🌅 Top 15 Landmarks to Visit in Bali in 2024 (Part III)

#BaliTravel #IslandEscape #NomadLife #TravelMore #HiddenGems #BalineseCulture

💭 “Dawns and sunsets are ever glorious in Bali.”

—Miguel Covarrubias

As promised, here’s another five must-do activities to complete your Bali adventure!

☕ 11. Luwak Coffee Plantation

Have you ever heard of coffee made from civet excrement? If not, you have now.

Before you panic—let’s clarify: The civet (Luwak) eats coffee cherries, but it can’t digest the beans. During digestion, the beans mix with the enzymes and fruits in the civet’s diet, creating a unique fermentation process. The beans are later collected, cleaned, and roasted to produce Kopi Luwak, one of the most expensive coffees in the world.

💡 What to expect?

A guided tour through the plantation, showing the coffee-making process.
A chance to taste this rare coffee—but be warned, not everyone loves the flavor!
The civets? You won’t see them pooping, don’t worry. They’re nocturnal and usually asleep during the day.

There are ethical concerns about civets being force-fed coffee beans, so be mindful when choosing where to visit.

🏯 12. Tirta Gangga Royal Palace

A stunning water palace surrounded by lily ponds, fountains, and ancient carvings, Tirta Gangga is Bali’s royal retreat.

✨ Why visit?

Walk across the stone stepping paths over tranquil ponds filled with koi fish.
Admire the majestic fountains and intricate Balinese statues.
Relax at the on-site café while soaking in the royal atmosphere.

A perfect stopover if you’re exploring eastern Bali or heading to more remote parts of the island!

🏝️ 13. Virgin Beach (White Sand Beach)

This turned out to be my favorite beach in Bali. Why? Because you can actually swim here! Unlike many beaches with strong currents, Virgin Beach offers calm, crystal-clear waters, perfect for a dip or even snorkeling with colorful fish.

🐠 Why visit?

One of the few beaches in Bali with deep enough water to swim.
Less crowded than popular tourist beaches, making it a relaxing escape.
Fresh seafood, tropical coconuts, and unbeatable ocean views.

Located about 2 hours from Ubud, it’s worth the journey—just be prepared for Bali traffic.

💆 14. Balinese Massage (Beach or Parlor)

Now, let me tell you the dumbest massage story of my life.

Balinese massages cost as little as €4 / $5 per hour, and some people in my group got two massages per day. I found a great massage parlor near my hotel in Kuta and planned to return for a second session on my last day.

Guess what? I forgot. 🤦

The next day, my friend booked a spa day with a flower petal bath at our Ubud hotel. It was 3-4x the price but still worth it. I tried to book the same treatment, only to learn that she got a special price because it was Saturday—and I had no idea what day it was because, well, vacation mode.

The new price was 40% higher, and after doing the math, I realized I could get a better massage for half the price back home—so I bailed.

Lesson learned: Take advantage of those €4/$5 massages while you can.

🍛 15. Restaurant Check-Out: Nasi Goreng

Best for last? Absolutely.

Nasi Goreng, Indonesia’s famous fried rice dish, is the world’s second-best dish (according to some rankings, anyway).

🍚 What’s in it?

Stir-fried rice with special Balinese seasoning.
Your choice of chicken or seafood.
Vegetables, eggs, and crispy shrimp chips on the side.

One of my favorite “activities” in Bali was trying Nasi Goreng at different restaurants every day. Never got tired of it. Highly recommended!

📍 Best place to try it? Corner Bar Restaurant in Legian—my go-to spot almost every night.

🌏 Your Ultimate Bali Guide

If you’re spending two or three weeks in Bali, this three-part blog series will serve as your ultimate itinerary.

Wishing you a fantastic trip and stress-free planning. Who knows—maybe we’ll even meet up in Bali one day! Until next time, stay tuned for more adventures, stories, and digital nomad experiences.