Where We Stayed: Jimbaran Bay Beach Resort & Spa (10-15 minutes from airport)
Favourite Activity: The £25 spa experience (life-changing!)
Favourite Food: Ranos Warung
Most Memorable Moment: Meeting my best friend’s parents in Kuta & sunset beach walks
Budget-Friendly Rating: 4/5 (Compared to other areas of South East Asia, a little more pricey but compared to Australia – cheap as chips!)
Accessibility Rating: 2/5 (More on this below)
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Full disclosure: We didn’t actually backpack Bali this time. I know. We’re frauds. But after Singapore’s intensity (and before launching into our Australia tour), what we actually needed was one base, one balcony bath, and five days of not moving unless it was for food and a massage. No regrets.
The Arrival Reality Check
Right, let’s address the elephant in the room, or should I say, the culture shock at the airport. We landed at nearly midnight after flying from Singapore, and I was not in a good place. Travel days, I’ve since learned, are absolutely not for the weak. And by “the weak”, I mean me, specifically.
I always thought it was the length of the journey that put me in a funk, but no. It’s genuinely just the fact that you can’t do anything productive all day. You’re in limbo. And apparently, I am not a person who handles limbo well. Nathan can confirm I was not human that Friday night. Cold, hungry, tired, and giving off major “don’t talk to me” vibes.
Coming from Singapore to Bali was quite the whiplash. Singapore is all efficiency, gleaming infrastructure, and everything working like clockwork. Bali? Bali is beautiful chaos. And I mean that in the best possible way, once I’d had a massage and regained my humanity.
We landed at nearly midnight after flying from Singapore (if you’re hunting for cheap flights to Bali, Skyscanner is where we always start – saved us a fortune compared to booking direct). Realised my e-visa needed re-submitting, then struggled to get a Grab.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Jimbaran Bay Beach Resort & Spa, about 10-15 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Which after that Singapore flight, felt like a gift from the travel gods.
We splurged on an upgraded room (and by that I mean, paid an extra £20). Why? The balcony bath. And if you think I didn’t use that bath multiple times a day, every single day, you’d be very wrong. There’s something absolutely magical about having a soak while overlooking tropical trees with a cocktail in hand.
The resort was an incredibly serene environment, and the breakfast (included in our booking) had a great mix of Eastern and Western options, perfect for indecisive eaters like me. We also got a welcome drink, which is always a nice touch when you’ve arrived looking like you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards.
The pool was lovely for a morning dip or lazy afternoon lounging, though I spent more time in my balcony bath if we’re being honest. There’s also a gym if you’re into that sort of thing (I went once, felt virtuous, then returned to the bath). It’s quaint but functional.
But here’s the thing about Jimbaran: it’s a fishing village, not a touristy area. The beaches are touristy, yes, but the actual town itself? Very local, very authentic, and you absolutely have to go and explore.
Book Jimbaran Bay Beach Resort & Spa here – seriously, that balcony bath alone is worth it. We paid about £40 per night, and with the breakfast included, it’s genuinely good value.
Experiencing a Bali Spa for the First Time
Can we just talk about how I went from “I hate everything” on Friday night to “I am living my best life” by Saturday afternoon? The secret? A full body massage, foot massage, body scrub, head massage, milk bath, and shower.
For less than twenty five British pounds…
TWENTY-FIVE POUNDS.
I felt like a new woman. An utterly transformed human being. If you’re reading this and thinking about Bali, just book a spa treatment immediately. I don’t care what your plans are. Do it.
Nathan also treated himself to a fresh haircut and shave later in the trip (looking very Bali-chic, even if he won’t admit it), and I got my nails done before heading to Australia. Because let’s be real, beauty treatments in Bali versus Australia? No contest on price. A whole set for just £7. And they lasted too!
If you’re reading this and thinking about Bali, just book a spa treatment immediately. Check out spa experiences in Bali here – honestly, it’ll be the best money you spend.
Food: Our Biggest Regret
Here’s where I need to be honest, we didn’t eat out nearly enough. I know! We had access to incredible local food at prices that would make you weep with joy back in the UK, and we didn’t maximise it.
Where to Eat in Jimbaran Bay
Ranos: Our Favourite Local Spot
We walked up the entire beach to see what was around, and honestly? Everything was pretty similar. But we found a local Warung literally right by our hotel. Four tables total. Just very wholesome and cute.
We initially walked past it, but something made us come back for tea. Best decision ever. Ranos is a proper family-run restaurant, the kind where you can tell everyone working there actually cares because they own the place. They barely have any online presence, but the warmth and charm made up for it completely. They were absolutely lovely, and when they accidentally made Nathan noodles instead of rice, they just gave him both. He had two full meals, and I was incredibly jealous of his carb intake. The chicken was gorgeous, and when the bill came, I had to double-check they hadn’t missed something off.
What to know: Tiny spot with minimal online presence, so you’ll need to stumble upon it or ask locals. The food is fresh, the hospitality is genuine, and you won’t believe the prices.
Kapeni, Best Coffee in Jimbaran
Just a stone’s throw from the hotel, Kapeni became our go-to coffee spot. The coffee was absolutely amazing, exactly what you need for a mid-morning pick-me-up while exploring the village. It’s those little local spots that make all the difference.
Beachfront Seafood
The general beachfront grilled seafood situation along Jimbaran beach is fantastic. Simple, fresh, affordable, and with that unbeatable beach atmosphere. Just wander along and see what catches your eye. Oh, and while we were eating, a mariachi band decided that Nathan looked like Michael Owen and serenaded us with Let It Be. What else but a Beatles song? It was one of those moments that’s so random you couldn’t make it up.
Fat Chow, Kuta
A special mention for Fat Chow.
We had a reunion with my best friend’s parents here so it was a “special” meal but the price tag didn’t show this at all. It’s an Asian fusion restaurant, popular with locals, and we’d absolutely go back.
What We Actually Ate (Beyond the Restaurants)
I’m devastated to admit we didn’t try nearly enough Indonesian cuisine. We were there to relax, remember? But what we did have was fantastic. The beachfront grilled seafood was incredible, and the local restaurants near our hotel delivered every time.
Pro tip: If you venture out into the local area rather than staying at the beach/pool, you’ll find much better value and more authentic experiences. We loved our walk into Jimbaran town, yes, it was chaotic, but it felt real.
Things We Actually Did
Balcony Baths & Cocktails
Day one was literally: breakfast, bath on the balcony, two cocktails, another bath on the balcony, spa. This became something of a daily routine, actually. That balcony bath became our favourite spot, morning coffee with a view, afternoon relaxation session, evening wind-down with a cocktail. We absolutely maximised that upgrade, and I regret nothing.
Then we grabbed our Bintangs (because you can’t be in Bali without a Bintang, it’s basically the law) and headed to the beach.
Fun fact: It was genuinely cheaper to get a Coke Zero than water.
GWK Cultural Park
I spoke with some people at the hotel about running routes, and they suggested Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, which I’d kind of wanted to visit anyway. So, I combined sightseeing with exercise, because I’m an efficient multitasker like that. It was lovely, even if I wasn’t quite as efficient as I’d hoped.
GWK is described as the cultural heart of Bali. It’s home to the world’s tallest monumental statues. It’s a lovely blend of Balinese heritage, cultural performances, dining options, and views. It’s not completely flat but the paths themselves were pretty easy to navigate.
You can book tickets and experiences at GWK Park here if you want to actually see it properly, unlike my chaotic run situation.
The Kuta Experience
This was probably my favourite day, even though it came with a healthy dose of culture shock. My best friend’s mam was staying in Kuta (yes, without my best friend, I had to represent!), so we headed over to Fat Chow for tea and drinks.
The drive through Kuta was WILD. We could not get over how different the vibe was from Jimbaran. It’s only 15 minutes away, but it felt like a completely different country. Very touristy, very developed, probably more what most people expect when they think “Bali.”
Tea was absolutely amazing, and catching up with her parents was lovely.
But driving back to Jimbaran, both Nathan and I agreed we were actually glad we’d stayed where we were. Kuta is great for a visit, but Jimbaran felt more… us? More authentic? Less Instagram, more reality.
(Though if Kuta’s more your vibe, search hotels in Kuta here – just brace yourself for the chaos!)
The Accessibility Situation: Let’s Be Real
Okay, so I promised honest reviews, and here it is: Bali is not the most accessible place in the world.
Nathan was just 11 weeks post-hip operation, so accessibility was a genuine concern. The footpaths (when they exist) are maybe 2 feet wide. There are bikes everywhere. The pavements have massive holes that could genuinely swallow you whole if you’re not paying attention. And don’t even get me started on the stairs into every single bar and restaurant, minimum one foot high, often more.
Here’s the thing though: We managed. And here’s how:
Walking on the Road
This sounds absolutely mental, doesn’t it? But genuinely, Nathan felt safer walking on the road with the bikes, cars, and carts than on the footpaths. It tells you everything you need to know about the state of the pavements.
Anywhere else in the world, you’d be sectioned for walking in traffic. In Bali? Probably one of the safer options for someone with mobility issues.
The People Factor
This is what made it work. Every single person we encountered, at the resort, in shops, at restaurants, was immediately helpful. They didn’t wait for Nathan to ask for help; they just offered it. Navigating horrendous stairs? Someone rushed to help. Crossing a chaotic road? Locals made sure we got across safely.
The curiosity factor was there (Nathan probably got a few looks), but it was never staring for the sake of it. People would ask if he needed help, ask genuine questions, and were just… kind.
It’s so different from the UK, where people might stare but never actually engage. In Bali, if someone’s looking, they’re usually about to offer assistance.
Our Honest Accessibility Rating
2/5. It’s challenging, no two ways about it. The infrastructure isn’t there for wheelchair users, and even walking with mobility issues requires patience, planning, and a good sense of humour.
BUT The people make up for a lot. If you’re willing to take it slow, accept help, and maybe walk in some unconventional places (i.e., the road), it’s manageable. Nathan brought his walking stick, which helped, and we took regular breaks.
Would we recommend Bali for someone with significant mobility challenges? Probably not for a first Asia trip. But if you’ve got experience navigating tricky terrain and don’t mind asking for help, it’s doable.
The Influencer Discourse: Our Take
There’s been a LOT of chat about influencers portraying Bali as this perfect paradise while staying in five-star resorts and completely ignoring the local reality. And having now been there? I get it.
The Reality vs Expectation Thing
Going from somewhere like Singapore (ultra-modern, pristine infrastructure) to Bali is genuinely jarring. It just is. The infrastructure is completely different, the aesthetic is different, the whole vibe is different.
But here’s the thing: That’s part of the charm.
If you’re leaving the UK, do you really want another country exactly like the UK? Because if so, just stay home and save your money. Travel is supposed to be different. It’s supposed to challenge your expectations and show you new ways of living.
Where We Stand
We actually LOVED our walks into Jimbaran town. Yes, it was chaotic. Yes, the roads were mental. Yes, we saw poverty and struggled with the guilt of staying in a resort while locals were being displaced for tourism.
But we also had incredible conversations with shop owners, ate at family-run restaurants, experienced genuine Balinese hospitality, and felt like we actually saw real Bali, not just the Instagram version.
The issue isn’t Bali itself. The issue is influencers portraying a version of Bali that only exists within resort walls and then being surprised when the reality is different. If you’re only showing the luxury without acknowledging the context, that’s where the problem lies.
Our Approach
We stayed in a resort (and felt guilty about it, if we’re honest). But we also made a point to venture out, eat locally, chat with people, and actually immerse ourselves in the area. You can’t say you’ve travelled somewhere if you’ve only seen the inside of your hotel pool.
When we come back to properly backpack Bali (and we absolutely will), we’ll be staying in different areas, seeing Ubud (everyone kept telling us we MUST visit Ubud), and experiencing more of what the island has to offer.
Final Thoughts: Would We Recommend?
In a word? Absolutely!
In more words? It depends what you’re after.
Planning your own Bali trip? Compare flights on Skyscanner and find accommodation on Booking.com – that’s how we sorted ours without breaking the bank.
Quick tip: If you’re flying out of Bali, having lounge access through Priority Pass made our departure day SO much easier. After five days of relaxation, the last thing we wanted was airport chaos. Highly recommend sorting that before you go.
Perfect for: People wanting a mix of relaxation and culture, budget conscious travellers (those spa prices!), food lovers (if you actually EAT the food, unlike us), anyone wanting an authentic less touristy experience, and couples needing a chill break between more intense travel.
Maybe skip if: You need perfect accessibility infrastructure, you want to stay in your comfort zone, you’re not comfortable with cultural differences, or you only want resort life (just go to Spain, mate).
Things We’d Do Differently: Looking back, we’d definitely stay longer to see multiple areas of Bali. We’d eat way more and try more Indonesian dishes instead of playing it safe. Visiting Ubud is a must (everyone and their mum recommended it). We should have booked more experiences rather than focusing purely on relaxation. And honestly, we’d be braver with the local food scene.
Browse Ubud tours and experiences here – we’ll definitely be booking some for next time instead of just winging it.
What We Got Right
Choosing Jimbaran was brilliant for a less touristy, more authentic experience. Staying near the airport was a smart move after that Singapore flight. Getting those spa treatments was genuinely life changing and stupidly affordable. Venturing into local areas gave us our best memories. And meeting up in Kuta let us see the contrast, which was really valuable.
Our Verdict
Rating: 4/5 (Would be 5/5 if the accessibility was better and we’d actually maximised the food situation)
Bali surprised us. It challenged us. It made me very grumpy on arrival and then completely won me over by day two (thanks, massage). It’s not perfect, the infrastructure can be tough, the tourism industry is complicated, and the influencer portrayal versus reality divide is real.
But the people? Incredible. The affordability? Mind-blowing. The charm of wandering local fishing villages? Unmatched. The potential for an amazing trip? Absolutely there.
We went to Bali for a relaxing break between Singapore and Australia. We got that, plus genuine cultural immersion, incredible value, and a much better understanding of what travel in Southeast Asia actually looks like beyond the Instagram filters.
Will we be back? 100%.
Will we actually do it justice next time and backpack properly? You bet.
Will I book a massage within the first 24 hours? Absolutely, I’m not an idiot.
Watch our full Bali vlog here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOVPPo5uRyQ&t=6s
Next stop: Melbourne, Australia, where we discovered it rains just as much as Bali, except it’s cold rain. Brilliant.
Have you been to Bali? Did you experience the same culture shock? Are we completely wrong about everything? Let us know in the comments! And if you have tips for our next Bali trip, we’re all ears.
