From the mountainous city of Ubud to the crowded beaches of Kuta, the island Bali certainly has something to offer everyone. The streets of Kuta are coated with restaurants, bars and shops offering both Balinese and Western comforts. And although tourists dominate this small city, Kuta’s beaches and night life certainly make it worth a visit.  Just a few hours north of Kuta is the beautiful city of Ubud.  Nestled in the foothills of Bali, Ubud is home to many temples and artisan shops.  Luckily I was able to spend time in both of these fantastic cities so without further ado here is my list of what to see, where to eat and few activities to fit in between.

EAT:

A trip to Bali is not complete without a meal at Casa Luna in Ubud. The restaurant boasts a variety of Western and Indonesian cuisine- all of which (yes, I ate here multiple times) is absolutely delicious.  If you can, go on a Sunday night to enjoy the live music.

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SEE:

A tour of Luwak Coffee Plantation is must for both tea and coffee lovers. The tour offers a tasting of a variety of teas and coffees all of which taste incredible.

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Rice paddies are also a must while in Bali. There are many tours offered, some of which have restaurants near by with fantastic views.

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Tanah Lot temple is a popular tourist destination and I can certainly see why. The temple site is on the edge of the water making sunrise or sunset a great time to visit.

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DO:

If swimming is your thing be sure to get in a surfing lesson on Kuta beach. They are cheap and will surely be a highlight of your trip.  If you prefer to keep your feet on land both Kuta and Ubud offer plenty of shopping. Both cities have an array of Balinese artwork, crafts and unique clothing.

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P.S. If you have enough time you should definitely visit Gilli Island, about 1 hour off the coast of Bali.  Its unbelievably clear blue waters will have you dreaming about paradise weeks after.

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This story was curated by Joi Ward.