and use the automated gates for quick entry (though luggage pickup might take 40 minutes). Below is a detailed breakdown of recommended activities, SPA, and food.

Thanks to the group’s wealth of information, they’re sharing their February-end Bali free-and-easy travel tips for your reference. Their itinerary mainly included: some activities, SPA, and food—everything else was just ‘enjoyment.‘

Entering Bali

We completed and paid for all entry requirements online, then used the leftmost automated immigration gate to breeze through (though unluckily, my luggage took 40 minutes 😅😅😅).

Quick Reference: 2026 Latest Entry 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. While it’s a bit less refined than 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, there’s no need to worry about your valuables—just leave them with your driver.
A staff member helped take photos and videos of us, so we could keep precious memories.
Changing clothes and rinsing off are also available (for an additional fee).

Xiao Jie’s First Surfing Experience

Kuta Beach Surfing Lesson (Provided by 27 Surf Bali)

Kuta Surfing Lesson (Provided by S Surf School)

Kuta Surfing Lesson (Provided by Bali Wau Surf)

Sunset Beach Horseback Riding

夕陽海灘騎馬

Booked online, about USD$55 per person, with one-on-one coaching where the instructor leads the horse.
The experience was quite good—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 decent 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 had happened, so they wanted to understand what exactly occurred. But I only remember the horse suddenly started bucking—I felt helpless, and so did the instructor.
The scenery here is truly beautiful, and the prices are quite reasonable compared to Taiwan. The only thing to watch out for is safety—all activities carry some risk, so travel insurance is essential.

Beach Horseback Riding Experience

Sunrise Jeep Tour

日出吉普車

Provided by group member Li Ly

Booked through KLOOK, about USD$48 per person, including transfers.
At 02:50 AM, driver Dita arrived at the hotel lobby on time 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.
The jeep driver Suda was very friendly, giving advance notice on 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 get to see the sunrise. The driver said if the weather were good, we could also see a sky full of stars in the early morning. It was a bit of a shame we missed out, but I’d love to go again!
Remember to dress warmly, preferably with a hat, as it gets very cold on the mountain in the early morning.

Kintamani Trunyan Jeep Sunrise Experience

Mount Batur Jeep Off-Road + Hiking Tour

Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking

Bali Spa Recommendations & Reviews

The following is just personal experience for reference: Also, whether it’s a coincidence or not, the six spas I found less comfortable were all closing-time massages.

Irresponsible 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, in Seminyak, Denpasar. Booked through Arie, it’s a very local, small shop—clean overall, no disposable underwear change, no rinse, and 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, 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 trying it, you’ll need to book well in advance! (You can book here) We went on our first day, and there were no openings for the entire seven days… orz

Restaurant Recommendations & Reviews

WAHAHA Pork Ribs - Jimbaran: Pork ribs spot. Air conditioning on the second floor. So delicious we’d gladly return.

WAHAHA Pork Ribs Introduction

WAHAHA Dining Discount

Bakso LA: A street-side eatery. We wanted to try local flavors, so Arie took us to his regular spot. Delicious—the texture reminded us a bit of Taiwanese meatballs, but these giant ones are rare back home. A bowl costs 17K.
Terang Bulan and Martabak: Street snacks we were eager to try. Arie took us to buy them—they’re a bit like Taiwanese scallion pancakes. We enjoyed them back at the villa with beer; they paired perfectly. While waiting, it started drizzling, and Arie kindly let us stay cool in the car while he waited outside.
HATIKU Jimbaran: Grilled fish here. We compared it with the next spot, Lia Cafe. The sauce here was bolder, and the price slightly higher.
Lia Cafe: Arie’s recommended grilled fish spot. We all agreed it suited our tastes better. If the weather’s bad, it’s best to go 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

Double-Six Rooftop: Great for sunset views. Booking gets you front-row seats (minimum spend 1,000K per table). Cocktails are buy-one-get-one-free before 7 PM.
Merah Putih: Indonesian cuisine—delicious with beautiful decor and comfortable air conditioning indoors. A bit pricey.
La Brisa Bali: A stunning beach club perfect for photos. Food and drinks are good, and you can walk right onto the adjacent beach.

Read more: Dubbed ‘Bali’s Most Beautiful Restaurant’: How La Brisa Stands Out Among Thousands of Dining Spots

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

L’Osteria Pizza e Cucina Ubud: Great pizza, but the risotto was even more impressive. Much cheaper than in Taiwan—worth a return visit (it’s a chain).
Tebasari Resto, Bar & Lounge: Set beside rice terraces with a beautiful atmosphere. Food is delicious, though some drinks might not suit everyone’s taste.

Tebasari Dining Discount

More to Eat, Play, and Explore in Ubud

更多烏布吃喝玩樂介紹

Ubud is the cultural and artistic heart of Bali, drawing countless travelers with its lush rice terraces, serene jungles, and deep-rooted traditions. It's the perfect place to unwind. Whether you're exploring local customs, soaking in natural beauty, or diving into exciting outdoor activities paired with stunning food and scenery, Ubud offers a unique experience that will move you. Want to learn more about Ubud? Click here

Accommodation Themes in Ubud

Bali Accommodation Recommendations & Reviews

Inara Alas Harum

During this trip, we stayed at three places, and one of them—Inara Alas Harum Trip Booking left a lasting impression on us. Although it’s nestled in the jungle, away from the bustling areas (but Arie will make sure you get there safely), the staff were incredibly friendly. Any request could be made via WhatsApp, and even with our limited English, it was no problem—they patiently translated everything. Despite being in the jungle, the environment was spotless; it was the cleanest of the three places we stayed, with no bugs at all.

On the third night, we stayed at an older villa in Jimbaran, and it was a nightmare. The air conditioning was noisy and barely cool, 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 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM with plenty of options—we tried several and they were all delicious. They also provided a free afternoon tea from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, which could be delivered to the room and was equally tasty (I couldn’t get enough of those spring rolls). The dinner (at our own expense) was also great, 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. The only downside was that they didn’t offer spa services. Overall, we’d love to stay at Inara Alas Harum Trip Booking again on our next trip to Bali. At under USD$48 per night, it gave us such a strong 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

About Tipping

When it comes to tipping, we usually go with the flow. We generally tip for luggage assistance and room service. At restaurants without a service charge, we tip if the service is good, and at those that already include a service charge, we still tip if the service is excellent. For spas, regardless of whether a service charge is included, we tip if the experience is comfortable and enjoyable.

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

團友 Li Ly 提供

Provided by fellow traveler Li Ly

For transportation, our entire 7-day, 6-night trip (except for 2/28 when Arie needed to go home to help with a festival) was handled by Arie as our private driver. We highly recommend him. Here are his strengths:

Fluent in English (we prefer drivers who don’t understand Chinese, so chatting feels more relaxed).
Very thoughtful and polite (helps with umbrellas when it rains, opens doors, handles luggage, etc.).
Car is new, clean, and smells pleasant (he washes the car inside and out every morning—showing true professionalism).
Acts like a personal assistant (the day before we left Taiwan, we tried to book Double-Six Rooftop via WhatsApp but got no response; we asked Arie, and he immediately helped us reserve it, called to book various spas, etc.).
Offers itinerary suggestions but fully follows guests’ wishes.
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 a great deal).
He chats warmly when you want, but doesn’t disturb when you don’t (he even turns off the car music when he sees friends sleeping).
Basically, if you have any need or curiosity, just ask him—he’s almost always on it!

We visited Bali six years ago (an 8-person small group organized by a travel agency), but the experience was poor, especially with the driver-guide. Although he spoke Chinese, communication was nearly impossible. That’s why we deeply understand how important a good driver is—they can make a trip more complete and relaxing. Because Arie was so thoughtful, we gave him 20-30% tips every day.

司機推薦

Driver Recommendation: ARIE

Whatsapp: +6287861098850

LINE: abayka10

FB: Abayka Arieprayudha

Mail: abaykaari@gmail.com

More About Private Car Hire

Do you think the itinerary arranged by Li Ly is amazing? Plan your own Bali free-and-easy trip now! Feel free to submit your itinerary to the group as well!

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【SPA Madness】Bali Free & Easy Travel & Tips: SPA Recommendations

Entering Bali