Should you visit Nusa Penida?

Nusa Penida is one of the most Instagrammable places in Indonesia, thanks to its spectacular views such as Kelingling beach and Broken beach. Tourists from all over, especially from Bali, travel to Nusa Penida to experience this small island first hand. The thing is that if you’re traveling to Bali and thinking “is it worth visiting Nusa Penida, even if it is just for a day”, well read all about it here to answer your question!

Thankfully, there’s organised tours that take tourists for the day to show them all that Nusa Penida has to offer. I personally opted out from this, as I wanted to fly solo and not be depended on anyone else. You can easily find these tours with a simple google search. However, bare in mind these start super early in the day and most probably, you’ll be accompanied by a large group of other tourists. So, all in all, this trip is purely on visiting Instagram hot-spots, taking pictures and then return back to Bali.

Boat

We arrived at Sanur, Bali’s port, to catch one of the many boat cruises to Nusa Penida. There’s boats every two hours, so plan ahead if you’re flying solo. We took Angel Billabong boats, and full disclosure, it’s not the easiest thing to do. If you’re traveling with many suitcases, well, don’t. Try to take with you the bare minimum, as getting on the boat requires you to get knees deep in the water. Boat porters will carry your luggage on boats the same way. Although the trip was just a mere 45 minutes, if you get sea sick, try to choose a seat at the very back of the boat next to a window or on the upper deck.

Driving

Here’s something I hadn’t read online prior to my trip to Nusa Penida: the roads are horrendous. Be very careful on how you’re planning on going around, as it might be super dangerous driving on a motorcycle. I jokingly said that ‘I think the term “get ready for a bumpy ride” was coined there’ and that doesn’t even begin to describe it. If you get car sick, perhaps you should avoid visiting Angel Billabong and Broken beach. I have seen many tourists riding on motorcycles and looked like they feared for their life, so I truly recommend getting a car/driver to get you there.

Tourists

The thing with this place is that there’s a lot, and I mean a lot of people who visit daily. This means that sometimes, there’s even a queue to actually see the place and take that Instagram gold content. I personally find this ridiculous (#hypocrite), so if you don’t mind that, then that shouldn’t be a problem. However, if you opt to “fly solo” and not partake in a day tour, chances are you’ll find less people. This is because organised day tours are in the early AM. So, if you go later on in the day, the group tours would have already moved to the next stop.

Accommodation

We decided to spend the night there, something that I don’t regret as we were exhausted. This was because we were on full tour mode throughout our trip or maybe because getting to Nusa Penida and its hot spots was exhausting but that, I recommend. Although the hotel we stayed at was pretty decent, if you’re a luxury traveler, odds are you won’t find something to suit your needs. This applies to restaurants as well. But hey, we had a margarita pizza at the hotel and it was just what we needed.

All in all, I just want to say that indeed, Nusa Penida is a stunning island. It is so raw and real that contributes to its beauty. However, with that being said, if you’re trying to decide whether you should visit for the day or staying an extra day in Bali, I would opt out. Although I don’t regret visiting, I wouldn’t 100% recommend it as I think the whole experience wasn’t my cup of tea. I think it has become an Instagram phenomenon and thus attracts a vast amount of tourists who’s sole purpose is to take pictures. Personally, that bugs me, and isn’t worth the “struggle” to get there just to take pictures and go back. Hope y’all don’t hate me for this.

If you’re planning on visiting Bali, read my complete 10 day itinerary here! Funny enough, it does actually involve Nusa Penida.

Thank you for reading this post, and I hope you enjoyed it! I hope this has helped you in planning your next trip to Indonesia!

-VB x

Baby, the struggle is real.

Hey bitchachos. I decided to make a more controversial post for anyone who might be experiencing the same pain in the a** as I am; acne. Having what you would call an acne prone skin, something I’ve had since I was like, 13-14 years old has helped me in finding ways “around it”, especially when traveling. I am currently 25 and Lord knows that I still get breakouts, sometimes it gets better, but sometimes my skin flips the F out and has a major break out.

Anyway, if y’all can relate, and are planning to travel or are currently traveling or are just here for the ride/curiosity, here are my tricks to deal with my acne while I’m traveling. So cute, I know.

Also, this post is by no means a treatment for acne. Don’t get me wrong, this has not cured my acne, these tips have just helped my outbreaks chill the F out.

No touchy

Ok, this is a no brainer. Do not ever touch your face at any point. In general, there’s so many bacteria that are flying around, and on things you touch. So please, keep your hands away from your face. I know this is difficult to execute cause you’re probably used to touching your face throughout the day, or you might not even realise you’re doing this, but please please be very careful and attentive to avoid touching your face. Whether you’re on the plane, or are touring around, keep away, mmkay?

Pat it

When traveling, I tend to over-produce oil. (Ew, I know – very lady like of me to be sharing this with you, but you’re here for a reason). I found that carrying absorbing-oil patting paper to freshen myself up throughout the flight or in the day makes me feel lighter. It also helps with having some oil control – again, ew.

You can find these in any drug-store, like Boots, but you can even find them from Fenty beauty or Beauty blender for all fellow boojie sisters out there.

Tone it down

I like to do this on the plane as well as when touring, especially in more polluted and humid destinations. I pack some toner with me in a travel bottle with a few cotton wipes to give myself a touch up throughout the day. However, I only do this once though! I have found that (if not wearing any make up ofc), this has helped me with cleansing my skin in cases where I can’t properly wash it and give myself a fresh glow. Don’t overdo it though, you’ll end up harming your skin and cause a break-out, so be gentle!

I use my trusty La Roche Posay Effaclar toner or the Khiels Oil-Free.

Wash it away

I can’t stress this enough. Wash your face the moment you arrive home, especially when you come back from a long flight or a long day of touring around. Just imagine that your pores are exposed to everything all day long, so bacteria and dirt are bound to find their way towards your skin. So washing it can help with wiping away all that badness and leave you with a fresh protected face! However, don’t overdo it as it can cause irritation – try washing your face two or three times a day max.

I use the simplest and calmest face wash – either Simple Kind to Skin or my trusty La Roche Posay Effaclar for acne skin. They’re also super affordable so yay!

Mask that acne up

If you’ve had a rough day out or have just gotten to your accommodation from a long day of flying, put on a face mask that will help with rejuvenating your skin. I use the Dr. Sebagh mask for sensitive skin, you only wear it for 5-10 minutes and it has helped me with not breaking out so far. I’ve been using it for the past year, I am happy. So far. I’ve been trying the Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask and it’s good y’all.

Ointment (I hate this word)

This is a no brainer, obviously. I never, ever leave anywhere without my acne medication ointment. I so hate that word. With the change of environment and the stress my skin goes through with flying and whatnot, that’s when my skin needs the extra help the most. So I never leave without it, and wear it most nights. It helps y’all.

I have used many gels throughout the years. I’m currently using Duac gel – the extra strong one and it fucking works, hallelujah! I also have my trusty retinoid creams for scars but I don’t really use that when traveling.

Make it up

This isn’t the best tip I have given, nor is it the most fun and ground-breaking but try to avoid wearing makeup. I know, it is hard, but if you’re prone to acne like me, I only wear make up on days that I feel like it is necessary. I feel like wearing makeup when flying is literally a recipe for a breakout. And I know I don’t look my best without it, but b*tch it ain’t my fault. I didn’t choose the acne life, it chose me, so give people with it a mother-effing break ok?

Sun down

Don’t forget your sunscreen. Sunscreen for your skin type will save you. It’s also the secret to young skin, so gurl, I shouldn’t even try to persuade you. Heading to a sunny destination, this should be the first thing you pack. You’ll thank yourself in a few years time!

PH it

This will sound super paranoid, but, I may have a point. Not all water consistencies and PH are the same! So changing environments and thus changing the water PH your skin is used to might cause you to break out. Again, I know, this is too much but hey, if it works! I always use the same micellar and toners to cleanse, but to wash my face, yes, I use bottled water. Don’t knock it till you try it.

Well, thank you for reading this post, and I hope you enjoyed it! I hope it has helped you with getting your acne under control when traveling!

For more beauty tips, check out my other page! 🙂

-VB x

A ten day completely itinerary on what to do in Bali.

Oh, Bali. Where should I even start? Bali has l-i-t-e-r-a-l-l-y a billion things to do, see and well, Instagram. Whether you’re a newly wed and would love to kick back and enjoy all that Bali has to offer, or whether you’re a solo traveller looking to see the world and Eat, Pray, Love your way through this Indonesian island, this post will definitely help you in planning a bitchin’ time in one of the most beautiful places on earth; Bali. Just a little heads up. The post is hella long, but it’s also all you need. #You’reWelcome

Day One: Seminyak: Chillaxing.

Once you’ve settled in from wherever you’ve been traveling from, you’d most likely like to spend the first day kicking back and enjoying the beauty that is Bali. There’s no better place to do this in than Seminyak, one of Bali’s beach areas. Although Seminyak is not as densely populated as other tourist areas in Bali (such as Kuta), it is definitely a beauty. With endless beach front hotels and bars, you’ll definitely find something that will suit your needs.

Breakfast: Coffee Cartel

We started off the day with breakfast at the Coffee Cartel, a little coffee shop with the freshest produce and the tastiest breakfast options. I recommend the Acaii bowl – I’m a sucker for them.

Spa: Prana

There’s so many spa’s all over Bali, with the craziest prices. This means affordable prices. Choose between Prana Spa, Bodyworks and W hotel Away.

Beaching: W hotel

We spent the day at the W hotel, a beach front must. You may have heard or read about ‘Potato Head’ bar with probably the best views of the sunset. Well, W hotel and Potato Head are right by each other, so if you’re looking for a more relaxed and private setting, the W hotel is the choice for you. If you’re looking to party and mingle, then hop on over to Potato Head and get on socialising! I would also like to take this moment to suggest that another hotspot that been increasing in popularity is Mrs Sippy, another beach bar near by. There’s a beautiful pool with lots of fun and young people who by the looks of it, definitely know how to party! Check that out!

Tip: Bali has some of the best sunsets I have ever seen. The thing is though, once the sun settles down, the sunset still goes on for a while after that. That means that the sky turns this pink/purple colour that you can’t imagine! So if you’re staying for the sunset, stay a little longer to witness what I would call #skyporn.

Dinner: Merah Putih

It’s true that Bali is a foodies paradise. There’s probably more amazing restaurants that you can imagine, and again, for super affordable prices. We dined at Merah Putih restaurant, an authentic Balinese restaurant with the yummiest lobster dumpling that I have ever tasted. A 10 out of 10 from me!

Day 2: Uluwatu Road Trip

I am definitely not the only person who has seen that incredible floating pool over ‘The Edge’, hence the name. Alongside that, I wanted to visit the ultimate surf-spot in Bali, right on the Peninsula, and it’s beautiful attractions. Being just a two hour drive from Seminyak, Uluwatu and its stunning places seemed like the smart choice for a day road trip.

The Edge

Our first stop was at ’The Edge’ because hello, #poolgoals. You need to reserve a place beforehand as there might not be any free spaces available. You’ll need to book a table at their restaurant for lunch or whatever time you’re planning on going, but I would suggest going early to avoid as many people as possible.

Green Bowl Beach

We then continued on visiting a not so famous beach, Green Bowl Beach. Although hard to get to (a 300 steep steps down hard to get to) it’s non arguably a beautiful, almost secluded beach with stunning landscapes. If you’re lucky, you can also get the chance to see amazing surfers in action!

SUNDAYS

Wrapping it up, we chose ‘SUNDAY’S’ beach bar, as it was a Sunday. Here’s the catch: I expected a more upbeat environment with a little party, but I was faced with a more calm ambience with a number of families. However, the sunset at ‘SUNDAY’S’ was out of this world! You get a front row seat to it, and a bonus, there’s a bonfire where you get to roast some marshmallows! #Yum.

Dinner: Sarong

We then left Uluwatu by sunset as the traffic back to Seminyak can be a real b*tch. We dined at Sarong, an Indian themed restaurant with the yummiest dishes. If you’re not a fan of curries (like my boyfriend) I would suggest choosing somewhere else to dine at. However, Sarong is a winner in my book. I recommend the Saag curry and the Malabari prawn curry – so. much. yum.

Day 3: Seminyak/Ubud: Shopping Therapy + Monkey forest

Our third and final day in Seminyak was devoted to exploring the Seminyak Square A.K.A shopping therapy. Seminyak is known for its shopping. Whether you’re looking for authentic Balinese products such as clothes or household goods, you’ll find anything there!

Shopping

Our first stop was at Cafe Revolver, the coolest cafe I have ever been to. It’s in the Square, so it’s easy to find. I’m not even a coffee fan, and their coffee is so good – no wonder it’s so popular. You can then continue to shop either in the old market square, the stores surrounding the area or there’s even a mall with a wider variety of more “high-end” products.

Luwak Coffee

We left Seminyak to head on over to Ubud. Since we left relatively early, we still had some time to make a stop at a Coffee plantation, Teba Sari Acrowidsata. We got the chance to taste all kinds of coffees made in Ubud. The most memorable Balinese coffee however, was Luwak which basically is cat-poop fermented coffee beans. It’s very strong, and although not my favourite thing, is worth the try. Fun fact: this coffee is referred to as cat-poo-cino which I find hilarious.

Monkey forest

Being in Ubud, I was eager to visit the famous ‘Monkey Forest‘. We made it just in time as it closes at around 5:30 and were given special tips on how to deal with monkeys. You need to be very cautious with them as they are in their natural habitat and may bite you if they feel threatened. Although you’ll be given instructions such as don’t stare at them for long or tease them with food/other goods, here’s a list to read prior to your arrival there to avoid mishaps. If in case you do, you need to get your tetanus shots immediately.

Dinner: Copper Restaurant

We chose Copper Rooftop restaurant and bar for our first night in Ubud. This rooftop restaurant offers delicious food choices while local talents perform authentic Balinese music giving you the ultimate experience. Affordable, authentic and quite the experience.

Day 4: Ubud: Culture

I was waiting for this day to come for over 2 months (a.k.a. when I booked my tickets). Ubud is the definition of a tropical paradise. I wanted to get started right away and I started off the day with wait for it… food poisoning. #YayBaliBelly. Despite my staying in bed for over 18 hours, here’s what was in the original plan.

Campuhan Ridge Walk

Starting off the day with an easy hike on Campuhan Ridge walk, and by early, I mean 6 AM early. The temperature gets really warm during the day, so it is truly recommended you head on over for a super easy walk.

Breakfast: Alchemy Cafe

The original plan included grabbing breakfast in a cute restaurant called ‘Alchemy Café’ which offers a wide variety of vegan choices, all freshly made.

Pasar Ubud Market

Upon wrapping up the AM agenda, a little bit of shopping therapy would follow. Ubud has some really interesting shops with the cutest Balinese products ranging from the super popular twine bags, to household products. Devoting some time to shop around is a definite must for people who like gathering souvenirs.

Snack: Tukie’s coconut shop.

Cooking class (+Dinner)

One of the things I looked really forward to is to take up a Balinese cooking class. I researched online and found ‘Paon Bali‘ to be one of the most popular, and affordable options. Communicating with the organisers was a piece of cake, and they were a delight to deal with. Even when I cancelled last minute due to food poisoning. I truly recommend you experience this as it looks so much fun and you get to eat your dinner afterwards! Win-Win!

Fire Show

To wrap the day up, we planned on catching a culture oriented show at the Royal Ubud Palace. There’s normally two shows available every night at two different locations, and everyday the shows are different. They both start at about 8:30, but I would suggest getting there earlier to grab good seats. You can find tickets from sellers outside the Royal Ubud palace, and anywhere around Ubud market really. The shows last 1-1:30 hours.

Day 5: Ubud: Tourists

While in Ubud, one must definitely visit a few of Bali’s IG hotspots. These include waterfalls, rice terraces, swings and birds nests and interacting with elephants. I decided to do all of these in a day so I could experience Ubud like a true tourist. On the bright side, it is totally feasible, and not so tiring because genuinely, visiting these places is a dream!

Tibumana waterfall

It goes without saying that if you want to have a waterfall nearly all to yourself, you should go early in the AM. Depending on where you’re staying, Tibumana is not that far from Ubud centre so it shouldn’t take you longer than an hour to get to. The good thing is that this waterfall isn’t as popular as others, and so odds are it won’t be super crowded. However, I still recommend this being your first stop to enjoy some private time frolicking under the relatively cold water.

Elephant Sanctuary

So this is a tricky one. I have made my research online about the Mason Elephant Park sanctuary, to make sure its ethical and the elephants are being looked after properly. Everything online seemed fine, and so I visited this place first hand. Although I had a hell of an experience washing and feeding an elephant, something just doesn’t really seem right. Don’t get me wrong, my ultimate dream came true (see below), and the elephants seemed happy there! But still, perhaps the idea behind the whole thing… I don’t know.

Tegallalang Rice Terrace

If you have done any research whatsoever on Bali, you definitely must have come across the ever so famous rice terraces. There’s numerous rice terraces all along Ubud, but the most famous one is Tegallalang. It’s quite big in size, and the views are spectacular. It can get a little hot whilst exploring the area, so take a hat and wear comfortable clothes. There’s also a swing and bird’s nests available for pictures, but I wasn’t a big of a fan on that specific swing, and so continued my adventure to find my personal favourite, Bali Swing.

Bali Swing & Birds’ Nest:

There’s a lot of swings and birds nests all around Ubud, so choosing one shouldn’t be that difficult. I chose ‘Bali Swing’ since it overlooked the river and had a really pretty bird’s nest. You do pay an amount to enter though, but on the bright side, the ticket accounts for a free drink all the way down to the river. Be cautious, the walk down to the café is a steep and long one.

Dinner: Sayan House

Ok let me just say that the ‘Sayan House‘ is hands down one of the tastiest places I have ever visited, and I have visited my fair share of restaurants. The dishes are Latin/Asian inspired, with the yummiest tacos I’ve had in like, ever. Although not as cheap as other places, it is definitely worth the extra bucks. Do plan ahead as it might be harder to find a reservation here, and do try the “Los de Langosta” tacos please.

Day 6: Ubud

So here’s the deal. I’m obsessed with waterfalls, and have thus included another one in my itinerary. Although you may not be as big of a fan as I am, both of these waterfalls, and especially Tukad Cepung are absolutely stunning. The plan follows visiting other popular places you see online, such as the “Gates of Heaven” and the famous KOI fish Tirta Gangga water palace. Although these places are in fact beautiful, I couldn’t help but feel a little bit like a victim of social media, where places seem much prettier online than they do, well, offline.

Tukad Cepung

I fell in love with this waterfall. First of all, you walk 15 minutes to get there, and once you reach the area, you need to climb down a flight of stairs, walk though the “jungle” in water, pass through rocks and then you get to see this beauty. The experience of getting there is so fun, and the waterfall itself is just so pretty! We went there relatively early, and there was still a few people there before us, so once again, do make this your first stop if you can.

Tirta Gangga Water Palace

This water palace used to be the King of Karangasem’s home, and he himself designed and helped with its construction. It is surrounded by lush gardens, pools and carved statues. The main water pond is the one you probably have seen online, with the KOI fish and the stones. It is in fact beautiful, but there’s not a lot to it.

Pura Lempuyang a.k.a. Gates of Heaven

Ok here’s the deal with this place. Although I did not get the change to see the temple as I wasn’t planning on praying hence my entering it was restricted, I can only guess its beauty. However, the majority of people solely visit just for the “Gates of Heaven” picture. Literally, there’s nothing else to see. I completely felt like a victim of SM, thinking that there was much more to the temple than what I saw on IG. In the end, it really is just two gates sprung in the air, and if you stand correctly, you’ll have a view of the mountain behind you. But this comes at a price. Due to its popularity, a crazy amount of tourists wait almost three hours in line to take a picture. A picture taken by a “professional” who takes 4 shots of you on your phone. Thanks but no thanks.

Dinner: Locavore

This Michelin star restaurant deserves its star so freaking much! There’s two choices of tasting menus to choose from, and all dishes are made with the freshest and seasonal ingredients made by the best chefs. The service is out of this world polite, and although considered as a tasting menu, that definitely won’t leave you feeling hungry. However, it is relatively pricey, but hey, it comes with its status. Consider booking Locavore way in advance and perhaps on a special occasion. Don’t forget to let them know too!

Dessert

Here’s a bonus! If you’re a sweet tooth like me, there’s this amazing place called “Room4Dessert” which literally only serves desserts made by a Michelin starred chef. Plan your day accordingly as this place doesn’t stay upon until the wee hours of the day, unfortunately.

Day 7: Luxury

Considering that the past few days were a little hectic, we wanted to devote a day to relax and enjoy Ubud. I wanted to spend a special day (my birthday) in a hotel that I’ve dreamt of staying. The Hanging Gardens of Bali, located in the deep heart of the jungle. The views are just out of this world, and the service is even outer of this world (lol). It is expensive, and if you’re not on a special occasion in Bali, this might not even be worth the stay but you can still visit this hotel for the day. There’s three options to choose from, and a bonus is that their restaurant is actually very good. If you want to splurge then this place is the place for you. If not, here are other cheaper options on hotels visits for the day!

Day 8: Nusa Penida

Being in Bali, I felt like I had to pop on over to Nusa Penida to see what the fuss was about. Just a quick 45 min boat ride there, I wanted to see the spectacular views first hand. If you’re thinking about visiting Nusa Penida, read my other blog post coming soon on whether it’s worth it or not.

Angel Billabong + Broken beach:

These two areas are right next to each other so you walk to one another. Angel Billabong is very beautiful, with almost teal colours filling the natural pool. If you’re lucky and it’s a low tide day, you can even get a chance to swim in the pool. However, if it’s a high-tide day, watching the waves crash onto the rocks and creating a huge splash is also pretty beautiful to look at.

Broken beach is just a stones throw away, and you get to see spectacular views of natural rock formation, and a secluded beach that almost looks too tempting to just jump – but don’t, you’ll die. We were very lucky as we were relatively late to the party and had the whole area to ourselves!

Kellingling Cliff Point:

Probably the most famous area in Nusa Penida, and understandably why is Kellingling beach. This T-Rex looking view point is just breathtaking, and if you’re looking to splash around on the beach, go early as you’ll need some time getting all the way down, relaxing and then having the energy to get all the way up again.

Day 9: Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida does not end here. There’s a few other things travellers put on their Nusa Penida bucket list such as Crystal bay beach, Raja Lima, the famous Tree house at Bukit Montereng and finally Atuh beach. Although all of these places look stunning, I decided to just sit this out and enjoy my last day in Indonesia with kicking it back and enjoying the sun. However, as I may not have the pictures to show you, I’ll still give you an insight on what each place is.

Crystal bay beach:

This beach is mainly famous for its diving and snorkelling sites, hence the name crystal “clear”. If you’re looking to explore the underworld a.k.a. the fishes, this is a great place. The beach is pretty okay too if you’re looking to kick back and get your tanning session on.

Raja Lima

This tourist attraction speaks for itself. The natural rock formations in the blue ocean look like small islands surrounding the area, which in my book, make it a perfect opportunity for some stunning landscape photos.

Teletubbies Hill:

Apparently this hill resembles the Teletubbies Hill from the show. Although it actually does, do make sure that the grass is thriving and not cropped to ensure you won’t waste the trip there.

Atuh Beach:

This was probably the one place I felt bad about missing out, since it’s a long beach with really beautiful views. Although you need some caution while going down this beach it is considered as one of the prettiest ones on Nusa Penida.

Treehouse:

The story with this treehouse is that it actually became famous through Instagram. In real life, you can actually rent it and stay in through Airbnb, but be cautious because you’ll probably get an influx of tourists climbing up and down the stairs just to take that IG gold content!

P.S.: You can choose to visit Nusa Penida solo travel style or you can reach out to a tour agency to help you out with getting the most out of every place. I personally chose to go with a tour guide as they definitely knew more than I did and felt very thankful I made that choice. For more information, please click here.

P.P.S.:In addition, we stayed at Pandawa beach Resort and Spa Luxury, a very affordable and clean place to stay in to spend the night.

Day 10: Back home

On this day, we headed back to Bali and then back home. However, there were a few things that I wish I did on my trip, and have decided to include them here in case you have some extra time or extra days to do them.

1. Ubud raftings:

There wasn’t one person on my trip who hasn’t mentioned how fun and memorable their rafting experience was. I personally don’t like rafting due to a bad experience, but everyone said that it was on the top highlights of their trip. Here are a few options on how to book!

2. Tegenungan waterfall:

This waterfall is situated on the Southern part of Bali. It looks like a beautiful waterfall, however, due to it’s location, it was kind of harder for us to plan our whole trip just to make it to this waterfall. Although, I’d love to have my own “Hakuna Matata” moment on that log.

3. Tirta Empul Temple:

This is my number one regret! This Holy Water Temple attracts thousands of worshipers for over a thousand years to its curative springs. You get to see worshipers as well as tourists bathing in the blessed waters.

That’s a wrap folks! I hope you enjoy my very long 10 day Bali itinerary, and I hope it helps you with planning your next trip there. Feel free to check out my other Asia blog posts!

-VB x

Top eight restaurants in Ubud and Seminyak, Bali.

Bali has so so many good restaurants it’s crazy! Literally, throughout the whole island, there’s an uncountable amount of good restaurants where one can dine at. It is definitely a foodie’s paradise destination. You can find literally any type of restaurant, for any occasion, for the best prices! From the cutest vegan boho brunch spots to the yummiest Michelin star experiences, here are my eight top restaurants in Ubud and Seminyak, Bali.

One: Locavore – Ubud

Although this restaurant is a little on the pricier side, especially considering that most restaurants in Bali are super affordable, it is definitely worth the visit and hence why it’s my number 1. A Michelin starred tasting experience that’s well suited for both veggies and carnivores. The service in this restaurant is just like no other I’ve experienced. There’s just an abundance of food coming at you made from the freshest, most organic Balinese products. However, due to its popularity, it’s really hard to find a reservation. I would suggest booking well in advance! In other words, a 10/10 from me!

Two: The Sayan House – Ubud

The Sayan restaurant is an Asian and Latin based cuisine right in the heart of the Sayan river in Ubud. Other than it’s incredibly beautiful environment, it also serves the yummiest tacos I’ve had in my life. A close number 2 on my list. If you like the Latin infusion to the Japanese dishes, look no further as this restaurant is oozing with delicious food. The ambience is super chic yet casual and the service is just delightful! Again, a 10/10 from me!

Three: Merah Putih – Seminyak

Merah Putih restaurant is based in Seminyak and offers an authentic Balinese experience. Moreover, Merah Putih is amongst the most popular restaurants in Seminyak, and I fully understand why. I have mentioned Merah Putih in a few other posts and there’s a reason; it’s just genuinely really really good! There’s just so much taste in all of their dishes, it’s like a party for your palette, and there’s vegan options too. Although popular, you won’t find too much trouble reserving a table so no need to stress way in advance. If you do visit, I recommend with all my being the lobster dumpling, a 10/10 from me!

Four: Hanging gardens – Ubud

The Hanging gardens lies on the priciest side of Bali’s restaurants. However, you’re not only paying for excellent food made by famous chefs, but you’re also paying for spectacular views from the deepest depths of Ubud’s jungle! You can visit the Hanging Gardens restaurant for lunch and/or dinner. Most importantly, if you’re a truffle lover too, then look no further than enjoying their truffle angel hair pasta. It’s just, oh my goodness.

Five: Sarong Bali – Seminyak

Based and located in the heart of Seminyak, this South-East Asian/Indian restaurant is a definite winner. It’s menu is mostly curry based, so it satisfies vegan, veggie, fish and carnivore choices. Despite its popularity, you won’t find it hard to reserve a table here either. However, do call a few days ahead for no surprises. My recommended dishes are:

Six: The Coffee Cartel – Seminyak

This little brunch spot is the typical vegan boho inspired restaurant you tend to see on social media. I actually found this spot on Instagram and boy was I happy about that! Situated in Seminyak, this brunch hot spot offers a variety of yummy dishes, and its vegan friendly. In addition, I’m a firm lover of acai bowls and Coffee Cartel’s acai bowls are the bomb. A must try!

Seven: Copper rooftop – Ubud

Copper rooftop restaurant offers an authentic Balinese dining experience with live Balinese entertainment to enjoy whilst dining. I recommend tasting the dish of the day while enjoying a beautiful night out on the terrace. Since it’s outdoorsy, there will be your fair share of tiny creatures flying around so just a heads up!

Eight: W hotel – Seminyak

The W hotel is probably the most popular brunch spot in Seminyak on Sundays. With a beach front view and endless infinity pools, the food is just a small part of the experience! And to be clear, the food is just absolutely amazing. A definite must for a Sunday brunch, but do reserve well in advance.

To make all of these reservations, check Chope Restaurant Reservations.

Thank you for reading this blog post! I hope it has helped you with planning your trip to Bali, and has helped you in finding the ultimate restaurants to dine at!

Check out my other blog posts for a Seminyak itinerary or an Ubud itinerary!

Thinking about visiting Tanzania or Morocco? Read my first time travellers guides on the links! Last but not least, if you’re in the mood to read a more unconventional blog posts about a series of unfortunate events, check out my Chapter 1: Uninvited airlines for some laughs! 🙂

-VB x

What to know before traveling to Bali – Top 10 tips.

Welcome bitchachos to the top must know tips before traveling to Bali. I’ll just dive right in. Bali is a beautiful place on earth, almost too beautiful to be true. What contributes to Bali’s beauty is most probably its people, and how authentic they are. It’s jungle vibes and incredible beaches help too! However, with every beautiful thing, there’s always some things that one should be cautious with. Here are ten what to know things before visiting Bali, including Nusa Penida!

One: Bali Belly

First thing on the ‘what to know’ list is Bali Belly. I have mentioned in other posts that Bali is a foodies heaven on earth destination. With an abundance of places to dine at, flourished with authentic and organic produce, one can not be dissatisfied while dining out in Bali. Here (coming soon) are a few restaurant options that are ‘Vamos Bitchachos’ approved. However, be that as it may, there is this little thing called getting getting a case of “Bali Belly”. If you haven’t guessed it already, Bali Belly refers to an upset stomach caused from ingesting something that well, your stomach can’t handle. Although Bali is as beautiful as it is, it does come with its fair share of downsides with cleanliness in terms of water and what not. This means that you need to be extra careful with what you consume.

I would stay away from tap water, ice and food from non safe looking restaurants (e.g. sketchy looking food stands). I don’t mean to upset anyone or bad mouth any food stand owners, but I would think twice before eating something that has been sitting out for too long. If you end up with a case of “Bali Belly”, take some precautions with you. I.e. food poisoning medicine, electrolytes and anything else you would think you would need.

Two: Medicine

So here’s an important ‘what to know’ thing I learnt the hard way! Not all Western medicine is available in pharmacies in Bali. Although Bali has crazy tourism from all over the world, as well as having its fair share of pharmacies, things that you would buy over the counter at Boots or Duane Read aren’t available in pharmacies in Bali. If you’re like me and are taking any supplements such as well, let’s say Cranberry tablets or Melatonin what have you, I suggest you take those with you. If in case you need such supplements, you must know that you’ll have a hard time finding them.

Three: Transportation

First things first is that people drive on the left side of the road, like the UK, Australia and Japan, unlike the States.

A. Bikes:

Getting from point A to point B in Bali is super easy. Most tourists rent bikes to get around, which is non arguably a convenient and cheap way to do so. There’s so much traffic in Bali, that a bike will definitely help you get to places faster. However, there’s a down side when it comes to safety. I have witnessed more accidents than I can remember, where tourists either clashed together, fell off their bikes, and even a circumstance where one bike crashed into another and had a huge knock-on effect on other bikes and they all just caused a huge debacle in the middle of the road. Therefore, I would suggest being extra cautious with renting a bike, and always wearing your helmet.

B. Cars:

In addition, another option would be renting a car. Although that is harder to do as the regulations make it harder for tourists to rent cars.

C. Tour guide:

We went with the smartest option of hiring a tour guide, Komang. He is literally the best person we have met in Bali and that says a lot. He was super duper helpful with anything we needed, knew the best routes and also made suggestions to us that really made the trip worth while! Hiring a tour guide for the day/days is the easiest choice since you can follow a plan and you’ll have someone taking you from point A to point B with no hustle at all. The prices aren’t as cheap as renting a bike, but is surely makes up for it with all the convenience you gain by having someone drive and show you around whenever you need. For his details, please contact me – he is amazing!

D. Taxis:

Seminyak vs Ubud.

If you’re staying in both places, I should mention that there is a difference between Seminyak and Ubud taxis.

The former taxis are called “blue bird” taxis, which are your conventional government owned taxis. You’ll say a lot of them around, flashing the ‘TAXI’ light when available. One tip: although all taxis have their taxi meter, not all of them use them, which is illegal. If in case you experience one of these drivers, you should either negotiate on a price before going to the designated place, or ask them to switch on their meter. If they decline, then hop off and find another one that will, there are so many you’ll bound to find one in minutes.

Now Ubud taxis are different. This means that they aren’t your government ‘TAXIS’ with their signs flashing on top of their cars. These taxis are normal looking cars/vans and might be a little harder to find. If you are staying at a hotel (or if you’re at a restaurant), just request a taxi at reception. Otherwise, you can find one by walking around the Ubud square!

Four: Traffic

Traffic in Bali is a b*tch. It really is, especially during peek hours such as 6PM or 12PM. If you’re planning on going out and about exploring areas, keep in mind that although distances are not that far away, you’ll need your fair share of time to get to places as you’ll most likely find yourself being stuck in traffic. Do devote some time in your plans to account for that, so that you won’t miss out on opportunities and sight-seeing. Renting a bike can aid in getting to places faster, but be cautious! Tourists on bikes cause almost all accidents in Bali!

Five: WiFi

Here’s something that made quite the impression on me! Bali is a little backwards comparing it with a Western civilisation. However, its technology improvements and customer *satisfaction* is on point! First thing you need to do is purchase a Balinese Sim Card so you can have unlimited Internet anywhere, anytime. For a mere price of 15$, you get unlimited internet (18 GB) and calls (which I haven’t used thanks to WhatsApp) that can last you up to a month! I purchased SimPati from the airport as I was leaving. Apparently, it is more expensive than buying it from a shopping square, but I felt like it was worth the extra bucks. In case you run out of data, however, you can always purchase more in markets. It’s super easy to find a seller!

Six: Money

Obviously coming from abroad you’ll need to exchange some money. There’s plenty of paces that do just that. However, we were informed to visit exchange places with the huge “NO COMMISSION” written on the top of the store. We were also informed that not all places are safe, so it’s best if you keep a look out and exchange your money at these places.

The good thing is that literally any place accepts cards – I haven’t found one that didn’t, so you can get by in emergency cases. Furthermore, some places accept US dollars too. Last but not least, something that I always use on my travels is the Revolut card. This card enables you to pay in almost any currency with no exchange fees. However, the downside to using the card in Bali is that there’s no IDR available on Revolut. However, you can still pay in US dollars which the exchange rate isn’t bad at all.

Seven: VISA

Like any other place, you’ll need a VISA to get there. However, if you’re visiting Bali for less than 30 days, this can be sorted at the airport. You won’t be needed to do anything – just show your return ticket to passport control and you’ll enter Bali VISA-less. However, if you’re planning on staying longer than 30 days (which if it is the case then I’m jealous and good for you), you’ll need to pay a small amount.

Eight: Sunset

I found out the hard way that sunsets in Bali don’t end when the sun literally sets. The aftermath of the sunset causes this spectacular colours to paint the sky 50 shades of purple. If you’re planning on going to a beach/bar to watch this, please don’t leave until the sky gets dark. You’ll thank me later.

Nine: Tipping

The Balinese people are truly the best people I’ve met in my life! They are all so helpful and kind and want to genuinely help you out. The thing is that it is common courtesy to tip them. Although being in a foreign country with a confusing currency, you can always tip them in US dollars or Euros – they will accept anything and will be thankful for it. I suggest always leaving a tip, since even something as small as a dollar can make a difference to someone!

Ten: Nusa Penisa

Being in Bali, we felt like we had to visit the Instagram phenomenon; Nusa Penida. Nusa Penida is an island near Bali that you get to by boat. There’s a lot what to know things before getting there.

En route to Nusa Penida

The ride to Nusa Penida isn’t the easiest ride I have taken. That is to get on the boat, you’ll need to enter knee deep in water and pray that you find a good spot to sit in. If you also have a lot of luggage with you, I suggest you don’t take all of that. Just take the bare necessities as “boat porters” carry your luggage on the boat (while they get knees deep in water too). I got full on paranoid that my luggage would go missing (by accident) or it would fall flat into the water, so I was happy that I only took a carry on with me.

Commuting

A must know on Nusa Penida is that getting from point A to point B is truly harder than you would think. This is because the roads are truly very underdeveloped. Now, being on Nusa Penida, you’ll definitely want to visit Instagram hotspots such as Broken beach and Kelingling view point. Getting there is a b*tch, so I feel like you should be warned. I mentioned that I thought the term “get ready for a bumpy ride” was coined there, and I’m not even kidding. The roads are in dire need of fixing, they are so destroyed that it’s really a wonder how people get to these places. I have seen many tourists riding on motorcycles and looked like they feared for their life. I truly recommend getting a car/driver to get you there. If you get car nauseous, I don’t think Nusa Penida is the place for you.

Touristy

There will be a lot of people just like you on Nusa Penida. And by you, I mean tourists who want to experience the amazing cliff point views first hand. So a fair warning is that wherever you go, you won’t be alone. You will probably be with hundreds of other tourists. A must know tip that I accidentally found out is: if you go to these places as late as possible, probabilities are that you’ll find less people. This is because most tourists visit Nusa Penida for the day. Day tours from Bali and other islands offer one day tours, and thus visit these places during the peak hours of the AM.

A more detailed Nusa Penida post is coming out soon.

That’s all folks! Thank you for reading this what to know blog post! I hope it has helped you with planning your trip to Bali!

Read about my other Bali blog posts, ‘What to do in Bali’ (coming soon) and ‘What to do in Seminyak‘!

Thinking about visiting Cuba? Read my ‘What to know before visiting Cuba‘ here!

-VB x

A Travel Itinerary on What to Do in Seminyak, Bali.

What’s up bitchachos and welcome to the Seminyak, Bali blog post. If you’re planning on visiting Bali and are looking for combining some beach time along with the jungle, then look no further than Seminyak! Seminyak is located on the West side of Bali, right next to famous Kuta. Most tourists tend to visit Kuta, which is super popular but be that as it may, popularity often is positively correlated with an over population of tourists. If you’re anything like me and are looking for something that is still super pretty but with a little less amount of tourists (I know, hypocrisy), Seminyak is definitely the place for you. Now without further ado, I bring to you, a ‘What to do in Seminyak’ guide!

Accommodation

Let’s start off with accommodation. There’s so many beautiful places to stay in Seminyak, to famous hotels such as the W to endless beautiful AirBnB’s. We chose to stay at Aria Exclusive Villas and Spa and let me tell you right now that this was probably one of the dreamiest and prettiest hotel Villa’s I’ve ever stayed at. For a little sneak peek on the hotel room, head on over to my Instagram page and take a look at my Bali story highlight – so pretty, right? For £15 off your stay, use my link here, you won’t regret it:)

Now for the good stuff! Seminyak has a sh*t load of ‘what to do’ stuff (excuse my french) so I don’t even know where to start from. First things first, I should mention that we stayed in Seminyak three days, which wasn’t enough but, you know, life. This guide doesn’t follow the controversial three-day itinerary, so it’ll just be a bunch of options (with a little bit of a guide cause I can’t help myself #help) to help y’all out.

What to do

One: Pamper Sesh

Due to the fact that we literally were traveling for a whole day to get to Bali, we wanted to spend the first day kicking back and enjoying the ride. So here’s a few options for you on pampering and just, you know, enjoying life and all!

Spa time

Here’s the deal on Spa-ing in Bali in general. There’s endless places where you can get your pamper sesh on, and for really affordable prices. And by affordable, I mean 60-90 minute massages for a shocking 5$. Yup, you heard it right. You can choose any type of pampering whether it’s getting your nails did or having your whole body rubbed, you’ll find the place for you. Heres a few options!

Prana Spa

Luxury spa day in Seminyak.

Bodyworks

One of the oldest and most reputable spas.

W hotel away spa for couples

For a more intimate experience.

Two: Eat your heart out

Dining out in Seminyak was probably my favourite activity. Although I do not classify myself as a foodie traveler, I do love to binge out on my travels cause hello? what better way to learn and experience a new culture than through your palette, am I right? I know that sounded a little weird but whatever. Here’s a list of some restaurants tested and approved by me, and a few others that I sadly had not had enough time nor space in my belly to fit in.

Merah Putih restaurant:

This restaurant is really popular in Seminyak, and there’s a reason why. It is bomb, it’s like an authentic Indonesian restaurant with the tastiest and most creative dishes that are just bursting with flavour. Hop on over to my Instagram story highlight to check out the dishes that I’ve tried! My absolute favourite was the Lobster Dumpling, oh my God, so much yum!

Saron Restaurant:

Full disclosure, this is an Indian inspired restaurant, and hence their dishes are mostly curry based. They serve the yummiest most flavourful dishes for really affordable prices and is definitely one of the most well known restaurants in Seminyak. However, if you’re anything like my boyfriend who isn’t the biggest fan of Indian cuisine (#BMP) then this might not be the best choice for you. Favourite dish: Saag curry and the Malabari prawn curry.

W hotel:

Brunch it girl. If you’re planning on spending the weekend in Seminyak, which I truly hope you do, do yourself a favour and try out the W hotel’s brunch, which is sadly only available on Sundays. The good thing is that there’s a huge pool available for guests, and it’s also a beach front hotel so you can make a day out of it!

Coffee Cartel:

This little brunch place is the cutest place ever, and a bonus is that they have the yummiest dishes available. Due to the fact that I’m a total sucker for Acai bowls, I tried that and it was dense and yummy and fresh and everything one could dream for from an Acai bowl.

Revolver Espresso:

Make way for the coolest coffee place in Seminyak. Super popular and for all the right reasons. First of all, the ambience is the coolest ever, with cool designs all around and the coffee… mmm. I’m not even a caffeine fan but it just smells and tastes so good! There’s also food choices so you can definitely pop in for breakfast, brunch or lunch. It’s a must!

Now, here’s a bunch of other restaurants that I sadly didn’t have time to visit. I researched them though and are supposedly really good!

Barbacoa (I would lunch here)
MoonLite Kitchen and Bar (Rooftop experience)
Sangsaka restaurant (Owners of Merah Putih, must be yum!)
Salazon restaurant (Kitchen counter experience – dine with the chefs!)
Mamasan (Affordable South-East Asian food by Sarong Group)
SeaSalt (Seafood dining experience – I would lunch here)
Bikini (A dine dining “celebration of serious food in a not so serious way” experience)
Kynd community (New hotspot vegan place – Ideal for bruch)
Kaum (An authentic Indonesian experience)
Bumbu (Indonesian experience – looks YUM)

Three: Shopping therapy

Seminyak has a vibrant shopping scene, and I fully understand why. If you’re like me and you love getting some souvenirs to remember your trip by then head on over to Seminyak centre or Jalan Laksmana for some shopping therapy. You’ll find a bunch of cute little independently owned stores with the cutest made-in-Bali goodies to decorate yourself or your home. You’ll also get a chance to buy those cute little Bali bags that you see all over. A definite must do!

Four: Culture

Obviously being in a place that’s bursting with culture and religion, it’s kind of a must to devote some time to experience what it is that makes Bali so special. Although Seminyak isn’t known for its beautiful and stunning Instagrammable temples, there are a few that are worth the visit. One of them is Pura Petitenget which is technically in Kuta, but is still a short cab ride away. In addition, you could check out some galleries and art shows that are available during the time you’ll be visiting!

Five: Excursions

I know that this guide is on what to do in Seminyak, but a road trip elsewhere is a must. The good thing about Seminyak’s location is that it is relatively close to other popular Bali destinations. These being Kuta, Uluwatu and Tanah Lot. We chose to take a day to experience Uluwatu, a beautiful location with absolutely stunning views. Uluwatu is exactly where the Peninsula is, and hence many surfers stay there to catch the best waves. We were prompted to visit Uluwatu mainly due to the different hotels and bars looking absolutely crazy. The famous ‘The Edge’ pool overlooking the ocean is in Uluwatu, and so is OMNIA beach bar and RockBar too. We decided to end the day with some roasted marshmallows by the bonfire at SUNDAYS beach bar. If you’re looking for a party scene then I would suggest the previous two choices mentioned above.

Six: Beaching

One of the top what to do things in Seminyak is enjoy a day at the beach. Seminyak is mostly known for its beaches as it is a beach destination after all. The most famous beach is Seminyak beach which is basically this huge a** beach right where Potato Head and the W hotel is. It stretches for so long and although is not your average white sand beach place, it does have crazy sunset views and an abundance of space to frolic in! A little further down the beach is the section known as ‘Blue Ocean Beach’, or Double Six beach that has the prettiest bars and sometimes live music to enjoy.

Seven: Outings

Last but not least, the outings! Seminyak’s party scene is a definite must. From day and pool parties to nightclubs, you will surely find some way to blow off some steam. The good thing is that everyone is in the same state of mind; a perfect opportunity to meet new and cool people! The most popular day/pool outing is Potato Head on Seminyak Beach, while Mrs Sippy is a close second. I’ve only experienced the former and I can say that although a touch over-crowded, the sunsets are uff, crazy! Tropicola is also a fine beach club with delicious piña coladas, while Cocoon is for a chicer multi-purpose experience.

For an after hours experience, sadly, I didn’t get to experience any. However, check out this website for a more comprehensive what to do guide in Seminyak.

Thank you for reading this blog post! I hope it has helped you on planning your trip to Seminyak!

Thinking of visiting the Bahamas? Why not check my complete ‘what to do in Exuma‘ guide!

-VB x

Top 7 things to do in Havana – a first timer’s guide.

Havana is one of the prettiest cities I’ve ever had the pleasure to visit. As cheesy as it sounds, it’s literally as if you have time traveled to the sixties! The whole area is designed with beautiful old school architecture, that’s bursting with colour, vintage american cars roaming around and local talents showing off their artistic side in any chance they get, on every corner of the city. It’s magical!

This is not your classic ‘What to do in Havana’ list with all the monuments, tourist attractions and so forth. This post is about the things I’ve done in Havana that completely made my trip worth remembering!

One: Roam the streets for hidden gems

Devote a day to just roam around the UNESCO world heritage site *drumroll please* yup, La Habana Vieja. Just do yourself a favour, get lost and experience the culture first-handedly (is this even a word?). The city isn’t that big, so you probably won’t get super duper lost. This way, you’ll get the chance to see things that one can’t plan, i.e. a random Cuba salsa dancer straight up picking you up to dance in the middle of the street. Make sure to visit the old town’s ‘must-see’s’ such as the Plaza de Cathedral, the Plaza Vieja and Plaza de San Fransisco to increase your chances of something bizarre happening. ‘Tots worth it.

Two: Eats

I’ve mentioned in another post here that the food in Cuba… wasn’t what I would call, um “the F-ing best I’ve ever had”. However, I’ve had the pleasure to visit a few of the most well-known restaurants *mmhm* in Havana, and these two are a definite winner: L’atelier and San Cristobal. You’ll get to see that these restaurants aren’t your typical going-to-the-restaurant-stuffing-you-face sitch. First of all, the restaurant owners are providing their actual houses as their restaurant. A.K.A. ‘Paladar’s’. Fun fact: Families privately own these and are often ran by self employees, as opposed to all the rest of the state-owned restaurants, and have only become legal in 1993.

L’atelier is this cute rooftop restaurant, surrounded by fairy lights that even has a local talent performing for visitors while they dine (#fancygurl). San Cristobal is a more hip and funky decorated restaurant that even Obama and Queen Bee dined at (#okurrr). In both cases, I had the Cuban specialty, lobster and it was delicious! My personal favourite was San Cristobal though, they really know how to make you feel at home (pun intended) and their plantain fries are ahh-mazing. Oh, and one last thing! If you ever come across locals selling fresh coconut ice-cream, water or plain coco meat, do a B a favour and try it. It’s to die for.

Three: Cabaret

Devote a night to enjoy a cabaret show, it is one of Cuban’s delights after all! We chose Havana’s Tropicana cabaret show and it was a helluva night. Firstly, hosts will give you cigars and drinks upon entering the venue, which in my book, issa pretty sweet deal. Everything is included in the price and you get to enjoy an hour and a half worth of people dancing, singing and performing short musical plays with the most over-the-top and ridiculously amazing costumes! Ten out of ten from me!

Four: Buena Vista Social Club

This was probably the highlight of my trip. Buena Vista Social Club is a famous club in Havana where performers sing live all night long. This club is really popular, especially since a majority of the famous songs you already know such as ‘Guantanamera’ are widely sang by club members. The club has live performances by amazing local talents, however the majority of the original members have sadly passed away. That does not stop the show as the new members are still fantastic and it is definitely worth experiencing.

Five: Shopping

You’ll find an abundance of local shops to purchase souvenirs from in Old Town Havana. However, if you’re looking for a concentrated area with very Cuban shops, look no further than San Jose market. If you’re like me, and you just cannot for the life of you have some self-control then definitely devote an afternoon (or even a whole day b*sh, aint no one judging here). Locals sell all sorts of Cuban things, from art, handbags, cigars to even furniture! It’s like the Cuban version of Target, but better.

Six: Taxi Ride

Ok, like every basic B out there, I’m just going to come out and say that this is a must. One should not go to Cuba and not rent a vintage, american, colourful car to explore the city. Being the person that I am, I wanted a convertible pink car so I can cruise in style. The good thing is that there’s so many different coloured cars that you will definitely find one for you. Tell your driver to take you to the very old town of Havana a.k.a. ‘The Ghetto’ to see some real culture.

Seven: Cigar Factory

Being the cigar capital of like the world, devoting an afternoon to visit a cigar factory is another must. Here’s some intel: firstly, factory owners prohibit visitors from recording anything within these factories. Furthermore, different brands use different leaves to make their own product, but most of them are all made in the same factories and not in their own factory. That’s all apart from Cohiba of course which by the way, you’re not allowed to visit. There are plenty of these factories, finding one should not be difficult. Here’s some choices.

Thank you for reading this and I hope you enjoyed my post on Havana, Cuba! For more details on what to know before going there and what you should know once you’re there, feel free to check out my other blog posts!

-VB x

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Eight must-know things before planning a trip to Cuba.

Ah, Cuba. A stunning, old fashioned island that’s bursting with history and character. Although Cuba’s backwards charm is definitely going to win you over, there’s a few things to know prior to your arrival in the country. What to know, you ask? Well, here’s a few things I learnt (the hard way) during my time in Cuba.

One: Drones are a no-go

The first thing I wish I read about what to know about Cuba is that unfortunately, drones are not allowed in Cuba. I found this out the hard way, having mine confiscated at customs and all. Ok, this might have been my fault as I should have researched prior to my arrival in Cuba, so here’s hoping I’ll save you guys the trouble. Some countries don’t accept drones, and Cuba being in the current state that it is should have been a no-brainer. In efforts to avoid departing ways with anything that’s valuable to you that might be off-limits, just don’t take it to Cuba, as you might never see it again. To read the whole story on what happened to my drone, click here.

Two: Get your Visa

You need a visa/tourist card to enter Cuba. In order to get one, you need to complete an application in the Cuban embassy in your country. This shouldn’t take longer than a few weeks to be ready. In some cases, you’re able to purchase a tourist card directly from your airline or travel agent, but not all airlines provide one. Furthermore, this will grant you access to Cuba for 30 days, and you must have a return ticked booked. You will not be granted permission to board the plane, nor enter Cuba without one of these.

Three: Lost in Translation

Most of the people living in Cuba only speak Spanish, and although this contributes to one of Cuba’s biggest charms, it can be a little frustrating for tourists like me who don’t speak their primal language. I was able to get by (hardly) on some occassions thanks to my binge watching Spanish telenovelas, however, I would suggest you learn a few important words and phrases so you can also get by. Here’s a link to a page! You’ll thank me later, trust me.

Four: We all have some Baggage

If you’re planning on going shopping and buying an excess amount of souvenirs, bare in mind that buying an extra luggage or having to pay for extra weight is very pricey. Furthermore, if this happens, don’t purchase your extra luggage online as their online systems are not really in sync. Some airlines don’t even offer the opportunity to purchase additional luggage! So try taking as less clothes as possible (don’t overpack) to have more space for later!

Five: Disconnected

Brace yourselves millennials, as there’s hardly any WiFi. You pay to purchase tickets with a code for an hour of internet, and this is only in certain places such as your hotel. On the bright side, it only costs a dollar for an hour and if you’re out and about all day, you won’t need it. You’ll also get the chance to disconnect and enjoy your surrounding, something that we hardly get the chance to do nowadays.

Six: Money

Here’s what to know about Cuba’s local currency! It’s Pesos or CUC (convertible peso), which is valued exactly like the US Dollar. In some cases they accept dollars or maybe even Euros, but not all the time. I suggest to exchange some money once you’re there. Here’s something I wish I did whilst I was there. As mentioned earlier, there’s no internet, so if you find yourself in a situation where you need to pay in a foreign currency such as Euros (and are bargaining your way through an item) print screen the exchange rate on your phone so you can properly pay what the item is worth. Finally, some places don’t take card payments, therefore always have some cash on you.

Seven: Snacks

I personally was not very fond of the local food in Cuba. I am a little picky with my diet, and would suggest taking some snacks with you in any case you get hungry and don’t have the opportunity to grab a snack on the road. Trust me, take cereal bars, nuts, and whatever is your go-to snack, you’ll thank me later. Oh, and tap water is not drinkable, so be cautious to only drink bottled water. Try to avoid adding ice to your beverage from sketchy places otherwise you might get food poisoning.

Eight: Sick

First things first, Havana has only two pharmacies available for tourists. Although their health care is very good, I suggest you take some precautions to avoid dealing with any medical situations. Take some medicine supplies with you for food poisoning (anti-emetic and whatnot), and anything you think you should need in any case something should happen to you. Oh and one last thing, they don’t really talk Western medicine since the embargo hasn’t allowed any outside medication to enter the country. Everything provided in Cuba is made in Cuba, hence explaining what you need might be kind of a debacle.

Thank you for reading this blog post! I hope this has helped you with planning your next trip to Cuba. I hope you enjoyed it!

Check out my other Caribbean destinations, and more specificially, Exuma Bahamas! 🙂

-VB x