Jun 01, 2025

Bali Singapore & Indonesia

Everyone’s seen Eat, Pray, Love—and at some point, we’ve all thought, “I need to go to Bali and find myself.” Or maybe you haven’t. But I did. It always sounded so exotic, like one of those places seasoned travelers visit to soak up healing energy and come back transformed.

So when my ultimate travel buddy (also one of my best girlfriends) and I started planning a much-needed escape, we decided to take two weeks and head EAST. Our destinations? Bali, Indonesia—and Singapore! I’d watched Crazy Rich Asians (obsessed) and knew I absolutely had to stay at that infamous hotel. The plan was to fly into Singapore first, then hop over to Bali and explore more of Indonesia before flying back out through Singapore.

What we hadn’t planned? Our travel dates just so happened to align perfectly with the F1 Grand Prix in Singapore. SCORE. Two single women, an international event, and no shortage of handsome men? What could possibly go wrong? (Ha!)

We landed in Singapore and checked into that hotel—and let me tell you, it was every bit as glorious as I’d imagined. The rooftop infinity pool? Unreal. The buffet? Outrageous. The shopping? Designer heaven. The entire city felt pristine—immaculate, even. Singapore is hands down the cleanest city I’ve ever visited. F1 weekend was HOT (literally and figuratively)—the cars, the energy, the parties! We didn’t have much time there, so my only regret is that we missed one of the famous hawker food markets. But still… what a whirlwind.

It’s funny how stark the contrast was going from glitzy, polished Singapore to raw, vibrant Bali. I didn’t think much of it when we planned, but once we landed, the shift was immediate. While Singapore sparkled with luxury, Bali felt wild—gritty, chaotic, and full of life. Scooters zipped by us in every direction. The streets pulsed with color and motion.

We stayed at several stunning resorts throughout Indonesia, trying to soak up as much of the culture and scenery as we could. Of course, we did the iconic Ubud swing. Was I terrified? Yes. Did I ask them not to push me too hard? Absolutely. But I did it. (Video proof exists—highly recommend.) We wandered through lush rice terraces, visited ancient temples, and trekked to the Kanto Lampo Waterfall—all unforgettable experiences.

And the beaches? Unreal. Some were tough to access, others perfect for swimming, but all of them—breathtaking. I’m so glad we ventured beyond the main city and explored the diversity of coastal beauty Bali has to offer.

From staying in dreamy, fairy-tale resorts to grabbing Indian food on foot in the city, from strolling near the Sacred Monkey Forest (we skipped the monkeys-on-the-head part, thank you very much) to spontaneously getting matching tattoos—this trip had it all.

It was unlike anything I’ve ever done before. And honestly, while there are so many other places I want to see, there’s something about thinking back on this trip that makes me feel like packing my bags and heading EAST again. If you’ve ever considered it—do it. Bali and Singapore will change you in all the best ways.

-Carrie H.