Seven Days in Bali
Earlier this year, we escaped the cold of New York City to explore the surf, jungle, and culture of Bali. We had an incredible time.
Images by Nick Millward
30 Hours || totally worth it
The journey from Brooklyn to Bali can take a toll on anyone, but with the first step off the plane into the humid heat of Indonesia, you knew it was all worth it. First things on our minds were — cold beer and check out the surf report.
Tip: only exchange enough money at the airport to get to your hotel — you’ll get a far better exchange rate elsewhere.
We hit the surf a few times, mostly at Old Man’s and Echo beach. Didn’t find the epic surf we’d hoped for, but had a blast anyway and caught a few of the locals crushing the chop.
Deus Ex Machina || Canggu
The Deus brand is one that has inspired me and appreciate the creativity that goes into everything they do. Their Bali flagship store is definitely worth checking out — they’ve got everything from surfboards, motocycles, and apparel to live music, art, and food. There’s a big venue in the back of the shop where you can chill with a cool beverage and relax.
Tip: also in the area is a great vegetarian spot, Shady Shack. As well as the famous Wahaha if you’re looking for Bali’s famous pork ribs.
The Jungle || Ubud
I could stay on the beach forever, but making our way from the coast to the jungles of Ubud was a beautiful transition. You can find some great hikes, rafting, art and plenty of space to relax. There are countless accommodations tucked away and would recommend exploring Airbnb for some hidden jems.
We ended our trip with a sunrise hike up Mount Batur, an active volcano situated on the north-east side of Bali. Our trek began at 2:30am to the reach the summit, 5,600 ft above sea level, before sunrise. You’ll experience quite a few types of terrain on the way up this mountain — paved roads, dirt paths, loose rocks, and a rock scramble — definitely keeps it interesting. And catching a Bali sunrise above the clouds was a great way to close our trip.
Tip: bring a few extra rupiah for some hot coffee at the summit.
