My Epic 9 Day Bali Adventure with Intro Travel
I’ve always dreamt of visiting Bali – white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and those iconic rice paddies that look like something out of a dream. So, when I signed up for the Bali Intro 9-Day tour, I had high expectations, and let me tell you, it absolutely delivered! From the moment I stepped off the plane in Denpasar to my last sunset on the Gili Islands, this adventure exceeded all my wildest travel fantasies. Here’s how my 9 days unfolded, and why this trip is one of the best experiences of my life.
Day 1: Touchdown in Canggu
Landing in Bali felt surreal. I was immediately whisked away from the airport to my hotel in Canggu, a laid-back surfer’s paradise. As soon as I arrived, I met my group leader and the crew I'd be spending the next nine days with. We were an eclectic bunch – some solo travelers, a couple of friends – but we instantly clicked. After settling in, we grabbed dinner and some drinks, talking excitedly about what the next days would hold. The best part? I didn’t have to plan a thing. Bali Intro had everything sorted for us, from transport to accommodation.
Day 2: Temples and Beach Vibes
Our first full day kicked off with a dose of Bali’s rich history. We explored ancient temples, taking in the spiritual beauty of the island. The architecture was mesmerizing, and the experience gave me a deep appreciation for Bali’s culture. In the afternoon, we headed to the beach, and as the sun began to set, we sat by the ocean, watching the sky turn fiery orange and pink. It felt like the perfect start to our Bali adventure.
Day 3: Surfing in Canggu
I’m not exactly what you’d call a surfer, but that changed on Day 3. Canggu is famous for its waves, and thanks to the friendly local instructors, I managed to ride a few! It was such a rush, with the ocean beneath me and the Bali sun overhead. After an exhilarating surf session, we kicked back on the beach with sunset beers, feeling accomplished and relaxed. This was the life!
Days 4 & 5: Lovina – Waterfalls, Dolphins, and Local Life
Next, we headed to Lovina, and wow, what a contrast to the bustling vibe of Canggu. Lovina is pure tranquility. On the way, we stopped at waterfalls hidden deep within the jungle and explored ancient temples tucked away in the mountains. Arriving at our villa, nestled in the rice paddies, I realized how much of Bali I’d yet to discover.
The next morning was one of the highlights of the trip. We boarded a traditional outrigger boat before dawn and set out to spot dolphins. Watching pods of wild dolphins leaping out of the water as the sun rose over the ocean was something I'll never forget. Afterward, we visited a local Balinese family who taught us the art of basket weaving. It was a humbling experience, sitting with them, learning their craft, and getting a glimpse into traditional Balinese life.
Days 6-8: Gili Islands – My Tropical Paradise
I had heard about the Gili Islands before, but nothing could prepare me for the paradise I found when we arrived on Gili Trawangan (or Gili T, as the locals call it). The turquoise waters and swaying palm trees were straight out of a postcard. With no cars on the island, we rented bikes and spent our time beach-hopping, swimming in the clearest water I’ve ever seen, and sipping on fresh coconut water under the shade of palm trees.
Day 7 was all about chilling out, which I happily embraced. It was a lazy day spent wandering the island, lounging on the beach, and bonding with the group over shared adventures. But Day 8 was the real thrill – we hopped on a boat and set out for a snorkeling adventure around all three Gili Islands. The moment I spotted a sea turtle gliding gracefully beneath me, I was speechless. Snorkeling in these waters was like swimming in an aquarium, filled with vibrant marine life and colorful coral.
Day 9: The Bittersweet Goodbye
On the final day, I found myself feeling both fulfilled and reluctant to leave. After nine days of exploring Bali’s beauty, I wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye to this magical place or the amazing friends I’d made along the way. For those flying home, there was a seamless ride back to the airport, but many of us opted to extend our stay. Bali has a way of making you want to linger just a little bit longer. We spent the next 24 hours in Semiyak, where we had the fluffiest pancakes, steak in a Mexican jungle and lounged by the pool reminising about the amazing time we’d had.
Final Thoughts
The Bali Intro 9-Day tour was everything I wanted and more. From the adrenaline rush of surfing in Canggu to the peaceful moments in Lovina’s rice paddies and the sun-drenched days on the Gili Islands, this trip captured the heart and soul of Bali. What made it even better was having a knowledgeable guide and an instant crew of friends to share it with.
Whether you're a solo traveler or coming with friends, this tour is perfect for anyone wanting to dive deep into Bali’s culture, nature, and island vibes – without the stress of planning. Trust me, if Bali’s been on your bucket list, this is the way to do it!
