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Written by Jiayi Ng
Edited by Candice Neo

Planning a getaway to sunny Bali with your girl squad and fretting about what to do there? You’ll be surprised at all the exciting girly stuff this island has to offer!

The island may be renowned for its numerous beaches and natural sights, but that’s definitely not all. From shopping, spas to beautiful villas, Bali is home to what you girls love most – affordable luxury holiday indulgences!

Shopping till you drop, pampering yourself at a luxury (but affordable) spa, and gorging on gorgeous dessert – does that already sound like the best holiday ever? We’ve got even more in store, so gather the squad and join us for an awesome adventure that won’t break the bank!

Sponsored by Klook

Traveling made easier at

Navigating your way around a foreign country can be hard work and confusing at times.

But with KLOOK, all the time wasted haggling with taxi drivers and figuring out how to get somewhere can be spent on checking out another new attraction!

KLOOK’s private car charter services offer you the flexibility of planning your own itineraries, so you can go wherever you want, whenever you want.

Photo via katy_lytvyn_, yessieb_, Klook

No worries even if you’re coming in a big group, as KLOOK’s cars come in various sizes and can accommodate up to 12 people! You’ll also have a local English-speaking driver on the journey with you – ensuring a fuss-free and smooth travelling experience.

But here’s the kicker – the added convenience and comfort won’t be burning a hole in your wallet at all! The charter services start at USD $33/ SGD $45 per day, which is still cheaper than most private car charter services in Bali.

All you have to do is book your car up to one day in advance before your trip, and that’s it – you’ll be having fun in Bali’s hottest places, faster than you can say “KLOOK”!

Find out more  Klook

 

Just for our dear readers, get $8 OFF any first-time bookings (a local SIM card costs $8). Simply apply the promo code ‘TRIP8FIRST’ when you check out!

Getting to Bali

From SingaporeFrom Malaysia (tap here to view)From Australia (tap here to view)

Direct flight (total cost from SGD 175)

Take TigerairAirAsia,  Garuda Indonesia, SilkAir or Singapore Airlines from Singapore Changi Airport to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. (Flight time: ~2h 40 min)

Direct flight (total cost from RM 400)

Take Malindo AirAirAsia or Malaysia Airlines from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. (Flight time: ~3h)

Direct flight from Perth (total cost from 309 AUD)

From Perth:
1. Take AirAsiaJetstarVirgin Australia, Garuda Indonesia or SilkAir from Perth to Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali). (Flight time: ~3h 40min)

Getting around

Transportation is one of the things that can easily make or break a trip, and Bali’s taxi scene isn’t always the easiest to navigate. So… why not hire a private driver or car charter and be your own boss instead?

If you’re not convinced, click here for our Five Reasons for Getting a Private Driver or Car Charter that You Never Knew (not clickbait at all).

We’ll leave the nagging and other snoozefest details for the end – now, on to the fun stuff!

The Ultimate Girl Squad Bucket List

(Shopping, spa, cafes and more!)

1. Get pampered at an affordable luxury spa

You know it, most of us suffer from the Office Lady Syndrome (aching neck and sore shoulders).

But guess what, there are so many reasonably priced spas all over Bali, you can enjoy a luxurious pampering session (and relieve all those knotted muscles) with the girls without a heavy price tag!

Photo via amelhutahaean, mojo_minx, lidyapermata

La Joya: Enjoy sweeping ocean views at cliffside spa (Website | More info)
Tjampuhan Spa: Chill at the mystical spa right by the flowing river (Website | More info)
Elephant Safari Park Lodge: Relax amongst the wildlife (Website | More info)
Jaens Spa: Affordable luxury relaxation (Website | More info)

2. Go for (retail) therapy

As the adage goes, when a group of young ladies get together, there’s some shopping to be done! Buying stuff is the best therapy for any female soul, and Bali is here to satisfy with both mainstream and quirky shopping choices.

Welcome to a shopping heaven where anything is possible, and you can find…

Photo via _miss_vs, oceanbellz

Bali may not have reached the epitome of Bangkok’s fashion trends and hipster night markets, but its weekend markets has its own Bohemian chic vibes most island babes will love.

So ditch that Sunday night party plan – it’s time to hit the bazaars!

Love Anchor: Trendiest hipster market in Canggu (Website | More info)
Old Man’s: From beachwear to organic food (Website | More info)

We know humans only have one body, but that doesn’t stop us from wanting to own every pretty outfit we lay our eyes on.

And Bali has plenty of those – from tropical-chic dresses to unique bikinis, here’s where glamorous girl squads are born.

Lily Jean Bali: Get tropical-chic outfits (Website | More info)
The White Peacock Bali: One-of-a-kind hand-sewn pieces (Website | More info)
Thaikila Bikinis Bali: Chill out in unique and pretty bikinis (Website | More info)
Mist: Feel like a goddess in flowy dresses (Website | More info)

Photo via mybeachhome, novi.koo

Falling in love with life in Bali? With so many furniture and homeware shops, you can easily take the island back with you!

Bungalow Living: Bring the resort home (Website | More info)
Toko Emporium: Get in touch with your quirky side (Website | More info)
Tamara Danielle: Travel back in time with vintage accessories (Website | More info)
Lio Collection: Bali’s answer to IKEA (Website | More info)

Photo via tansiuli, laurabutrawer

Who says shopping can’t be a good deed? Say hello to guilt-free binge shopping!

Here in Bali, going green looks good, tastes good, and is priced good – everything a girl could possibly want.

Kou Bali: Get au naturel soaps, salts and jam (Website | More info)
Blue Stone Botanicals Bali: Relieve your stress with essential oils (Website | More info)
Earth Cafe Bali: Munch into the yummiest organic fruits and veggies (Website | More info)
Bali Buda: Stock up on health-friendly late night snacks (Website | More info)

Photo via lindachristiani, kylabirgitta, BaliExclusivo

No more tacky souvenirs – with special locally made gifts, you can get something different, meaningful and impress your family and friends too!

Pie Susu Asli Enaaak: Savour the sweet Pie Susu, a yummy local delight (More info)
Threads of Life: Flaunt yourself in handcrafted traditional fabric (Website | More info)
Green Village: Make your own Balinese traditional instrument (Website | More info)
Jalan Raya Singakerta: Hide your secrets in these artistic wooden boxes! (Coordinate here | More info)

Photo via iwoshm

Even if you are not particularly interested in art, the unique pieces that litter the streets of Bali will have you becoming art moguls in no time.

From incredibly life-like paintings to lovely little trinkets and sculptures, there’s a type of artwork for everyone here!

Sukawati Art Market: Outfit yourself with handmade accessories (More info)
Nyoman Jendra: Fall into the whimsical world of Nyoman Jendra’s illustrations (More info)
Syah Gallery: Grab a painting made just for you (More info)
Reservo Art Gallery: Pocket some pop art pieces that Andy Warhol would be proud of (Website | More info)


3. Must-do attractions

The moon is blue tonight and you are bored – what next?

Bali is a place where boredom dies faster than the daylily, so no worries about that. If you ever find yourself tired of all the shopping, eating and chilling out (what a blasphemy), there’s still plenty of things left to do!

3-a. Catch the breathtaking sunset at Uluwatu Temple

Photo via tijana.brdar_

Read more here about Uluwatu temple

Uluwatu Temple

Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Opening hours: 9am – 6pm
Entrance: Rp 20,000 (USD $1.60)
Kecak Dance at sunset:
Rp 100,000 (USD $8.10)
Recommended time to visit: At 4pm to catch the sunset in time

Check rate on Klook

Includes Kecak Fire Dance Performance

3-b. Chase ghosts at the abandoned Taman Festival Theme Park

Photo via missscarlett100

Read more here about Taman Festival

Taman Festival

Address: No., Jl. Padang Galak No.3, Kesiman, Denpasar Tim., Kota Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
How to get there: Taman Festival is located along the Jl. Pantai Padang Galak road in Sanur. It’s just a 7-min drive and 40-min walk up north from Sanur Beach. Coordinates here.

3-c. Where bamboo villas are built around trees at The Green Village

Photo via kermitramos

Read more here about The Green Village

The Green Village

Address: Jl. Tanah Ayu, Sibang Gede, Abiansemal, Badung Bali 80352 Indonesia
Tour Timing: 12.30am to 1.30pm (only available on weekdays)
Contact: +62 811 3922254
Price: Rp. 440,000 (approximately USD $28.92) for adults and Rp. 340,000 (approximately USD$22.35) for kids (5-12 years old)

Website

3-d. Take sunset photos by the majestic cliffs, caves and sand at Melasti Beach #squadgoals

Photo via petereklesya

Read more here about Melasti beach

Melasti Beach

Address: Gang VIII No.8, Denpasar Utara, Ungasan, Denpasar, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80234, Indonesia
How to get there: From Jimbaran, drive towards the Banyan Tree Ungasan Resort. Nearby, you will be able to see the beach from the top of the cliff. Follow the path winding around the limestone cliffs to reach the bottom. The trip takes about 10 minutes. Coordinates here.

4. Nurture your food baby with Bali’s best delicacies

The Diet has no place in Bali, land of the yums and tums. It’s time to embrace your food baby as you taste all that the island has to offer.

It’s now or never, when you’re alone with your trusted comrades and no one’s around to stop you. And if they do… you know it’s time to reevaluate the friendship.

4-a. Munch to jaw-dropping views at One Eighty’s cliffside glass-bottomed infinity pool

Photo via aaronraja

Read more here about One Eighty

One Eighty

Address: The Edge – Uluwatu Bali, Jl. Pura Goa Lempeh Banjar Dinas Kangin, Pecatu, Uluwatu, Bali 80364
Contact: +62 361 8470700
Opening hours: 12pm – 10pm (Soft opening from 29 Oct 2017)
Price: Adults – Rp 400,000 per person (approximately USD $26.25, includes Rp. 350,000 Food & Beverage credit); Children (3-12 years) – Rp 150,000 per person (approximately USD $9.85, includes Rp. 100,000 F&B credit). Inclusive of: Use of One Eighty’s Skypool and pool towel

Website

4-b. Transport yourself to Britain for high tea at Standing Stones Restaurant

Photo via gitahuang15

Read more here about Standing Stones Restaurant

Standing Stones Restaurant

Address: Jalan Pantai Purnama (Purnama Beach) Sukawati, Gianyar
Contact: +62 361 8493706
Opening hours: Afternoon tea from 4pm – 6pm
Price: Rp. 220,000 (approximately USD $14.45) ++ per pax

Website

4-c. Feel on top of the world at an airplane restaurant – Keramas Aero Park

Photo via sri_widiary

Read more here about Keramas Aero Park

Keramas Aero Park

Address: Jl. By Pass Prof. Ida Bagus Mantra KM 28, Keramas, Gianyar – Bali 80511
Contact: +62 361 4791830
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm
Price: Rp. 45,000 – 85,000 (Approximately USD $3.02 – 5.71)

Website

4-d. Be a rose among the orchids at Orchid Tea Lounge’s greenhouse cafe

Photo via diaspredani

Read more here about Orchid Tea Lounge

Orchid Tea Lounge

Address: Karang Mas Estate Sejahtera, Jl. Karang Mas, Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Contact: +62 361 8468468
Opening hours: 11am – 7pm
Price: Rp 50,000 – 200,000 (USD $3.70 – 14.80)

Website

4-e. Party by the beach at Azul Beach Club

Read more here about Azul Beach Club

Azul Beach Club

Address: Jl. Padma No.2, Legian, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
Contact: +62 361 765759, email: [email protected]
Opening hours: 7am – 11pm
Price Bintang Beer: Rp. 45.000 (Approximately USD $ 3.40)
Price Range Food (mains): Rp 110.000 – 345.000 (Approximately $ 8.30 – $26)
Sunday BBQ Brunch: Rp. 250.000 (Approximately $ 18.60, including free-flow soft drinks, Kids go at half price)

Website

Where to stay in Bali

Unwind in beautiful villas

When it comes to fun and comfortable environments for hush hush late night talks, Bali definitely doesn’t lack. From small, quirky accommodations to huge properties that will make you feel like princesses, it’s up to you to get cozy or go big.

In fact, if your villa is so comfortable that you simply don’t want to leave, you can even choose to stay in for a lazy day and get an in-villa massage, or rent a quirky float and Instagram away.

Photo via ciarad2, missyyu, deafebya

Have you ever slept in a bubble before? Before you write us off for being crazy weirdos, a literal bubble on the beach is just one of many mind-boggling and cool accommodations you can find in Bali.

From scenic bamboo domes to having rhinos for neighbours, rest assured that you’ll never run out of choices.

Bubble Hotel (From USD $88 per night): Live in your own bubble (Website | More info)
Firefly Eco Lodge (From USD $26 per night): Look over the paddy fields from an eco-cottage on stilts (Website | More info)
NewEarth Haven Eco Dome (From USD $149 per night): Stay in a unique bamboo home with breathtaking views (Website | More info)
Mara River Safari Lodge (From USD $226 per night): Hang out with the zebras and rhinos (Website | More info)

Photo via tamaramanubulu, lynn____l 

Travelling in a group and don’t want to literally burst your bubble? Bali has plenty of two-bedroom villas that are just nice for medium-sized parties.

Danoya Villa (From USD $108 per night): Affordable luxury in Bali’s shopping district (Check rate | More info)
Sandi Kala Villas (From USD $120 per night): Embrace the mermaid life in a floating villa (Check rate | More info)
Ini Vie Villa (From USD $130 per night): Enjoy floating breakfasts and a swing over the pool (Check rate | More info)
Casa Priya Ubud (From USD $160 per night): Seek comfort in the heart of Ubud (Check rate | More info)

Photo via narns_s

Ahem. Welcome, princesses, to your very own luxurious palace in Bali.

Get a taste of the high life at Bali’s luxurious three-bedroom villas – and guess what, these won’t burn a huge hole in your wallets!

Wonderful Villa (From USD $254 per night): Lounge in your very own infinity pool (Check rate | More info)
Pandawa Beach Villas & Spa (From USD $200 per night): Walk from your oceanfront private pool to the beach! (Check rate | More info)
Bali Corner Residence (From USD $230 per night): Live in the royal lap of luxury (Check rate | More info)
Kuta Ardenia Residence (From USD $161): Relax in a home away from home (Check rate | More info)

More details on getting around

Private driver, car charter or cab?

Unfortunately, there’s no perfect universe where all the places you want to go to are conveniently lined up on one street, so there’s the problem of getting around.

As we mentioned above, we vote for getting a private driver or car charter over taking a cab. Here’s why:

5 Reasons Why You Should Get a Private Driver or Car Charter in Bali

1. No more haggling with taxi drivers, you just have to pay once! (Most cab drivers in Bali set fixed fares, so to avoid being overcharged, you often need to haggle!)
2. You will save more on transport, especially if you are travelling to 10,000 places in a day!
3. Go wherever you want, whenever. Your driver is just a phone call away.
4. You can rely on your driver’s local expertise for advice.
5. Depending on your group size and where you want to go, you can have a car charter specially tailored for your needs!

To make things easier for you, Klook offers both airport transfer and private car charter services that come at a cheaper price than most private car hires.

Tip: You should also always get a SIM card for your journey in Bali – plans may change, and having a SIM card gives you superpowers such as:

  • Doing research on the road.

  • Always knowing where you’re going (all hail Google Maps!)

  • Avoiding nasty food or unpleasant places (because you’ll have reviews on hand).

With KLOOK, you can avoid the hassle of trying to find phone shops and pick up your SIM card right at the airport!

Beware of these tourist scams!

We all know the holiday mood can be dampened if someone in the group unknowingly falls prey to scammers.

This can be common in Bali, but here’s sharing with you some of our personal experiences and insights gathered from other travellers, so you can be armed with sufficient ammunition information to make the smartest decisions while having fun in Bali!

Click here to learn more about the common scams in Bali – it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Now that you know everything you need to know, all that’s left to do is pick up the phone, gather your squad and jetset! Bali’s always waiting, but it’s never too soon to have fun!