My love for travel started in college when I first studied abroad and that itch has only grown stronger and taken me further ever since. Bali had been at the top of my list for awhile and as a birthday gift to myself I decided to go on a yoga retreat to Ubud. However, before the retreat would start I wanted to travel on my own, something I had only ever done for work and thought it would be a good opportunity before turning 30 to experience. My destination was Canggu.
I didn’t really know what to expect or how I would feel, but can honestly say it’s one of the best decisions I have made. It’s something I would encourage everyone to do (if you haven’t already) and Bali is the perfect place for it. I found myself comfortable on my own, but rarely was that actually the case. I surprised myself in many ways and learned in the process. I feel very fortunate for the opportunity and grateful for those I have met along the way, as well as those that gave me there tips in planning where to go.
Bali is magical, it’s the best word I can use to describe it and I thought Canggu was ideal for the type of travel I enjoy. It’s laid back, beautiful, and really chilled. Here are some of my highlights –
Stay:
Echo Beach Villa & Apartment
The place was beautiful. I found the apartment and shared pool perfect for a solo traveler, with the stay being safe and very comfortable. The staff went above and beyond during my stay in helping me get a scooter, lifts to and from town in the evening, and even a local guide for the day to experience the area. Highly recommend!
Yoga:
The Practice
Canggu is probably better known for the surf, but I was all about the yoga and very happy to have found The Practice. The place and people are wonderful, the Hatha classes take place in the beautiful Shala and the communal area invites you to stay longer drinking tea and meeting others. Especially when traveling alone it made a real difference to have that sense of community from the start. The Practice put on events as well, whilst I was there I attended a movie night featuring Awake: The Life of Yogananda.
Eats:
I would go back for the food alone! I did quite a bit of research on places to eat in the area before arriving, my plan was to eat about four meals a day to make it to all of them, which was wishful thinking as in that heat my appetite had other plans. So I didn’t make it to all of them, but have a Google Map created for when I return. Here were my top picks –
One not to miss, it’s busy for a reason, can’t go wrong with the smoothie bowls, eggs, coffee, it’s all good!
Great little smoothie shack off the main road, once I had the Peanut Butter smoothie bowl that was me done, came back each morning after yoga.
Head here for delicious wraps and a coconut, had to take a break from smoothie bowls at some point. I loved the communal tables, easy way to meet people over dinner.
Getting around:
The best way to explore the area is by renting a scooter. I was a bit nervous at first, but that lasted about an hour and I was loving every minute of it. The place I stayed arranged the scooter rental for me and it was dropped off the day after I arrived.
Taxis can also be easily arranged if you want to explore further or go at night, which is another great option. Lastly, I would recommend spending the day with a local guide to take you around the area and experience a different side to Bali.
Hope you enjoy, you can’t go wrong in Bali! x
“Be as simple as you can be; you will be astonished to see how uncomplicated and happy your life can become” – Paramahansa Yogananda