Bali is a very popular destination for South Africans and Pam Segers, Travel Counsellor based in Bloemfontein, has visited Bali many times. Here she shares her inside tips of where to go when visiting Seminyak and Ubud.
The first time we travelled to Bali was 26 years ago, and we have been a few times since, so we decided to return to Bali on our first “post-Covid” holiday. What a privilege and, as always, an amazing experience! Bali has changed so much since our first trip, more traffic, more hotels, and more people, but no less amazing.
We have stayed in many different parts of the island, so we decided to stay in Seminyak and Ubud on this trip.
Seminyak offers that busy Bali buzz with many tourists, great eateries right outside the hotels, fantastic beach clubs, night clubs, and lots of spas for a foot massage or full-body Balinese massage at unbeatable prices. Exploring Bali is easy, even with lots of traffic, as the locals know how to navigate the traffic calmly, which puts the tourists at ease.
We visited the incredible Potato Head Beach Club in Seminyak, Uluwatu temple with its amazing views, and Garuda Wisnu Kencana, the tallest statue in Indonesia - a site to behold. We had delicious seafood and cocktails on the beach in Jimbaran Bay – always such a great experience.
Since our last visit many new attractions, beach clubs, and restaurants have opened on this tiny island. We had to visit the Rock Bar at the Ayana Hotel in Uluwatu for dinner and drinks, which was unforgettable.
We spent the last few days in Ubud at an amazingly peaceful, quiet resort. Ubud offers you the peace and tranquillity of the forest but with restaurants and markets just a few minutes down the road.
One of our favourite stops was Cretya Ubud. This restaurant and day club has a spectacular setting with a great vibe and amazing food. I highly recommend visiting this gem while in Bali.
Where you stay in and around Kruger National Park can shape the entire safari experience, from intimate lodges inside the reserve to private game viewing in the Greater Kruger area. Each property included in this round-up offers a different take on a South African safari, whether you’re looking for authentic design, indulgent comfort, or exceptional guiding.
The rail network in Japan makes it easy to shape a trip around the kind of experience you want, rather than following a single fixed route. One day you can be in the middle of a busy food district, the next you’re watching the landscape open out into mountains or coastline. These journeys aren’t about rushing through a checklist, but about choosing routes that naturally link places together and give each stop a bit more meaning.
Finland is often linked with winter trips to Lapland, but there’s much more to discover across the country. From design-led cities to quiet lakes and coastal landscapes, it offers a different pace of travel that feels both refreshing and easy to explore. If you’re looking for a European destination that combines nature, culture, and something a little less expected, Finland is well worth considering.
Finding your match...