How does three days of spas, amazing food, wallet-friendly drinks and endless shores of sun-drenched beaches sound?
If that’s right up your alley, then make a rest stop in Bali for a short getaway. Between the great eateries, warm hospitality and the many spas waiting to welcome you with a deep tissue massage, it’s no surprise that Singaporeans are flocking to the island for a well-deserved break.
So now that you’ve snapped up your flight tickets, bought a whole new wardrobe of swimwear and sundresses, all that is left is to find your dream villa and plot out your itinerary. Before you stress about that, we’re going to help you out with a guide around some of Bali’s hippest neighbourhoods. While there are plenty of hip and trendy neighborhoods in Bali, we’re looking specifically at Canggu, Uluwatu, as well as the Seminyak and Petitenget vicinity, and we’re running it down with the best places to shop, eat, party and rest.
Three days to check out three buzzy hoods? Easy.
About the area: We’re starting off with Canggu, which has received plenty of attention in the past few years. The boom in stylish villas has led to the opening of many trendy cafes, boutique stores, and a bustling nightlife scene. Unlike its cousins Seminyak and Petitenget, Canggu’s vibe is a little more laid back and offers a perfect balance of serenity and excitement.
9:00am: The first morning in Bali calls for a nourishing breakfast, and there’s no better place than Baked., which has two outlets in Canggu. This writer personally prefers the one situated on Jl. Pantai Pererenan, because it’s got a great patio that’s bathed in gorgeous natural light – perfect for those Instagram snaps or people watching. Go early, so you get a good table, and order the Best Scramble (70,000 IDR), which sees warm, creamy scrambled eggs elevated with crème fraîche, caviar, and chives. It’s decadent, without being too cloying or rich. The sourdough that comes with the eggs is also a hit – and this is coming from a person who doesn’t fancy sourdough. Baked with poppy seeds and a blend of added spices, it’s at once flavoursome without being too chewy.
Those looking for a bigger bite can try the Big Brekkie (90,000 IDR), which features hefty cuts of bacon, eggs, kale, and juicy sausages with a side of chutney. It’s messy and so delicious.
10:00am: Here’s an idea to help you digest breakfast: get some shopping in! Canggu has plenty of great boutiques to check out, but if you’re on a time crunch, these three are a must-visit.
Firstly, start your little shopping adventure at The Other Project, and be greeted by shelves upon shelves of gorgeous ceramic homeware. We won’t blame you if you’re tempted to overhaul your entire dining ware with their line of elegant, artisanal range of plates, bowls, and drinkware.
Then, drop in at Fields Of Yarrow, which is a Bali-based skincare brand that harnesses the nourishing benefits of all-natural ingredients. Step out of the heat and into the store’s gorgeous minimalist interiors, and peruse the products. Star hits include the Rosewood & Grapefruit Cleansing Balm, and the Super C Brightening Serum.
Two doors down from Fields of Yarrow is Cove., which offers shoppers a curated array of lifestyle goods – from breezy outfits to essential oil blends and crystal jewellery. It’s a fantastic place to find thoughtful souvenirs for your friends and family back home.
How to get there:
Baked. is at Jl. Pantai Pererenan No.118, Bali 80351, Indonesia
The Other Project is at Jl. Pantai Berawa No.51, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Fields Of Yarrow is at Jl. Pantai Berawa No.46, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Cove. is at Jl. Pantai Berawa No.50, Bali 80361, Indonesia
1:00pm: Ready for lunch? Hop into a Gojek, and make your way to La Brisa, a gorgeous beach club that’s outfitted in boho-cool decor, and attracts a crowd of laidback, good-looking people. It’s great for people watching, if you ask us! Order up some pizzas to share amongst your group – we recommend the Chicken & Potato (120,000 IDR) or a classic Margherita (90,000 IDR) – and kick back with your slices to the beats of the DJ. Before the food coma sets in, visit the club’s Sunday Market to find locally-made skincare, fresh produce, and other artisanal finds.
Then, as the afternoon progresses, slip into the cool waters of La Brisa’s pool, or head down to the shore for a splash in the salty seawater. Alternatively, lay back and take a nap on one of their many comfy sunbeds!
4:00pm: Now that you’re fed, rested, and have a nice glow going, it’s time to pamper yourself with a rejuvenating spa experience. Make your way to Spring Spa, one of Bali’s best wellness spots, and pick from one of their award-winning treatments or packages. We opted for a Spring Spa-kle (630,000 IDR for 130 minutes), which started with a foot cleansing ritual, followed by a fabulously relaxing massage and a gentle gua sha facial.
The spa also offers hair and nails services, so you can opt to add on extra treatments for head-to-toe pampering.
How to get there:
La Brisa is at Jl. Pantai Batu Mejan, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Spring Spa is at Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No.83C, Bali 80351, Indonesia
7:00pm: Step out of Spring Spa, turn right and head down the street to find Luma, a recently-opened dining establishment that will make for a memorable dinner. The cuisine is an ever-revolving menu that takes its cues from the freshest produce of the moment, which means that if you go in regular intervals, you’ll always be presented with a whole new menu.
When we visited the restaurant, we had their seafood pasta, which saw handmade noodles combined with chili slices, lobster meat, clams, bottarga and drenched in a briny emulsion for an explosively umami dish. We order several rounds of pasta – that’s how good it was. We also had an octopus carpaccio, where fresh slivers of octopus leg were served in a gorgeous setting of red onion, summer herbs, citrus, and olive oil. Simple, yet so incredibly satisfying. And while these dishes have since been refreshed for an all-new menu, you can rest assured that the food you’ll sample will be nothing short of delicious.
10:00pm: After popping back to the villa for an outfit and makeup refresh, you’re now ready to party. For a round of pre-party drinks, head over to Penny Lane, which is a popular watering hole for Canggu’s cool crowd. Lounge amidst the Mediterranean decor, and sip on their Espresso Yo Self Martini (110,000 IDR) – a classic espresso martini with a coconut twist that’s apt for setting that tropical mood. Snap your pics, toast to the trip, and kick off the night with Penny Lane’s chill vibes.
11.30pm: The night’s not over, so book a ride-hail car to take you to Vault. This underground club has recently gotten popular on TikTok, thanks to its reputation as Bali’s only underground club. The entrance is through a Berghain-esque concrete structure that sticks out of the ground, and lines can get pretty long so it’s advisable to head there early. Once you’re in, dance the night away to their themed nights. Wednesdays see groovy afro beats and dancehall music, Fridays belong to lovers of house and techno music, and Saturdays switch to hip-hop and R&B music. It’s a raucously fun place to let your hair down and dance the night away.
How to get there:
Luma is at Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No.91, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Penny Lane is at Jl. Munduk Catu No.9, Bali, Indonesia
Vault is at Jl. Pantai Berawa No.99, Bali 80361, Indonesia
About the area: Before Canggu became the place to see and be seen, Seminyak and Petitenget held that honour. These days, the area has become more commercialized, but the area still holds plenty of places to visit for food, shopping, and partying. Seminyak and Petitenget have different names, but they’re essentially in the same area so getting around is pretty fuss-free (think of them as Orchard and Somerset).
10:00am: To counter last night’s feasting, let’s go easy with a bowl of açaí and fresh fruits. The must-try place in the area is Nalu Bowls. Prepared on the spot, the menu offers Bali-themed options that mixes an assortment of fresh fruits, berries and nut toppings to be added onto a bowl of vibrantly pink açaí. We had the Uluwatu Bowl (70,000 IDR) and the crowd-favourite Mavericks Bowl (85,000 IDR), and we left completely satisfied and energised for the day.
11:00am: Since you’re in the area, why not get a bit of shopping done? Canaan is a must-see boutique to find the quirkiest range of homeware, clothing, and edibles. If you’re on the market for a shibori-dyed shirt, crochet lamps, or crab-themed hand fans, this place is perfect for you.
11:45am: Now that you’ve got your shopping momentum going, scoot down to Potato Head Bali, and visit Escalier. On all of my visits, I’ve always found something unique and new hanging on this hip boutique’s racks. Whether it’s a limited edition Junya Watanabe hoodie, tropical-themed shirts from local brand Vacation, or handmade one-of-a-kind jewellery, Escalier has plenty for you to peruse and discover.
How to get there:
Nalu Bowls is at Jl. Drupadi 1 No.2A, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Canaan is at Jl. Drupadi 1 No.11B, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Escalier is at Petitenget St No.51B, Bali 80361, Indonesia
1:00pm: Retail therapy is a great way of working up your appetite, and a meal at Mauri promises to hit the spot. The best thing about this fine dining spot is their Sunday Brunch (price upon application), which offers a whopping line-up of 18 dishes served to your table. Each course reimagines and upgrades classic brunch fare – think scrambled eggs with truffle essence, spheres of Bloody Mary, and a comforting plate of mushroom risotto – so it’s best to come with a huge appetite to properly savour every dish. Oh, and don’t forget to take note of the dressing code!
4:00pm: Lunch is going to leave you in a bit of a daze, but if you’re up for it, consider working off that extra serving of dessert (or live your Blue Crush fantasies) with a private surf lesson with Kima Surf Camps! The package includes transfer to and from your hotel or place of residence, and you’ll get one-on-one coaching over a 4-hour training session. Kima Surf Camps’ experienced trainers will tailor the lesson to meet you at your level of endurance and physicality, so you’re promised a fun and safe lesson.
How to get there:
Mauri Restaurant is at Petitenget St No.100, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Kima Surf Camps is at Gang Melati No.1 AB, Bali 80361, Indonesia
7:00pm: You can’t come to Bali and not eat Indonesian food. If you’re in the mood for a contemporary take on classic Indonesian fare, make sure you get a table at Sangsaka. The inspiration comes from familiar favourites, but Sangsaka gives it a special twist. For example, the Pangsit Laksa (65,000 IDR per piece) reimagines the humble dumpling with lobster, shellfish bisque, and dabu dabu. The Lontong Jamur (85,000 IDR) replaces rice cakes with rice-made gnocchi, moringa leaves with locally-harvested mushrooms, and Sapi Panggang Makassar (400,00 IDR) offers a hefty portion of Angus rib eye, beef cheek, cassava and an assortment of local sambals to dip your meats with.
9:00pm: Since you’re in the area, why not hop between two of Seminyak’s best-known nightlife hotspots? First stop: Motel Mexicola. Step through the doors and into the club’s trippy interiors where Mexican murals, neon-lit artwork, and majolica tiles transport you to Cancún. The vibe is always kept light and fun, as patrons sip on giant glasses of Margarita (150,00 IDR) cocktails and chomp down a selection of tacos. As the DJ takes over the decks, groove to a playlist of hip hop, R&B, and pop music.
12:00am: Motel Mexicola closes up at 1am (which is early, by Bali standards), so just before the mood dies down, hop into a taxi and go over to the nearby La Favela, which keeps the drinks flowing and music thumping into the wee hours of the morning. Here, pop music provides the soundtrack for a room of partygoers to dance to and make new friends with. Just before the night is over, head to the second floor and pop into the photo booth to snap some pics!
Pro tip: The main room tends to get suffocatingly crowded at times, so it’s best to bring a hand fan to keep yourself cool. Plus, it’s a great icebreaker for making new friends with other tourists as they flock toward you for some much-needed breeze! Watch out for your belongings too, or simply lounge outside of the main room at one of the club’s many seating zones.
How to get there:
Sangsaka is at Jalan Pangkung Sari No. 100, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Motel Mexicola is at Jl. Kayu Jati No.9X, Bali 80361, Indonesia
La Favela is at Jalan Laksamana Oboroi No.177X, Bali 80561, Indonesia
About the area: The last area that we love going to is Uluwatu. Known for its breathtaking beaches, Uluwatu offers a slower pace in contrast to Seminyak and Petitenget. Still, there’s plenty to experience here, so let’s get into it!
9:00am: Start your morning in Uluwatu off with a grounding and rejuvenating yoga session at Aylan Yoga School, situated within The Istana – a meditation and wellness centre in Uluwatu. Led by an experienced teacher, you’ll be guided through 60 minutes of stretches and breathing techniques. First-time yoga practitioners can opt for the Ying Yang session, which features a mixture of fast, active stretches countered by deeper and slower movements.
10:30am: For a post-yoga coffee run, stop by Nourish for some java and a light snack. Alternatively, opt for one of their juices (50,000 IDR each) – The Detox and The Reviver are favourites of this writer – and complete it with a Chia & Granola Jar (50,000 IDR), which combines chia pudding, mango compote, and almond butter for a subtly sweet snack.
11:45am: One of the main draws of Uluwatu is the seafood, and there’s no better draw than Kedonganan Fish Market. Here, you get to walk around and shop the freshest catches of the day from the fishers bringing in their hauls. Take a short walk to the village in the area, and find different seafood restaurants to savour these fresh seafood catches.
How to get there:
Aylan Yoga School is at Jl. Uluwatu Jl. Pantai Suluban, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Nourish is at Jl. Raya Uluwatu Pecatu No.250, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Kedonganan Fish Market is at Jl. Pantai Kedonganan, Bali, Indonesia
1:00pm: As mentioned, Uluwatu’s fame comes from its beautiful beaches. If you think the beaches of Canggu or Seminyak are lovely, you’ll be blown away by the beauty of Uluwatu’s cliffside shores. One of the more popular spots is Suluban Beach. It starts with a winding climb down a long flight of steps along the face of the cliff. Once you get over the slightly daunting experience of making your way down, the beach makes up for it with gorgeous horizon views, caves, and lagoon-like pools.
Not a fan of ascending and descending said stairs? Choose one of the bars at the top of the cliff, and you’ll still be able to enjoy the views.
4:00pm: How about one final spa before you head back home tomorrow? While in the Uluwatu area, head to OurSpa, where you’ll be greeted by ocean views as you step into the spa’s tranquil space. We tried the Ours Signature package (695,000 IDR), which allowed you to pick any of their facial therapy to complement an hour-long massage experience. Not sure of which facial to pick? The Glowing/Anti-Aging treatment is an easy choice to help nourish your skin after all the time spent under the Balinese sun. They also do incredible manicure and nail art, so you can leave the premises looking your best.
How to get there:
Suluban Beach is along Pantai Suluban St
OurSpa is at Jl. Labuansait, Bali 80361, Indonesia
8:00pm: After a relaxing massage and a post-treatment shower, it’s time to freshen up for dinner. For this occasion, we’re recommending El Kabron, a Spanish restaurant with an open-air dining terrace that allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of the sea. Food-wise, expect tapas-style dining, with must-try dishes including the Red Caviar Blinis (990,000 IDR), Gambas La Plancha (260,000 IDR), Hot Seafood Platter On The Stones (725,000 IDR), and Black Ink Croquetas (85,000 IDR). Come with an empty stomach, because you’re going to be tempted by everything on the menu.
As dusk sets in, the place gets lit in warm, low light as people get up to groove to the beats laid down by the DJ.
10.30pm: Now that you’re suitably fed and warmed up, and you’d like to migrate from El Kabron to another party spot, try TT Beach Club. Formerly known as Cattamaran Beach Club, TT is boasts dramatic views of Melasti Beach and the moonlit sea, as a crowd of gorgeous, chic people come together to dance the night away. Go togged out in your best, let your hair down, and live your best disco life on the dancefloor.
How to get there:
El Kabron is at Jl. Pantai Cemongkak, Bali 80361, Indonesia
TT Beach Club is at Melasti Beach 88, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Useful apps to have: Make sure that prior to departing Singapore, you should download the PeduliLindungi app, which is Indonesia’s version of our TraceTogether. Take some time to set up the app, and ensure your vaccination certificate is notarised within the app. Also, have Grab and GoJek on your phone for easy transport options. (Pro tip: GoJek’s app automatically switches interfaces once you land, and offers you a ton of extra services such as housecall manicure services and food delivery.)
Getting around: Bali offers tourists plenty of transport modes. If you’re comfortable with a scooter, they are available for rental in most tourist locations. Alternatively, Grab and GoJek both offer scooter options on their apps. It’s certainly cheaper than getting a car, and certainly faster as your scooter drivers whiz around traffic jams. Make sure you request for a helmet, as it’s not always guaranteed.
If scooters are not your cup of tea, Grab and GoJek offer ride-hail cars, or you can hop into one of the many passing taxis. Most taxis charge by the meter, but it doesn’t hurt to check with them before jumping in. After midnight, taxi drivers tend to switch to a haggling method, as they know tired partygoers just want to get back to their residences quickly.
Areas to stay: We recommend staying in Seminyak, Canggu, or Uluwatu for a good mix of shopping, places to eat, and places to party. Other areas like Kuta or Ubud may offer cheaper stays or quieter surroundings respectively, but lack in other aspects for a well-rounded vacation experience.
Because villas are dime a dozen in these areas, you can afford to be a bit pickier in your search. Remember that air conditioning is not always guaranteed, and is a private swimming pool and wifi, so be sure to read the fine print thoroughly.
Going to and from the airport: Most people would choose to book a private transfer, be it through the hotel or with a private hire driver. It certainly takes the hassle off of finding a taxi or booking a ride-hail car at the airport, and it’s even handier when travelling in a bigger group with luggage.
You could flag a cab or book a ride-hail at the airport, but after all that travel, having a private car pick you up means you have one less thing to worry about.
Pre-book where possible: Whenever you get the option to, pre-booking everything (be it experiences, classes, or restaurants) will pay off. It means you don’t have to worry about being turned away, or losing precious vacay time in the line.
Digestive precautions: “Bali Belly” is a common running joke amongst tourists, but in all of my many times visiting Bali, I’ve never faced any problems. Most cafes and restaurants use fresh ingredients and keep their establishments clean, so you can dine in peace. That being said, if you have any issues with sensitivities, it’s best to take adequate precautions and avoid raw foods or pack some charcoal pills with you.
Haggling culture: Most of the places highlighted in this guide have fixed prices, so haggling is not needed. This is also the case for most boutiques, restaurants, bars, and pharmacies. However, if you’re buying something from a street-side shop, be prepared to get some bargaining done.