Diamond Head Road

Everyone Loves Bali in the Summer

Summers are a great time to visit Bali – the days are warm and sunny, but not scorching hot.

The nights cool off enough to wear something light around your shoulders which if you live here year round is an amazing feeling.

As we come to a close on our very first year on the Island of the Gods, I thought it would make sense to jot down a short list of a few of our favorite things to do here so that you don't find yourself in a traffic jam for nothing.

1. Uluwatu: Think North Shore, Hawaii; Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa or Bells Beach, Australia – Uluwatu is up there with the world's most famous surf spots. Take in the energy and watch in awe from the cliff front warung or take a dip in the mystical beach cave at low tide.

2. Ubud: This place is absolutely nuts during the summer. Tour busses clog the streets and tourists crowed the sidewalks. Skip the mess and meander instead among rice paddies to the Sari Organik restaurant, located right in town yet in the middle of what feels like old Bali:rice farmers, dirty ducks, and coconut groves. Experience it at night and you'll be greeted by thousands of twinkling fireflies who also love Bali summers.

3. Padang-Padang: Definitely one of my favorite beaches especially during the summer as the white sand and turquoise Indian Ocean are pristine and perfect. It will be crowded this time of year, but in a fun way: surfer hotties of all levels paddling in and out, couples canoodling under umbrellas, kids running around exploring rock formations and secret coves and travelers from all over the globe showing off their country's unique beach style. 

4. Sanur: Rent bicycles in town and ride a couple of miles along the famous beach board walk, Bali's first expat resort town established in the 1930's. Stop in at Hyatt Reef Izakaya (a few restaurants north of the Bali Hyatt Hotel) for lunch or dinner and enjoy freshly grilled mahi mahi or prawns caught that day.

5. Canggu: Enjoy yet again more continental surfer vibe at Echo Beach House on the glistening black sand of Echo Beach. This is a great home base to explore rivers coming down from the mountains, pick out your favorite beach front villa and again watch great local and world class surfers do their thing. Sunday afternoons have a fun party atmosphere with live music and a standing room only crowd so get there before five. Nearby Sea Sentosa also does movies on the beach every weekend through September.