Ever since I was 2 feet tall, basically a kid, I dreamed of living somewhere tropical where the sun is basically showing off every day, the air smells like coconut sunscreen and adventure, and life just feels… idk, extra magical. Fast forward a few years and I finally did it—I escaped the soul-sucking 9-to-5 accounting grind to live a full-on digital nomad lifestyle here in Bali, Indonesia.
After a quick stop in Borneo to stare at orangutans (I mean, priorities), I dove straight into what I like to call a “week in the life of Bali.” Volcanoes, waterfalls, trampoline flips, coffee shop fails, and heart-melting orphanage adventures—it’s all here. Buckle up, friends, this is gonna be messy, magical, and maybe a little chaotic… like me.
Climbing Mount Batur: Sunrise, Sweat, and Steam
It’s 1 AM. Yes. One in the morning. And somehow, I agreed to climb a volcano. My brain is screaming “go back to bed you absolute fool” but my heart is like “girl, sunrise’s gonna be worth it.”
Mount Batur is no joke. Lava rocks, loose gravel, and steam vents that legit double as volcanic saunas make it feel like you’re climbing some giant cooking pot. Our guide climbed barefoot (yep, barefoot), which honestly made me question my life choices. I brought snacks. I brought energy drinks. I brought my fragile human ego. By the time we hit the top, my legs were jelly, my thumb was broken (don’t ask), but OMG the view? Mind. Blown.
From up there, Bali looks like a postcard you can’t buy. Clouds rolling past the volcano, little steam vents puffing like the island is alive, and a view of Mount Rinjani on Lombok that makes your jaw drop.
Pro tip: bring snacks. energy drinks help too. And pace yourself. This hike isn’t just a hike—it’s an experience. And if you wanna be extra sneaky and explore the island like a pro, check out Bali travel secrets from a local.
Coffee Shops, Creators, and the Hustle
After our climb, we needed fuel. So I dragged the crew to a coffee shop. And let me just say… disaster. My coffee was… meh. The macaroni and cheese? Sad. And my “Bali coffee guru” rep? Totally ruined. But hey, that’s Bali life—messy, unpredictable, and 100% worth it.
Later, I hung out with some of the coolest members of Lost Creator Academy. Many of them started just like me, and now they’re crushing it—six figures in followers, subscribers, and all-around boss energy. Seeing them in real life reminded me why Bali isn’t just for vacationing—it’s for thriving.
If your legs are tired and your brain needs a break after hiking a volcano, a little pampering goes a long way. Best affordable spas in Bali will literally make you forget you ever climbed a mountain.
Chloe Orphanage: Giving Back Through Adventure
Now onto my absolute fave part of the week—revisiting Chloe Orphanage. Last year, we took the kids on a little day trip. This year, we went full-on “content creator meets adventure camp”: cameras, challenges, and mini missions included. Watching their faces light up? Unreal.
We also explored Tibu Mana Waterfalls, just an hour from Denpasar. Most of the kids had only been to one other waterfall in their lives. Now? Splashing, laughing, running around, filming themselves… priceless.
This wasn’t just fun—it was also about teaching skills. I gave them lifetime access to Lost Creator Academy, plus support from a Bahasa-speaking video editor to help them level up. My dream? Inspire creativity, spark passions, and maybe even help some of them become future content creators.
And if you want the actual inside scoop on what Bali feels like beyond the touristy stuff, check out experience the real Bali.
Life as a Nomad: Dogs, Home, and Playground Adventures
Bali life isn’t just volcanoes and waterfalls—it’s also home stuff. I’ve been doing renovations, adding plant walls to bring Bali indoors, and yep… making room for dogs. Because duh, Bali + dogs = happiness.
Some days we go trampoline flipping, some days we do acrobatics, and some days? Aqua yoga. With Ruby. Who’s basically a yoga prodigy at this point. I swear, if you want to feel like a kid again, Bali’s got you.
And life here has its quirks:
- Random dogs walking in? Check.
- Coffee shop fails? Double check.
- Little surprises everywhere? Absolutely.
- Wanna avoid rookie mistakes like me? 5 common mistakes tourists make in Bali and mistakes to avoid in Bali are lifesavers.
Day Trips: Romantic and Budget-Friendly
Bali is also perfect for couples. From secret beaches to hidden waterfalls, it’s adventure + romance all in one. Planning a trip with your boo? A 7-day romantic Bali itinerary for couples is exactly what you need.
Budget-conscious? No worries. Bali vacation cost will help you figure out what to splurge on, what to skip, and still have the trip of your life.
Why Bali is Basically Magic
Volcanoes at sunrise. Kids learning new skills. Dogs doing yoga. Messy coffee. Plant walls. Trampolines. Bali isn’t just a destination—it’s a lifestyle. Every day is a mix of adventure, creativity, and pure chaos.
Bali teaches you to slow down. To soak in the sun. To embrace the messy, the beautiful, the unexpected. And to maybe eat slightly bad coffee without losing your mind.
Your Adventure Starts Now
Ready to go? Whether you’re a first-time traveler, a digital nomad, or just need a tropical escape, Bali has something for everyone. Hidden waterfalls, volcano hikes, serene spas, and authentic island experiences await.
For tips and insider info, make sure you explore Bali travel secrets from a local, plan your trip with the 7-day romantic Bali itinerary for couples, and avoid rookie mistakes by reading mistakes to avoid in Bali.
Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to get lost in paradise.