So, you wanna see the real Bali? Not just cocktails, infinity pools, and those overcrowded temples that look better on Instagram than in real life? Cool. You’re in the right place.
Hi I am Julia, I’ve been living on this island for 7+ years, and trust me — Bali is way deeper than what the brochures show. A few weeks ago, I rounded up 40 of my friends (yes, forty… I don’t know what I was thinking) and dragged them on a 3-day “off-the-beaten-path” adventure.
We found waterfalls, hiked hidden trails, crashed drones (twice), and ate food that made us forget our own names. And honestly? If you’re honeymooning in Bali, this is the side of the island that might just sprinkle that famous “good luck” people whisper about.
Day 1: Jungle Light Rays, Rapids & Sticky Pork Ribs
We kicked things off easy: a sunset at Nate’s Bar in Canggu. Nothing fancy — beanbags in the sand, Bintang beers in hand, and that fiery orange Bali sky. There’s something about sunsets here that makes you feel like the whole universe is cheering you on.
Next morning: Tat Saong jungle. Around 10 a.m., sunlight slices through the canopy, and the jungle floor lights up with golden beams. Locals see these rays as blessings — that’s why so many Balinese ceremonies happen in the morning. Standing there with your partner, bathed in light? That’s not just a photo moment, it’s a memory etched forever.
Then came rafting. Couples in one boat, laughing, screaming, almost flipping — but somehow pulling through. Marriage training 101, right? We ended it under a hidden waterfall, washing away the chaos in the best possible way.
Dinner was at a smoky little warung in Ubud, famous for pork ribs that literally fell off the bone. No fine dining, no tablecloths — just messy fingers, full bellies, and grins all around. Honestly, one of the best meals in Bali.
👉 Julia’s tip: Pack dry clothes for rafting. And avoid white — brown river stains don’t wash out easily.
Day 2: The Lost Jungle
Alarm at 4:30 a.m. (don’t judge me). My friend Poncha — guide turned brother — led us on what he calls “The Lost Tour.”
Forget tourist trails. This was raw jungle, a hidden village, waterfalls straight out of a fantasy film. The air smelled earthy, cicadas buzzing, water roaring somewhere ahead. Walking through with your partner felt like starring in your own private fairy tale.
Balinese people believe waterfalls cleanse the soul. And standing beneath one, water pounding your back, holding the hand of the person you love — it did feel like a reset button for the heart.
Of course, another drone crashed. (Bali: 2, drones: 0). Miraculously, we found it in the bushes, and the whole group cheered like we’d won the World Cup. Maybe that was good luck.
👉 Julia’s tip: Wear proper shoes — trails get slick after rain. And snack up, because the jungle doesn’t come with vending machines.
Day 3: Volcano Sunrise, Amed Coffee & a Secret Beach
By now, sleep was a distant memory. Another 4 a.m. wake-up, this time for the Savannah of Tiar, at the foot of sacred Mount Agung. Watching the sunrise here — volcano towering above, sky melting from purple to gold — was pure goosebump territory. Locals believe Agung is a bridge between heaven and earth. A blessing from the mountain is considered one of the strongest you can receive.
From there, we drove east to Amed, a sleepy fishing town with cobalt waters and coffee strong enough to revive the dead. Couples sipped side by side, half-asleep but glowing. It felt like a family road trip, but with sea breezes and salty smiles.
Our finale? A hidden beach in Bali. No signs, no tourists, just waves smashing the cliffs and retreating like they were playing tag with the shore. Standing there with someone you love — wild sea in front of you, the world stripped back to just the two of you — it was the kind of scene that stamps itself into your bones.
👉 Julia’s tip: Bring cash in Amed. ATMs are rare, and the best meals come from tiny warungs that still don’t do cards.
Our 3-Day Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Highlights | Vibe Check |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tat Saong jungle rays, rafting, hidden waterfall, ribs in Ubud | Adventure + food coma |
| 2 | Lost jungle village, fairy trails, cleansing waterfalls, drone rescue | Magical + soul-cleansing |
| 3 | Savannah of Tiar (Mt. Agung), coffee in Amed, hidden beach | Sacred + romantic |
Final Thoughts ✨
Bringing 40 friends was chaotic, stressful, hilarious… and completely worth it. I wanted them to see Bali’s real beauty — not just the glossy Instagram version. And they did.
Here’s what stuck with me: Balinese people believe starting your married life here brings good luck. And after this trip? I get it. Bali doesn’t hand you luck like a souvenir. It weaves it into golden light rays, shared meals, jungle laughter, sacred mountains, and unexpected rescues (even drone ones).
So if you’re planning a honeymoon in Bali, don’t just stick to infinity pools and spa days. Dive into the messy, magical, spiritual side of the island. That’s where the luck really is.
Would I do it all over again? Chaos, early mornings, muddy trails, broken drones… 100%. Because those are the stories that last forever. 🌴