Eat, Pray, Love on a Budget - 4D3N Bali Itinerary

Are you ready to go on a soul-searching quest like Julia Roberts in the movie Eat, Pray, Love? If your vision of the journey to uncover your true self looks like a serene, tropical paradise clad in exotic culture and maidens walking in evergreen rice paddy fields, look no further than Bali, Island of the Gods! Try out our 4D3N itinerary covering the best of what Bali has to offer for the trip of a lifetime: 

 

DAY 1 – Kuta and Uluwatu 

 

Assuming that you arrive at Denpasar airport in the morning, take the time to explore a bit of Kuta. With scenic beach views, fabulous shopping spots, and exquisite local food, Kuta is not only a playground for active travellers looking for some fun, but also a charming, laid-back destination! This would be a great place to have lunch before checking into your hotel! 

Photo by jajan.kopi via Instagram

After checking into your hotel and having a bit of a rest, venture out during the evening to the temple of Pura Luru Uluwatu and watch the Kecak Dance. This fascinating dance is derived from an old Balinese ritual called the sanghyang, driven by its participants repetitive chanting in order to communicate the wishes of the gods or of the ancestors. The performance plays out as the sun sets, and the culmination involves a giant fire display that is integral to the plot. When the dance is done, you’ll be just in time for a spot of early dinner! 

DAY 2 – #InstaWorthy Bali Destinations You Cannot Miss Out On 

 

Rise and shine! Hire a driver and head out early to avoid the crowds, because today you’ll be heading to some of Bali’s most gorgeous destinations for the most epic shots for your Instagram feed. Make a day out of the following destinations, and we promise you’ll be the envy of your followers: 

 

Lempuyang Temple

Photo by mayflowerholidays via Instagram

Pura Lempuyang Temple Bali is one of the oldest and most sacred temples on the island. With this view of Mt. Lempuyang at a distance, no wonder this gateway is also known as 'The Gateway to Heaven'! 

 

Tip: Head to Pura Lempuyang Temple during sunrise to avoid the crowds and to achieve these beautiful pink-orange hues. No filter needed!

Tirta Gangga Water Palace 

 

Photo by krasotkinanina_ via Instagram

Feed the fish at Tirta Gangga Water Palace -  a former water palace of Karangasem empire which one of east Bali’s most famous sights. The first thing that comes into view is a pond where rows of guardian figures holding cudgels are neatly arranged. Polygonal stepping stones enable you to ‘tour’ the pond are set out in order. 

 

Tip: Don’t worry about bringing any food for the fish, as you’ll be able to purchase some at the Palace itself! 

 

Tukad Cepung Waterfall

 

Photo by me.and.leila via Instagram

This unique waterfall is set in a cave where you’ll need to wade through a knee-high river and over a few rocks to get there.If you’re lucky enough to be chasing the waterfalls near Ubud on a sunny day, then you’re in for a treat. The stunning sun rays shine straight through the top of the falls creating natural beams across the canyon like rock formations. 

 

Tip: You’ll definitely need to pack a swimsuit if you want to visit Tukad Cepung Waterfall. You might also want to make sure your phone and wallet is secured in a waterproof pouch before wading into the water! 

 

Ubud Rice Terrace and Jungle Swing

 

Photo by mayflowerholidays via Instagram

It definitely won’t be an ‘Eat, Pray, Love’  journey without a tour of the famed Ubud Rice Terrace on the cliffs of a traditional Balinese village. Spend a morning or afternoon here to absorb the natural pace of remote island life and reflect upon your journey thus far. 

Photo by tedialexandra via Instagram

And of course, you should definitely not leave Ubud without taking a photo on the #Instafamous Jungle Swing!  Soar through the air above the gorge filled with lush green vegetation to get the perfect shot.

Do not worry! You’ll be securely strapped into the swing with harness before being launched into the air. Have fun! 

 

Day 3 - Chill in the Crystal Clear Waters Of Nusa Penida 

 

A Bali trip will not be complete without soaking in the beach vibes! The perfect place for this is Nusa Penida Island, which is just off the coast of Bali. Hop on a speedboat from Sanur beach, and you’ll be on your way! 

 

Here are a few popular Nusa Penida Island locations you should definitely check out: 

 

Kelinking Beach 

Most day trippers head straight for the most famous photo spot in Nusa Penida - the Kelingking viewpoint. Here, from the top of the cliff, you’ll be able to get a bird’s eye view of a small beach with pure white sand and azure waves beating upon its shore. From there, it’s a steep climb down to the actual beach. The hike down to the beach shouldn’t be underestimated and visiting the beach isn’t doable for everyone - so we’ll leave that up to you! 

 

Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach 

Photo by carolloliva via Instagram

Angel’s Billabong is a beautiful natural rock pool that opens straight to the ocean. This natural infinity pool is framed by rock cliffs and hangs out over the ocean overlooking Manta Point Beach. You can descend into its crystal-clear rock pools for a swim or a soak, but only during low tide.

 

Photo by gustiana.x via Instagram

Nearby Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach is an incredible little cove on the island. The highlight of the cove and the reason it is called Broken Beach is due to the archway that wraps around the bay allowing water to flow in and out from the ocean to flow into a pool, which is Angel’s Billabong. 

 

Snorkelling at Crystal Bay

The best part of Crystal Bay is it’s crystal clear water and its marine life. If you are fit enough to swim, snorkel or dive, then it is a great idea to spend a few hours admiring the life underwater, such as the Mola Mola (also known as the Sunfish).

 

Photo by originaldiving via Instagram

Diving with the Sunfish is definitely an unforgettable experience. This huge but graceful creature is usually found in deep and cold oceanic waters but occasionally they come in-shore. You may get lucky and find one in Crystal Bay between July and September.

 

Day 4 - If You Have Some Time Before Your Flight 

Have some time to yourself before flying back home? You can spend your last day on the island doing the following: 

 

Go shopping for souvenirs

Bali is known for its arts such as painting and wooden sculpture which can be found in local art markets. Stop by Sukawati Art Market, also known as Pasar Seni Sukawati. It is said to be the most established market where both locals and tourists shop; locals for their everyday needs, tourists for souvenirs. If you want to bring home distinctly Balinese stuff, you may find handmade products and handicrafts such as Balinese batik, coffee and treats like the locally-famous Pie Susu! 

 

Enjoy a Balinese spa experience (massages anyone?) 

Photo by tonic.bali via Instagram

A Balinese massage combines a variety of techniques like reflexology, acupressure, percussion, and mixes them with aromatherapy and essential oils. It helps to relieve strained muscles, repair damaged tissue, improve blood circulation, and even help sports injuries! No better way to prepare for your long flight home than with a Balinese massage and a flower bath to soothe your tired muscles. 

 

If you’ve never been to paradise on a quest to find yourself, then why wait? Book a trip to Bali now. Check out our products page for a list of Bali packages we have on offer. Don’t forget to register as a Mayflower member for the best travel deals and steals. Book your flight, hotel and tour packages on Mayflower.com.my now. AND don’t forget to follow our Mayflower Facebook Page for more!