My partner and I have wanted to travel to Bali for so long. We had seen friends post about its beaches and spiritual charm in every photo. But planning a trip that balanced adventure and culture felt like a tall order until we came across Thrillophilia.
We came across their Bali packages while browsing online, but we were unsure whether we should plan it ourselves or go through an agency. After reading a few Thrillophilia reviews, we decided to go for it. Their itineraries looked thoughtful, and the fact that everything from hotel bookings to transport and local guides was handled in one place was exactly what we needed.
A Welcome to the Island
We landed at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar on a humid afternoon. As we walked out of the airport, we spotted a friendly face holding a card with our names; it was our driver from Thrillophilia.
Our hotel in Kuta was cosy and a few minutes from the beach. After checking in and resting a bit, we headed out to catch our first Bali sunset. While sitting on beanbags at a beachside café with the waves rolling in and live music in the background, we toasted our first night in paradise with fresh coconut water.
Temple Visit and Fiery Sunset
Day two started with a trip to the Uluwatu Temple on a cliffside. The views of the ocean below and the mist rising were beautiful. Our local guide told us stories of the temple’s significance and warned us (rightly so) to hold on to our phones and hats as there were monkeys around.
As the sun began to set, we sat down for the Kecak Fire Dance. It was a hypnotic performance with dozens of men chanting in rhythm and the flames growing higher. The entire atmosphere was electric. We concluded the evening with grilled fish at Jimbaran Bay and our feet in the sand.
Travelling North to Ubud
On the third day, we travelled to Ubud. We noticed how different everything felt. Instead of ocean views and beach umbrellas, we saw rice fields stretching into the distance. Moreover, the sound of crashing waves was replaced by chirping birds and the hum of insects.
Tegenungan Waterfall was our first stop in Ubud. We walked down a short trail and dipped our feet in the cool and refreshing water. Then, we visited Goa Gajah, which had a mysterious feel due to its stone carvings. The moss-covered statues and ancient carvings made it feel historic.
Afterwards, we visited a local art village where we watched silversmiths and batik artists at work. It was humbling to see how much skill and patience went into every piece.
Blessings and Jungle Vibes
The fourth day was one of the most spiritual days of our trip. We travelled to the Tirta Empul Temple for its holy spring water. Locals and tourists lined up to take part in a traditional purification ritual. With guidance from our tour guide, we joined the ceremony and walked on to the cool waters from one fountain to another. Each sprout offered a different blessing, and participating in the ritual felt personal and sacred.
Later, we stopped at the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. The sun was high, the greens were vivid, and yes, we tried the Bali Swing. For a moment, while flying over the terrace valleys, I felt like a kid again. Before heading back, we stopped at a coffee plantation and tried a dozen kinds of tea and coffee, including the infamous Luwak coffee.
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
We woke up early in the morning to catch the sunrise from Mount Batur. The climb in the dark was challenging, but our guide kept a steady pace and made sure we were okay along the way. Little by little, we made our way up.
As the sun began to rise, all the tiredness faded. The view from the top was absolutely worth it! The golden sunrise rising above the clouds and casting light over the volcano and lake below looked magical.
After the trek, we soaked our legs at Toya Devasya Hot Springs, with steam rising from the pools and a view of the lake in front. It was warm and healing.
Later, we visited Kelingking Beach, which was known for its dinosaur-shaped cliff and turquoise waters. Though the climb was steep and challenging, the view from the top was more than enough to take our breath away. We also explored the Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong. It truly was the perfect way to wrap up our Bali journey.
Deeply Grateful to Thrillophilia
Looking back on our time in Bali, every part of the trip was balanced – peaceful in one moment and full of adventure in others. It was everything we had hoped for. A big reason for that was how smoothly everything was arranged. From airport pickups to hotel stays, and guides who felt more like local friends, Thrillophilia really helped us make the most of our time.
If you are still wondering whether you should trust the reviews of Thrillophilia, we can honestly say “yes”.
Travelling in a new country can often come with stress, but this time, everything was taken care of. All we had to do was show up and enjoy. We did not miss a single thing we wanted to experience in Bali, and in fact, we discovered even more thanks to the local tips and hidden spots included in the package.
Thank you, Thrillophilia, for helping us experience Bali in such a thoughtful and memorable way. We are going home with stories and a strong desire to come back again.
