Bali had been on my bucket list for years — tropical beaches, ancient temples, rice terraces, volcano hikes, and vibrant nightlife all packed into one island. I decided to explore it as part of an organised group tour with Intro Travel, and it turned out to be the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and social travel.
From surfing in Seminyak to dolphin watching in Lovina, snorkelling in Gili T, and climbing Mount Batur at sunrise, this was my unforgettable Bali journey.
Here’s a full breakdown of my experience and itinerary.
My Bali Travel Route
- Seminyak
- Lovina
- Gili T
- Ubud
- Canggu
- Uluwatu
Starting in Seminyak: Surf, Temples & Sunsets
Our Bali group tour began in Seminyak, one of the island’s most popular beach areas.
What we did in Seminyak
- Visited Nyambu Temple
- Explored Mengwi Temple (Taman Ayun Temple)
- Learned how to make a traditional Hindu offering (canang sari)
- Took a beginner surf lesson
- Watched incredible beach sunsets
- Enjoyed Seminyak’s nightlife
Learning how to prepare a Hindu offering gave me my first real insight into Balinese spirituality. It was fascinating to see how religion is woven into everyday life on the island.
Surfing in Seminyak was also a huge highlight — challenging, fun, and the perfect way to start the trip.
Tanah Lot & Jatiluwih Rice Fields: Cultural & Scenic Stops
On the way to our next destination, Lovina, we travelled by mini bus and stopped at some of Bali’s most iconic locations.
Dara Tarik Wisata Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most famous sea temples, dramatically positioned on a rock formation just offshore. Visiting during the day allowed us to explore the area and appreciate its cultural importance.
Jatiluwih Rice Fields (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces were absolutely breathtaking — endless layers of green carved into the landscape.
Here I:
- Tried traditional rice snacks
- Ate at a local Balinese restaurant
- Walked through the terraces
- Took in panoramic mountain views
This stop gave me my first true sense of Bali’s dramatic natural beauty.
Gitgit Waterfall & Balinese Coffee
We also stopped at Gitgit Waterfall, where cool mist and jungle surroundings offered a refreshing break from the heat.
Along the way, I tried traditional Balinese coffee, learning more about local coffee production and tasting different varieties.
Lovina: Dolphins & Local Culture
After a full day of travelling, we arrived in Lovina, on Bali’s north coast.
Dolphine Watching and Swimming
One of the highlights of Lovina was going out early in the morning for dolphin watching. Seeing dolphins swimming alongside the boat was unforgettable — and we even had the chance to swim in the sea near them.
Visiting a Balinese Family Home
We also visited a local Balinese family home where we:
- Learned how to weave bamboo baskets
- Discovered how traditional coffee is produced
- Learned about daily family life in Bali
This cultural exchange was one of the most meaningful parts of the trip.
Gili Trawangan: Island Life & Snorkelling
From Lovina, we travelled by mini bus to the ferry port and took a speed boat to Gili Trawangan (Gili T).
Gili T feels completely different from Bali — no cars, just bicycles and horse carts.
What I did in Gili T
- Cycled around the entire island
- Watched unforgettable sunsets
- Enjoyed lively nightlife
- Took a snorkelling boat trip
- Swam with turtles
- Saw the famous underwater statues
Snorkelling in Gili T was incredible — crystal-clear water, colourful fish, and multiple sea turtles swimming nearby.
Ubud: Adventure and Culture
After returning by speed boat to Bali and transferring by mini bus, we arrived in Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali.
Higghlights in Ubud
- Visited the Sacred Monkey Forest
- Went white water rafting
- Climbed Mount Batur for sunrise
- Enjoyed live music and nightlife
Climbing Mount Batur at sunrise was one of the toughest but most rewarding experiences of the trip. Reaching the summit as the sky turned orange over the mountains is something I’ll never forget.
Exploring Bali Independently
After finishing the organised Intro Travel tour, I decided to continue exploring solo.
Ubud: Tegenungan Waterfall and Elephant Sanctuary
I visited Tegenungan Waterfall, one of the most accessible waterfalls near Ubud. It was powerful, scenic, and perfect for photos. I also visited an elephant sanctuary, where I learned about elephant care and conservation in Bali.
Canggu: Sunsets, Food & Laid-Back Vibes
Next, I took a motorbike to Canggu, one of Bali’s most popular beach towns.
In Canggu, I:
- Watched multiple sunset evenings on the beach
- Tried lots of local Balinese restaurants
- Explored beach cafés
- Took a day trip to Uluwatu
Canggu’s energy was relaxed but vibrant — a mix of surfers, digital nomads, and backpackers.
Uluwatu Day Trip
From Canggu, I visited Uluwatu, famous for its dramatic cliffs and ocean views. It’s one of the most scenic parts of Bali and absolutely worth a day trip.
Was Intro Travel Bali Worth It?
Starting my trip with an organised group tour was the perfect introduction to Bali.
It provided:
- Structured itinerary
- Cultural experiences
- Social connections
- Local guidance
- Smooth transport between regions
After that, travelling independently felt easy and familiar.
For anyone nervous about solo travel in Southeast Asia, an organised tour like Intro Travel can be a great way to begin.
Final Thoughts on My Bali Journey
My Bali journey included:
- Surf lessons in Seminyak
- Iconic temples like Tanah Lot
- Rice terraces and waterfalls
- Dolphin watching in Lovina
- Snorkelling with turtles in Gili T
- Volcano hiking in Ubud
- Sunsets in Canggu
Bali exceeded my expectations. It offers culture, adventure, relaxation, nightlife, nature, and spirituality — all within a relatively small island.
Whether you choose a Bali group tour, solo backpacking, or a luxury escape, Bali truly has something for everyone.
