Backpacking Bali: My Guide to Surf, Parties, and Good Vibes on the Island of the Gods
I landed in Bali with my board shorts, a backpack that’s probably heavier than it should be, and zero concrete plans. That’s the beauty of solo travel — you just roll with it. At 22, I’m here for the full backpacker cocktail: surf sessions, beach parties, good coffee, random adventures, and meeting as many people as possible along the way.
Bali isn’t just a paradise postcard, it’s got traffic jams, mopeds zipping past you like bees, and the occasional “how did I end up here?” moments… but man, it’s worth every bit of the chaos. If you play your cards right, you can live like a king on $25–40 a day — hostel bed, food, transport, and enough left for a few Bintangs (or espresso martinis if you’re feeling fancy).
Here’s how I’ve been hopping around Bali, where to go, what to do, and where to meet the crew you’ll end up dancing barefoot with at 4am.
Canggu – My First Stop and My Kinda Vibe
Canggu is backpacker HQ. Think surfboards, flat whites, and more tattoos than a Berlin warehouse party. Every day here starts with a choice: sunrise surf or coffee crawl? (Spoiler: I often try for both.)
Why Canggu works for me:
- Surfable beaches like Batu Bolong and Echo Beach (rent a board for under $5, lesson for ~$10 if you’re new).
- Endless cafés serving smoothie bowls and flat whites that could hold their own in Melbourne.
- Nightlife that swings from beach bars like The Lawn to sweaty techno nights at Vault.
- Hostels like Tribal Bali where you can literally spend all day — cowork in the morning, pool in the afternoon, party crew assembled by sunset.
Pro tip: If you’re on a budget, swap beach club daybeds for a sarong and drinks from the minimart. Same sunset, more money for tomorrow’s adventures.
Uluwatu - Cliffs, Waves, and Sunset Parties
Uluwatu is where the surf gets serious and the views go cinematic. If you’ve ever seen photos of perfect barrels under dramatic cliffs, that’s here.
My Ulu routine:
- Surf Padang Padang in the morning (only if you’ve got some experience — the reef is real).
- Explore beaches like Bingin and Dreamland for lazy afternoons.
- Sunset at Single Fin: the ultimate surfer’s bar perched on a cliff. Music, waves crashing below, cold beer in hand… perfection.
- Uluwatu Temple for the Kecak fire dance: more cultural than my usual nights out, but totally worth it.
Heads up: Everything’s spread out here. You need a scooter, or budget for ride-hailing apps.
Seminyak & Kuta - Party Central
Kuta gets a bad rap, but if you want a wild night, you can’t beat the chaos. Seminyak is like its more polished older sibling, same energy, just in nicer shoes.
- Kuta by day: Learn to surf on the forgiving waves, grab street food from a warung, maybe hit Waterbom water park to cool off.
- Kuta by night: Start with cheap eats, then hit Sky Garden for ridiculous drink deals and a music mix that will have you singing along with strangers.
- Seminyak nightlife: Potato Head for daytime lounging, then late-night bars and hidden cocktail spots.
Ubud – My Chill Reset Button
After a week of partying, my body was screaming for yoga and green juice. Enter Ubud.
Ubud’s surrounded by rice terraces, jungle, and waterfalls, and packed with yoga studios, vegan cafés, and spiritual experiences. I didn’t think I’d be into it, but the vibe grows on you fast.
What I did here:
- Campuhan Ridge Walk for morning peace.
- Monkey Forest (hide your sunglasses, those furry thieves are bold).
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace for the ‘gram.
- Cooking class in a Balinese family home, cheap, tasty, and a nice break from hostel life.
Tip: Ubud hostels are social in a different way, more “tea ceremony at sunset” than “Bintang chugging contest.”
The Islands – Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida & the Gilis Quick & dirty Info
When you need that real paradise fix, hop on a boat.
- Nusa Penida: Wild cliffs, T-Rex Beach, manta ray dives.
- Nusa Lembongan: Chilled surf, beach bars, and amazing snorkelling.
- Gilis: Gili T for parties, Gili Air for chill, Gili Meno for couples (or serious introverts).
Backpacker Tips from the Road
- Pack light: Laundry is cheap, and your back will thank you.
- Cash is king but don’t carry too much. Wise/Revolut cards work at most ATMs.
- Scooter safety: Wear a helmet. Drive slow. Don’t have your phone out while riding.
- Hostel hack: Even if you’re moving around a lot, pick a “base hostel” where you keep coming back, you’ll always find friends there.
- Timing matters: April–June & September = best weather, fewer crowds, cheaper prices.
But Seriously, Bali got something for everyon, but for me, it’s the perfect mix of surf, nightlife, coffee culture, and people who are always down for “one more beer” (which always turns into three).
I came for the waves and the parties, but I’m leaving with a backpack full of stories, a bunch of new friends, and the urge to come back before I’ve even left.
Greetings,
Charlie Reed
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