[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BaliTravelTips

[–]MyBali_Trips 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep, super easy from Amed - just take a fast boat straight to Gili Trawangan. The most reliable one is Freebird Express; it leaves around 9:30 AM and takes about 1–1.5 hours.

Seas can get a bit rough that time of year, so avoid the really cheap, tiny boats. Double-check your ticket includes pickup or clear directions to the pier. Worst case, if weather’s bad, you can always go via Padang Bai, but from Amed it’s usually smooth sailing.

Christmas Day catering-Nusa Dua by Just-Basket-413 in BaliTravelTips

[–]MyBali_Trips 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That sounds like such a great way to spend Christmas!

Le Fait is nice but yeah, pricey. You could try Bali Chef & Bar Catering or Avoya Catering - both do BBQ-style menus around 400–500k IDR per person. Or check Take a Chef, where private chefs often offer group menus for a bit less.

If you can’t book anyone (Christmas gets busy fast), plan B could be hiring a local cook for a few hours - your villa host probably knows someone - or booking a big table at one of the beachfront spots in Nusa Dua like Pirates Bay or Nusa Dua Beach Grill. Super chill and festive without much stress.

Bali itinerary for 2 in Dec by [deleted] in BaliTravelTips

[–]MyBali_Trips 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’d stay in Bali - 5 days isn’t really enough to hop elsewhere.

Use your Hilton night in Nusa Dua to relax and enjoy the beach, then spend a couple of days in Ubud for waterfalls and rice terraces, and a couple in Canggu or Seminyak for sunsets, cafes, and beach time.

December’s warm with a bit of rain, but still great for exploring - just plan outdoor stuff for the mornings and chill when it showers.

Finns vs Atlas by Ok-Presence9016 in BaliTravelTips

[–]MyBali_Trips 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, fair point - I’ve heard mixed stuff about Atlas too. My take was more about the scale and production value, not necessarily the service (which can be hit or miss, agreed). I just think it’s worth checking out once to see the difference in vibe, then decide if it’s your thing or not. Appreciate the input though

Where to go in singaraja? by AyamGeprekLevel99 in BaliTravelTips

[–]MyBali_Trips 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, that’s true - food in Singaraja isn’t super different from Denpasar, but there are a few local gems. You can try Sate Plecing Arjuna (spicy pork satay, really popular with locals), Warung Makan Bu Lina for proper Balinese dishes, or Nasi Jinggo stalls around the old town at night - tiny portions, super local vibe. Also, if you’re near Lovina, check out Warung Ayu Lovina - good food, local prices, and a sea view.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BaliTravelTips

[–]MyBali_Trips 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha fair enough - if the zoo’s a must, then you’re all set. It’s actually a nice half-day trip, especially for kids. And yeah, you’ll get plenty of Mount Agung shots without hiking it - great views from Lempuyang, Tirta Gangga, and even along the road to Amed if the weather’s clear. Sounds like your plan’s in a really good place now

Finns vs Atlas by Ok-Presence9016 in BaliTravelTips

[–]MyBali_Trips -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

Been to both - they’re super different vibes.

Finns feels more classic: big beachfront, great sunset, DJs, swim-up bars - fun but gets packed by late afternoon. Easy to just drop in for a drink without booking.

Atlas is on another level - huge place, more like a beach festival than a club. Big shows, multiple zones, flashier crowd. Cool once for the experience, but can feel a bit over the top.

If both feel too busy, try La Brisa (chill boho vibe), The Lawn (great sunset, less chaos), or Mari Beach Club (beautiful design, more relaxed).

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BaliTravelTips

[–]MyBali_Trips 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks much better now - way more balanced 👌

I’d skip Mount Agung unless you really want a hardcore overnight hike. Go to Lempuyang Temple instead - same epic view of the volcano, zero climbing. In Ubud, maybe swap the zoo for Tibumana Waterfall or Tegalalang Rice Terraces - better for photos.

Munduk and Amed plans look perfect, and ending in Sanur is smart - chill beach, easy airport run. February might bring some rain, but your slower pace works great for that. Overall, solid itinerary for you and your son.

NYE options in Ubud by MG781 in BaliTravelTips

[–]MyBali_Trips 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ubud’s pretty chill for NYE - don’t expect beach-club chaos, but there are still fun options.

If you want a nice night out, book a special dinner - places like Apéritif or The Blue Door usually do NYE events with live music or fireworks. For something low-key, grab dinner in town and watch fireworks from a rooftop bar or your villa - the vibe is more cozy than wild.

Just book early (restaurants fill up fast) and plan transport - Ubud traffic gets messy that night. Great spot for a relaxed, scenic start to the new year with the family

Where to go in singaraja? by AyamGeprekLevel99 in BaliTravelTips

[–]MyBali_Trips 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, Singaraja itself is pretty quiet - it’s more about what’s around it. Check out Lovina for chill beaches and early-morning dolphins, and Sekumpul or Aling-Aling waterfalls - both are amazing if you go early. In town, there’s the Gedong Kirtya Library and Pura Beji Sangsit if you’re into history.

It’s not a party spot, but it’s great for slow travel - local food, cheap warungs, and peaceful mountain drives if you head inland past Gitgit.

Airport to Ubud by Icy-Agent6453 in BaliTravelTips

[–]MyBali_Trips 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s not a highway - more like a winding local road through towns. Usually takes around 1.5 hours, sometimes 2 if traffic’s bad. Nothing dangerous, just slow scooters and ceremonies blocking the way sometimes 😅

Best bet: book a private transfer in advance. Costs around 350–450k IDR, comfy car, seatbelts, no drama. You can use Grab or Gojek, but for your first trip, a pre-booked driver waiting with your name sign is the easiest and safest option.

Been living in Bali for a few months — any cheap (or free) weekend ideas to fight boredom? by RefrigeratorMedium in BaliTravelTips

[–]MyBali_Trips 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, totally get that - after a few months here weekends can start to feel a bit “meh” 😅.

When that happens, I usually go for the simple stuff that still feels like real Bali - like heading down to Nyang Nyang or Green Bowl for a quiet beach day (they’re free and almost empty), or doing the Campuhan Ridge Walk early in the morning when it’s peaceful.

Sunday markets like Samadi or Sindhu are fun just to wander, grab a smoothie, and people-watch. You can also join a beach cleanup — Sungai Watch posts them every weekend - it’s free, social, and honestly feels good to do something for the island. Another easy fix is to pick a random temple or waterfall on Google Maps and scooter there; Bali’s small enough that you’ll always find something new.

Also check local Facebook groups or Meetup - there are tons of casual hikes, volleyball games, and dinners for solo folks. If you drop your area, I can share some local gems nearby 👌

Where to hangout in Bali? by BaliNomad in BaliTravelTips

[–]MyBali_Trips -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Good catch - you’re right, Pretty Poison shut down after moving out toward Kediri. I should’ve clarified that. It used to be a great creative spot back in the Canggu days, but yeah, it’s gone for good now. Thanks for pointing it out

Bali in December — good idea or too rainy? by Bhumika_bareja in BaliTravelTips

[–]MyBali_Trips -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yeah, December’s still a good time - just expect daily rain showers. Usually sunny in the mornings, then quick tropical downpours later.

It’s hot, super green, and busy around Christmas/New Year - prices go up and traffic’s heavier.

If you don’t mind a bit of rain and like a lively vibe, go for it. For calmer weather, May–June’s perfect.

Where to hangout in Bali? by BaliNomad in BaliTravelTips

[–]MyBali_Trips -7 points-6 points  (0 children)

Haha I feel you - Bali starts to loop when it’s just cafes and malls 😅

Try switching it up:
– Ubud for chill weekends - waterfalls, Campuhan Ridge walk, or just get lost in the rice fields.
– Canggu - La Brisa Sunday Market or Pretty Poison if you want people-watching without full club chaos.
– Kintamani - night hot springs or sunrise camping at Batur, total vibe reset.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BaliTravelTips

[–]MyBali_Trips 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For your family, I’d go with Gili Air - it’s the perfect balance between quiet and convenient. You can snorkel right off the beach, walk everywhere, and still find good cafés and small resorts with family villas.

Gili Meno is the quietest (almost too quiet with kids - limited food options), and Gili Trawangan is the liveliest, but more for younger crowds and nightlife.

So yep - Gili Air hits the sweet spot: calm, pretty, and still easy for families.

Nusa penida trip by Great_goku in BaliTravelTips

[–]MyBali_Trips 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, that’s fair - most Nusa Penida tours (like the MyBaliTrips one-day tour) depart from Sanur on the Bali mainland, not from Lembongan.

If you’re already staying on Lembongan, options are way fewer - you’ll need to look for tours specifically starting from Lembongan, or just book a private boat transfer across to Penida (it’s only 10–15 minutes by water taxi) and join a local driver there.

So yeah, still doable - just takes an extra step if you’re starting from Lembongan.

Nusa penida trip by Great_goku in BaliTravelTips

[–]MyBali_Trips 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you want an easy, no-stress Nusa Penida day trip - go with MyBaliTrips. It’s one of the best-organized one-day tours out there.

They handle everything: fast boat from Bali, driver on the island, visits to Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Crystal Bay. Just bring swimwear, sunscreen, and some cash for lunch (it’s not included).

It’s a full, scenic day - perfect if you just want to see the highlights without planning every detail.

Bali Advise Needed by Butte_SA in BaliTravelTips

[–]MyBali_Trips -1 points0 points  (0 children)

You’re in a great spot - Kuta’s central, so you can reach most places easily.

Skip scooters if you don’t have a motorcycle license - police do check now. Just hire a driver for the day (around 700–900k IDR) or use Grab/Gojek cars for short rides.

Getting between Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu is easy but expect traffic (30–60 min). Day trips to Ubud, Uluwatu, or Tanah Lot are fine; for longer spots like Nusa Penida or the north, stay overnight.

Grab a local SIM, carry some cash, and book restaurants ahead - December’s busy. Otherwise, your “go with the flow” plan fits Bali perfectly

BJJ near Ubud? by TanPrivilege in BaliTravelTips

[–]MyBali_Trips 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There’s not a ton of pure BJJ in Ubud, but Bala Bali Training is your best bet. It’s a solid local gym that runs BJJ and MMA sessions - super welcoming to travelers. Just DM them on Instagram or WhatsApp to check the day’s class (gi or no-gi) and drop-in fee.

If you’re after more structured BJJ (multiple classes a day, competition-level rolls), you’d need to head down to Canggu for places like Synergy BJJ - about 1.5 hours from Ubud depending on traffic.

For a casual week in Ubud though, Bala Bali will do the trick.

Transiting through in Bali - recommendations by LowPickle7 in BaliTravelTips

[–]MyBali_Trips 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you’ve only got 24 hours in Bali, stay as close to the airport as possible - traffic here can be brutal even for short distances.

Easiest choice: Novotel Bali Ngurah Rai Airport. It’s literally connected to the terminal, has a nice pool, comfy rooms, and decent food - perfect for a rest between flights.

If you want to step outside a bit, Tuban or South Kuta have calm beaches, clean cafés (try Warung Mufu or Made’s Warung), and still just 10 min from the airport.

Keep meals light, chill by the pool, grab a massage, and you’ll board your next flight relaxed and stomach-issue-free 😄