My Top Experiences in Bali

I did them in off season, by the way, but go for it whenever you want!

1. Go on the Special Swings all Around Bali - Feel like a kid again, soar into the heights above the trees and into the sky! 

2. Skip the Beaches Unless They are the Non Crowded Ones - The reality is that there is trash everywhere washing ashore except for at the resorts, where pickers are sent out early in the morning to clear the beach of debris.

3. Jewelry Making - The best experience ever! At Studio Perak on Jalan Hanuman (on way walking to Yoga Barn and shopping street and cafes) - I made silver earrings and a ring - designed, shaped, polished, the entire process, and the silversmith just throws you right in. I LOVED IT!!!

 4. Walking to Explore - And photography of all the incredible visuals - like rice paddies.

 5. Hiking/trekking/Visiting - Organic villages and farms.

6. Scooters - Rent them or hop on the back of one in the form of a taxi; the absolute BEST way to experience the countryside and feel the elements - the wind, breeze, merge into the green and the beauty of Bali's nature! Feel the freedom!

7. Temple Visits - Like in Thailand, they are everywhere and every house has it's own temple, so it can lead to temple fatigue, but if you take it slow and simply marvel at the beauty and architecture, they never get old...

8. Market and Boutique Shopping - This could be an entirely separate post for those of us who love textiles, patterns and colors...there are several main shopping streets in each town like Seminyak, Canggu and Ubud. The markets are fun for the hippie clothes, negotiating is done in a playful spirit and is expected, while the boutiques are more standard and you find everything from high to low. I'm glad my friend who lives in Hong Kong told me to not shop in Koh Samui when I was there because almost everything comes from Bali anyway. It's very much the free spirit nomad gypsy style in the tropics. There is great jewelry too.

9. Cooking Classes - For those who are really into cooking and learning the regional ingredients - we went to Janet DeNeefe's CASA LUNA in Ubud. I also read her book. We loved our experience!