Escaping a western, commercial Chrissy? Then’s here what you need to know before heading to Bali this rainy season…

While we were well aware that we were about to hit Bali during the peak of its rainy season, we didn’t quite anticipate the level of rainfall expected this year. All i had seen was the many warning online from all the influencers in Bali regarding traffic chaos - which did not disappoint but I’ll get to that later…

After staying in the lively heart of Kuta and Seminyak on our previous trips, we decided Canggu was the destination of choice, staying at the lovely Casa Moka villa, for a change of pace. However, we quickly realised that, yet again, the influencers were right and the taxi ride took a solid 2 hours in nauesating traffic.

Hot tip number one: Choose your location wisely. If you’re not willing to weave in and out of, or sit in, standstill bumper-to-scooter traffic, I would recommend staying somewhere that has everything you’re looking for in one spot.

What I Wish I Knew Before Arriving:

Bring a rain jacket: It rained almost every day, and honestly, it was a win when it didn’t! Be prepared to get wet, especially during nights out. It seemed to rain the heaviest in the evenings, so if you’re a late-night person, you might want to prepare yourself to get pretty drenched. George and I walked an hour home from Finn’s on New Year’s Eve in torrential rain, dodging traffic and just embracing the skies above.
Traffic is as bad as they say: Getting anywhere can take a lot longer than you think. Even on a scooter, it can take over two hours to travel less than 10 km. Sometimes, walking or using Grab is faster and more convenient. Can confirm, we survived the Canggu shortcut!
Be prepared to get sick: It’s almost inevitable. I recommend taking pre/probiotics before travelling to support your gut, but even then, it’s very likely you’ll catch something mild. Take care of your health, rest, and hydrate. Sorry!!

Stay hydrated: Even in the rainy season, the humidity is intense. You’ll sweat a lot! Make sure to drink plenty of water, and stock up on Pocari Sweat—a popular hydration drink that’ll help you avoid headaches and fatigue, especially if you’re sick.

Coffee is as expensive as in Australia: If you’re a coffee lover, be aware that prices here are on par with Australian coffee shops. That said, you can still enjoy healthy, affordable meals at local restaurants, so don’t worry about remortgaging your house to eat out.
Pre-book everything: After Christmas and New Year’s, things really ramp up. Restaurants, events, activities, and gyms get busy, so make sure you book your activities in advance.

You’ll be surrounded by Aussies: If you’re hoping for a cultural immersion, Bali may not be what you’re looking for. You won’t be asked where in the world you’re from, but rather which part of Australia.
Learn basic Indonesian phrases: Even simple greetings like "Selamat Pagi" or "Terima Kasih" will go a long way.
Pre-book airport transfers: Unless you want to feel like a celebrity when you leave the arrivals department, with over 100 Indonesian men requesting you take up their taxi service, I would highly recommend conversing with your villa host or using (12Go Asia) to pre-book your transport. This will help avoid the hassle and secure a fixed price before you get in the car. No one wants to be scammed.

George and I walking from from Finns Beach Club NYE!

Here’s a list of places and activities that might take your fancy:

Kuta:
A lively, crowded, and bustling area famous for its vibrant beaches, nightlife, and budget-friendly accommodation, making it a hotspot for party-goers.

Recommendations:

Gyms: Fit Hub Bali & Kuta Beach Fitness
Restaurants: Poppies Restaurant & The Balcony
Cafés: Crumb & Coaster, Livingstone Café
Bars/Nightlife: Sky Garden, Bounty Discotheque
Shopping: Kuta Beachwalk & Kuta Art Market
Activities: Kuta Beach & Waterbom Bali (A popular water park with thrilling slides and pools for all ages.)

Seminyak:
A stylish, upscale destination known for its luxurious resorts, high-end dining, and trendy beach clubs, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a mix of sophistication, relaxation, and vibrant nightlife.

Recommendations:

Gyms: F45 Seminyak & Daily Gym Bali
Restaurants: Bo & Bun, Da Maria
Cafés: Nook, KYND Café
Bars/Nightlife: Motel Mexicola, La Plancha
Shopping: Seminyak Village, Flea Market
Activities: Mrs Sippy, Finns Beach Club

Canggu:
A laid-back wellness hub renowned for its trendy cafés, vibrant digital nomad community, and thriving wellness scene, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a relaxed, creative atmosphere.

Recommendations:

Gyms: Body Factory & Nirvana Life
Restaurants: Mason, Lulu Bistrot
Cafés: Fold, Crate Café
Bars/Nightlife: Old Man’s, The Lawn
Shopping: Love Anchor, La Brisa Sunday Market
Activities: Jungle Padel or Bali Social Club

Pererenan:
A more relaxed area in the midst of development, known for its charming boutique shops, trendy cafés, and peaceful vibe, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a quieter escape with a touch of local style.
Recommendations:

Gyms: Pilates Project, Wrong Gym
Restaurants: Shelter, ORIGEN Mexican
Cafés: St Ali, Brunch Club
Bars/Nightlife: Sol Rooftop
Shopping: Mia Bali, The Locals
Activities: Discover the hidden gems of Pererenan’s rice fields and countryside with a relaxing walk.

How Bali Has Changed?

Bali has undergone significant changes. Construction is crazy—new villas, hotels, and restaurants are popping up and completed in days, driven by the island's growing popularity among expats and influencers. Even in quieter areas, you’ll likely be surrounded by construction.

But one thing that stood out to me was how well the local people speak English. It’s a privilege as a Westerner to be able to communicate so easily, and it’s a testament to the Indonesian people who strive to learn English from a very young age to serve the booming tourism industry that keeps Bali afloat.

On another note, Bali has seen a noticeable shift towards health and wellness. While the island still offers plenty of opportunities for partying, there has been a growing emphasis on fitness and healthy living. Nowadays, there seem to be more gyms, fitness clubs, and healthy food restaurants popping up. Many are choosing to prioritise their health during their stay, with some using their holiday as an opportunity to ‘get fit’, ‘train’, or ‘reset their bodies’—opting for less booze and more movement.

This is definitely something we loved to see and experience for ourselves as regular gold members at The Body Factory, where we deep-dived into daily HYROX classes, deep stretching, and strength training. A huge shout-out to all the staff at ‘The Factory’ (as we liked to call it)—from the parking attendants to the front desk team—who made us feel part of their community from day one, recognising our names and faces straight away.

The recovery space at The Body Factory was also fantastic. On those rainy days, it was great to take advantage of the 4°C and 12°C ice baths, the 45°C hot pool, the sauna, and the swimming pool—perfect for easing and relaxing those well-worked muscles.

And to add to the full package, The Factory has its very own café called The Dispensary that allows you to refuel and prioritise your health from the inside too. They say the key to success and overall health truly does come down to nutrition. I highly recommend the delicious variety of protein smoothies, the peanut tofu noodles, and the ‘booty builder’ overnight oats.

Even if you try it out for a day or if you’re planning on staying longer in Canggu, The Body Factory is a must for your holiday routine.

Personal Reflections:

It’s easy to get caught up in the fast pace of life, but this trip (for us all) was a chance for personal growth and reflection. It was the perfect opportunity to reset and reflect on the year that had been, spend time with my loved ones, and set some big goals for 2025.

I’m not going to lie, getting sick is pretty inevitable. Just ask my brother, who hit the jackpot with solid food poisoning two days in, followed by Bali belly post-New Year’s, and then leaving with a good old cold from aircon exposure. So, my advice would really be to just look after yourself and do all that you can before your trip to be healthy and once you're here. Then, make smart decisions and stay hydrated.

One of my favourite things to do when in Bali is try as many new restaurants, bars, and cafés as possible. Bali’s food scene is incredible, and there are so many options to suit every taste. Some of my favourites this time include Fold Bakery, Shelter, Lulu Bistrot, and Black Sands Brewery.

To be honest, the rain, while persistent, was a nice change and just the reality of coming here in the rainy season. We have to respect Mother Nature and its forces. It challenged us to be adaptable and gave us an opportunity to try new things that aren’t lying in the sun for hours sipping cocktails. For the fam, they LOVED getting into the padel tennis scene. We are regular tennis players, but the padel industry hasn’t quite hit us yet, so it was a fun (and hella sweaty) chance to give our skills a go at something new while meeting some pretty incredible people along the way. If you fancy giving padel a go when in Bali, head to Jungle Padel or Bali Social Club.

Final Thoughts:

I understand some people are not sold on the idea of a Bali holiday, and for some, it is just part of the calendar. However, before you head to Bali, I would encourage you to think about your intentions for the trip. Are you here for a party or to reset and find some peace?

Bali certainly offers both, but it can definitely be sensory overload once you step out of the villa. So, I would encourage you to really think about what your intentions are, how you want to feel when you leave, and what location is going to fulfil those needs.

If you are looking to get out of the country and experience something new, then go for it. But Bali is definitely "another Australia" in many ways. But if you're seeking a deeper connection to Indonesian culture, it might not be the place to be.

All in all, I am, once again, super grateful for not only the opportunity to travel, experience new things, and make new memories, but for my incredible family I get to share these festive times with. It always serves as a true reminder that we really are STRONGER TOGETHER.

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