When a 3-week trip turns into a 3.5-month stay, Bali just pulled me in. The energy of this place is crazy and I get it, it’s not for everyone, but it was for me. I guess it had a lot to do with my circumstances. I was fresh out of a 9-year breakup, healing, grieving, and learning to be alone for the first time in what felt like forever.

Luckily, I had my best friend G with me, also deep in her own chapter of building her business and figuring things out. So together, we joined forces and created a lot of magic. From co-working days in Canggu cafés to filming swimwear content under the sun, to deep chats about love, purpose, and all the stuff that makes you cry-laugh at the same time… we really lived it.

Bali gave me space. Space to breathe, space to feel, space to get uncomfortable. I danced, cried, swam, and most importantly, launched a new collection for Salty and got to bring it to live here. This wasn’t some eat-pray-love moment where everything clicked into place. It was messy, raw, and beautiful. But I left lighter and more myself than I’d been in years.

Okay, enough of the deep and emotional stuff, these mini travel journals are here to tell you about my favourite spots to eat, chill, and experience across Bali and beyond (Lombok in another blog). Think of this as the no-BS guide where I’ll tell you the ins and outs, maybe even the things most blogs won’t. The good, the great, and the “eh, maybe don’t bother.”

Let’s start with Canggu: this was my base. We lived here, made friends here, built routines and businesses here. It’s chaotic, it’s beautiful, it’s dusty, it’s overstimulating, it’s full of dogs, bikes, beaches and coconuts… and somehow, it worked (for me). The energy of this place is fun & magnetic, I loved it so much. It’s not super clean, it smells and the traffic really is as bas as they say it is. Highly recommend to not expect a pristine beautiful clean Island when coming to Canggu but Bali is big and you can get this in other places. Canggu is like a small, very crowded city.

Our local: Two Face - Canggu
Easily the best. Period. It’s fresh, it’s got a great menu, it’s cheap, it hits. We’d go here nearly every day and somehow never got bored. The interior is relaxed & earthy. Smooth creamy matcha and coffee and 60k breakfast menu!

Location: Two Face / Coffee & Brunch [Canggu], Jl. Munduk Catu No.9, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali 80351, Indonesia

BGS - Canggu
An absolute must. It’s where we went for our morning fix or a casual meet-up with friends.. The coffee is strong, the energy is friendly, and the playlist is always on point. It’s got that post-surf, laid-back feel.

Times Beach Warung - Canggu
This place became a Sunday ritual. I was obsessed with their smash burger — like, actually addicted. It’s tucked right next to The Lawn (aka the place tourists flock to for cocktails at sunset). The Lawn is fun for a one-time experience, sure, but if you want something more chill, less overpriced, and still vibey, Times Beach is where it’s at. Think: cold drinks, music, friendly staff, no pressure to look cool. Just good food and good times.

Also great coffee, so nice to stop for breakfast after a walk along the beach to watch the surfers.

Location: Times Beach Warung, Jl. Pura Dalem, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Local Warungs
Don’t sleep on the warungs. Some of our best meals were at tiny roadside spots with no branding and plastic chairs. You’ll get a full plate of nasi campur for the price of your morning coffee — and the flavours are next level. Look for where the locals eat and follow your nose. You’ll usually be right. Our two favourite go-to’s were Warung Jaba, Warung Local – on Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong and Warung Bu Mi.

I could list a bunch of other restaurants in Bali as there is quite literally an abundance of amazing places to go, but you will find these popular spots on TikTok or through word of mouth, you may not hear of these smaller, more local spots I’ve listed above.

River Warung at Bambu Indah - Ubud

Tucked into the jungle-slope overlooking the Ayung River and natural spring-fed plunge pools. The restaurant sits on top of an earth-clad storage room, with an open-air kitchen and dining deck above it pinioned beneath graceful bamboo gridshell arches. The design blends split bamboo arches with copper-shingled roofing that weathers into a green patina. Think warm terracotta, soft bamboo matting, and warm lantern light in the evenings - it’s like dining inside a nest made by the forest itself.

The menu leans into sustainable, locally sourced dishes—highlighting Indonesian classics like jackfruit steak, grilled chicken satay, and regional banquets. It was the highlight for me when staying in Ubud, truly such a hidden gem and I rarely hear anyone speaking or recommending it. They have comfy day beds looking over the river, completely in the jungle.

Okay… this place deserves its own paragraph.

I stayed at Arya Women’s Wellness Hostel during a solo week in Ubud, and honestly? It was exactly what I needed. Nestled just off Monkey Forest Road, about 10 minutes from the main centre, Arya is a female-only wellness hostel, but don’t let the word “hostel” fool you. It’s luxe, calm, and everything is designed with healing in mind.

You get morning yoga & a free daily massage, a mani or pedi included, and a wholesome breakfast of banana pancakes, eggs or fruit every morning. They also host movie nights, cooking classes, and wellness dinners but the best part? The energy. I’ve never felt so safe and so supported by a group of women.

Everyone was down for chats, card pulls, dinner plans or quiet journal time in the garden. I stayed in a 4-bed dorm and it still felt peaceful and spacious. If you're travelling solo and want somewhere that feels like a little reset button, Arya is it. I’d go back in a heartbeat. The person I was when I stayed here to the person I was when I left Bali, completely different. So funny looking reflecting writing this journal.

Bali, Indonesia

Hokkaido, Japan