My Travel Experience: Bali, Indonesia

✈️ Pre-Trip Planning

I wanted to make this trip seamless. I covered every base — from booking tickets and getting travel insurance to packing down to the detail. I applied for and filled out my Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) for the layover. I exchanged INR to IDR, carried all essential documents, and made sure I had my international roaming sorted via an Indonesian eSIM.

Booking Highlights:

• Flights via Thai Airways (with a 2-day stopover in Thailand)

• Accommodation booked via Hostelworld and other local platforms

• Insurance: Tata AIG

🧳 Packing Essentials

I followed a tight checklist:

• Passport, return tickets, insurance papers, visa-related docs

• Currency: IDR + international cards

• eSIM for internet

• Basic meds, power bank, adaptors, flip-flops, breathable clothes

• Photocopies + cloud backups of all documents

🛬 Thailand Stopover Experience

Before reaching Bali, I spent 2 days in Thailand to unwind and explore. I stayed in a well-located hostel with a friendly vibe and connected with travelers from around the world. I explored local street food, cultural spots, and had my first real taste of Southeast Asia.

It was the perfect way to transition into travel mode.

🏡 Hostel Experiences Across the Trip

Throughout my journey — in Thailand, Bali (Canggu, Ubud), and near ferry ports — I stayed in multiple hostels. Each had a unique charm. Some were social and buzzing with backpackers; others were quieter, perfect for focused mornings or rest days.

Key takeaways:

• Dorms help stretch your budget while keeping things interesting

• A good common area = more conversations

• Some hostels even had in-house gyms, cafes, and scooter rentals

• Comfort, cleanliness, and vibe > everything else

🏋️‍♂️ Gym Hopping in Bali

I made it a point to explore different gyms across Canggu and Ubud to stay consistent with my fitness routine. Each gym had its own vibe — from minimalist local gyms to high-end, air-conditioned setups with ocean views.

Top Highlights:

• Cross-training and open-air setups

• Premium facilities with recovery tools and nutrition cafes

• Dedicated calisthenics spaces and mobility classes

• Most gyms offer drop-in and weekly passes

🛵 Local Travel & Getting Around

Scooter rentals are the way to go in Bali. Canggu traffic can get tight but nothing a 2-wheeler can’t handle. Roads are safe if you ride responsibly. I recommend getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) in advance if you plan to rent.

Grab and Gojek also work well for shorter rides.

🛍️ Markets, Clubs & Cafes

Canggu is full of things to explore:

• Love Anchor Market: Great for boho clothing, rings, goods

• Finns Beach Club: Must-visit for poolside sunsets, music, and networking

• Shady Shack, Crate Cafe, Give Cafe: Vegetarian heaven

• Echo Beach: Sunset walks + chill zone

Prices were budget-friendly. I spent most evenings cafe-hopping, lifting, or catching a beachside DJ set.

🗓️ Trip Flow

1. Day 1–2 (Thailand): City walks, street food, social hostels

2. Day 3–5 (Canggu): Beach, local gyms, markets, Finns Beach Club, cafes

3. Day 6–7 (Ubud): Rice terraces, temples, Monkey Forest, swing

4. Day 8 (Slow day): Chill, journaling, beach walk, sunset café

5. Day 9–10 (Nusa Penida): Kelingking, Crystal Bay, Broken Beach, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan

6. Day 11 (Return + rest): Back to mainland, light day, food & recharge

7. Day 12 (Uluwatu): Clifftop temples, fire dance, beach cafes

8. Day 13 (Scooter day trip): Local waterfalls, hidden beaches

9. Day 14 (Finns + farewell dinner): Poolside hangout, gift shopping

10. Day 15: Return via Kuala Lumpur → Bangalore

💡 Key Learnings

• Always carry hard + soft copies of all travel documents

• eSIMs are a lifesaver

• Local cash + international cards both matter

• Scooters save you time and money

• Planning every little detail = peace of mind

• Gym drop-ins are a great way to stay fit while meeting like-minded people

• Hostels add more than just affordability — they offer community

• Adding buffer days for chill and flexibility makes travel way better

📸 Moments That Stuck With Me

• Sunset from Uluwatu Temple

• Walking barefoot on Echo Beach at night

• Watching the Kecak fire dance under the stars

• Riding solo on winding Ubud roads

• Lifting under open skies at beachside gyms

• Poolside sunset at Finns Beach Club

• Night walks through Thai street markets

• A lazy afternoon journaling in a bamboo café

🧠 Final Thoughts

This trip was more than a vacation — it was a confidence builder, a mental detox, and a self-challenge. Bali and Thailand welcomed me with warmth, color, and freedom.

If you're planning a relaxing or adventurous getaway, Southeast Asia is the perfect blend of culture, chill, fitness, and cost-efficiency.

Next stop? Who knows. But the world feels a lot smaller now.