The Adventures of Debbie Dimples - Indonesia
Updated: 8 hours ago
Indonesia
Indonesia is a vast archipelago, which consists of 17000 islands and melting pot of cultures. It is the largest country in Southeast Asia, and is situated along the equator, between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Famous for its Volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and exotic wildlife, it is easy to see why Indonesia is a popular holiday destination. I was a little late to the party, but I got there in the end! I had my first trip to Indonesia in September 2026, as a 42 year old, female solo traveller. I visited two of the most well-known holiday destinations in Indonesia - Bali and Lombok. I must admit, I fell in love with both Bali and Lombok during my trip in September 2026.
Bali
Bali (known as the Island of the Gods) is currently one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations. It's known for surfing, beaches, rainforests, rice terraces, wildlife, temples, yoga, Hinduism, friendly people and nightlife. For such a small island, Bali offers a lot to see and do, and at great value. The best time of year to visit Bali is the dry season, which runs from April to October. I visited Bali in September 2026 for 8 days, and the weather was just perfect for me, (hovering around 27 to 30 degrees celsius daily).
Ubud
Ubud is known as the spiritual heart of Bali, and is famous for its many temples, markets, boutiques, yoga and close proximity to the rice terraces. The film 'Eat, Pray, Love' with Julia Roberts really thrust Ubud into the international spotlight. I stayed in Ubud for 4 nights during my trip to Bali in September 2026.
The Udaya Resort & Spa, Ubud
The Udaya Resort & Spa is a wonderful, tranquil escape, located just a short drive from the busy centre of Ubud. My hotel room at the Udaya Resort & Spa was one of the most spectacular I've ever stayed in. It really felt like a honeymoon suite just for me! I chose one of the garden terrace rooms, which over looked the pool. One of my favourite features of the hotel was the fish pond. I was pleasantly surprised that I was provided a pot of fish food, and was able to feed the fish directly from my terrace. I stayed at the Udaya Resort & Spa for 4 nights.
Ubud Palace
Ubud Palace, also known as Puri Saren Agung, is a historic 19th century royal residence and cultural land mark of Ubud. The elegant Legong and Barong Dance performances are held at the Ubud Palace nightly. The traditional Legong Dance is the oldest classical dance of Bali, and was used to entertain royalty.
Ubud Water Palace
Pura Taman Saraswati, also known as the Ubud Water Palace, is a Balinese Hindu temple and cultural land mark of Ubud.
Taman Dedari
Taman Dedari is a scenic cultural garden and restaurant in Ubud. On my visit to Taman Dedari, I enjoyed the traditional chicken fried rice dish - known locally as Nasi Goreng.
Tanah Lot
The first stop on the North Bali Tour from Ubud was Tanah Lot. Tanah Lot is a small, rocky island, home to the ancient Hindu temple - Pura Tanah Lot. It is popular location for photography, prayer and religious pilgrimage. Tanah Lot can only be visited during low tide.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is one of Bali's most famous and picturesque Hindu-Buddist temples. The iconic temple floats on the calm waters of Lake Beratan, and is dedicated to the Lake Goddess Dewi Danu. I visited Ulun Danu Beratan Temple as part of the North Bali Tour.
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
The Banyumala Twin Waterfalls were the final stop on the North Bali Tour. The beautiful waterfalls can only be reached by taking a short, but strenuous walk, which includes steep hills and steps.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Due to the tropical climate in Bali, rice can be grown all year round. One of the lesser known rice terraces in Bali is the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. I visited the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces as part of the North Bali Tour.
Sari Timble Gallery
Sari Timbul is an enchanting art gallery and glass factory located in the lush Tegallalang region of Bali. It's a unique destination which combines nature with an artistic back drop for photo shoots.
Uluwatu
Nestled in the southern tip of Bali, Uluwatu is a trendy area, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, spectacular white sandy beaches, surfing and cafes. Uluwatu is also home to some of the best beach clubs in the world. I stayed in Uluwatu for 4 nights during my trip to Bali in September 2026.
Gravity Hotel
The Gravity Hotel is an adults-only, eco-conscious retreat located in Pecatu, Uluwatu, Bali. The Gravity Hotel is a great choice for a solo traveller. The owners of the hotel use the concept of a large communal dining table, which overlooks one of the two swimming pool's. This has created a nice space which can help create oportunities to talk to other guests during meal times. I stayed at the Gravity Hotel for 4 nights during my trip to Bali.
El Kabron
El Kabron is an iconic, luxury, cliffside restaurant and beach club in Uluwatu, known being the place in the world to party at sunset. I visited El Kabron for the Friday White Party.
Savaya
Savaya is a luxurious, trendy, clifftop beach club and all-day party destination, located in Uluwatu. Savaya is renowned for being the best club in Asia, featuring top international DJ's on a nightly basis. I visited Savaya during my stay in Uluwatu. DJ Topic was playing the sunset session on the day of my visit to Savaya.
Drifter Surf Shop & Cafe
The Drifter Surf Shop & Cafe is a hangout spot which combines a surf shop, a clothing store, a book store, an art gallery and a cafe, all under one roof. I visited the Drifter Surf Shop & Cafe for some breakfast during my stay in Uluwatu.
Banana Lounge
The Banana Lounge is a hidden, tropical restaurant and pool lounge, located just a short walk from the beaches of Uluwatu. I visited the Banana Lounge for some lunch during my stay in Uluwatu.
Lombok
Lombok is an Indonesian island located just east of Bali, in Southeast Asia. Lombok is known as Bali's wild, laid back neighbour. The island is famous for its white sand beaches, coral reefs, epic surf breaks, stunning waterfalls and majestic volcano. Lombok is home to a predominantly Muslim population, with its Islamic influence deeply rooted since the 16th century. Lombok was given the nickname by the Muslim population as the "island of 1,000 mosques". I visited Lombok as a solo traveller in September 2026.
Hotel Tugu Lombok
The Hotel Tugu Lombok is a stunning, luxury, 5-star beachfront hotel and spiritual sanctuary, inspired by ancient Indonesian legends and mythology. The property is situated on a secluded, private white sand beach - Sira Beach. Spread out over 6 acres, the resort is home to 2 freshwater swimming pools, 2 restaurants, a bar, a spa and a gym. The hotel also offers morning yoga classes and private boat tours from the beach. I had a wonderful, relaxing 4-night stay at the Hotel Tugu Lombok in September 2026.
Gili Meno
I took a private boat tour from the Hotel Tugu to Gili Meno during my stay in Lombok. Gili Meno is one of the three most famous Gili Islands - Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. The Gili Islands are a group of tiny islands, located off the coast of Lombok. Gili Meno is the smallest and quietest of the Gili Islands. It is known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters and fantastic coral reef for snorkelling.
Lombok Wildlife Park
Lombok Wildlife Park is a small sanctuary for rescued animals. It's well known for offering interactions with elephants. I visited the Lombok Wildlife Park during my stay in Lombok.
What I missed out on....
I had such a wonderful time in Bali and Lombok, Indonesia, that it was hard to find things I missed out on. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to visit the Monkey Forest or Nusa Penida during my stay in Bali. I also missed out on doing some of the typical Bali 'instagram shots' with the floating breakfast, flower bath and flying dress. I would love to visit Indonesia again in the future, and there would be plenty more for me to see and do on another trip. There are also many other islands in Indonesia which would be wonderful to experience. On my bucket list would be Komodo Island to see the Komodo dragons, and Sumba Island, where I would love to stay at NIHI Sumba.
Sacred Monkey Forest Ubud
The Sacred Monkey Forest is a nature reserve and temple complex in Ubud, Bali, which is home to over 1260 long-tailed macaques. I missed out on visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest during my visit to Bali in September 2026.
Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is a a rugged, scenic island located southeast of Bali, Indonesia. It is famous for its dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and manta rays. I didn't manage to visit Nusa Penida during my trip to Bali in September 2026.
Komodo Island
Komodo and the nearby islands of Rinca and Padar make up Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of the mighty Komodo dragon.
Sumba Island
Sumba is known as the “Forgotten Island” of Indonesia. A well-kept secret amongst surfers and adventurers, this hidden gem is only one hour from Bali. The island is also known for its beautiful white sandy beaches, ancient culture and ancestral traditions, in which horses play a major role.
NIHI Sumba
NIHI Sumba is a remote, luxury eco lodge on the island of Sumba, and has been voted the best hotel in the world. I would love to stay at NIHI Sumba one day.
Indonesia - you have been good to me. I will be back!
Please see my Viator Shop for the experiences which I booked for my trip. This is an affiliate link which has no charge to yourself, I would just receive a small commission from Viator if you were to take a tour and enjoy it.
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