My travel tips & tricks for Indonesia

My Indonesia Travel Tips: Islands, Adventures & Hidden Gems

Indonesia – and especially Bali – is one of those destinations that captures you instantly. The people are incredibly kind, the food is delicious, everything is super affordable, and the overall vibe is just amazing. After spending time exploring a few different spots, here are my top recommendations based on my personal experience

🌴 Gili Meno – The Quiet Paradise

If you’re looking for a slower pace and a true island escape, Gili Meno is perfect. There are no cars or motorbikes here – just bikes, sandy paths, and peaceful vibes, the entire island can be explored in no time. Gili Meno is a paradise for snorkeling and diving, rich with vibrant sea life. From colorful tropical fish to majestic sea turtles, the underwater world here is truly unforgettable.

One of the coolest things I stumbled upon was a Thai boxing gym right in front of the beach – training with a view of the ocean is something else.

I stayed at Alix Bungalows, and it was one of the highlights of my trip. The place is cozy, the breakfast was amazing, and the lady who took care of the rooms was always smiling and so kind. Getting here takes about 3–4 hours by ferry, but it’s absolutely worth it.

Pristine beaches and turqouise water.

🏄 Canggu – Party & Surf Central

Canggu has a big reputation, and while I personally found it a bit overhyped and crowded, it’s definitely the spot for nightlife and surfing. The beaches aren’t the best for relaxing, but if you’re into socializing and partying, you’ll enjoy it.

The highlight for me wasn’t the beach, but my stay at What The Duck Backpackers. The hostel had such a fun, friendly atmosphere, was super cheap, and made it easy to meet people from all over the world.

🌋 Ubud – Nature & Adventure

Ubud is the heart of Bali’s natural side. It’s greener, calmer, and much less crowded than Canggu. I stayed at Kuna Bali Hostel, which honestly felt more like a boutique hotel – super clean, very chill, and incredibly welcoming.

The absolute must-do in Ubud is the Mount Batur Sunrise Hike. Imagine hiking up a volcano in the early hours and watching the sun rise over the mountains – it’s breathtaking. It’s not a difficult hike, and you’ll need to go with a guide (many tour packages include pickup and breakfast).

If you’re feeling adventurous like we were, you can rent a scooter and ride yourself to the meeting point. It took us about 1.5 hours, but the ride was smooth, no traffic, and felt like a real adventure.

Some pictures from the Mount Batur Hike

🏖️ Nusa Lembongan – My Favorite Spot

Out of all the places I visited, Nusa Lembongan stole my heart. It’s less crowded than Bali, traffic is minimal, and the beaches are stunning. The island has a laid-back vibe, great bars, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stay longer than planned.

It’s easy to get there too – just a 30–45 minute ferry ride away.

Final Thoughts

Indonesia, and Bali in particular, is an incredible place to travel. The mix of culture, kind-hearted people, amazing food, affordable living, and good vibes makes it special. Each spot has its own unique flavor – from the peaceful Gili Meno to the buzzing Canggu, the adventurous Ubud, and the stunning Nusa Lembongan.

If you’re planning a trip, I can’t recommend it enough – and make sure you mix both the party spots and the quieter islands for the best experience.

🧳 Handy Gear to Bring to Indonesia

A backpack is the best choice for traveling around Indonesia. Since you’ll often be moving between islands by ferry or boat, it’s much easier to handle than a suitcase. The ground is often uneven, sandy, or full of small streets where rolling luggage just doesn’t work. Plus, backpacks are way easier to carry on tuk-tuks, scooters, or when walking short distances to hostels and bungalows.

A jump rope is a lightweight fitness tool that fits anywhere in your bag and lets you stay active on beaches, in hostels, or even on your bungalow terrace.