Three months sounds like a long time until you’re actually living it. Bali wasn’t just about beaches and sunsets, though there were plenty of those too.
I came to Bali thinking I’d stay a few weeks.
Three months later, I was still here.
The island has a way of making you slow down and actually pay attention to what’s around you.
Here’s what three months across Bali looked like.
Jump to any part:
- Settling Into Island Life
- Temples and Spirituality
- Chasing Waterfalls
- Nusa Penida Adventures
- Two Wheels, Many Adventures
- Beaches and Sunsets
- Lovina Dolphins
- Island Beaches
- Underwater World
- Wildlife Encounters
- Markets and Local Life
- Daily Island Life
- Ancient Trees
- Monuments
- From Above
- What I Learned
Settling Into Island Life
Found a place with a pool where I could work and relax.
Working from Bali meant having rice fields as my office view.
Not a bad setup for getting work done.
Sometimes I’d work at local shops, soaking in the atmosphere.
The Balinese way of life is different. Slower, more intentional.
Temples and Spirituality
Bali is covered in temples, and each one has its own story.
Wore traditional Balinese clothing to visit one of the sacred temples.
The cave temples were something else entirely.
Flowers in your hair, incense burning, locals praying.
You can feel the spiritual energy here.
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan is one of those postcard-perfect temples.
Floating on the lake with mountains in the background.
Chasing Waterfalls
Bali has waterfalls everywhere, and I made it my mission to find as many as possible.
Sekumpul waterfall was the first big one. The hike down was slippery as hell.
Standing there with water crashing around you makes you realize how small you actually are.
This waterfall had a bridge where you could stand and take it all in.
Another waterfall selfie because why not.
Some waterfalls you could climb on the rocks and feel the spray.
Cold water, green jungle everywhere, constant sound of rushing water.
Viewing waterfalls from a distance shows you the scale.
Mountains covered in jungle with water cascading down.
There was this one dark, moody waterfall hidden in the rocks.
The kind of place that feels ancient.
Nusa Penida Adventures
If you haven’t been to Nusa Penida, you’re missing out on some of the most insane views in Indonesia.
The beaches here don’t feel real.
Crystal clear water and limestone cliffs dropping straight into the ocean.
Had to test my balance on a tree branch.
And of course, a handstand at Kelingking Beach.
The viewpoint at Diamond Beach is one of those places where photos don’t do it justice.
Walking down those stairs to Kelingking Beach is an adventure itself.
Steep, narrow, and absolutely worth it.
The ocean cliffs here are massive.
Blue water stretching forever, rock formations that look prehistoric.
The beaches are empty and perfect.
Just you, the sand, and the sound of waves.
Two Wheels, Many Adventures
Rented a dirt bike and explored parts of the island most tourists never see.
Riding through the jungle on muddy trails.
The bike gets dirty, you get dirty, and it’s perfect.
Rice fields, small villages, hidden beaches.
Riding on black sand beaches is surreal.
The dirt bike gives you freedom to stop wherever you want.
Beaches and Sunsets
Found quiet beach cabanas where you could sit and watch the ocean.
Perfect spot for doing nothing.
The mountain views from the coast are incredible.
Village sunsets in Bali.
Watching the sun drop behind palm trees and traditional houses.
Amed on the east coast has these sunset views over the bay.
Volcano in the background, boats lined up on the beach.
Lovina Dolphins
Early morning boat trip in Lovina to watch dolphins.
Watching the wake behind the boat.
Island Beaches
Palm trees everywhere.
Time moves differently when you’re on an island.
The rocky coastlines.
Clear water, volcanic rocks, mountains in the distance.
Underwater World
Did a discovery dive and discovered a whole different side of Bali.
Being underwater changes your perspective on everything.
The underwater statues were surreal.
Vespas sitting on the ocean floor like they’re waiting for someone to ride them.
Wildlife Encounters
The Monkey Forest in Ubud is chaos in the best way.
Monkeys everywhere, climbing, jumping, stealing snacks.
Visited a butterfly park.
This one decided to land on my hand and stay for a while.
And apparently I found a grasshopper friend too.
Markets and Local Life
The fruit markets were overwhelming in the best way possible.
Fresh mangoes, dragon fruit, rambutans. Everything you can imagine.
And yes, banana trees growing everywhere.
These aren’t the bananas you get in supermarkets back home.
Daily Island Life
Beach volleyball at sunset became a regular thing.
Random people showing up, teams forming, everyone just enjoying the moment.
Found this beach barber setup under a tree. Only in Bali.
The fitness community here is intense but welcoming.
Training sessions that push you harder than you’d push yourself alone.
Food with a view became the standard.
Satay and rice with mountains and jungle in the background.
Ancient Trees
Found this massive banyan tree that’s probably been here longer than any of us.
The roots create these natural archways you can walk through.
These trees make you feel small and remind you how temporary we all are.
Monuments
Walked through the Bajra Sandhi Monument, learning about Bali’s history.
From Above
Here’s what three months of exploring looks like from a drone.
Waterfalls, beaches, temples, underwater statues. All from a bird’s eye view.
What I Learned
Three months isn’t enough time to see everything.
But it’s enough time to understand why people come here and never leave.
Bali teaches you to slow down, to notice things, to connect with people from everywhere.
The island has its problems like anywhere else, but there’s something about this place.
Maybe it’s the mix of nature and culture.
Maybe it’s the people you meet along the way.
Or maybe it’s just the fact that you can ride a dirt bike to a waterfall, dive with underwater statues, and play beach volleyball all in the same day.
Would I come back?
Already planning the next trip.