"Bali is a paradox: both the most touristy and the most sacred place I've ever been. I arrived in Denpasar and Rovago had my transfer to Ubud pre-booked — an hour drive into the green heart of the island. I checked into a jungle villa through Expedia where the infinity pool literally hung over a ravine. Waking up to the sound of monkeys and the scent of frangipani is the kind of luxury that feels earned. This is why people come to Bali."
"The temples are the soul of the island. I booked a 'Gateway to Heaven' sunrise tour through Klook which meant leaving at 4am, but seeing the first light hit Mount Agung through the split gate of Lempuyang Temple was worth every lost hour of sleep. My guide, Ketut, taught me how to properly present an 'canang sari' (offering) and explained the Tri Hita Karana philosophy that governs Balinese life — harmony between humans, nature, and God."
Ready to experience this for yourself?
We've curated the highest-rated tours and experiences for this destination. Check live availability and book your next adventure today.
"For the beaches, I skipped Kuta and headed for Uluwatu. The cliffs are dramatic, the waves are world-class, and the vibe is pure surf-luxe. I spent my days at beach clubs like Single Fin and my nights watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean. I used my Airalo eSIM to keep my work calls going between sets — though the signal is almost too good sometimes! I also made sure my SafetyWing insurance was active, especially since I was planning on renting a scooter to explore the coast."
"Nusa Penida is the best day trip from Bali. I booked a fast boat and private tour through Viator so I didn't have to navigate the rough roads myself. Kelingking Beach (the iconic T-Rex cliff) is even more stunning in person than on Instagram. We hiked down to the sand and back up — a brutal workout in the sun, but swimming in those turquoise waves was incredible. Rovago suggested doing this on a Tuesday to avoid the weekend crowds from the mainland, which was genius."
"The food scene in Bali is now world-class. From traditional 'warungs' serving the best Nasi Campur for $3 to high-end vegan dining in Canggu that will make you forget meat exists. I spent a whole afternoon at a cooking class in a village near Ubud, picking ingredients directly from the garden and making my own sambal. It was the most connected I felt to the island all week. Bali isn't just a vacation; it's a sensory assault in the best possible way. Every meal is a celebration."
"My final night was a 'Kecak' fire dance performance at Uluwatu temple as the sun dipped into the sea. Fifty men chanting in rhythmic unison against the backdrop of a prehistoric cliff — it was primal and beautiful. I left Bali feeling lighter, more balanced, and already wondering how I could move 100% of my work online to stay longer next time. Rovago handled the logistics, but Bali handled the soul. If you haven't been, your first trip will change you. Ready to experience it for yourself? Let Rovago plan the trip of a lifetime for you."
