There’s so much to share about my travels, so I’ve decided to split this into two parts: this post will cover my month in Indonesia, and the next will dive into my time in Thailand.

Originally, my Southeast Asia itinerary included Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Unfortunately, a typhoon had me skipping Vietnam, but more on that later.

When my alarm went off on September 1st 2024, my first thought was, Oh god, here we go! With my 14kg backpack (already feeling heavier than it should), I set off. Was it excitement, anxiety, or my IBS kicking in? Probably all three.

My journey began with a 13-hour flight to Bangkok, where I stayed overnight before catching a five-hour flight to Ubud, Bali. (I needed the layover—there’s only so much travel I can handle in one go!)

I journaled almost every night throughout my two months of travel, and I’ll weave some of those entries into this post—censored where necessary (wink wink). My time in Bali marked the start of a healing journey. As cliche as it sounds, it was exactly what I needed. It wasn’t meticulously planned—more like the universe gently pushing me to go.

So, grab a cuppa and some snacks, and let’s explore together!

Ubud, Bali

When people ask me about my favourite place, I can’t choose just one. Every destination was special for its own reasons. But Ubud holds a unique spot in my heart. It’s known for its beautiful temples, tranquil rice fields, and magical waterfalls. It’s also a hub for yoga, meditation, and holistic healing—so I was more than excited to immerse myself in it all.

I stayed at Baba Homestay, which felt like living in the jungle. Mosquito repellent with DEET quickly became my best friend! The location was perfect, just a ten-minute walk from Ubud Palace, known for its traditional Balinese dance shows.

Some highlights of my stay:

• A spiritual tour with temple visits and a palm reading
• Exploring Ubud Palace
• A waterfall tour
• A visit to a coffee/tea plantation
• My first Balinese massage

The locals were so warm and friendly, which reminded me a lot of my time in India. I also met two amazing solo travelers, Alice from Italy and Marla from Germany. We quickly became a trio, exploring Ubud together and having endless conversations over dinner and drinks. We’re still in touch, and we’re planning our next meet-up.

Ubud’s weather was mostly gorgeous, with occasional heavy rain in the evening. I loved journaling on my balcony, soaking in the rain sounds—romanticising my life at its finest. Local dishes like Nasi Goreng (stir-fried rice with meat or seafood, vegetables, and a sweet spicy sauce) and Gado Gado (a hearty salad of vegetables, protein, and a spicy peanut sauce dressing) were delicious and super affordable—less than £1 at family-owned warungs.

But more than the beautiful temples and delicious food, Ubud had an undeniable spiritual energy. Visiting temples and participating in a spiritual tour were not just activities—they were moments of self-discovery. The palm reading, for example, was something I went into with skepticism, but it offered surprising insights that I still carry with me. Bali has this magical energy that makes you pause, breathe, and reflect, and for someone like me who often moves too fast through life, it was exactly what I needed.

The connections I made in Ubud were equally impactful. Alice and Marla became more than just travel companions—they were kindred spirits. Over dinners, we talked about everything from our childhoods to our biggest dreams. Those conversations, late at night under the stars, are moments I’ll cherish. Sometimes, it’s not the places themselves but the people you meet along the way that truly shape your journey.

Canggu

After saying bye (for now) to Alice and Marla, I headed to Canggu, known for its surfing and vibrant nightlife. A lovely surprise was reconnecting with an old school friend, Georgia. We agreed to travel together but gave each other space when needed—great decision for two solo travelers!

Canggu was lively, but I found it a bit overwhelming. Two days were plenty for me. Highlights included:

• Puppy yoga (adorable is an understatement)
• A night out at Sandbar, a beach side bar with cocktails costing around £7 

Nusa Penida

Next up, Georgia and I decided to explore Nusa Penida together. The ferry ride was… terrifying. Think Jaws theme park levels of rough. But once we arrived, the island was stunning. We stayed at Horizon Nusa Penida, with its guitar-shaped pool and breathtaking sunsets.

Over two days, we explored both sides of the island with a driver. Diamond Beach, with its steep cliffside steps, was absolutely breathtaking (though hiking down in white sandals wasn’t my brightest idea!). We also visited the famous Instagram-worthy treehouse, but we skipped the extra charge for a photoshoot. Instead, we found an even better spot for pictures—total win!

It was on Nusa Penida that I began to feel the shift in myself. The island’s isolation gave me the space to reflect on the reasons I travel—not just to see new places, but to challenge myself, physically and emotionally. Hiking down to Diamond Beach was exhausting, but it also reminded me how much I take my body’s abilities for granted. It was a humbling experience that left me thinking about how I often stay in my comfort zone. Nusa Penida was my wake-up call to break free from that.

But the trip took a turn when Bali belly hit me hard. I was bed bound for most of our stay, feeling absolutely defeated. Georgia was a saint, bringing me water and snacks, but then karma struck, and she fell ill too. It wasn’t quite the ending we’d hoped for, but it gave us plenty of stories to laugh about later.

Gili Trawangan (Gili T)

Still recovering, I braved another ferry ride to Gili T, a small island with no motorised traffic. A core memory from this adventure was snorkeling at Turtle Point. It was amazing! I spotted a huge turtle and felt an instant energy boost. The island’s nightlife was vibrant, with fairy-lit bars and pop-up cocktail stalls, making it the perfect place to unwind after a rough few days.

Gili T was also a reminder of why I love the simplicity of nature. Floating in the ocean, surrounded by the calm, I felt a renewed sense of awe at the world. It was the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure.

After Gili T, it was time to hop over to Gili Air.

Gili Air

I reunited with Marla on Gili Air, a more peaceful contrast to Gili T. We each booked cozy cottages for some personal space. One highlight was a sacred cacao ceremony, held in a treetop setting, where we reflected on happiness and letting go of negativity. I pulled a card that said, “Appreciation dissolves all blocks to the presence of my super attractor power”—and I felt it. That moment, in the midst of the ceremony, reminded me how often I let self-doubt block my path. It was a powerful lesson in embracing gratitude and positive energy.

The experience on Gili Air was one of peace and clarity, and it made me realise that sometimes the greatest healing comes from stillness. I hadn’t given myself enough of that on this trip, but Gili Air allowed me to reset.

I also had an unforgettable stone-baked pizza at Mama Pizza on the beach, watching the sunset—pure gratitude.

Kuta, Lombok

Kuta, Lombok was my next stop. Known for its surfing and vibrant social scene, Kuta had a lively atmosphere. I took the opportunity to surf for the first time—while I wasn’t an expert by any means, it was an amazing feeling to be out there on the waves.

I loved the relaxed yet energetic vibe of Kuta. There were plenty of restaurants, bars, and even some great shopping spots. I also reconnected with the girls and this really filled my cup. It was the perfect way to wrap up my time in Lombok.

Senggigi, Lombok

After leaving Kuta, I made my way to Senggigi, a laid-back coastal town on Lombok known for its beautiful beaches. But of course, I couldn’t just relax by the sea. Marla and I were on a mission to find a hidden waterfall that the locals raved about. Simple enough, right?

Well, we set off with vague directions, plenty of enthusiasm, and no real idea of how long the journey would take. Hours later, we were still lost. We found ourselves wandering narrow streets, dodging motorbikes, and wondering if we’d somehow ended up in a secret episode of “Survivor: Waterfall Edition.” With each wrong turn, I could practically hear the chorus of TLC’s “Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls” echoing in my head. At that point, it felt like we were chasing a mirage.

In the end, we didn’t find the waterfall. But honestly, the adventure itself was just as memorable. Maybe some things are better left as mysteries.

Before heading to Senggigi, I said my goodbyes to Georgia and Alice. Parting ways was tough after a few unforgettable days together, but I was thankful for the friendship we’d built. It’s amazing how travel can bring people together in such a short amount of time.

And then it was just me and Marla. As we headed to Senggigi, I embraced my inner “passenger princess”—Marla was doing the driving while I kicked back and enjoyed the ride. I mean, why not? Sometimes, you just need to let someone else take the wheel (literally and figuratively). It was a nice change of pace!

Uluwatu, Bali

Finally, my journey brought me to Uluwatu, Bali’s famous surf town and one of the most beautiful spots I’ve visited. The cliffside views were breathtaking, and the atmosphere was the perfect balance of relaxation and energy. I spent my days exploring beaches, and winding down at local cafes. Uluwatu’s vibrant yet tranquil energy made it the perfect spot to reflect on my journey.

One of the highlights was watching the Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple at sunset—an experience that left me feeling deeply connected to the energy of Bali. As I sat there, I realised just how much my perspective had shifted during my time in Indonesia. It wasn’t just the landscapes or the experiences that changed me, but the journey within—the reflections, the new friendships, and the spiritual growth.

Uluwatu marked the perfect ending to my time in Bali. The cliffs, the temples, the sunsets—they felt like a symbol of everything I had discovered along the way. This trip wasn’t just about ticking off destinations; it was about finding peace, gaining strength, and discovering a deeper connection with myself and the world around me.

But while Indonesia had been magical, I was heading into a new chapter. Thailand promised its own adventures, but it also presented challenges that felt a little more personal. In Bali, I’d begun a process of self-discovery, but in Thailand, I was really going to face some of the tougher parts of that journey.

Stay tuned for part two, where I’ll unfold my time in Thailand – trust me, there are some funny mishaps…