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Cozumel Mexico will forever go down as our favourite island in Mexico – scratch that our favourite place in Mexico! Not only is it home to the best scuba diving we’ve seen, but the island itself has a whole lot to offer! We spent a few days running around the island but could have easily spent our whole time here exploring this tropical island.

We love that Cozumel Mexico has a great central location close to popular tourist destinations like Cancun, Tulum, and nearby Playa del Carmen. Many people who visit the Yucatan Peninsula are deciding between an island day trip to Cozumel or Isla Mujeres. While both are worth a visit, if you have to pick one, we’d say Cozumel!

isla cozumel sign, cozumel mexico

Cozumel Island has gotten some well deserved global attention as being one of the most beautiful islands, home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world! It’s located along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest coral reef in the world and these tropical Caribbean waters are full of life.

Samara first visited Cozumel on a Caribbean cruise and has been dreaming about returning to this beautiful tropical island ever since. This was the spot where Samara first fell in love with being underwater. After going snorkeling in Cozumel and experiencing all the beauty of the underwater world she’s been obsessed with the ocean, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

When we got the opportunity to go back and visit Cozumel, we knew we needed to spend as much time as we could exploring this beautiful island. After renting scooters to tour the island, snorkeling, scuba diving, exploring Mayan ruins, and lazing at beach clubs it’s safe to say we thoroughly experienced this amazing island.

We created this Cozumel guide to help as many people as possible experience all this island paradise has to offer. We think this is a must visit for anyone heading to the Yucatan Peninsula.

San Miguel Cozumel Mexico with views of the Caribbean Sea

Okay, we’ll stop rambling… here’s everything you need to know about traveling to Cozumel Mexico.

Table of Contents

Where is Cozumel?

Cozumel is the largest inhabited island in Mexico and we can see why – what a dream place to live! Home to around 100,000 people and welcoming about 3.5 million tourists annually, you’ll be in good company here. This island is 46 km (29 miles) long and around 14 km (14 miles) wide making it a great size to rent some wheels and explore.

The island of Cozumel is surrounded by the stunning turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. It sits just 16 km (10 miles) off the coast of Playa del Carmen and is easily accessible with a short 45 minute ferry ride. After sailing through the Cozumel Channel you’ll arrive at the Cozumel ferry terminal in San Miguel de Cozumel.

How To Get To Cozumel Mexico?

There are many ways to get to Cozumel Mexico. As this is an island, you will have the choice of entering by air or sea.

You have two options for visiting by sea: with a ferry, or with a cruise ship.

Cozumel Ferry

If you are coming from other popular tourist areas in Mexico, you will need to first go to Playa del Carmen and catch the Cozumel ferry to the island. The Cozumel ferry port is on the strip at the end of Quinta Ave in Playa del Carmen.

There are two ferry operators to choose from: Ultramar and Winjet.

  • A Winjet Ferry ticket will cost you 285 MXN ($23 CAD/$17 USD) from Cozumel and 301MXN ($24 CAD/$18 USD) from Playa del Carmen or a combo round trip ticket for 585MXN ($47 CAD/$35 USD).
  • Ultramar has more options for routes and luxury. If you’re booking online you’ll want to select “Carmen Beach” as that is the Playa del Carmen terminal. Then you can select Premium Plus for 290MXN ($23.55 CAD/$17.31 USD) one way or book a return ticket for 580MXN ($47.11 CAD/$34.62 USD)

Cruise Ship

Cozumel is a popular cruise ship destination having 3 cruise ports – Punta Lanosta, International Pier, and Puerto Maya. Each Cozumel cruise port is owned by different companies and is located close to the town of San Miguel. Taking a taxi or organizing an excursion with included transportation is the best way to get from the cruise ship port to different areas of Cozumel.

Cozumel Airport

If you’re looking for a more direct route to Cozumel you can use Cozumel airport. You’ll fly into The Cozumel International Airport (CZM). Cozumel flights from Cancun can be as cheap as $128 ($94 USD) to $1150 ($850 USD) with an average of $677 ($500 USD). Once you arrive you can take a taxi or organize a private shuttle from Cozumel Airport to take you to any hotel on the island.

Cozumel airport at night

Cozumel from Cancun

If you’re wondering “How far is Cozumel from Cancun?” we’d recommend expecting the trip to take about 3 hours, depending on your ferry time.

The route from Cancun to Cozumel involves driving along the MEX-307 highway from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. This drive takes about an hour and a half from the city and about an hour from Cancun Airport. You will then need to catch the ferry to Cozumel which takes about 45 minutes.

If you’re looking for all your options on how to get to Playa, you’ll find them in our Playa del Carmen travel guide.

If you are looking for a faster way to get from Cancun to Cozumel, you can also take a flight from Cancun International Airport to Cozumel International Airport, which will get you to the island in about 15 minutes.

beach near punta sur in Cozumel Mexico

Cozumel from Playa del Carmen

To get to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen you’ll be taking the Cozumel ferry. The ferry takes about 45 minutes and the ride is absolutely beautiful! We’ve never seen so many shades of blue and green as we did on this boat ride. It made us so much more excited to start exploring the island.

Cozumel from Tulum

How far is Cozumel from Tulum? Like Cancun, you will have a drive+ferry combo with first having to head to Playa. You will first drive about an hour north along the Mex-307 highway. From there you’ll catch the Cozumel ferry from Playa del Carmen.

How To Get Around Cozumel?

Cozumel is a fun place to explore. It seems like you’re never more than a short walk away from the beach.

walking around cozumel at night, san miguel de cozumel

Walk

If you’re staying in San Miguel Cozumel, the main city of Cozumel, you’ll be able to walk everywhere. You’ll find shops, restaurants, and lots of sites to explore. This is also a great place to take a nice walk along the water.

Scooter

Our favourite way of getting around wherever we travel is by scooter. It all started scootering around Thailand and then we were hooked. It gives you the freedom to go anywhere, any time you want – and it’s a cheap way of getting around. Your Cozumel scooter rental should cost around $30 CAD ($22 USD) per day. This is also something you can haggle the price down on- but be reasonable!

Pro Travel Tip: If you decide to take a Cozumel scooter rental you should use your smartphone to take a video of the scooter. This way you have proof of existing damage to avoid a conflict when you return it. The shop will also see you do this and not give you a hard time. This works everywhere we’ve rented a scooter.

We loved scootering in Cozumel – the island is absolutely perfect for it! There aren’t many roads around which means you will not get lost and will have an easy time seeing all the sites. The east side of the island is lined with a stunning beach with large waves that are perfect for windsurfing. This beach is a lot quieter as it is away from the tourist path. Watch for signs as you drive leading to the ruins of San Gervasio – we loved visiting these!

scootering around cozumel

Taxi

We didn’t take a taxi the whole time we stayed on Cozumel – probably ‘cause we had a scooter. Taxis are a good way to get around if you’re planning an excursion that doesn’t include transportation. It’s also a great way to get around if you are coming from the Cozumel ferry terminals.

It’s best to come to an agreement on Cozumel taxi rates before you start your journey – especially if the meter is off. Check the meter to make sure it’s not started at a higher amount than around 40 MXN. Paying in Mexican Pesos will also get you the best rate.

Best Time To Visit Cozumel?

Like most travel destinations there is a best time to visit – Cozumel is no exception. The best time to visit Cozumel Mexico depends on a few things.

Cozumel Weather

One of the biggest factors to determine when you should travel to Cozumel is the weather. Like most tropical destinations Cozumel has a dry season and a rainy season.

  • Cozumel Dry Season is from November to April. This is the time that Cozumel gets the lowest amount of rain and lowest humidity meaning sunny days and comfortable nights. It’s also peak tourist season and quite busy. We traveled to Cozumel in March and the weather was amazing and it wasn’t too busy. Win-win!
  • The Cozumel Rainy Season is from May to October. It’s rainy and humid – but the rain comes in short bursts. You’ll still be able to chill at the beach – just be ready with an umbrella.

This time is Cozumel low season meaning it’s a whole lot easier on your wallet. You can expect lower costs for accommodation and activities. Watch out for Cozumel hurricane season, between August and early October.

  • If you’re a budget traveler looking to get a good deal, consider traveling in Cozumel shoulder season (April, May, October, and November) for fewer crowds and better deals.

For those of you in the cold parts of North America: Cozumel weather in December is amazing. One of the best times to visit Cozumel, December brings sunny skies and warm weather.

Cozumel Diving Season

scuba diving at cozumel

If scuba diving in Cozumel is on your travel bucket list (and trust us, it should be!) May to September is when the waters are the clearest. You’ll have impressive water visibility of up to 50m (164 ft) depending on the plankton blooms, currents, and weather. May to September is also whale shark season in the area.

No matter when you visit Cozumel, you will have water temperatures between 25-28℃ (75-80℉) and impressive water clarity of more than 30m (100 ft).

Where to stay in Cozumel?

Despite being a small island, Cozumel Mexico is home to every kind of accommodation you could hope for. In San Miguel city, the main area of the island, you will find many of the top places to stay. When looking for Cozumel hotels, we highly recommend opting for one with a rooftop pool. We spent all our “hotel time” taking in the views at ours!

Rooftop pool at Hotel Plaza Cozumel, rooftop bar

If you’re going to do an all inclusive resort, Cozumel is the place to do it! Cozumel all inclusive hotels scream luxury. This is the best way to soak up a lazy island life and make laying on the beach and getting a tan your full time job. Not only that but you can snorkel from the beach at many Cozumel resorts.

  • Iberostar Cozumel is one of the best all inclusives in Cozumel. The stunning oceanfront location allows you to choose between spending the day at one of the many pools or relaxing by the Caribbean Sea. There’s epic snorkeling right from the beach and the food on site is amazing!
  • The Cozumel Palace All-Inclusive Resort is perfect for those wanting to hang out in town but also enjoy all the luxuries of an all inclusive resort. You can sit by the pool overlooking the ocean for the ultimate relaxing island vibes.
  • If you don’t need a Cozumel all inclusive hotel and would rather just have a really nice hotel, we’d recommend the Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa. It has the perfect location close to the main San Miguel city center. The water around it is epic and you can snorkel right from the private beach.

If you’re looking for budget friendly accommodations, we’d recommend heading to Hotel Plaza Cozumel. We stayed here and had a great experience. Not only was the price right, but we had the whole hotel practically to ourselves. It had a perfect location downtown San Miguel and the rooftop pool was absolutely epic, especially during sunset.

street art in cozumel

Is Cozumel Safe?

Cozumel’s safety shouldn’t be a concern. While you may have some concerns in bigger cities like Cancun and Mexico City, crime in Cozumel is very minimal and mostly comes in the form of petty theft like pickpocketing. While you’re living the lazy island lifestyle here, just be sure to practice basic street sense by avoiding walking down dark streets alone and staying alert in heavily crowded areas.

Is it safe to swim in Cozumel?

Not only can you swim in Cozumel, but we HIGHLY recommend it!! The island is practically surrounded by stunning coral reefs (sitting on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef) and has some of the most beautiful swimming and snorkeling conditions we’ve ever seen! The hot Caribbean Sea is crystal clear with a beautiful turquoise hue.

Most of the beaches in Cozumel have a white sand bottom making them that much more appealing to jump in for a refreshing swim. We bought a snorkel set before we left and we’re so glad we did! We brought it with us everywhere we went traveling in Mexico and got so much use out of it.

What are the best beaches in Cozumel?

It’s not hard to find the best beaches in Cozumel. Honestly, it’s hard to find a bad one. There are a few Cozumel beaches that stand out from the rest though.

paradise beach cozumel
  • Paradise Beach Cozumel – the most popular beach club on the west coast of Cozumel. Paradise Beach offers a large pool, a water park, a restaurant, a bar, and many activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and more This beach is absolutely stunning and we even went diving just off the coast of it.
  • Playa Mia Cozumel is a beach club again on the west coast of Cozumel. Playa Mia Grand Beach Park has a huge pool, a water slide, a floating park, a buffet, a bar, and many activities such as scuba diving, jet skiing, sailing, and more
  • Mr Sanchos Cozumel – a popular beach club on (you guessed it!) the west side of Cozumel. Mr. Sanchos Beach Club has a pool, a spa, a restaurant, a bar, and many activities such as horseback riding, parasailing, fishing, and more
  • Punta Morena – This is a beach club that offers a pool, a restaurant, a bar, and a surf shop. You can enjoy the views of the ocean, relax on the hammocks, or try surfing or boogie boarding.
  • Playa Chen Rio – A public beach that has a natural rock pool that protects you from the waves and allows you to swim safely. You can also find some local food stalls and vendors selling souvenirs
  • Playa Bonita – A public beach that has a calm lagoon where you can swim or snorkel. You can also rent kayaks, paddle boards, or bikes to explore the area.

Cozumel Restaurants

If you are looking for something to eat in Cozumel, you’ll be happy to know you have a lot of options! The streets of San Miguel de Cozumel are lined with many different types of restaurants. From traditional Mexican food, Indian food, Italian food, and more, you will have no shortage of options.

  • If you keep a vegan lifestyle, you’ll be happy to know there are a lot of vegan restaurants in Cozumel. Nutty Treesome is one of our favorite options with vegan sushi, ice cream, and cool boho vibes.
  • If you’re touring the island and looking for a good seafood restaurant on the eastern coast, head to Coconuts Bar & Grill!! Not only will you get epic waterfront views but the restaurant itself is quirky and fun showcasing an international vibe. The staff is incredibly friendly and the food is DELISH!
  • Three Amigos Cozumel is a tasty oceanfront restaurant located right by the cruise ship terminals and has good Mexican food and even better margaritas!
  • If you’re in the mood for some Italian food, it doesn’t get better than Guido’s Restaurant and Bar. The cute little restaurant has such flavorful Italian food that is absolutely delicious!

Myles is obsessed with margaritas so we had to try Wet Wendy’s – they have 30 flavors of margaritas.

What to do in Cozumel?

We had such a blast exploring all the fun things to do on Cozumel. Island life is our vibe… slow paced, easy going and focused on fun!

There is so much to see and do in Cozumel. From Punta Sur, exploring the San Gervasio Mayan ruins, visiting the Cozumel Pearl Farm, and shopping in San Miguel, you have no shortage of Cozumel attractions to choose from.

Cozumel mayan ruins called San Gervasio are some of the best mayan ruins in Mexico
  • Looking for fun Cozumel excursions? You can choose between parasailing in the water, ATVing through the jungle, and even riding in a submarine!
  • By far the best things to do in Cozumel is to go snorkeling and scuba diving. This is what the island is known for! Scuba diving on Cozumel is some of the best conditions in the world. If you’re already dive certified, we HIGHLY recommend exploring these waters. If not, this is an EPIC spot to try diving for the first time.

Is Cozumel Worth Visiting?

Yes, absolutely! Cozumel is our favourite place to visit in Mexico. We’ve visited multiple times and will definitely be back. If you’re coming to Mexico to enjoy water activities, this island is an absolute must.

Thanks for stopping by!

Visiting Cozumel Mexico was one of the best parts of our holiday. The lazy island vibes and the epic Caribbean location made for some of the best vacation memories we have. If you are looking for the best way to enjoy all that Mexico has to offer, a trip to Cozumel is an absolute must! From epic sunsets, amazing scuba diving, and adventurous jungle experience, this tropical island has it all!

Enjoy that island life!

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After three years of sleeping with two adults and 3 dogs in a tiny little van, it is safe to say we have gotten quite good at it! We know not only how to scout out the best campsite but also how to get the best sleep once parked and ready.

We decided to pass on some words of wisdom for new vanpeople or to those who simply suffer from insomnia. These are our recommendations for those wondering how to fall asleep easily in a different city every night. Let’s face it, sleep deprivation can negatively affect every single aspect of your life. Sleep is something we take seriously. A lack of sleep can be a dangerous thing when living van life. When you are in close quarters with anyone for an extended period of time, a good night’s sleep will make it much smoother.

1. Don’t Fight Mother Nature

Your usual routine of staying up as late at night and sleeping in even later the next morning won’t fly in your camper. Instead, .you will find yourself adjusting to mother nature’s schedule. The best time to sleep may have been closer to midnight for you before, but when living in a camper, you will feel far more rested if you stick to the sun’s schedule.

Whether you are a full time RVer or are just going on a short camping trip, you are sure to find yourself running out of things to do when the sun goes down and being woken up early by the sun peeking through your windows.

This new sleeping schedule can be a bit of an adjustment and one you may not be willing to make – but trust us, going with it is much better than fighting it. Getting your body in tune with nature will help to make it so you have a good night’s rest. It will also help you to make the most of your day.

2. Find Flat Land

Finding even ground is likely something you have never thought about when in a car – that is until you are considering sleeping in your vehicle. You will know you are a true vanlifer when you find yourself always looking for the most even terrain to park on. You can cheat the system by bringing along a couple of short pieces of wood. If you find an ideal campsite but it’s not flat, you can drive up on the wood to level your rig.

Pro tip: If you are prone to snoring, finding level ground will do even more for your night’s sleep as you will be more comfortable inside and stomach sleeping.

While finding flat land is the dream, it isn’t always realistic. While you will want to aim to find as flat as possible, it is also important to consider the side where you are putting your head. If you can’t find perfectly flat ground, which you commonly can’t, you will want to make sure that the area where you put your head is at the slight incline. Having your head slightly higher will likely not bother you as much if you even notice a difference.

It is important to never find a position where your feet are higher. This will cause the blood in your body to pool in your head as you sleep and can be incredibly uncomfortable. If you are sleeping with another person in the car as we do, tilting to one side at an angle is also not ideal. With this, you will find yourself rolling into each other (and not in a good way) all night long.

We always keep a couple extra throw pillows in our van too so we can correct any problems we may feel. If we aren’t quite flat, a few strategically placed pillows can leave us much more comfortable.

3. Outfitting Your Van

To me, it is very important to get comfortable wherever I go. Whether I am staying in a hotel for a night or moving into a new home, I make sure to fully unpack all of my stuff to make myself feel as homey as possible. I think almost everyone can agree that they get the best sleep when they are at home so why not bring home with you wherever you go?

Bring Comforts

This is important no matter how long you are staying in your RV for. Bring your socks, duvet, pillows, throw pillows, sleep masks, essential oils, slippers, comfy pajamas, or anything else you enjoy using along with you. Make your camper feel just as cozy as your home does.

Being comfortable is important whether this is your home for a night or your home for life.

We see so many RVers using scratchy blankets or even sleeping bags as their bedding and we just don’t get it. There are so many things we bring with us to make it as comfortable as possible. We have our nice fleece sheets lining the bottom, a fluffy duvet on top and a whole whack of pillows everywhere. We drink our tea out of nice homey mugs and make sure to bring all of our creature comforts with us.

Check On Your Curtains

Darkness is very important for getting a good night’s sleep. This is especially important when you’re in a camper as you will have much more exposure to external light sources. No one wants to be woken up by headlights shining through your windows. If you have to sleep in a parking lot you’ll want to be able to park directly under lights without them shining into your eyes.

We would like you to learn from our mistakes and NOT outfit your van with super cute but thin blush curtains. Instead, go for something either a bit darker in color to block out the bright lights or line your curtains so that you can keep the sun (and the heat) out longer. If you have to have lighter curtains sew a thicker material onto the back so they have a better chance at blocking out unwanted light.

Invest In Screens

If there is one piece of advice we could scream from the rooftops it’s to invest in some screens for your tiny home! No matter what season you are traveling in, vans get HOT and even being able to crack your windows a tiny bit can do wonders for increasing your comfort levels. Being able to do this without being swarmed by bugs will give you a much better sleep.

In the hot summer months, we sleep with all our windows completely opened and the air flow between them is so welcomed. We do this even on cooler nights because with three dogs and two people, having some new fresh air be able to come in is always welcomed.

4. Bedtime Routines

We take bedtime routines seriously, probably due to our increase in age. Gone are the day’s where we launch ourselves into bed in yesterday’s clothes and makeup still on. Today’s nighttime routines have evolved into a much lengthier process of self care and home cleaning.

Get Tiered

While this may seem obvious, too many people struggle to get to sleep for the fact that they simply aren’t tired. It is no secret that time moves quite a bit slower when you are camping and living out in the bush, so much so that you may find yourself too relaxed and in turn not tired by the end of the day.

Never underestimate the power of a good hike, brisk yoga, or a long swim. While it may seem counterintuitive to get your heart racing before bed, it can help put you to sleep. There is no better sleep than when you are physically, and mentally, exhausted. While it is best to do this during the day as you will not be left with a sudden burst of endorphins, we have found evening strolls to be effective as well. Get outside and run, walk, bike, paddle, or hike. Whatever you decide, this is the best natural sleep aid we have yet to come across.

Essential Oils

We often get questions about which essential oils are best and why we use them. We rely heavily on essential oils in every aspect of our life and couldn’t be happier with the effect we have found from them.

While there are more and more companies popping up selling these products, we have always really liked using Sage products. The sleep well blend as well as the tranquility spray is something we use almost every single night. We bought a mask from them as well that we regularly add some essential oils to in order to get the best night’s sleep.

Meditate

Meditating is a nightly routine for both Myles and I that we take part in almost every single night. This looks a bit different for everyone but whether you are clearing your mind while lying in bed or intently seeking out a spot to do some mindful meditation, it can have great positive effects on your sleep cycle.

We have a Spotify playlist full of meditation music that we fall asleep to quite often. We now associate the music with sleeping and no matter what we are doing we start to feel sleepy the moment we hear the tunes. I combine this with some mindfulness exercises like stretching or light bed yoga. Nothing puts me to sleep quite as well as warm and stretched out muscles.

You may be wondering how to meditate but worry less about how to and just do what feels right for you.

I like focusing on awareness and fall asleep every single night analyzing every inch of my body from the hair on my head to the tips of my toe. I visualize the body part and consciously think of it melting in relaxation. Most nights I don’t get through my body before I drift into a calm and deep sleep. Others I know can’t meditate with anyone else around as they find it too distracting and instead go to seek out a quiet private spot.

5. Lighting

If you have decked out your rig for long term use, chances are you have thought ahead and have some energy efficient LED lights for indoor use. While these are great options, they don’t provide the best lighting for inducing a deep sleep. Light can play a big role in making you tired which is why we bought some warm fairy lights that run on rechargeable batteries. This causes less strain on our eyes while still allowing us to navigate our way through the van.

While ideally, you should not be using your cell phone or computer right before bed, it isn’t necessarily the most realistic thing. Whether you are setting your alarm, planning your next days route or simply checking up on your Instagram feed, the reality is our generation uses their phone up until the moment they fall asleep.

To help make this a bit better, we make sure that our screens brightness setting is always turned way down and that we have a blue light filter on, a setting called eye comfort on our phones. All of these things help make us still able to fall asleep even after using our devices.

How do you ensure a good night’s sleep in your camper? Do you incorporate any of these tips into your nighttime routine?

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The Philippines has been on the top of our must-visit list for as long as we can remember. The beautiful and pristine clear tropical waters were enough to hold our interest. That’s why the moment we planned an extended trip to South East Asia, we knew this country needed to be one of our first stops. We can now confidently say the Philippines is one of the best vacation spots in the world.

Despite all this country has to offer, it is quite remote and isn’t your typical tourist destination. All busyness is replaced with ‘island time’ where everything is a lot more relaxed and leisurely. If you’re like we were, you may not know what to expect travelling in the Philippines. We’ve made this list to get you more prepared on what to expect in the Philippines.

We’ve made a list of 10 must know facts we were surprised to learn on our trip through this country.

1. The Philippines is very eco friendly

If you are anything like us, you are always looking for ways to go green and make your travel vacation more sustainable. While in Canada we are just starting to take notice of the harsh effects of plastic straws, in the Philippines there is not a plastic straw in sight. Everywhere you look you will find paper straws being your only option.

Plastic cutlery is replaced with compostable wood and you have to ask if you want a plastic bag, they aren’t just handed over.

photo of a pontoon boat with crystal clear water in El Nido, Philippines
Crystal clear water by El Nido, Philippines

While it is not safe to drink tap water, that doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy a bunch of water bottles. In the Philippines, you will find water refill stations just about everywhere you turn.

From big jugs found in hotels everywhere that are FREE to a cheap refill station located on the streets, you have tons of options. Lots of restaurants offer either free or affordable filtered water that typically is served in reusable glass bottles.

As their tourism is on the rise, you can expect to pay many “eco fees” when travelling around.

Eco fees work to clean and protect both the beaches and the ocean where you are travelling. While these are often around 200 – 500 Philippines Pesos ($5 – $12 CAD) the money does seem to really work to keep the land and waters clean making it worth every single penny.

2. Stray dogs in the Philippines are usually friendly

As with a lot of areas in Asia, stray dogs and cats are a real problem in the Philippines. As heartbreaking as this is, especially to animal lovers such as ourselves, there is a slight light at the end of the tunnel. Animals in the Philippines seem to be better treated with this country where the dogs and cats seem to be a bit better treated as a whole.

Stray dogs in the Philippines are less fearful of humans. You will see the dogs playing all over the streets, a sight you simply do not see in other parts of Asia.

Where normally dogs in this area are in a survivalist “dog eat dog” world – literally – and are much more similar to coyotes than to household pets, this doesn’t ring as true in the Philippines. It is a small breath of fresh air to see dogs acting like, well, dogs.

Curious how you can get FREE TRIPS?

3. More islands are constantly getting found

The Philippines consists of over 7,600 islands… and counting. Some islands are so small that they disappear completely in high tides. There are Philippines islands that hold large bustling cities while others show no signs of human civilization.

With so many dots on a map, it is easy to understand how you can lose track of which islands have been discovered and which have yet to have a human ever step foot on them. Combine this with the rough waters of the open ocean and you will see how some islands have never been found.

In our modern world, how crazy is it to think that there are some areas of this world that are so remote that they have had absolutely no human influence.

4. The Philippines is vegetarian and vegan friendly

Whether you’re living a dedicated vegan lifestyle or simply looking for healthier plant-based options, you will be pleasantly surprised by how many options you have in the Philippines.

We always expect a bit of a challenge finding vegetarian and plant-based meals but we didn’t struggle at all here. From smoothie bowls, vegan burgers, veggie kebabs and pasta we always had our choice of tasty cuisine. We found that many restaurants offered up more veggie options than meat options, which surprised us.

5. English is widely spoken in The Philippines

For not being a huge tourist destination, we expected more of a struggle to communicate with locals. We were incredibly surprised to learn that almost all of the locals here, even those not in the tourist industry, speak English well.

As the Philippines is so spread out with many islands, there are multiple different dialects spoken so as a way to communicate easier everyone simply speaks English. This was really great for us as it means we could communicate with locals more readily.

Speaking of communicating, we were so humbled by how friendly the locals are in the Philippines. It seemed everyone we encountered was ready to chat with us, help us and have real connections.

Getting to know the locals as we travel is one of our favourite things to do and we are always so honoured to get the chance to spend quality time learning about other cultures.

6. The remote location comes with a cost

If you compare the costs of the Philippines to other areas of Asia you will be quite surprised. We found food and especially accommodation prices to be quite high in comparison to places like Thailand and Bali. Still, a bargain compared to American and European prices, but much more than other Asian backpacking countries.

When considering lodging, we found it worth the cost to stay in a resort when visiting these islands as we found the cheap hotels to be full of bed bugs and cockroaches. While these prices may not be the lowest we have seen, it is still a great cheap beach vacation that is sure to provide memories of a lifetime.

We also found that while we spent a bit more on accommodation prices, what we got really was worth it!

7. ATMs are not easily accessible

When you are travelling through Asia you will likely not want to travel with excess valuables. The more you travel with, the bigger the target you are. While this is true in most places, the Philippines is not one of them.

There are many cities, and even islands, that do not have ATM machines in the Philippines.

If you do find an ATM machine, it will commonly undergo power outages or other service issues that limit your ability to access your money. This can be quite dangerous at times.

We recommend always having extra money with you at all times when visiting the Philippines.

8. The internet in the Philippines isn’t reliable

The internet in the Philippines is more of a fond notion rather than something that actually works. No restaurants or fast food chains offer wifi, something that I have only found in this country. Hotels and airports in this country typically have wifi but not one that actually works.

This is not necessarily a bad thing – just something to know before you go.

There is so much to see and do in the Philippines that you will have no trouble busying yourself for some precious days unplugged from the world. While no signal can be a great recharge for the soul, it is lethal for a digital nomad. We were able to get no work done the whole time in the country, we couldn’t even check a social media handle – a very foreign concept to us.

Luckily we were kept very busy swimming through some of the clearest and most beautiful turquoise waters in the world. We thought the Caribbean was blessed with amazing waters until we went here and experienced this beauty.

9. Blackouts are common in the remote areas of the Philippines

If you were hoping for a cool night’s sleep in the air-conditioned room you paid for, think again. Blackouts happen but in the Philippines, they happen OFTEN. We never experienced a single day in the Philippines that didn’t have at least 2 blackouts. Some lasted a few seconds, some much longer.

This further limits your ability to find any wifi but also cuts out fans, air conditioning, TVs, etc. For this reason, we kept our room colder than we normally would so it could stay cool even when we lost power.

10. Travelling between cities and islands in the Philippines can be hard

This is by far the biggest struggle we encountered in the Philippines. This becomes even harder when you are travelling in the rainy (ie, monsoon) season, as we did. There are very few airports in the country making it so the primary way of getting from island to island is by boat. The seas are CHOPPY and dangerous which makes motion sickness a real thing.

This is by far the biggest struggle we encountered in the Philippines. This becomes even harder when you are travelling in the rainy (ie, monsoon) season, as we did. There are very few airports in the country making it so the primary way of getting from island to island is by boat. The seas are CHOPPY and dangerous which makes motion sickness a real thing.

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We heard stories of people getting stuck on an island for more than 2 weeks because of treacherous waves.

It is not uncommon for boats to go down in bad weather, so they stop all boat traffic when rough waters are present. This can leave you stuck in an area with little control over when you can leave.

Friends we met who were travelling here for 3 weeks ended up getting stuck on an island. They missed their flight out of the country and overstayed their 30-day visitor visa. Luckily, I think, this is quite common as the officials were understanding of the overstayed visa.

When you are travelling on an island, there are many different transportation methods you can use. Our favourite is always renting a scooter. But if you are too nervous about this you can always get by using taxis or tricycles (the Philippines version of a Tuk Tuk).

Have you ever travelled to the Philippines? What surprised you most about this remote country?

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Ahhh Kelowna – the Hawaii of Canada! In 2019, after travelling quite extensively, we made the calculated decision to make Kelowna our home base. After thoroughly exploring North America on our three-year road trip it is safe to say we knew exactly what we wanted in the place we decided to call home: tons of hiking trails, long hot summers with mild winters, slow good vibes and friendly people. You need to visit Kelowna now!

Looking to get romantic on your next trip to Kelowna? Check out these romantic date ideas in Kelowna!

Kelowna checked all of these boxes off with flying colours! We could go on and on about why we love this city (and often do) so we decided to do just that by listing the top reasons that Kelowna needs to be at the top of your must-visit travel list.

Travelling to British Columbia? Read about 6 secret spots that are our favourite in the province.

1. Kelowna has long hot summers with mild winters

If there is one thing that Kelowna excels at it’s outdoor living. Everywhere you look you will see patios, parks, people on their bikes and at the beach. Kelowna is great for those looking for short milder winters and long hot summers.

Wondering what the best way to spend a summer day in Kelowna is? Packing a cooler and relaxing aboard a private pontoon boat cruise on Okanagan Lake is the way to do it! This cruise will take up to 11 people to spend the afternoon on the lake for $960 CAD ($715.99 USD). Split that cost 11 ways and this becomes super affordable!

All the sunshine in Kelowna makes the spring and fall months feel like an extension of summer. In fact, many locals will start their outdoor living as early as late March when the snow has melted and the sun is in full force. By April, patios are in full swing and it seems every single house has a BBQ going for dinner. The many surrounding lakes help to break the heat you may be experiencing as summer temperatures are known to sit around the mid-30s (in the 90s Fahrenheit).

Tucked amongst the mountains, Kelowna continues to be a playground even through the winter months. Big White in Kelowna is a popular option amongst locals for skiing and snowboarding but there are many in the area including Apex mountain in Hedley and Silverstar mountain in nearby Vernon. A great place to experience all 4 seasons, Kelowna winters drop just below freezing to around -5℃ (around 25℉) allowing for white winters that aren’t too chilly.

Looking to go to Big White? Booking private transportation from Kelowna to Big White will get you there without stress.

2. Shopping local is easy

Kelowna, and most of the people living here, place a great priority on shopping locally. With a dominating farming industry, sourcing produce and meat fresh from local farms are the norms.

From the budding local farmers’ market to the many small markets selling locally produced goods, you have endless farm-to-table options. Even big corporations such as Save On Foods have entire sections of their stores that highlight all locally crafted items.

Click here for info about how to get around Kelowna like a local

Walking down Bernard Ave. or Pandosy St., the two streets that are most dedicated to “downtown shopping”. A majority of these stores are all local boutique-style businesses. The top cafes and restaurants in Kelowna are all smaller family-owned businesses that serve local craft beers and wines.

If you’re wanting to take part in the shop local eat local trend, this 3 hour private downtown foodie tour will take you to some of the best downtown local restaurants that are exclusive to Kelowna. The tour costs $120 CAD ($89.50 USD) and includes all food and drinks at the different independent restaurants.

If you are looking to get on board with this trend there are many farms in the city where you can go directly to buy all your produce, meats, cheeses, honey, and more.

Looking for more of a one-stop shop? The farmers market in Kelowna is large and bustling with great local finds and runs every Saturday and Wednesday morning in the summer months. You can find everything from fresh locally grown vegetables to homemade clothes and dreamcatchers.

3. There are over 100 wineries in the Okanagan

The Okanagan is BC’s little Napa Valley – full of stunning wineries. Summerhill Pyramid Winery is one of our favourites with lake and city views that are sure to take your breath away. Sandhill Wines is right downtown Kelowna making it a super popular destination. With every winery having its own spin on things you can even find some great niche wines, such as the honey wine found at Meadow Vista.

Take this self guided wine tour of the best wineries in Kelowna!

If you don’t have a designated driver, booking an afternoon Kelowna wine tour is a great option. You can choose between either an east Kelowna or West Kelowna wine tour here visiting 4 of the best wineries in the city. All tasting fees and transportation from your hotel is included in the cost. The price varies based on the number of people in your group with 2 people costing $250 CAD ($186.46 USD) each and a group of 6 costing $179 CAD ($133.50 USD) per person.

Wine isn’t your thing? There are TONS of small craft breweries and cideries in the city and surrounding area. If you want it all in one place visiting any number of the local pubs around town will give you local options.

If you’d be more into checking out the craft beer scene, this Kelowna brewery tour will take you to 3 of the best breweries in the city: Tree Brewing, BNA Brewing, and Kettle River Brewing. Flights of beer from each brewery and transportation are included in the $110 CAD ($82.04 USD) per person price tag.

Downtown Kelowna has developed a brewery district with a bunch of craft breweries opening close together. The best way to see this is with a walking self guided Kelowna brewery tour that takes you to the best Kelowna breweries. Our top recommendations are BNA, Red Bird and Bad Tattoo Brewing (all located within a few blocks of each other).

4. Kelowna’s Okanagan Lake is full of activities

We LOVE the water and that is a massive positive for the city – it’s surrounded by huge lakes. Okanagan Lake runs North to South between West Kelowna and Kelowna. Kalamalka Lake and Wood Lake also run vertically but are northeast of the city.

Kelowna’s waterways are beautiful providing gorgeous views both in and out of the water.

The lakes here are BIG and offer warm clear waters that are perfect for boating, kayaking and even scuba diving. Kelowna’s main lake is called the Okanagan Lake and is famous for having the friendly Ogopogo monster living inside, similar to Scotland’s Loch Ness monster.

This lake is lined with beaches every few hundred meters making it so there is plenty of access in the summertime. As a general rule, the farther away from downtown you go, the better your chances are of finding a great spot.

The most popular beaches in Kelowna are Boyce-Gyro Beach, Hot Sand Beach at City Park, Tugboat Beach and Rotary Beach Beach. If you are looking for less busy Kelowna beaches to visit, we recommend driving down Lakeshore Rd/Abbott Rd to find some smaller beach access points.

Venturing into West Kelowna is another great option for finding quieter beaches.

If you want a bit more luxury, another great way to enjoy the lake is by sailing on it. This private sailing cruise is a great way for your group to see the city. The price of this cruise varies on the number of people in your group with 2 people costing $160 CAD ($119.33 USD) each and groups of 6 costing $130 CAD ($96.96 USD) each. My favorite part about this tour is your captain will even let you take the wheel giving you a quick sailing lesson as you go.

If you are looking beyond just Kelowna, there are 50 lakes in the Okanagan area so you have plenty of options and may even find some secluded havens. Heading down some local FSRs (forest service roads) will take you to smaller, less crowded lakes such as Chute Lake, Lambly Lake, Hydraulic Lake, Postill Lake and Beaver Lake.

One of our favourite things to do is to hike in or kayak along the coastline to find our own private beaches. We often pack our dogs into our kayaks and paddle up the lake to find some great secret spots along the water. If you don’t have a kayak, try exploring on foot.

Knox Mountain is a great hiking spot that is located right downtown Kelowna and if you are brave enough to bushwack a bit you can find some great water access spots. A popular one to hike to is Paul’s Tomb – the walk is easy and the views are priceless. Another great hike-in-only beach is Rose Valley Lake on Kelowna’s Westside.

5. You get to enjoy the best restaurants in Kelowna

The amount of high-quality restaurant options in Kelowna is enough to make your head spin. We HIGHLY recommend skipping the big-name chains and opting for one of the many local restaurants in the area.

Wine more your thing? Check out these top Kelowna winery restaurants.

In the downtown core, higher-end restaurants such as Oak & Cru and Micro Bar & Bites combine with eclectic must-visit places such as BNA brewing, Leopold’s Tavern and Curious Cafe.

If you are looking to soak up the sunshine with a great patio and lake views check out King Taps or Cactus Club downtown or head to a winery such as Quails Gate in West Kelowna.

A great way to taste the city is to book this downtown Kelowna walking food tour. You can eat your way through 7 different places in the city. This tour costs $83 CAD ($61.90 USD) and includes all food and drink tastings along the way. Your guide will teach you about the city and the food as you spend 3 hours touring downtown.

If you’re looking for a meal with a ton of nightlife head to Craft Beer Market or Social 242 Lounge (bonus: Tuesday is Ladies Night where ladies get $20 off of a $40 or higher bill INCLUDING drinks!). Kelowna is fairly vegan-friendly with restaurants like Central Kitchen, the Naked Cafe, Frankie We Salute You and KB &Co offering many plant-based options.

6. The perfect mix of fresh fruit & local farms

Kelowna has a delicate balance of city life mixed with gorgeous farms and orchards. Okanagan fruit is definitely something to write home about – the cherries.. the peaches!!! You can expect the streets to be lined with fresh fruit stands in the summertime that are all well worth a visit.

Looking for a great date idea in Kelowna? Pack a picnic and head to a u-Pick.

If you are up for the adventure, there are MANY u-pick farms that you can visit to pick your own fruit straight from the source — it doesn’t get any fresher than this!

If you are up for the adventure, there are MANY u-pick farms that you can visit to pick your own fruit straight from the source — it doesn’t get any fresher than this!

There are even great sanctuaries that allow hands-on experience with some rescued farm animals. The Arion therapeutic farm is a favourite of ours and a great place to get in touch with nature.

7. There are so many things to do in Kelowna

If you are lucky enough to visit the Okanagan in the summertime you will be left with no shortage of amazing things to do around the city. With all the wineries, farms, and patios you will have no shortage of ways to enjoy all the beautiful sunshine that comes in this area.

If you enjoy the outdoors, we recommend exploring the Kettle Valley Railroad. This offers endless stunning views and is great for hiking, biking or even cross-country skiing in the wintertime. There are a couple of different access points, our favourite of which is located here.

If you’re wanting to try biking this trail, the Kettle Valley Railway tour from Myra Canyon to Penticton is a great way to do it. While the whole trail is either flat or downhill, you will be traveling long distances so make sure you’re physically fit. You will be biking all the way to Penticton crossing the trestle bridges and going through tunnels. The tour is great for groups of 4 or more and includes your bike rental and round trip transportation for $225 CAD ($167.81 USD) per person.

Expect a bit of a drive from the city and a dirt road climb up a forest service road but trust us it is well worth it.

If you are coming in the winter months, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the relatively mild temperatures in the area. Winter makes a short and sweet appearance in Kelowna perfectly dusting the city with some snow to make all your winter wonderland dreams come true. This gives the local mountains some great fresh powder while allowing the city to put on their FREE annual outdoor skating rink.

Looking to explore more of British Columbia? Check out the top things to do in Vancouver!

8. Kelowna has an artsy vibe

From local craft breweries to hipster cafes this city has an artsy vibe that rivals San Francisco. Everyone here has their own unique style and it seems most have found their own ways to combine their passions with their business.

The downtown core is full of life and diverse hotspots sure to light your fire whether you’re a foodie or fashionista. With a buzzing arts and culture district, there is something new to do and see every night of the week.

9. There are SO MANY places to camp!

It is no surprise that we LOVE to camp. If you’re anything like us and love to find private FREE campsites, Kelowna and the surrounding area have plenty to keep you busy. As Kelowna is nestled between mountains, forests and lakes you will find that there are a ton of great spots to camp.

Less than half an hour from the downtown core in practically any direction you will find yourself in the middle of the outback with endless free campsites to enjoy.

10. It’s dog friendly

With three dogs, this should really be at the top of our list as it is one of the first things we look for in a new city. To be honest, we were nervous to move to Kelowna as we previously had found Kelowna incredibly not dog friendly but it turns out we just didn’t know where to go.

On a hot summer day, you can keep your dog cool by hitting the beach. Cedar Creek Park in the southern mission area is one of our favourite spots to bring our dogs.

Minutes from downtown you will find Mushroom Beach (also called Lake Ave Dog Off-leash beach), another great dog-friendly beach spot. There are also lots of great trails around that allow your furry friend to come along.

If you are wanting more of a city vibe you can walk your pup downtown along the water. Bernard Street offers up a plethora of restaurants some of which have patios with water dishes for your pup.

If you are wanting more of a city vibe you can walk your pup downtown along the water. Bernard Street offers up a plethora of restaurants some of which have patios with water dishes for your pup.

Where to stay in Kelowna

Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort – If waking up to stunning lake views sounds great to you, the Delta Hotel is one of the best hotels in Kelowna. Choose to soak in either their indoor or outdoor pool, enjoy the on-site restaurant Oak + Cru, or take a trip to their on-site wine cellar to do the most Kelowna-y thing you can do – enjoy a wine tasting. Located right downtown Kelowna, this hotel is within walking distance to the best beaches, restaurants and shopping in the city.

Hotel Zed – This quirky colorful downtown Kelowna hotel has a young and hip vibe with tons of cool extras to offer. With a pool, hot tub, outdoor firepit and sauna on site, there is tons to do. This is a great place to meet people whether you’re enjoying a cold beer on their rooftop patio taking in views of Okanagan Lake, raving at their mini-disco on site or having fun at their Ping Pong lounge complete with a Wii station. You can get around on their free bikes and rollerscates offered. Best of all, the hotel is pet friendly!

Hotel Eldorado at Eldorado Resort – This stunning boutique-style hotel is located in the southern Mission area of Kelowna. This lakefront resort has a stunning indoor pool and a whole lot of character. With a charming restaurant on site, this resort is close by the top beaches in Kelowna including Rotary Beach.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Kelowna – A great option for families traveling to the Okanagan, Fairfield Inn has a giant waterslide that is great for keeping the family happy. Rooms are spacious and breakfast is included at this hotel. A great location sandwiched between downtown Kelowna and Kelowa’s airport, this hotel is within walking distance to many great restaurants and Orchard Park Mall.

Thanks for stopping by!

All in all, Kelowna is the ultimate destination offering something for everyone. Whether you are looking to set down some roots or planning the ultimate road trip through BC Kelowna has so much to offer!

Ever been to Kelowna? What was your favourite part of the city?

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Travel to the small island of Bali is on the rise and is one of the hottest tourism destinations. So we wanted to give you our insider tips on all the best things to do in Bali. For being a relatively small island, there are LOTS of things to see and do while you’re here. It’s a beach lover’s paradise and this island offers much more than you may think. Bali is a great area to relax and rejuvenate with a relaxing vacation.

Staying here for at least a week is needed in order to take in all of the sights in the area. Two weeks will allow you to see and do more without feeling rushed or stressed. During your time, you will want to ensure you see the following sites:

Top things to do in Bali

Table of Contents

1. Go scuba diving

One of the best things to do in Bali is go scuba diving! Indonesia has some of the best scuba diving in the world, some of which can be found on Bali.

At the far northeast corner of Bali, you will find the tiny town of Tulamben. While this town itself may be quite sleepy, as soon as you dip below the ocean’s surface you will see a ton of life. Diving in this area is incredibly affordable and there are lots to see and do. In this area, there are 15 dive sites that have been set up for the public.

going scuba diving in bali is one of the best things to do in bali

One of these sites includes a massive WWI cargo ship: the USS Liberty Shipwreck. For those who are looking for a great wreck dive in Bali, this is it! It sits just off the coastline just waiting to be explored. It ran aground and the volcano pushed it back out to sea. It still has some of its cargo aboard along with its guns. It ranges from 25 to 100 feet deep making it able to be swam through quite easily.

There is a statue garden below the sea where you can see a cluster of about 20 statues that have since developed reefs around them.

Scuba diving in the area is the main attraction. We didn’t find a lot of activities to do so make sure your hotel has a pool to relax by. Completely immersed in the culture, this tiny town is a step back in time. You can visit the nearby villages to get a truly unique experience while staying in this area.

We stayed at a small diving hotel seconds away from the beach. When we were not diving in the sea we were soaking in the many pools. The hotel provides you with free snorkel gear, although there is not much to see when snorkeling.

Tip: Hotels, especially in this area, hate when you book through Agoda.com. The site seems to take a lot of the profits so the actual hotel is left with only a little of what you paid. You will often get less service when booking from this site. In this particular hotel, “less service” meant a separate resort where we were the only people staying at this location and had our own private pool. While we loved the private oasis, we would way rather give the money to the actual business owner than to a big corporation.

2. Visit the rice terraces

The rice terraces in Bali are lush and beautiful, a true sight to behold. While visiting can seem quite touristy, we classify it as one of the best things to do in Bali! We visited the Tegalalang terraces north of Ubud. You can get a first-hand look at this specialized farming technique while walking the endless trails through the terraces. Just remember which way you took so you don’t get too lost.

You will want to bring your camera as this is a cool spot that provides the perfect backdrop for your Instagram photos. You can take tours through the fields hiking all up to the plantations. We recommend getting here early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat. Also, be sure to pay tolls depending on how far and where you want to walk.

There are lots of shops in this area that provide some excellent shopping. The items sold are a boho-inspired dream including handmade quilts, dream catchers, lace bags, and more. There are also many restaurants in this area that offer delicious food with an outstanding view.

Visiting the Bali rice terraces are one of the best things to do in Bali

3. Visit a neighbouring island

While we’re busy telling you about all the best things to do in Bali, it’s worth mentioning the many islands surrounding Bali. The two most visited are the Gili Islands and Nusa Penida.

The Gili Islands are actually located off of the east coast of Lombok (the island just west of Bali) But are worth a shout-out. If you have the time to spare taking the boat ride to the Gili Islands is something you will not regret. The white sandy coastlines are a beach bum’s dream. This laid-back lifestyle is the place to go if you are looking for some snorkeling with sea turtles, scuba diving, and refreshing seaside cocktails. It’s also a great place to learn to surf.

Nusa Penida, to the south east of Bali, is another great island in Indonesia to visit. Here you will find amazing scuba diving, snorkeling with manta rays and an authentic Indonesia vibe. You have probably seen the photos of the treehouse hotels that overlook the beautiful Indian Ocean, well you can see all that here. This is a must visit tropical destination for adventurers who enjoy hiking in a lush jungle and lazing on beautiful white sand beaches.

4. See the monkeys that live at Monkey Forest

You may have read about our experiences at Monkey Forest when Myles got punched in the face by a monkey. This was a rare case and in general, these are the only RELATIVELY friendly monkeys on the island. Even though Samara is scared of monkeys, we still consider visiting Monkey Forest one of the best things to do in Bali.

Hundreds of monkeys congregate in this area due to an abundance of food and attention from tourists. These are wild monkeys so it is important to treat them as such when visiting. They can be vicious if provoked so ensure that you are only there to observe but allow them to jump all over you.

NOTE: If you are like us, you may be worried about the ethical practices in this area. Rest assured that we did our research before going and it is actually OK. The monkeys are not in cages or in any way restricted to the area. They are however overfed by lots of tourists so be sure to avoid buying too many bananas when there.

Visiting monkey forest is one of the most fun things to do in Bali

Also, leave your backpack in your car. These monkeys know that you are helpless at fending them off so they will open your bag and go through it. If you have to bring a bag make sure it doesn’t have a water bottle or hand sanitizer. The monkeys actually drink the hand sanitizer and get drunk off the alcohol.

5. Enjoy the local Bali cuisine

One of the best things to do in Bali is EAT! Tasting the local cuisine is one of the best parts of traveling and you will be quite pleasantly surprised with the food in Indonesia. We are huge lovers of all things Ubud. This town is a hippie’s paradise. It has many vegan and vegetarian restaurants set in a lush jungle town. You won’t want to miss this experience as it lives up to its reputation. If you have seen those beautiful resorts tucked amongst the trees in Bali, they were likely taken in this area.

We recommend trying out a different spot every night so you get a full taste of the island. You will not be disappointed. The food in this area is incredibly health-focused so it is a dream for those opting for a gluten, dairy, and meat-free diet.

6. Try surfing some waves

Bali is a surfers paradise and learning to surf is one of the best things to do in Bali. Both Myles and I love swimming so it is a wonder we never tried surfing before. When we were in Kuta that quickly changed as we hopped in the water, board in hand and took on the waves. There are lifeguards on duty within specifically designated areas where you can surf. During our first time out we got pushed to the side and stuck in a rip tide. Luckily we knew what to do to get ourselves out of the situation quickly.

Surfing in this area is incredibly rewarding as you step off of the white sandy beach into the warm water. There are tons of surfing classes that you can take that are perfect for beginners. Surf lessons are incredibly affordable in Bali. While there are surfboards available for rent on the beach, more advanced surfers can rent the best ones when you walk away from the beach to local surf shops.

visiting a beach and going surfing is one of the best things to do in Bali

7. Go snorkeling

The snorkeling in Bali is some of the best in the world. With crystal clear tropical waters that are full of life, you can expect some epic snorkeling. Colorful fish, thriving coral reef systems, turtles, sharks, dolphins and whales are all found off the coast of Bali making this one of the best places to go snorkeling in the world. Going snorkeling in the Blue Lagoon is one of the best things to do in Bali.

Just south of Tulamben you will find the beautiful Amed beach. This is a great place to go for those who are looking to get off the beaten track and head to the more rustic corners of the island. Heading into the water you will find that the clarity in this area is unbeatable compared to other parts of the island. This makes it a snorkeler’s dream. More a group of villages rather than a full town, this is a great place to go to immerse yourself in the culture and everyday life.

8. Embrace Bali culture and local traditions

This island is full of culture. The moment you land you will notice the offering baskets laid in front of every business and home. There is also impressive architecture and temples throughout the island. We love to experience the traditions and cultures of the places we visit. Soaking up the Bali culture at some of the temples around Ubud is one of the best things to do in Bali. It’s best to check the policies of the site you’re going to visit. Some will require both men and women to wear a sarong as a show of respect.

visiting temples is one of the best things to do in Bali

Visit the temples, help to make the offering baskets, and witness traditional shows are just some of the many activities you’ll find on the island. There are many ways that you can be a part of this fantastic culture all of which will undoubtedly better your experience. All of these places are scattered throughout the island and are usually well publicized.

9. Do some yoga

This island is a yogi’s paradise. With many healthy food options, a boho vibe and tons of yoga retreats scattered around the island, finding a yoga class is one of the best things to do in Bali. This tropical climate will make you feel like you’re in a hot yoga class. It’s no wonder this area is especially popular with international digital nomads.

If you are interested in Yoga this is the place to be. There are classes that range from introductory for people new to the practice to expert Yoga teaching retreats. Not a step out of place, yogis from all over the world congregate on this island to take part in these practices.

visiting the volcano of mount batur is one of the best things to do in bali

10. Marvel at Mount Batur

Mount Batur is a dormant volcano that you will often find is one of the most popularly talked about places on the island. You can hike up the mountain in about 2 hours and have a picnic at the top with views that will blow your mind. We stopped in at a local restaurant to sip a nice cocktail with a world class view – one of our favourite things to do in Bali. There is a string of restaurants overlooking the stunning volcano allowing for a picture-perfect lunch location.

Visiting the volcano of Mount Batur is one of the best things to do in Bali

11. Take a dip in a waterfall

If you’re heading inland you will find many waterfalls that are all ready to be explored. Small hikes will take you down to the water where you can jump in for a refreshing swim. Some of these waterfalls are quite touristy but if you find yourself off the beaten track you will find stunning more private waterfalls. The Munduk waterfalls house amazing falls that are far less touristy giving you a unique opportunity to explore this beautiful country.

Visiting the waterfalls in Bali are one of the best things to do in Bali

Thanks for stopping by!

Bali was one of our favourite places in South East Asia. There are so many fun things to do in Bali, you will have no trouble filling your time on the island. Whether you are looking to embrace the local culture visitng temples in Bali, learn how to surf or do some yoga, this is the place to do it. Bali is also home to some of the best scuba diving in the world and is a great place to explore the underwater world. Whether you’re visiting for a week or a month, you will love all the amazing things to do in Bali.

Have you been to this island? What are your favourite things to do in Bali? Let us know in the comment section below.

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learn al the best things to do in Bali
The rice terraces in Ubud are one of the best things to do in Bali Indonesia
best things to do in bali is visit temples, trek through rice terraces, learn to surf, snorkel with turtles and more

After spending almost a week playing in the cool white sand of the ever-moody Pacific North West our spirits were lifted and our colds were persistent. Myles and I can’t seem to get enough of the beach. Salt or fresh water, 40 degrees or 10, you can always find us at the beach playing like children in the sand. In our Vancouver beaches, we have the protection of Vancouver Island that breaks our waves and makes it so that our coastlines have much more swimmable beaches with less fierce waves.

The sheer force of the ocean here was probably the only thing keeping us out of the water. Well, that and all of the signs saying “people have died here, stay out of the water”. Still, our days were spent with bare feet chasing the tide as it went out and then turning around to run away from the crashing wave coming towards us. With sandy feet and salty hair, we decided that it was probably time to be better adults and take care of our nagging coughs. Without any intention to leave the beach-side, we thought the responsible thing to do would be to at least go to where its warm out; give our bodies a fighting chance. So, we packed our pups begrudgingly back into the van and headed South.