Indonesia wasn’t about ticking of sights for me. It was about moments that stayed longer than expected. Small routines, unexpected conversations, and places that felt completely different depending on the time of day.

These are the moments and places that stood out the most.

Bali

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

I went to the rice terraces around 7 am, expecting at least some crowds, but there were only a few other people scattered along the paths.

For a place that’s often described as overcrowded and overrated, it felt quiet and I had the place mostly to myself. Soft morning light, fresh air, and that feeling of having arrived just early enough.

I didn’t even have to pay an entrance fee because there was no one there to collect it yet, which somehow made the whole experience feel even more unreal.

It was one of those moments that reminded me how much timing shapes a place.

Yin Yoga at Alchemy Yoga & Meditation Center

One of my favorite moments in Ubud was a yin yoga class at Alchemy.

After weeks of traveling, movement and constant input, it felt incredibly grounding to slow everything down. Long holds, deep stretches, and just being still for a while.

The instructor created a very calm, steady atmosphere, and the humidity somehow made the whole practice feel even more effective, like my body softened into it more easily.

It was exactly what I needed without realizing it beforehand.

Saraswati Temple - Water Temple

I especially loved the atmosphere at the water temple in Ubud in the evening. There was a small entry fee and you had to wear a sarong.

The lotus pond in front of the temple, the warm lights, and the quieter pace at that time of day made it feel completely different from the busier daytime visits. People moved more slowly, conversations softened, and the whole space felt more intentional.

It wasn’t just about seeing another temple. It was about staying a little longer and letting the atmosphere settle.

Café Culture (and plant-based friendliness)

Cafés became small anchors throughout my days in Bali.

Places to sit, write, cool down, and just exist for a while (+ people watching obviously). It sounds simple, but when you’re traveling alone, those spaces become part of your routine in a way you don’t expect.

And yes, oat milk lattes everywhere. That alone made life significantly easier.

Zycle Class at ZIN Fit in Canggu

One of my favorite mornings in Canggu started with a cycle class at ZIN Fit.

I used to be slightly obsessed with spinning back home, so stepping into a class while traveling felt unexpectedly familiar.

It was such a fun way to start the day. Music, movement, and that sense of routine coming back for a moment before heading out into a completely different environment again.

Uluwatu Beach - Cliffs & Sunset

A long staircase lead down the cliffs, and once you’re there you could watch surfers in the water and wait for the sun to set.

There are a lot of warungs & bars where you could hang out, have a drink and watch the sunset.

Not many other highlights for me in Uluwatu because I got sick. Nothing dramatic, but enough to cancel plans and stay in bed for two days.

It wasn’t ideal, but a reminder that travel isn’t always highlights and perfect days. Sometimes it’s just resting, waiting it out, and adjusting your expectations.

And somehow, that becomes part of the experience too.

Gili Air

A walkable island

One of the things I loved most about Gili Air was how simple everything felt.

No motorized vehicles. No constant background noise. Just bikes, sandy paths, and people moving at a slower pace.

You could walk around the entire island in about an hour, which made it feel small in the best possible way. Everything was close, familiar, and easy.

Yes, a lot of couples on a romantic getaway - but I didn’t mind.

Sunset routine

Sunsets on Gili Air naturally became part of every evening.

People gathering along the beach, watching the sky change, not in a rushed or performative way, just quietly being there until it was over.

It felt like a proper ending to each day - maybe with a cocktail or two ;)