Bali
We spent three weeks on Bali in June 2026 and loved the whole trip. Every area we stayed in had its own vibe — Ubud, Canggu, Sanur and Uluwatu — and Ubud was our favourite. The beaches around Uluwatu are an adventure to get to (Dream Beach is the exception), but head east along the peninsula and you'll find beautiful beaches that are easy to reach. Sanur is laid-back and perfect for families and retirees. We're already looking forward to going back.
What we'd tell a friend
- Rent a bike if you're comfortable riding — you'll get to explore a lot more of the island.
- Spend at least a week in the Ubud area.
- Try the local cuisine, but skip the roadside stalls. We did, and we never got sick.
Who should stay here?
- You can look past what's said online and go find the experiences you want
- You want a variety of scenery and places to stay
- You want a relaxing vacation — or a mix of adventure and downtime
- You think it's everything you saw on TikTok
- You don't like walking on the road
The Dufresnes Verdict
Questions we actually get
Is Bali worth visiting?
Yes. We spent three weeks there and loved the whole trip — every area has its own vibe. Just don't expect it to be everything you saw on TikTok. If you can look past what's said online, you'll find the experiences you want.
Which area of Bali should you stay in?
Ubud was our favourite — give it at least a week. Sanur is laid-back and perfect for families and retirees. Around Uluwatu the beaches are an adventure to reach (Dream Beach aside), but head east along the peninsula for beautiful, easy-to-access beaches.
How many days do you need?
Between 7 and 21 days, depending on how many places you want to see. Whatever you plan, spend at least a week in the Ubud area.
Do you need a vehicle?
No. We used Grab to get around the island. That said, if you're comfortable riding, renting a bike lets you explore a lot more.