![[Solo Travel Romance!?] Bali Ubud + Nusa Dua Travel Diary｜Volcano Sunrise, Alas Harum, Finns All in One](https://images.gobaligo.id/images/2026-10/1791370468398-index.jpeg)
Adapted from a solo travel diary by group member Chen Chenxi
First, the Highlights:
3 AM: Chasing a Volcano Sunrise Without Sleep
(Photo: Courtesy of Chen Chenxi)
It’s 3 AM, and I’m up ridiculously early—honestly, I haven’t slept at all. I hop into a jeep solo, ready to catch the volcano sunrise.
The road is nothing short of ‘absolutely terrible’—bumpy as a roller coaster, totally insane.
The sky is still pitch black. I’m dropped off at a waiting room to watch the sunrise, but for now, I can’t see a thing. I order a hot chocolate—20,000 IDR a cup.
What surprised me most on this trip was the jeep driver’s photography skills. It was pitch black, and I thought there was no way to capture anything, but he took out his phone and manually circled light around me. I still have no idea how he pulled it off, but the results were surprisingly impressive—truly masterful technique.
Then, the sun came out, and it was stunning!
Joined the Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Tour
Pro tip from the author: I recommend renting a blanket—it costs 50K IDR. It gets freezing cold on the mountain in the middle of the night, and a light jacket just won’t cut it.
Quick reference: Bali Sunrise Guide: Mount Batur Jeep Tour—Black Lava Adventure, Sea of Clouds, and the Best Photo Spots
Black Lava, Volcano Café, and a Fairytale Restaurant
(Photo courtesy of Chen Chenxi)
After watching the sunrise, the jeep bounced its way to the next stop, the ‘Black Lava’—and the road was just as bumpy.
The driver shared the history of the place with me in English: the lava flowed down, then hardened, turning into something like stone. But honestly, there wasn’t much to see—just a lot of volcanic rock.
Next, we stopped at a café called Amora, with a direct view of the volcano. The scenery was absolutely spectacular—truly breathtaking.
Next up is a restaurant with incredibly impressive art installations—Taman Dedari (Fairy Restaurant). It features a stunning fairy-themed landscape surrounded by lush greenery, absolutely beautiful.
(Photo: Provided by Chen Chenxi)
The author says this is a place where the scenery far outweighs the food: the dishes are average, but the installations are truly stunning—the most beautiful of any restaurant she’s ever been to. The seats are spacious, and it’s not overly crowded.
A Series of Minor Mishaps in One Morning
That’s solo travel for you—you have to handle everything on your own.
That morning, a major crisis struck: my tripod suddenly went missing. I had to rush to a local store and buy a makeshift octopus tripod on the spot. But right after buying it, I realized I had left my microphone at the hotel.
So I called a Grab bike and asked the driver to take me back to the hotel to grab it, even giving him a little extra tip.
It was just one of those mornings where nothing went right!
Editor’s note: Besides handling it yourself, here’s another option — Forgot something? 30 km delivery for just USD$4
Ordered Dirty Duck Rice Again, But Got Braised Chicken Instead
Back at the Fairy Restaurant, I ordered the dirty duck rice again because the first place was just so good. This time the cooking method seemed a bit different—let me give it a try.
Wow, so tender! Completely different style—this one is softer and mushier. Later I realized it might actually be Balinese-style braised chicken, not really dirty duck rice.
The side dish this time was long beans, not my favorite. The biggest downside of this place is probably that it’s outdoors, with quite a few flies buzzing around. But its landscaping is the most beautiful of all the restaurants I’ve visited so far. Comparatively, the first place was more impressive in flavor; this one is a bit more ordinary, but as a scenic restaurant, it’s still pretty good.
Alas Harum: Rice Terraces, Luwak Coffee, and a Zipline That Ends in a Flash
Next up is the super popular Alas Harum. You have to go through security before entering, and no outside water is allowed—you need to leave it at the front counter.
Alas Harum Coffee Tour
I joined a coffee tour—just two of us (Yeah, two). There’s a civet cat, the star of luwak coffee.
(Photo provided by Chen Chenxi)
The staff explained the production process:
- The beans are roasted for about 45 minutes to an hour, stirred continuously until they change color and the aroma comes out.
- It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to grind coffee beans into a fine powder using traditional methods.
- I also tried my hand at grinding coffee.
This short coffee tour was pretty cool.
Alas Harum: Commercialization and Ticket Redemption Tips
(Photo: Provided by Chen Chenxi)
However, it feels a bit overly commercialized here—every attraction requires a queue number and waiting.
Let me share a solo travel pitfall: If you booked tickets online, you can actually just walk straight down to redeem them. I initially thought I had to go to the ticket office, but the redemption point was further down, so I wasted time waiting in line for nothing. After getting a queue number, the process was quite slow, and the rides weren’t that thrilling.
Author’s Note: The place is very crowded, and you can’t bring water inside. The queue for the swings is incredibly long, while other attractions (like the zip line) have no wait at all—I recommend arriving early.
The zip line? It’s over in a flash—gone in an instant.
Cretya Ubud: A Three-Tiered Pool with a Rice Terrace Backdrop
(Photo provided by Chen Chenxi)
The park features a variety of landscapes, with most basic facilities concentrated in the center: restrooms, changing rooms, showers, lockers, and more. Lockers and towels require an additional rental fee.
After putting my things away, I headed downstairs first. Cretya Ubud is a pool club within Alas Harum, and the entrance ticket can be exchanged for one drink.
- There are three levels of pools
- The circular one is a hot spa
- The backdrop features stunning rice terraces
- The atmosphere is more laid-back, perfect for a leisurely chat to spend the afternoon
Quick reference: Alas Harum Guide: Ubud Rice Terrace Paradise, Cretya Ubud, Cretya Sunset Complete Guide
Teba Sari: Balinese Freshwater Fish Wrapped in Leaves
Right next to Alas Harum is a restaurant called Teba Sari. Today I ordered Balinese freshwater fish wrapped in leaves, and it started with crackers served with Sambal chili sauce.
This grilled fish is quite heavy on the spices, with a slight kick of heat. Since the flavors are bold, it pairs really well with rice. I think this place is a bit better than the scenic restaurant we had at lunch—the lunch spot had pretty ordinary food, with the main draw being the beautiful views, though there were bugs. Here, the views are just average, but the food wins out.
More to Explore in Ubud
Ubud is the cultural and artistic heart of Bali, drawing travelers with its lush rice terraces, serene jungles, and deep-rooted traditions. It's the perfect place to unwind and recharge. Whether you're diving into local customs, soaking up natural beauty, or seeking thrilling outdoor adventures paired with stunning food and scenery, Ubud offers a truly unique experience. Want more Ubud tips? Click here
Ubud Accommodation Themes
- 【Bali Ubud Accommodation】30+ Unique Stays in Ubud: Experience a Magical Journey Amid Bali's Mountain Scenery!
- 【Ubud Accommodation Guide】Ubud Villa Pool Villas: Private Paradise – 20+ Stunning Bali Villa Recommendations
- Bali Ubud Yoga Retreats: 10 Dreamy Choices Combining Yoga Classes and Mindful Relaxation
- 18 Bali Kids Club Family Resorts: Best Family-Friendly Options in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu & Ubud
- Bali Group Travel: Ubud Private Villa Rentals with 3, 4, 5, 6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays
Taking a Grab Solo: The Driver Was a Madman
After eating, I took a Grab from Ubud to the Bintang Supermarket in Seminyak. The driver I got this time was like a madman—speeding the whole way, weaving through traffic like crazy, and somehow still finding time to chat with me nonstop. Incredible.
So, for anyone thinking of solo travel: if circumstances allow, you might want to take a Grab bike—it’s cheaper and convenient if you don’t have much luggage. But some drivers really do race like maniacs, which can be scary, so you need to be okay with that.
Supermarket, Bintang Beer, and a 140,000 IDR Foot Massage
The supermarket was fun to browse—they had everything you could want.
- Chocolate: I heard it’s really good. What I saw was Belgian chocolate. Bali produces cacao beans, so Balinese chocolate is also famous—worth a try.
- Bintang Beer: I’ve heard it’s a must-try in Bali, and everyone seems to recommend the lemon flavor.
Quick reference: 【Recommended by Netizens】Six Categories, Over 30 Must-Buy Items, Bali Souvenir Guide: The Perfect Choice to Cherish Precious Memories
Next, I tried the affordable foot massage recommended by Threads users. A 60-minute foot massage costs just 140,000 IDR—seriously cheap.
But the service and atmosphere were just average: this was the first time I saw them rinse my feet with just plain water and nothing else—no tea or snacks, just a straightforward massage. Still, the place was packed with people, everyone wanting to come, probably because it’s such a great deal.
(Photo: Chen Chenxi)
In the evening, I leisurely enjoyed a beer by myself. Bintang—it’s really good!
Heading South to Nusa Dua: Pandawa Beach
Next, I headed to the southernmost Nusa Dua. In the morning, I visited Pandawa Beach.
- Entry ticket: 30,000 IDR
- Shuttle to the cliff road: 30,000 IDR
The cliffs along the way were stunning, and the shuttle took only about 3 minutes—super fast. The long wait earlier was just because of the crowd. On the way back, you don’t have to take the shuttle; you can also walk down, which takes about 15 minutes.
Author’s note: The famous cliff road is right here, packed with tourists, and getting a good photo depends a lot on the angle.
This beach is gorgeous and not crowded at all. The water is incredibly clear—more transparent than any other beach—perfect for a lazy afternoon.
CANNA: The Clearest Water of the Entire Trip
Author’s Note: CANNA is a serene and beautiful beach club. If you come early, you can even have the whole beach to yourself—it had the clearest water I saw on the entire trip!
On the beach, I met a foreigner who struck up a conversation:
“How long are you staying in Bali?” “6 days.” “Wow, not long, but enough, right?” “Yeah, enough.” “I saw you working hard on the beach, and I’m proud of you. I truly hope you keep it up and share your vision and love with more people.” “Of course!” (He said “Boom, Bang,” I thanked him, and he replied, “Alright, man.”)
It was hilarious—just a guy filming by the sea, getting praised by a stranger.
More Things to Do, Eat, and Drink in Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua, renowned for its luxurious resorts, is a premier destination in Bali known for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, and comprehensive tourist facilities. It is the ideal choice for those seeking high-end comfort and a tranquil getaway. The area offers top-tier spa services, water sports, and leisure activities suitable for the whole family, making it a paradise for travelers of all kinds. Want to learn more about Nusa Dua? Click here.
Nusa Dua Accommodation Theme Guide
- Bali Nusa Dua: 16 Top-Rated 5-Star Resort Accommodations
- Nusa Dua Summer & Winter Family Travel Guide: 9 Must-See Day Trip Highlights & Kid-Friendly Recommendations
- A Unique Bali Vacation Experience - Luxurious Stay at Apurva Kempinski Bali
- Bali’s 18 Best Family Resorts with Kids Clubs: Top Picks in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, and Ubud
- Bali Family Fun: Top 15 Resorts with Water Slides and Playgrounds
Riug Paragliding: 10 Minutes Over the Indian Ocean
Next up was paragliding. The staff let me bring two cameras at once: his GoPro and my own 360 camera, shooting from both sides.
I chose to fly for just 10 minutes, ending after one speed run, soaring over the Indian Ocean—absolutely stunning.
Once you’re up in the air, it’s actually very stable—just the wind is strong, and holding a selfie stick for a while can make your arm a bit sore. Turning can make you feel slightly dizzy; the instructions say to look in the direction of the turn to avoid getting too dizzy.
(Photo: Chen Chenxi)
Author’s note: For just over USD$30, this paragliding experience is well worth the 10-minute flight. The included GoPro only captures yourself, so I brought my own 360-degree camera to also capture the stunning Indian Ocean views.
Quick reference: 【Bali Paragliding Experience】Soar Over Uluwatu! Stunning Ocean Views + Tips
Paragliding Locations in Bali
- Timbis Beach Paragliding Adventure in Uluwatu
- RUIG Paragliding in Uluwatu
- Nusa Penida Paragliding Experience
- Lombok Paragliding Experience
Uluwatu Dining and Entertainment Recommendations
Uluwatu is one of the most popular areas in southern Bali, renowned for its stunning cliff views, charming beaches, and excellent surfing spots. Filled with a romantic tropical vacation atmosphere, it's the perfect choice for enjoying sunset views and relaxing moments. If you're also considering staying in Uluwatu, you can refer to the following carefully curated dining and entertainment guide to make your trip even more enriching and fun: Uluwatu Guide: Uluwatu Attractions and Dining Recommendations
Uluwatu Accommodation Themes
- Uluwatu Accommodation Recommendations: 14 Private Villas with Stunning Ocean Views
- Bali's 18 Best Family Resorts with Kids Clubs | Top Choices for Family Vacations in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, and Ubud
- Bali Group Travel: Uluwatu Private Villas with 3/4/5/6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays
FINNS: Relaxed by Day, a Different World by Night
Finally, we arrived at FINNS. Technically, entry is free, but I didn’t want to wait in line, so I bought a fast-pass. I checked the general entrance earlier, and it’s packed with people right now.
Entry Guidelines:
- You’ll go through security first; professional camera gear and water are not allowed inside.
- The dining area with live performers has free seating, and there are plenty of entertainers around.
- Staff will guide you to the counter, where you pay using a numbered card system.
- The fast-pass includes 240,000 IDR in credit, plus a locker and towel.
During the day, FINNS feels more laid-back, but once night falls, it transforms into something completely different…
“Welcome to the world’s best beach club!”
And here, I met two Japanese girls, then ran into them again—and again, for the Nth time. (That’s the story behind the video title, ‘Encountering Adorable Japanese Girls.’)
(Photo courtesy of Chen Chenxi)
Author’s Note: FINNS is more relaxed before sunset, but gets especially lively after dark. It’s recommended to arrive before 7 PM to catch the fireworks.
More Canggu Food and Fun
Canggu is a hotspot on Bali that combines a relaxed atmosphere with trendy vibes. Not only does it boast stunning beaches, but it's also home to many unique cafes, creative restaurants, and boutique shops, making it a favorite among surfers and young travelers. Whether you're seeking natural scenery or looking to explore local culture, Canggu has something for everyone! Want to learn more about Canggu? Click here.
Canggu Accommodation Themes
- Bali Accommodation Recommendations: Top 17 Canggu Stays You Can't Miss
- 16 Private Pool Villas in Canggu: Canggu Villa Recommendations You Can't Miss
- Luxury Resort in Canggu: Regent Bali Canggu
- Bali Group Travel: Canggu Private Villas with 3/4/5/6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays
Watch the Full Video
Next Episode Preview: Nusa Penida
In the next episode, I’m heading to Nusa Penida to unlock the iconic iPhone wallpaper locations:
- Kelingking Beach
- The stunning Broken Beach
- Angel’s Billabong
- Immersing in the magical light show at Nuanu after dark
- Finally, checking out the trendy café GiGiSuSu
Private Driver Recommendation
The author recommends private driver Made: He speaks Chinese and has excellent service attitude. LINE: madebali77
Route Overview: Mount Batur Sunrise → Black Lava → Amora → Taman Dedari → Alas Harum → Cretya Ubud → Teba Sari → Supermarket + Foot Massage → Pandawa Beach → CANNA → Riug Paragliding → FINNS
Bali Travelogue Treasure Trove
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Want to write a travelogue but don't know where to start? Check out "How to Write an Amazing Bali Travelogue" to make your travelogue shine!
Popular Outdoor Activities in Bali
- Kuta Beach Surfing Lesson
- Top-Rated: Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep & Kintamani Cafe Photography Tour
- Bali UNESCO World Heritage Sites Day Tour (Optional Chinese Guide)
- Sunrise Yoga & Meditation in the Ubud Jungle
- Water Activities Deals on Klook
- Private Sunset Tour to the Gates of Heaven
- Marine Safari Bali Ocean Park Guide
- Bali ATV Adventure: Tips & FAQ
- 【Complete Guide to Bali's Three Must-See Shows】Varuna Aqua Theater, Devdan Stage Show, and Kecak Fire Dance
- Jungle Cart Bali: Mario Kart in Ubud's Jungle
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