Nadia “Twinkle” Henry
I fell in love with Bali in 2018 when I went to the “Island of the Gods” with my family for the first time to celebrate my husband’s birthday.
I was immediately captivated by the charm of this island, mesmerized by its unique blend of natural beauty and rich culture. I’ve since been back twice, each time accompanied by a group of my cherished “Sparklers” – a community of travel enthusiasts who share my passion for exploring the world.
Every group trip I planned sold out within a week and we had to expand to 30 to 32 people. Planning a trip to Bali requires careful consideration to ensure a well-rounded adventure. I advise clients to start their trip in Ubud (the cultural and spiritual center of the island) for four nights. Explore its lush landscapes, vibrant art scene and tranquil temples. Afterwards, it’s ideal to head to Nusa Dua for beachside relaxation or Seminyak for three days of lively nightlife, extending the trip to seven nights.
Here’s my Bali itinerary designed to combine cultural immersion, adventure, and relaxation:
Day one: Start in Ubud. After a long flight, you can spend an afternoon admiring the town’s peaceful scenery and relaxing.
In the evening, start your adventure with a traditionally lukewarm dinner and experience the warm Balinese hospitality. During our trip, I organized a group dinner at a Balinese restaurant and hired some traditional dancers to perform.
the next day: Visit the Aloha Ubud Swing. Rent a flowing dress at this one-of-a-kind theme park to add glamor to your photos; dresses are available for rent at the park for about $20. Capture stunning views of lush rice terraces, perfect for those Instagrammable moments.
Bali’s culture is predominantly Hindu, centered around a large number of temples called “puras”. Each pula acts as a spiritual center, integrating rituals and ceremonies into the daily lives of the locals.
One of them is the Tirta Empul, a sacred site famous for the purification of its holy spring water.
Day three: Cultural exploration. At the Lempuyang temple, visit Pula’s famous “Gate to Heaven” for unforgettable photo opportunities, spectacular views, and spiritual insights.
Then, be sure to take a dip at Blangsinga Waterfall, one of the most beautiful spots on the island that makes for some great photos. A walk across Gianyar’s glass bridge is a must-do for more stunning views.
Day 4: Relax and enjoy. After a busy Day 3, spend some time at the resort enjoying the tranquility and maybe spending some time at the spa or exploring some other activities – maybe a Balinese cooking class.
Day 5: Traditional healing. Embrace the inner peace brought by Balinese shamanic healing methods for a unique cultural experience.
Then, it’s time to head to Nusa Dua’s beachfront resorts for endless relaxation, or to Seminyak for a livelier atmosphere. My group stayed at the Laguna Beach Resort and Spa, ApurvaHotel Kempinski in Nusa Dua. In Seminyak, I would recommend W Hotel to those who like nightlife.
Day six: Island adventure. Book a day cruise to Nusa Lembongan. Enjoy time at the beach club, water sports and island exploration.
Day seven: relaxation. Relax at the resort and enjoy a day of sun and beach. Or explore local attractions at your leisure.
Day 8: Set off for home.
Bali is a destination that has something to offer every visitor, whether you’re looking for tranquility, adventure or cultural immersion. Bali invites you to discover its magic and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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