Discover Bali: 5-Day, 3-Night Affordable Getaway from Tokyo

In summary: Apart from the transportation, everything in Bali is truly enchanting.

Food🍽️: Dining in Bali is surprisingly affordable, though a 10% tax and 5% service fee are typically added to the menu prices. Our most extravagant meal was a seafood feast at Jimbaran Beach, which set us back around 900 RMB for three people. When we were ordering, the waiter mentioned that the pricier set meals featured fresh seafood, while the cheaper ones included less fresh options.

Skeptical but curious, we opted for the premium choice. To our delight, every bite of seafood was incredibly sweet, especially the lobster and fish, which tasted exceptionally fresh and succulent.

Transportation🚗: The round-trip flight from Tokyo to Bali with Garuda Indonesia cost over 130,000 yen. The spacious aircraft offered a comfortable journey, and the in-flight meal was quite satisfactory. Upon arrival at Denpasar airport, we arranged a pick-up through Ctrip, provided by an Indonesian Chinese driver.

We hired his car for the next few days at a rate of 300 RMB for 10 hours. His company also offered services like snorkeling and paragliding, with prices comparable to online rates, making it a highly recommended option. I had obtained an international driver’s license beforehand, but upon arrival, I realized that given the local traffic, hiring a car was the most convenient and cost-effective way to travel, especially for short trips.

Accommodation🏨: Our hotel stay was nothing short of fantastic; I would definitely return if I visit Ubud again. At around 1,000 RMB per night, the serene environment and impeccable service made every penny well spent. The staff was attentive, and the amenities were top-notch, creating a truly relaxing and luxurious experience.

Activities🤿: Initially, I planned to try paragliding and snorkeling, but the paragliding was canceled due to weather conditions. If you’re considering paragliding, it’s best to confirm with customer service before your trip, as we were informed it was possible in the morning but couldn’t proceed in the afternoon.

We went snorkeling at Nusa Penida, a spot highly recommended by many. The crystal-clear blue waters were breathtaking, and the moment you dive in, it feels like the world fades away, leaving only your breath and the vibrant marine life. The only downside was that despite chartering a boat, the crew didn’t provide much instruction on using the fins and diving mask, so we had to figure it out ourselves.

The primary reason for our trip to Bali was to take yoga classes. On the first day, I attended a Vinyasa yoga class at the hotel, and during a rest in the child’s pose, we experienced an unexpected earthquake. On the third day, I joined a slow Vinyasa class at Alchemy Yoga. Both sessions were manageable, but practicing yoga amidst nature was a truly invigorating experience.

Another highlight of the trip was the Balinese massage. We indulged in a 90-minute full-body massage, which was excellent value, especially for those who exercise regularly. I highly recommend opting for a strong pressure massage for a deeply rejuvenating experience.

In conclusion, the trip to Bali exceeded my expectations, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.

Despite the transportation being a real headache, I’m still eagerly looking forward to going back! Next time, I can’t wait to hit the waves and go surfing in Kuta!