There are trips you take, and then there are trips that take you — sweeping you into something so beautiful, so profound, that you leave a piece of your heart behind. Bali was that kind of trip for me.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana: A Grand Welcome

We kicked things off with a visit to Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK), and it was the perfect start. Standing before the towering, intricate sculpture of Vishnu riding Garuda, I was completely in awe. The scale alone commands attention, but learning the story behind its creation — the decades of craftsmanship, cultural significance, and engineering marvel — added layers of depth to the experience. It wasn’t just a statue; it was a symbol of devotion, vision, and heritage.

Mt. Batur: Sunrise at the Summit

If I had to choose just one highlight, it would be our Mt. Batur sunrise hike — a soul-stirring experience I’ll carry with me forever.

We woke up at 1 AM for a 2 AM pick-up and started our ascent at 4 AM. Hiking in pitch darkness with only a headlamp and a walking stick, guided by the soft crunch of gravel and our guide’s calm voice, felt surreal. The incline and darkness made it more challenging, even though our route was considered the “easy” one.

Along the path, mopeds waited to rescue tired hikers, and I was this close to saying yes. But our guide, Jata, gently pushed me to keep going. And I’m so glad he did. More than a guide, he was a storyteller. He shared moments from his life — his wife’s early mornings on their tomato and onion farm, his son playing in a village celebration — connecting us to Bali beyond the trail.

Then, nature took over. The sky shifted from black to soft gray, to brushstrokes of pink, orange, and light. Watching the sun rise over the caldera, with Lake Batur below, was like watching the world take its first breath.

At the summit, we were treated to a simple yet unforgettable breakfast — hot coffee, white bread filled with banana (surprisingly delicious!), and sweet local treats. Just as we began to relax, a group of cheeky monkeys joined us. One popped open a can of condensed milk and sipped it like a pro — clearly not his first heist.

Waterfall Adventure: A Hidden Gem at the End of a “Thousand” Steps

One of the more unexpected highlights was visiting a hidden waterfall, where we not only admired it — we swam in it. Getting there required a steep, arduous descent down dozens of mossy steps, and climbing back up was no small feat. But standing beneath that cool cascade, surrounded by green and mist, made every aching step worth it. Pure, unfiltered nature — and total bliss.

Ubud: Culture, Color, and Connection

Ubud felt like Bali’s beating heart — a master plan crafted to titillate every sense. From handcrafted art to surprise fire dance performances, every moment had a pulse of its own. The drama, the chants, the flames — it felt like a living myth unfolding before us.

Temples, Everywhere

Temples rose up from every corner — each one ancient, sacred, and stunning. Surrounded by incense smoke and intricate carvings, these spaces didn’t just hold prayers; they whispered history.

Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary was straight out of a dream — vine-draped trees, mossy statues, and monkeys roaming freely. Some posed, some plotted, and some flat-out stole snacks. But the forest itself stole the show: towering trees that seemed to hum with stories centuries old.

Balinese Massage: Where Pressure Meets Peace

We squeezed in a couple of traditional Balinese massage —with matching flower bath. No wonder their massage is world famous . It had a perfect blend of deep pressure, rhythmic flow, and soothing oils. Every knot, every ache from hiking, climbing, and exploring… gone. It felt like a full-body reset. I left the table feeling lighter, calmer, and completely grounded.

Flavors of Bali

From spicy nasi goreng to sweet banana breads and fresh coconut water, every bite was vibrant. Bali’s food isn’t just delicious — it’s layered with culture and care. Each meal felt like a celebration.

Shopping and Serendipity

Bali is paradise for shoppers — silver jewelry, handwoven textiles, wood carvings. And the people? Warm, kind, and often incredible photographers. Every hotel clerk or driver we asked for help with a photo turned into a full-blown content director — angles, lighting, posing. Bali seems to know instinctively that a picture is worth not just a thousand words, but thousands of views — each one feeding the curiosity that drives a tourism industry responsible for nearly 80% of its GDP.

What Could Be Better?

Not everything was perfect. The traffic was intense — worse than Manila, and that’s saying something. We were ambitious with our daily plans, but between gridlock and long distances, we could only hit two spots per day. Lesson learned: give yourself space. Let Bali unfold slowly.

Also, our hotel’s WiFi was spotty at best. If you plan to work remotely, choose accommodations with solid reviews for internet — it can be hit or miss depending on location.

Final Thoughts

There’s a rhythm to Bali — a dance between the mystical and the modern, the wild and the well-crafted. It’s a place where nature astonishes you, strangers feel like old friends, and beauty isn’t just seen — it’s deeply felt.

I came home with souvenirs and lots of memorable photos , yes — but also a full heart. Every time I close my eyes, I see that sunrise over Mt. Batur, feel the waterfall mist on my skin, and hear the whisper of wind through Monkey Forest trees.

Bali, thank you. You are a masterpiece.