Bali and Gilli Trawangan Guide

Bali is by far the most happiest place I have ever been to. People are friendly, there is greenery everywhere, food is good, all types of geographical terrains. Its a one stop place for all travelling requirements. This is our 8 day itinerary for Bali and Gilli Trawangan island. Hope it helps. 

Day1-3 Sanur Beach (South East of Bali)

Peneeda beach view hotel. 

We stayed at this hotel and it's very beautiful, would highly recommend it. Try the pancakes and their local Balinese breakfast. (Approx. 4500 INR per night)
http://peneedaviewhotel.com/
(Check booking.com, trip advisor for better deals, we booked from booking.com)

Things to do in Sanur, 

• Walk along the beach pathway in the evening, there are awesome little home cafes around the area. We explored this place called Sanur warung Segar 
• https://www.facebook.com/Warung-sanur-segar-1468973926673122/
• One is a pizza place, go in the afternoon since it's in a dingy area
• http://www.tripadvisor.com/9812350?m=19905
• I also did some street shopping for balinese dresses from the market around the area. Negotiate and bring the price down to 75% of what was quoted originally. There is not much to do in Sanur actually, 2 days are more than enough. We took a tour both the days, first day was extremely touristy which involved seeing a glimpse of balinese culture-dance-art, local food, Batik and Ikkat painting, coffee plantations were a very good experience. It was not that great but in hindsight it could be done as a once in a lifetime thing. 
• Second day was great since we made a point to visit non touristy areas which extend to the central and north-western part of Bali and mainly included- UNESCO jatilwuh rice terraces, Munduk Falls, Butterfly park, twin lakes. You could also go higher and visit Lovina for dolphin watching and gitgit falls. If possible do the Mt Batur Trek, it's highly recommended. 
• Our guide Nyoman Richard was very helpful in showing us around. I can pass on his number in case anyone is interested.

Peneeda beach resort property

Accomodation at sanur, Peneeda beach resort

Day4-6 Gilli Trawangan (Lombok Islands)

• Take a Fast boat, Gilli getaway or bluewater (services for the fast boat)- (Approx 6000 INR per person, round trip). I recommend these services since they are reliable and sea gets choppy sometimes. If possible catch the fast boat from Amed, lesser time to reach the islands. The sea could be choppy and time taken from Sanur to Gilli T is approximately 4 hours by sea even in a speed boat. You'll pay less from Amed compared to what we paid from around Sanur and time is reduced to 1.5 hours from Amed to Gilli T. Hence Amed is a better place to catch fast boat to Gilli islands. Sanur to Amed could be reached in approximately 2 and a half hours by road.
• We stayed at Manta dive resorts and diving school (4500 INR/night). Although it was a very lovely stay in a traditional Lumbung Balinese hut, I'd suggest you stay some place else since it doesn't matter where you stay on the island-you'll be out mostly. 
• Rent cycles as soon as you get there, it's liberating to go around on it and circumnavigating the whole island. 
• Suggesting this place, my brother in law stayed here, he gave a very good review of the place.Villa tree house Gilli trawangan
• http://www.booking.com/Share-QpTPvU

• For scuba diving,
• Manta dive, for scuba diving is the best. Approximately 5500 INR/pp including camera, Ask for JJ (scuba instructor). 

• Things to do in Gilli Trawangan,
• Gilli Trawangan is a party island and you'll see many tourists. That being said you can always find your tranquil spot on the island and make the most of it because the scenery is breathtaking. We made casa vintage, a cafe, our tranquil spot for relaxing. Have mojitos and pizzas there. Le Petit burger house is very good for burgers. Must go for 3 island snorkelling tour. 100000 Indonesian rupiah pp. Negotiate everywhere. Cycle around the whole island. It's Beautiful, must watch sunset sipping mojitos at Casa Vintage. You could also Stay in Gilli Meno/air, they are very tranquil as compared to Gilli T. 

Day6-8 Ubud 

• We stayed in a place called Duana Sari, it was very nice with a small disadvantage of no cafe or restaurant on the property. Otherwise it was a perfect tranquil, neat place to stay. (2200 INR/ per night) 
• Ubud art market is great for buying small things for friends and family. 
• The streets are lovely for hanging out, a lot of handicrafts and cafes. 
• A must try cafe at Ubud goes by the name Fair Wrung Bale by the fair future foundation. Link to the Cafe- https://goo.gl/maps/uTU5jDXK2F62

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Property at Duana Sari, Bali

Extra notes

• Buy a SIM card as soon as you get off the airport and download Grabtaxi app. 
• People are very friendly in Bali and although Bali has its own charm, the Gilli islands were beyond imagination. I'd suggest you stay there more and explore all three of them. 
• Exchange money from shops which deal in change of 100000 Indonesian Rupiah preferably.
• We decided to go for Sanur since it's not over crowded like Kuta or more western parts of the Bali island.
• You can also visit my instagram account for more pictures of Bali, instagram handle name- yuginasudan_02