A Guide to Bali for First-Timers

You'll want to stay on the beach for at least part of your trip. The sunrises and sunsets are magical, depending on which side of the island you stay on. Seminyak and Legian are great options for the west side of the island, which makes for unbelievable sunsets. If you're an early riser, stay in the quiet beach town of Sanur and walk along the boardwalk for quiet stillness in the morning.

Check out a day club. The day parties in Bali are unbelievable. If staying up late at night is a struggle for you, check out a day club like Cretya or Tlaga Singha in Ubud. Atlas Beach Club and Potato Head are my favorite clubs that offer both day and night parties. Bring your dancing shoes, because the DJs are so good!

Shopping is a must do when you're on Bali. The weather year round is humid and warm, so you'll want to dress like the locals in light, breezy colorful dresses and shorts. Check out Jalan Raya Seminyak and Jalan Legian for amazing clothing, souvenirs, home goods and sarongs. Ubud is also a great destination for wood carvings, art of all kinds, clothing and more.

Coffee and tea galore. Indonesia is known for its amazing coffee and tea plantations, so take advantage of the fresh and delicious beverages to jump-start your day. Every coffee shop will serve up delicious kopi from the local areas, or you can treat yourself to the most expensive coffee in the world, kopi luwak. Fragrant black tea also comes from Indonesia, so tea lovers will love all of the options.

Explore the island by car. If you're willing to explore more than just the beach towns, it's really worth hiring a driver for the day to take you around. No matter where you want to go, there are plenty of drivers who will take you around to all of the tourist sites. You can take photos of large animals like tigers and elephants, go hiking on one of the many massive mountains, explore the coast for water sports and fishing or just go on a shopping excursion and save some time.

Day trips are easy and fun from Bali. Many people explore Nusa Penida or Lembongan, two nearby islands for tranquility, water sports and snorkeling. The Gili Islands are another hot spot that offer unforgettable views.

Eat like the locals. Feeling adventurous? Don't miss out on local Balinese and Indonesian food. The area is known for its rice dishes, so anything with the word "nasi" in it is bound to be delicious. The locally caught seafood is ideal for pescatarians, the sweets are always colorful and inventive and other local flavors can be found (and smelled in the air) all across the island. Go for fresh coconuts when you see them and don't be afraid to try all of the local fruit.

Get cultured. If museums and green spaces are your jam, make sure you check out Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Park, or catch a fire dance in Uluwatu. You'll want to get tickets for the fire dance in advance as they often sell out every night. The Ubud Palace offers great traditional dance shows every night, too.

Milu Bali in the Umalas area is a cool, open vibe set among lots of trees. Their flavors are local, fresh, colorful and delicious. Loved by locals, it's a great hidden gem in the area.

Kynd Community has a few locations on the island and is a great place for plant-based and healthy meals after a yoga class. Their juices and smoothie bowls are to die for and their sweet treats are beautiful to look at.

Tanaman is one of my favorites for vegetarian food. It's inside the Sanctuary at Potato Head, a wellness center that offers a rad sound, light and music therapy session nearly every day. Try their vegan nasi campur!

Bebek Tepi Sawah is your quintessential Balinese restaurant known for its duck. It's out of this world and you just have to try it to believe it. Spice lovers will love all of their sambals, too.

Made's Warung Seminyak is a local favorite and has a ton of amazing Balinese food on their menu. Their nasi campur, sate and mie goreng are highly recommended.

Gusto Gelato & Caffe is a great place to cool off. They have a ton of gelatos and sorbets every day, so you'll want to visit frequently to try them all. Try their exotic flavors like sweet corn, pandan, dragonfruit and cacao.

Breakfast buffets at local hotels are out of this world in Bali. My favorites are at Royal Pita Maha and Hotel Tjampuhan in Ubud. They have local coffees, fruit and Indonesian dishes every morning. And don't forget to enjoy the views and walk around in these amazing paradises.

In the Sanur area, check out Byrd House for some great cakes and coffee. The restaurant is attached to a super rad hotel and you'll definitely want to walk around the property and its beach boardwalk. Great for people watching, too!