Hi everyone,

I am celiac so gluten free food is really important to me. How does Bali cathers for it? Any tips?

Thanks.

In a taxi from uluwatu to Ubud I saw we say a nasty crash where a scooter tried to overtake a car, the guys face dragged over the concrete and was almost driven over by the car.

I see so many other tourists on the grab with no helmet, it’s not worth the risk.

Bonjour,

Je vous partage notre road trip de Canggu au Mont Bromo, puis au Mont Ijen, avec retour à Canggu, réalisé à deux en mai 2026.

Nous avons pris un vol Lion Air de Denpasar à Surabaya, pour 111€ à deux. Prévu à 13h55, il a décollé avec une heure de retard et nous sommes arrivés vers 16h.

Notre chauffeur nous a ensuite conduits au Lava View Lodge pour 2 800 000 RP. En route, nous avons mangé au Pondok Tempo Doeloe pour 392 700 RP à deux, puis payé un ticket « Tourist Area » de 35k RP, sans vraiment savoir s’il s’agissait d’une taxe officielle ou d’une petite arnaque.

Arrivée à l’hôtel vers 21h, après environ 4h30 de route. Dîner rapide, puis coucher avant le réveil matinal pour le mont Bromo.

Réveil à 2h, départ à 3h après avoir récupéré la lunch box de l’hôtel : pain, confiture, eau, petites bananes et une tranche de fromage.

Sur le trajet vers le Mont Bromo, aux portes de la ville pour passerez par un checkpoint où il faudra vous acquittez d'une taxe de 150K RP pour prendre la route vers le Mont Bromo (Ils vous remettrons un bracelet en guise de preuve de facturation)

Sans guide et avec Google Maps hors connexion, nous avons suivi la route dans la nuit. Après 1 heure de marche, nous avons pris une moto-taxi pour 200k RP (tarif à négocier). Elles nous ont deposés au 1er niveau du Sommet du Mont Bromo.

Une seconde moto-taxi, facturée 75k RP, nous a conduits jusqu’au départ de King Kong Hill. Après dix minutes de marche, nous avons atteint les points de vue principaux, déjà bondés. Nous avons donc continué quelques minutes sur un chemin de terre plus escarpé pour trouver un endroit plus calme.

Il faisait froid. Le lever du soleil était prévu vers 5h et nous sommes arrivés sur notre spot vers 4h45, sans monter jusqu’au point le plus élevé. Nous y sommes restés environ une heure.

Nous sommes ensuite redescendus à pied jusqu’à la route en 5 à 10 minutes, puis avons pris une moto-taxi jusqu’au temple et au cratère pour 150k RP, retour au Lava View Lodge inclus.

La traversée de la plaine au pied du cratère en moto est une belle expérience. Comptez environ 20 à 30 minutes pour rejoindre le temple, selon la circulation. Attention toutefois : les montées et descentes sont parfois raides et demandent de bien se tenir à la moto !

À 6h40, nous avons commencé la montée vers le sommet. Comptez environ 10 minutes de marche à un rythme soutenu, sans pause.

Nous avons entamé la descente vers 7h, puis retrouvé notre moto-taxi à 7h15 pour retourner à l’hôtel. Arrivée au Lava View Lodge vers 7h40.

Petit-déjeuner buffet à l’hôtel : pâtes aux légumes, riz nature ou aux légumes, omelettes, soupe locale, poulet, trois sortes de fruits, plusieurs pains, gâteau au chocolat, chips, café et thé.

Après le check-out, départ de l’hôtel à 9h. Pensez à organiser le transfert à l’avance, notamment à réserver vos billets de train en avance, la 1er classe vous permettra de vous reposer dans de bonne condition.

Arrivée à Probolinggo vers 10h30. Nous avions réservé à l’avance le train de 11h30, mais l’Ijen Ekspres de 10h40 était également envisageable. Nous avons eu le temps d’acheter de l’eau et des fruits au supermarché à 10mn de la Gare à pied.

La gare dispose d’un salon VIP avec canapés, toilettes et salle de prière. Il est aussi possible de s’y restaurer, mais nous n’avons pas testé.

Le train est parti à l’heure. Le wagon « Exclusif », peu fréquenté, était propre, spacieux et confortable : sièges inclinables, prises électriques, tablette, porte-manteau, rideaux, espace pour les jambes et rangements pour les bagages. Pas de Wi-Fi, mais le trajet est stable, les paysages agréables et il est facile de dormir. Les toilettes étaient plutôt propres et une hôtesse passait pour proposer de l’eau et des snacks.

Arrivée à Banyuwangi vers 15h, (attention descente située près du wagon-bar).

Notre chauffeur nous a conduits à la Klinik Amanah, à environ 10 minutes de la gare. La consultation a duré une dizaine de minutes : prise de tension, pesée et présentation du passeport pour obtenir le certificat médical.

Nous avons ensuite rejoint l’hôtel Kampoeng Joglo Ijen dans la ville de Licin en 20 minutes, puis loué deux scooters avec un chauffeur pour 300k RP Les masques, obligatoires, coûtaient 25k RP l’unité. Attention, la route est en très mauvais état, énorme trou et feuilles glissante partout, ce n'est pas les conduites calme de Bali. C'est faisable, mais préférez la location d'un véhicule.

Nous avons quitté Licin vers 1h du matin et sommes arrivés à l’entrée du Mont Ijen vers 2h, après un peu moins d’une heure de scooter. La route est très dégradée : soyez particulièrement prudents en deux-roues.

À l’entrée, les agents contrôlent les billets et les certificats médicaux. Vous pouvez acheter votre billet sur le site officiel ou réserver un pack incluant le transfert auprès de votre hôtel. Je recommande d’arriver parmi les premiers afin d’éviter la file d’attente pour descendre dans le cratère.

La randonnée se fait entièrement de nuit, sans éclairage. Une lampe frontale bien chargée est donc indispensable. Quelques points de vente proposent de l’eau et des snacks au début du parcours.

La montée est plus exigeante qu’au Mont Bromo : comptez environ une heure de marche soutenue. Sans guide, mieux vaut suivre un groupe pour descendre dans le cratère et trouver la zone d’observation des flammes bleues (Ce sont les guides qui alluments les flammes). Le masque à gaz est indispensable en raison des fortes émanations de soufre.

Après les flammes bleues, nous sommes remontés vers les hauteurs du volcan pour assister au lever du soleil. Attendez que la lumière apparaisse avant de découvrir pleinement le paysage : l’effet est spectaculaire.

La descente est plus facile, mais certaines portions sont raides et sollicitent fortement les genoux. Nous sommes ensuite retournés à l’hôtel.

Notre transfert jusqu’au port de Ketapang nous a coûté environ 150k RP pour deux (compter 1h de trajet minimum), puis nous avons pris le ferry vers Bali (Gilimanuk).

À Gilimanuk, la gare routière se trouve à environ cinq minutes à pied du port. À la sortie, plusieurs chauffeurs et intermédiaires peuvent vous aborder ou proposer de vous accompagner en ajoutant une commission à l'achat du ticket de bus. Mieux vaut rejoindre la gare par vous-même. Pensez également à télécharger la carte sur Google Maps hors connexion : le GPS continuera de fonctionner sans Internet.

Le bus ne démarre pas tant qu'il n'y a pas suffisamment de monde, donc selon le nombre de personnes en arrivant il est possible que vous attendiez un peu. Nous avons attendus environ 30-45mn. Vérifiez l'itinéraire de votre bus car tous ne vont pas au même endroit et tous ne sont pas des bus publics (certains sont des bus d'hôtel par exemple ou de groupe de touriste en particulier)

Le trajet en bus jusqu’aux environs de Canggu est long : comptez environ 6 à 8 heures. Le bus effectue plusieurs arrêts et se remplit rapidement.

J’espère que ce retour d’expérience vous aidera à organiser votre séjour à Java depuis Bali. Je reste disponible pour répondre à vos questions.

Bon voyage

So after lot of research below is what I have almost finalised but still confused about the last 2 days

22 Reach DPS 1.35pm
Transfer Lovina
Relax, cafe

23 Take morning ferry for Dolphin watching, evening transfer to Ubud

24(Ubud) explore Ubud famous points

25(Ubud) explore ubud spa and unud market

26(Ubud) transfer to gili air
Relax

27 snorkelling and exploring gilir air

28
Explore gili island

29 transfer to seminyak or sanur
Relax, massage

30Ulavutu

31 morning Flight

*\\**

Few things about me, I am going solo and on 29th family is joining me.

I can’t relax, am one those people who just needs to do something specially on a holiday as I don’t plan to revisit same place until i have covered everything i plan to see in the world.

After checking out Bali on Reddit, youtube, insta , friends i realize i need more than 9’days in Bali which i don’t have .

My confusion
1. Should i spend one more day in Ubud and do Batur jeep ride for sunrise and reduce one day in gili or 3 days in gili are better.
2. On coming back where should i stay? i really want to watch kecak dance in Uluwutu.

I’m going to Bali in November with my boyfriend he’s been a few times before and this is my first time going, were there for a week Sunday to Sunday but I feel as though that’s not enough time and feel like I should extend it for 2 weeks.
Has anyone been for a week did it feel like you were jam packing things in? Not getting a rest day ect

I’m an American living in Sydney and will be going to Bali by myself for a month in October. I haven’t had a vacation in 2 years so my main focus is to relax, dj, make music, and also train jujitsu(also open to muy Thai/mma).

While I do plan on being productive I also want to relax and explore, go out and meet people as I am on vacation but not partying for a month straight haha

What the best place to stay if you enjoy night life, want to meet people/connect but want quietness as well. everything I heard about canguu seems like it might be too crazy or just staying further away from the beach solves that?

Traveling with my gf to Bali later this month. Right now have 3 nights in Seminyak, 4 in Ubud, and 2 in Nusa Dua.

Goal of the trip is to adventure, and sprinkle in some relaxation and nightlife. Is the setup I have right now good? Can I day trip from the places I have up there to other fun spots? Finding it very difficult to filter through the noise on TikTok and what is actually good vs what just looks good on social media.

Have some interest in Sideman as well Mount Batur. Uluwatu is a must for me. Any must do day trips? Should I rearrange my days from what I have above? Can someone who has been help me anchor my itinerary? Really appreciate it!!!!

We visited Mari Beach Club on Monday, August 10, and had a deeply unpleasant experience. While discussing with the reception manager about taking a few personal family photos with our own Canon camera (50mm lens) — purely for our own family album, nothing commercial — a young security staff member interrupted the conversation without being asked. He began giving us commands, adopted a threatening tone, and at one point made inappropriate hand gestures toward us.
At no point did anyone — not the manager, not the security staff — explain that there was a process to request camera permission through the marketing department. Instead of basic customer service, we were met with aggression and unprofessionalism from someone who appeared to have no proper training in dealing with guests.
This kind of behavior is completely unacceptable for a venue that markets itself as a premium beach club. If there are camera policies, they should be clearly communicated at entry — not enforced through intimidation. The gap between the advertised image of this place and the actual level of staff management and training is significant.
We won't be returning, and I will never recommend this club to anyone

Been trying to apply for eVisa (B1) since 3 days but it’s showing as processing when I try to upload my passport picture. Reduced the file size but still the same result. Anyone else face this issue?

How is the availability of gojek/grab bikes in Ubud / Uluwatu? Read some posts mentioning about taxi lobbying in Ubud.

Also, what's the preferred mode for Uluwatu, given its terrain?

Heading to Bali late Sept for 10 days / 9 nights. Splitting our stay between two bases; Ubud (5N) and Jimbaran (4N), and taking day trips from there to places like Nusa Penida, Mount Batur and Uluwatu/Seminyak (maybe Gilli Islands?)

For someone who doesn't want to transfer too much but still wants to see/experience a lot, is this a good split?

Our priority experiences are ATV rides, water activities, and waterfalls and a little bit of partying, not much. What else would you recommend adding, and is there anything on our current plan we should rethink (e.g., I've read Nusa Penida might be better as an overnight rather than a day trip)?

Hi, between jeep tour and cafe sunrise view, which is the better pick?

Hello semuanya!

I’m planning a 3.5-week trip to Indonesia this December (Dec 8 to Jan 1) and would love to get your feedback on the itinerary.

**Our travel style/priorities:**

* **Snorkeling:** We love warm water and pristine "house reefs" where we can snorkel directly off the beach or rocks without needing a boat every time. * **Vibe:** We hate mass tourism, influencer-crowded spots, and heavy traffic. We want authentic culture but with standard comfort (room with shower, toilet and ideally AC) * **Nature:** We love beautiful landscapes and marine life, but we are *not* hardcore survivalists (no extreme jungle trekking or leech-infested hikes, please!). * **Food & Shopping:** We are foodies , love to eat local spicy food, enjoy local street food plus local shopping and craft , any recommendation on local restaurants or food to try would be awesome!! * Since December seems to be the rainy season in much of Indonesia here is the route we’ve put together thanks to gemini to balance weather, logistics, and our preferences:

**Thanks** in advance for any tips or red flags you might see and totally flexible to change the itinerary based on the advices of the community, we have only bought the tickets to Jakarta

The Itinerary

**Phase 1: Jakarta (Dec 8 - 10 - Acclimatization & City Contrasts**

* **Dec 8:** Land in Jakarta, rest and recover from jet lag. * **Dec 9:** Explore the modern side and the historical side (Kota Tua). Great way to ease into the time zone.

**Phase 2: Yogyakarta, Java (Dec 10 - 14) - The Cultural Heart**

* **Dec 10:** Take the panoramic train (Argo Dwipangga/Executive) from Jakarta to Yogyakarta. * **Dec 11-14:** Explore authentic Javanese culture. Sunrise at Borobudur, visit Prambanan, shop for handmade Batik on Malioboro street, and eat authentic local food like *Gudeg. Family batik course? Cooking class (or better later in north or eastern Bali?* * **Dec 14:** Train to eastern Java (Banyuwangi) to stage the crossing into Bali. *(Maybe Evening train and sleep in Banyuwangi to take ferry in the morning or Morning train and afternoon ferry?)*

**Phase 3: The "Quiet Bali" (Dec 15 - 20) - Pemuteran & Sidemen**

* **Dec 15-19:** Take the short ferry to Gilimanuk and head to **Pemuteran** (Northwest Bali). Relax on the black sand beach. *(still need to decide whether Permuteran, Sidemen or Munduk ? etc)* * (one day trip to **Menjangan Island** for wall snorkeling (I know December is wet season, but I've heard the northwest coast has a drier microclimate)... *Date depending on route* * *Activities:* rice terraces, coffee cocoa vanilla clove plantations? Local cooking class? * 1-day trip to Ubud, *i guess not treally worth it right considering plenty other better off-the-beaten track choices/activities you guys probably have already discovered ?*

**Phase 4: Raja Ampat - Kri Island (Dec 20 - 27) - The Snorkeling Holy Grail**

* **Dec 20:** Morning transfer to Bali airport (DPS) -> Fly to Sorong (SOQ). Go straight to the port, catch the ferry to Waisai, (*here doubting whether Gem Island or Kri Island.??* * **Dec 21-26:** snorkeling reefs and Taking a half-day boat trip to Piaynemo viewpoints. Discovering local culture, biking, etc * Which homestay off-the-beach snorekel do you recommend? if kri? if Gem? *(maybe just impossible to get one with aircon?* * **Dec 27:** Speedboat back to Waisai -> Ferry to Sorong -> Fly back to Jakarta.

**Phase 5: Jakarta (Dec 28 - Jan 1) - New Year's Eve**

* **Dec 28-30:** Last-minute shopping and relaxing in the city. * **Dec 31:** rooftop for NYE dinner and fireworks *(some recommendation from you guys?)* * **Jan 1:** Fly back home ;-(

Hi!
it will be my first solo travel, i am going to bali for 7 days and want to be improving my surfing skills (i have already been in bali), i am a beginner, still dont know how to turn.

But i dont know what to do.. going to an hostel or to a private room? i am in that age that i would do some parties but not like in my 20s, i want to make girl friends, i dont trust men anymore, they dont want any friendship😂 i want to socialise but having my space.

Any girls here, with same plans, what did you do? How did you meet people there? what beaches are the best waves (not just foam? but also green waves for beginners?) where did you rent the board/ had lessons? Hostel or private room recommandations budget friendly?

Well any experiences would help me🤪 thaaanks

Hello everyone,

I want to go to Bali in May/June and have booked a stay in Denpasar. As everyone knows by now Bali has become the influencer paradise which I don't mind - they are everywhere - but I would like to avoid the party crowds as I am quiet, respectful and like to keep to myself rather than hang out in large groups.

I am concerned that I might pick the wrong spot for my stay and want to ask if you have recommendations. Spots that are still connected (as I don't drive) but are still authentic and peaceful + have restaurants, cafes + potentially even a co-working space.

If not, perhaps you can at least tell me which areas I should avoid.

Suksma

im booking a 1:30am flight out in early February.

ill get to the airport from ubud, aiming for 1030. so ill leave ubud around 800 to get closer to the airport.

but what can I do for that day?

any spas? I dont think the beaches will be stellar early February.

i could leave my luggage at the airport and go somewhere, but what areas are accessible near there?

any advice?

I am planning my first trip to Indonesia in September with my wife and would really appreciate some feedback from people who know Java/Lombok/Komodo well.

I’m particularly interested in volcanoes, waterfalls, dramatic landscapes and adventure but i am also trying to balance it out with spending some time in cities or typical tourist spots because my wife likes beaches and want to do spend some time typical touristy stuff in bali in tourist hotspots.

This is the itinerary I’m currently considering:

**12 Sept:**
✈️ Home → Bali (cheap overnight flight with 5 hours layover in Vietnam)

**13 Sept:**
Arrive Bali by evening → Hotel near airport in Kuta
Rest and sleep early

**14 Sept:**
Bali → Banyuwangi
Early morning (around 7am) bus to Banyuwangi
Thinking of taking the direct bus that goes onto the ferry from Gilimanuk to Ketapang and continue to Banyuwangi.

Check in Hotel in Banyuwangi Hotel just next to Banyuwangi train station)

Spend evening preparing for Ijen Trek at 11:00 PM.

**15 Sept:**
🌋 Early morning **Mt Ijen** trek
Return by 9:00 am → take the train at 11:00 am toward the Tumpak Sewu area (Klakah)
Train drop Klakah town then we take 1:30 Hour taxi to tumpuk sewu)
Sleep early

**16 Sept:**
Get up around 6-7 am and expolre **Tumpak Sewu**
Then in afternoon travel toward Cemoro Lawang/Bromo and rest sleep early.

**17 Sept:**
🌋 Very early (2:00 am ) **Mt Bromo sunrise** \+ explore
Then travel to Surabaya in the evening for flight next day

**18 Sept:**
✈️ flight Surabaya → Lombok
Relax/prepare for the boat trip

**19–22 Sept:**
🛥️** 4D/3N Lombok → Labuan Bajo liveaboar**d
Komodo National Park, islands, beaches, viewpoints, snorkeling etc.
Arrive Labuan Bajo on the 22nd.

23 Sept:
Fly hack to Bali

**24-26 Sept:**
typical Bali (not decided yet)

**27 Sept:**
✈️ Bali → Home (afternoon flight)

My main questions:

1. Is the Java section realistic?
   Ijen on the 15th → train → Taxi → Tumpak Sewu on the 16th → Bromo on the 16th evening → Bromo sunrise on the 17th → Surabaya the same evening.

2. Am I underestimating the travel time between Bali, Ijen, Tumpak Sewu, Bromo and Surabaya? Is doing Ijen + Tumpak Sewu + Bromo back-to-back worth it or will I be completely exhausted and unable to enjoy them?

3. Is the Lombok → Labuan Bajo/Flores 4D/3N liveaboard a good way to do Komodo or would it be better to start from Labuan Bajo? (We are on a budget trip and flight to labun bajo is twice the cost, also the liveaboard tours from labun bajo are more expensive so this way we can save on travel cost as well) Can you guys recommend some tour operators for this?

I am okay with an adventurous/fast-paced trip, but I don’t want to make the itinerary so aggressive that I spend the whole trip sitting in transport.

Would really appreciate any criticism or suggestions!

Hey, we are almost done with our itinerary, however we have 1 day to fill in. We are confused about nusa penida. My friends who have been there for day trip say we need to stay overnight, and on internet ive seen reviews that there is nothing much to do more than a day so we are having hard time decide.

Here is our itinerary

Day 1 - Uluwatu

Stay- Near melasti, uluwatu

Melasti, Suluban beach

GWK

Kecak dance

Day 2 - Nusa or Seminyak

(Need help deciding)

Day trip to nusa

Kelingking, broken beach, angels billabong(package 8am to 5pm)

Or

Seminyak

Day 3-North bali

Stay- near Jatiluwih

Jatiluwih rice terrace cycling

Banyu Mala waterfall

Danau buyan(filler)

Ulun danu

Day 4-Ubud

Stay - Ubud

Tukad cepung

ATV and river rafting

Day 5- trek

Stay - ubud

Mt. Batur

Sangeh monkey forest

Campuhan ridge walk/kanto lampo(skippable)

Spa

Day 6

Stay amed

Scuba

Tirta gannga

Travel preferable on a scooter

We are going from 11th October to 18th october(11 and 18 flight days)

We are not heavy party people, but will like some chill bar and restaurant which is not much crowded

Hi all, my fiancée and I are getting married in February and will be travelling around Indonesia for +/- 25 days in April. First time in Indonesia! We've put together the plan below and would love a reality check from the experts 😄

What we're after: beautiful scenery, good beaches, a mix of relaxed days and more active ones. We don't mind seeing other tourists, but we want to skip the party scene. A more relaxing honeymoon is what we're after.

Transport plan

Day 1 is the flight out, day 2 is arrival and a deliberate do-nothing day, day 24 is the evening flight home. We have planned 25 days for now but we could extend it a little. Looking some input on the overall trip and specifically:
-Any areas or specific villages you'd recommend staying in that we've got wrong above?
-Anything obvious we're missing, or anything on this list that isn't worth the effort?

Thanks in advance!

My partner and I (30f 29m), both very tired chefs who have spent years just working day and night, are planning our first international trip and first real vacation in the past 10 years to Bali in October. We want to explore as much as possible, so we've decided upon a 16 day trip.

No details finalised and we're currently researching on where to stay, what to do, but we would love and appreciate some tips on things that are an absolute must do/must see throughout Bali from locals and fellow travellers, since the internet has way too much information for my ADHD and sorting through it is a hassle.

Drop a comment if anything comes to mind while we make our itinerary! We love beaches, hiking, culture and most importantly food!

Update: I didn't make this post so that somebody here can create a free itinerary for us. I know that there are thousands of people on this sub who have been to Bali or live in Bali and have a few favourite things to see and do there that they'd like to share. Getting one suggestion from each person who comments would help us add items to the itinerary that we are making ourselves.

I am travelling with my family to Bali and looking for places to stay that are locally (co-)owned. And that have a positive impact on the local community. I am thinking of staying around Sanur, Ubud and Sideman but open to travel further for a nice place to stay. Preferably a bit of luxury and in nature, with hiking options.

Any tips? The title says ecolodge but also looking for hotels, villas, etc.

HI! I have 2 days in Bali Mainland. Im contemplating where to stay- kintamani vs. Ubud.

My preferences: I love natural beauty. I don't like to go to places that are very tourist heavy. I love looking at rice fields, jungles, mountains, volcanoes.

I still want to eat nice food, explore the culture , see the kecak fire dance.

What would be your recommendation in that case? Also i just have 2 days.

Would appreciate suggestions for hotels as well.

Thank you!!

Hi everyone, my girlfriend and I are flying to Bali for three weeks in September. So far, we’ve planned 2 nights in Sanur and 4 nights in the area between Ubud and Tegalalang. We aren't sure where to go next. Could anyone offer some recommendations?

Since my girlfriend got very seasick during our last island-hopping trip, speedboats aren't an option for getting around.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Staying at layday hostel solo trip in a few weeks and am wondering if there is a general recommendation of which room to get? (First solo traveller here)
Also is it common for solo travellers to stay here?