Our Two-Week Journey Through Bali: Points, Miles, and Unforgettable Experiences
We’re diving into the incredible two weeks we spent in Bali, Indonesia. We’ll give you all the stats up front, so you can see how we maximized our points and miles. This post focuses solely on Bali, with another post coming soon about our time in Singapore and the journey back home!
Bali Trip Stats:
Duration in Bali: 14 days (Including travel to get there)
Cash Spent: $1,813 (for transportation to Bali, and accommodations)
Cost Without Points: $13,137
Total Points Used: 322,000 (flights and staying in the Alila Seminyak)
Flights in Business Class: 3 out of 4 flights to Bali were in business class
Points Used for Bali Flights: 120,000 Flying Blue points (transferred from Amex) + $180 per person
Points Used for Hotels in Bali: 80,000 Hyatt points for 2 nights at the Alila Seminyak (40,000 per night)
Points Redemption Value:
1.57 cents per point at Alila Seminyak (not our best, but the experience was worth it)
4.16 for China Airlines flight from San Francisco to Bali (Booked FlyingBlue (KLM) and transferred points from Amex)
Arrival in Bali
After a smooth flight from San Francisco to Bali via Taipei, we landed at Denpasar Airport (DPS). If you’re planning a trip, here’s a tip—make sure you handle all your documents before you arrive:
Tourist Visa: Get the 30-day tourist visa online ahead of time. It’s $35 per person, and it lets you skip the long immigration line.
Customs Declaration: Complete the customs form online a day or two before your arrival. You’ll get a QR code that will speed up the process.
Tourist Tax: Pay the $10 per person tourist tax online. While we weren’t stopped to show proof, it’s a small amount that goes toward keeping Bali clean and beautiful.
With all that squared away, we breezed through the airport and met our driver from the Alila Seminyak, where we would spend our first two nights.
The Alila Seminyak: A Comfortable Start
Our stay at the Alila Seminyak was the perfect introduction to Bali. Located right on the beach, the property offered stunning ocean views. Although the surf was too strong for swimming, the sound of the beach club next door gave the area a unique energy.
We used 80,000 points for our two-night stay, which would have cost $625 per night without points. The hotel didn’t have a club lounge, but the breakfast buffet made up for it! The spread was incredible—everything from fresh tropical fruit to local delicacies.
In the evenings, we enjoyed drinks at the hotel’s live music bar, though we also ventured next door to the famous Potato Head Beach Club, where we lounged and soaked in the atmosphere.
Seminyak is one of Bali’s busiest areas, full of shops, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. We took advantage of the location to explore by foot, indulging in local foods and meeting up randomly with friends we had met at an EDM festival back in the States.
One standout activity in this part of Bali was a visit to a local shaman. The experience was deeply personal and surprisingly insightful, giving us a sense of Bali’s spiritual energy that people often talk about.
A Day with Wayan: Our Tour Guide and Local Expert
One of the best decisions we made during our time in Bali was booking Wayan, our driver and tour guide. Wayan came highly recommended by a friend, and he made our journey from Seminyak to Selat an incredible experience. If you’re planning a trip to Bali, having a good local guide is key. Not only did he get us from point A to point B, but he also added in a ton of cultural and unique experiences along the way.
The first thing to know about Bali is that drivers often double as tour guides. While we initially just hired Wayan for transportation, he ended up offering us a full day of exploration as we made our way to the remote bamboo house. Here’s a recap of all the stops we made that day:
The Shaman Experience:
One of the highlights of the day was a visit to a local shaman. Taryn had heard about Bali’s deep spiritual culture and was eager to experience it for myself. What we didn’t expect was the accuracy and insight the shaman provided. He pinpointed specific physical and emotional things that she had been dealing with. It was more than just a spiritual reading; it felt like an understanding of her overall well-being. Even I, who was more of a skeptic going in, was blown away by the shaman's knowledge.Lunch at a Local Warung:
Wayan then took us to a local warung for lunch, and this was a true taste of Bali. Warungs are small, family-run eateries that serve traditional Balinese food. The one we stopped at had stunning views of the rice terraces, and the food was authentic and delicious. Taryn had crispy duck for the first time, which quickly became her favorite dish in Bali.The Bali Swing:
Before lunch, we did the famous Bali Swing overlooking the rice terraces. If you’ve ever seen photos of people swinging high above the lush greenery of Bali, this is it. While there are multiple places to do the swing, Wayan took us to one that was off the beaten path and not overly crowded. It was thrilling, peaceful, and resulted in some amazing photos and videos (check out our stories for the footage!).Coffee Plantation and Luwak Coffee Tasting:
Next, Wayan suggested we stop at a coffee plantation, which turned out to be another unique experience. Bali is famous for its Luwak coffee, made from beans that are eaten and excreted by a luwak (a type of civet cat). I know it sounds strange, but the coffee has a rich, earthy flavor that’s unlike anything we’ve ever tasted. Along with the coffee, we sampled a variety of teas, including a mangosteen tea that Taryn loved so much she brought some back home.Meeting the Luwak and Fruit Bats:
At the same plantation, we got the chance to pet a luwak and even hold a few fruit bats. The luwaks were surprisingly gentle, and the fruit bats—tiny and adorable—were just hanging from our arms as we fed them pieces of banana. It was one of those experiences that you can only get in Bali, and we loved every minute of it.
Taryn enjoying the Bali Swing
After a day filled with new experiences, we finally made our way to the bamboo house in Selat. Wayan’s expert guidance, cultural insights, and seamless navigation of Bali’s two-lane roads made this day unforgettable. We would highly recommend connecting with him if you’re ever in Bali—he’s the kind of guide who makes your trip go from great to extraordinary. If you're interested in booking him, reach out to us, and we can share his contact info!
The Kosay Bamboo House in Selat: A Hidden Gem in Bali’s Heart
After a day of exploring with Wayan, we arrived at the breathtaking bamboo house in Salat. Tucked into the lush rice terraces, this Airbnb was a dream come true—an eco-friendly retreat made entirely from bamboo. The house felt like an extension of the landscape, offering an unparalleled connection to nature.
Arrival and First Impressions
We were immediately struck by the serenity of the area. Walking along a path lined with rice paddies and with Mount Agung in the distance, we knew we were in for something special. The house blended beautifully with its surroundings, and the warm welcome from Wayan (Different Wayan: Wayan is the name given to the firstborn in a family), our host, set the tone for a relaxing stay. While there’s no air conditioning, the cool breezes made the house comfortable, and the mosquito-netted bed added to the rustic charm.
Stunning Views
The view from the bamboo house was simply incredible. Our deck overlooked tiered rice paddies with Mount Agung in the background. The lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere made it feel like we were worlds away from the busier parts of Bali. Even though the skies were mostly overcast during our stay, we were lucky enough to witness a stunning sunrise over the mountain on our final morning. Meals were brought to us, and each dish was made with fresh, local ingredients, allowing us to enjoy traditional Balinese cuisine while soaking in the view.
Reconnecting with Nature
Though the house had no air conditioning, it remained cool and comfortable thanks to its valley location. We slept soundly under mosquito netting and woke up to the sounds of nature—frogs, birds, and the gentle rustle of bamboo. The WiFi was surprisingly good for such a remote area, allowing us to stay connected without sacrificing our immersion in the natural environment.
Our time at the bamboo house was a perfect escape into the heart of Bali. For anyone looking to experience Bali’s quieter, more authentic side, this bamboo retreat offers a blend of luxury, tranquility, and nature that’s hard to find elsewhere.
A Week in Amed: Exploring Bali’s Hidden Gem
After our stay in the bamboo house, we headed to Amed, a serene coastal village on Bali’s eastern side, known for its laid-back atmosphere, incredible diving spots, and picturesque beaches. Our week here was the perfect way to unwind and explore Bali’s less touristy side, offering a completely different vibe from the bustling areas like Seminyak.
Villa Paradiso: Our Luxurious Home Base
We stayed at Villa Paradiso, a stunning villa that offered the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. This spacious property featured three master bedrooms, a private cottage, and an expansive pool that wove through the outdoor area like a lagoon. With a full staff catering to our needs, including meal preparation and housekeeping, we were able to fully relax and enjoy the beauty of Amed without any worries.
The villa itself was spectacular, with breathtaking views of the ocean and Mount Agung in the distance. Whether lounging by the pool, enjoying a meal in the outdoor dining area, or simply soaking in the views from one of the master bedrooms, Villa Paradiso offered an unforgettable experience. Our friends joined us here, turning our stay into a fun and memorable group adventure.
Exploring Amed: Diving, Snorkeling, and More
Amed is famous for its incredible diving and snorkeling spots, and we couldn’t resist exploring the vibrant underwater world. One of the highlights was diving at a US Army transport wreck, now a haven for marine life, where we encountered sea turtles and colorful fish in crystal-clear waters. Even if you’re not into diving, the snorkeling here is equally impressive, with coral reefs just a short swim from the shore.
The town of Amed is relaxed and charming, with plenty of local restaurants (warungs) offering delicious, inexpensive meals. We often found ourselves indulging in fresh seafood, local delicacies, and of course, Bali’s famous crispy duck. One evening, we dined with our friends at a local restaurant where the bill for six of us totaled only $13—proof that Amed offers incredible value for its food.
Sunset Views and Hidden Beaches
One of the highlights of our stay was watching the sunset at Sunset Point. Thanks to our amazing driver, Made, we had the best table reserved, with an unobstructed view of the sunset over the ocean, with Mount Agung in the background. The sky turned into a canvas of colors as the sun dipped below the horizon—truly one of the most magical moments of our trip.
We also spent time exploring some of Amed’s hidden beaches, where the volcanic black sand contrasted beautifully with the vibrant blue water. Lipah Beach was a particular favorite, offering crystal-clear waters and a peaceful atmosphere. It felt like our own private paradise, far removed from the crowds of other Bali beaches.
Unforgettable Memories
Our week in Amed was filled with moments of relaxation, exploration, and connection with nature. Whether it was lounging by the villa’s pool, diving into Bali’s rich underwater world, or enjoying meals with friends under the stars, Amed was a true highlight of our trip. It’s a place where time slows down, and you can fully appreciate the natural beauty and peaceful energy that Bali is known for.
Amed may not be as famous as other parts of Bali, but it offers an authentic and unforgettable experience for those looking to escape the crowds and dive into Bali’s natural beauty.
Highlights of the Trip:
Diving & Snorkeling: The clear waters of Amed are perfect for exploring underwater life.
The Bali Swing: We embraced our inner child and took stunning photos on the Bali Swing with a backdrop of the rice terraces.
Shaman Experience: A deeply spiritual and personal experience that left a lasting impact.
Local Food: From high-end dining to local warungs, Bali’s food scene is varied and delicious.
Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven): Although we had to wake up early, we were able to experience an amazing view of Mount Agung at sunrise, and take an amazing picture!
Final Thoughts
Bali surpassed all our expectations with its incredible hospitality, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re diving in the clear waters of Amed, swinging over the rice terraces, or relaxing in a bamboo house, Bali has something for everyone.
This wraps up the Bali portion of our Southeast Asia trip. Stay tuned for our next post where we’ll dive into our adventures in Singapore and share all the details of our journey back home!
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