From first-time nerves to unforgettable adventures

Bali was a trip that took me a long way outside my comfort zone — and I'm so glad I did it! As soon as I landed, the heat hit me, even though it was evening. I knew I wasn't in the UK anymore!

There is something quite daunting about stepping into the unknown, especially when you're travelling somewhere completely new and don't know anyone. But that is part of what made this trip so memorable.

Canggu was where my Bali adventure began. It was a brilliant introduction to the island, with a mix of culture, surfing and places to relax and soak up the atmosphere. I visited temples, experienced the surfing scene and spent time at Finns Beach Club. It was such a contrast of experiences, from discovering the island's culture to enjoying the lively beach club atmosphere.

Next, I headed to Ubud, an amazing little town surrounded by greenery, rice fields and beautiful natural scenery. One of the experiences was visiting the Monkey Forest. I'd heard stories about how the monkeys could sometimes be aggressive, and if I'm honest, knowing that made the experience a little less enjoyable than it might otherwise have been!

It's one of those places where you need to be aware of your surroundings and respect the animals. Fascinating to see, but definitely worth approaching with a little caution. Beyond the monkeys, Ubud was full of the kind of scenery that makes you stop and take it all in. The rice fields, the waterfalls and the lush landscapes were absolutely memorable.

One of the biggest highlights of my Bali trip was walking up an active volcano in the dark to watch the sunrise. Now, that's not something you do every day! Getting up in the early hours and making the climb in darkness was an adventure in itself. But knowing we were heading towards a sunrise from an active volcano made it feel even more special.

Looking back, Bali gave me so much more than beautiful views. It gave me the chance to try new things, experience a completely different culture and discover that I could step into an unfamiliar situation and make the most of it.

I arrived nervous, meeting strangers in a country I'd never visited before. I left with memories of temples, beach clubs, rice fields, waterfalls and an unforgettable sunrise adventure. Sometimes the trips that make us the most nervous are the ones that give us the most to remember. ♡

Would I recommend Bali?

Absolutely! Bali gave me a mix of culture, adventure, natural beauty and experiences that pushed me beyond what felt familiar.

It wasn't just about the places I visited. It was about arriving somewhere new, meeting people I didn't know and discovering how much could happen when I said yes to the adventure.

If Bali is on your list, go with an open mind, take sensible precautions and leave room for those experiences you never could have planned for.

Happy travels! 🧡