Travel Blog
Bali in Autumn: Our Truly Unforgettable Holiday
Some holidays stay with you for years, and my October 2025 trip to Bali was one of them.
From the moment I arrived in Seminyak, I knew it would be the perfect blend of relaxation, luxury, beach time and Balinese culture.
To make the journey even more comfortable, we flew from Manchester with Cathay Pacific in Premium Economy, and it honestly made such a difference on a long-haul trip.
Getting to Bali from Manchester
We flew from Manchester via Hong Kong before continuing to Bali, and the experience with Cathay Pacific was excellent from start to finish. Premium Economy felt like the perfect middle ground between Economy and Business Class – more comfort and space without the huge price tag.
The seats were noticeably wider with extra legroom, which made the overnight flight far more comfortable. The reclining seat and leg rest were ideal for getting some sleep, especially on the longer Manchester to Hong Kong leg. We also received larger entertainment screens, better meal options and priority boarding, which helped make the whole journey feel smoother and more relaxed.
The cabin itself felt quieter and less crowded than Economy, and the crew were fantastic throughout the flights. After nearly 17 hours of travelling in total, arriving in Bali still feeling relatively refreshed was worth paying extra for.
Hong Kong airport was also a great place for a layover – clean, modern and easy to navigate, with plenty of food options and shops to pass the time before the connecting flight.
Arriving in Seminyak
After landing in Bali at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and making the transfer to Seminyak, the tropical heat instantly hit us – but in the best possible way. The journey from the airport to Seminyak took around 30–40 minutes depending on traffic, and from the moment we arrived at Hotel Indigo, we knew we’d picked the perfect place to stay.
I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport
Where We Stayed:
Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach
We stayed in a Garden View Room on a bed & breakfast basis, and honestly, it was one of the best hotel experiences I’ve ever had. The hotel blends modern luxury with authentic Balinese style beautifully, with tropical gardens, peaceful pools and stylish interiors throughout.
The Garden View Room felt spacious and calming, with a large balcony and daybed overlooking the gardens. It became the perfect spot for morning coffees and relaxing before heading out for dinner in the evenings.
One of the highlights of staying at Hotel Indigo was the breakfast experience. Breakfast could either be taken in the hotel’s main buffet restaurant or at the hotel’s beachfront venue, SugarSand. We always chose SugarSand because there was simply nothing better than starting the day eating breakfast beside an infinity pool while listening to the sound of the ocean just metres away.
The atmosphere at SugarSand was incredible with relaxed music, sea views and amazing food -and all before 9am. The breakfast selection was excellent, with everything from fresh fruit and pastries to cooked breakfasts and Indonesian dishes.
The hotel also has direct access to the beach, multiple swimming pools, excellent restaurants and one of the best resort atmospheres I’ve experienced anywhere.
What really made Hotel Indigo stand out though was the service. It was genuinely some of the best service I’ve ever experienced at any hotel. Every member of staff was incredibly friendly, welcoming and attentive, and they would genuinely go out of their way to make sure your stay was unforgettable.
From remembering your name to helping organise transport, recommending places to visit or simply greeting you with a smile every day, the staff made the experience feel personal rather than just another hotel stay. It’s one of those places where you feel looked after from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave.
Exploring Bali with a Local Driver
One of the best decisions we made during the trip was hiring a local Bali driver called Kadektunas66, who we found on Instagram.
Having a local driver completely changed the experience because it allowed us to explore so much more of the island comfortably and safely without worrying about navigating Bali’s busy roads ourselves.
Not only was he friendly and reliable, but he also shared lots of local knowledge and recommended places we may never have discovered otherwise. Bali traffic can be hectic, so having a trusted local driver made day trips far more relaxing.
Through our tours around the island, we visited some truly unforgettable places.
Barong and Kris Dance
The Barong and Kris Dance was one of the most interesting cultural experiences of the trip.
This traditional Balinese performance tells the story of the battle between good and evil through music, costumes and dramatic dance performances.
The colourful costumes and live gamelan music created an atmosphere that felt completely unique to Bali. It’s worth seeing if you want to experience traditional Balinese culture beyond the beaches.
Tegenungan Waterfall
Tegenungan Waterfall was stunning. Hidden amongst lush jungle surroundings, the waterfall is one of Bali’s most popular natural attractions.
The sound of the water crashing into the pool below combined with the tropical scenery made it feel like something out of a movie. Be prepared for quite a few steps on the way down and back up, especially in the Bali heat, but it’s worth the effort.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace
The Tegalalang Rice Terrace was one of the most scenic places we visited in Bali.
The bright green layered rice fields stretch across the hillsides and perfectly capture the island’s natural beauty.
There are plenty of cafés overlooking the terraces where you can stop for coffee while enjoying the view, and of course the famous Bali swings are everywhere if you want those iconic Instagram photos.
Mason Elephant Park
Visiting Mason Elephant Park was yet another unforgettable experience.
The park is home to rescued Sumatran elephants, and it was incredible seeing these gentle animals up close.
The grounds are beautifully maintained, and the experience focuses on education and conservation as well as interaction with the elephants. It ended up being one of the highlights of the trip.
Double Six Beach –
Bali Sunset Perfection
Just outside the hotel is Double Six Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Seminyak.
The atmosphere here is relaxed and social, with beach bars, surf schools and rows of colourful beanbags lining the sand.
Every evening people gather to watch the sunset, and it quickly became our favourite part of the day. The sunsets were unreal — bright orange skies, live music playing nearby and the sound of waves rolling in while sipping cocktails on the beach.
Tanah Lot Temple
Watching the sunset at Tanah Lot Temple was one of the most memorable moments of the entire holiday.
The temple sits on a rock formation surrounded by the ocean and becomes even more dramatic at sunset when the sky turns orange and pink behind it. It’s one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks for a reason.
The area around the temple has lots of small market stalls, cafés and viewing points, making it a great place to spend the evening before watching the sun disappear over the sea.
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
Banyumala Waterfall felt much quieter and more hidden than some of Bali’s busier tourist spots.
Surrounded by jungle, the twin waterfalls cascade into a crystal-clear pool below.
The walk down is steep in places, but the peaceful atmosphere makes it feel far more untouched and natural than many of the island’s more famous waterfalls.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Ulun Danu Temple was probably one of the most picturesque temples we visited in Bali.
Sitting on the edge of Lake Beratan in the mountains, the temple almost appears to float on the water when the mist rolls in.
The cooler mountain temperatures were a nice break from the coastal heat, and the scenery around the lake was absolutely beautiful.
What’s Bali Like in October?
October turned out to be an ideal time to visit Bali.
It’s towards the end of the dry season, meaning warm temperatures, lots of sunshine and only occasional short tropical showers.
Most days were around 27–31°C, with warm evenings and a pleasant sea breeze along the coast.
Another bonus of October is that Bali feels slightly quieter than the peak summer months while still having a lively atmosphere.
Food and Drink Prices in Bali
One of the things that surprised me most was how affordable Bali can be.
The food scene in Bali is incredible.
From local warungs serving nasi goreng and satay to stylish cafés and beach clubs, there’s something for every budget.
Things You Should Know Before Travelling to Kraków
- Currency - Bali uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). At first, the numbers can feel confusing because everything is priced in the thousands or millions of Rupiah, but you quickly get used to it. As a rough guide during our October 2025 trip: 100,000 IDR was roughly £5; 1 million IDR was around £50 ATMs are easy to find around Bali, but use machines attached to banks for extra security.
- Plug Sockets - Bali uses European-style plug sockets (Type C and Type F), so UK travellers will need a travel adapter. The voltage is 230V, so most modern electronics work perfectly fine once plugged into an adapter.
- ï™»Mosquitos are definitely something to be aware of in Bali, especially during evenings and around jungle or waterfall areas. We made sure to use mosquito repellent regularly, particularly when visiting waterfalls and rice terraces. Most hotels, including Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach, also provide repellent in outdoor areas.
- WiFi was excellent throughout Seminyak, especially at the hotel, cafés and beach clubs. If you want mobile data while exploring the island, local SIM cards are cheap and easy to buy at the airport or nearby convenience stores.
Bali Travel Tips & Hints
It’s worth packing:
- Strong mosquito repellent
- After-bite cream
- Lightweight clothing for evenings
Vaccinations & Health Advice
Before travelling, check the latest advice from your doctor or travel clinic. For UK travellers, recommended vaccinations can include:
- Hepatitis A
- Tetanus
- Typhoid
We also made sure to drink bottled water rather than tap water and carried hand sanitiser for day trips around the island.
Visa Information
For UK travellers, Bali usually offers a Visa on Arrival option which can be purchased at the airport after landing. Â The process was straightforward, although queues can sometimes be long after busy international arrivals.
Download Grab or Gojek
These apps are the easiest and cheapest way to get around Bali.
Hire a Local Driver for Day Trips
Using a trusted local driver made exploring Bali so much easier and allowed us to see far more of the island comfortably.
Carry Cash
Most larger restaurants and hotels accept cards, but local places often prefer cash.
Allow Extra Time for Travel
Traffic in Bali can be extremely busy, especially around Seminyak and Ubud.
Stay Hydrated
The humidity can be intense, so always carry bottled water.
Respect Local Culture
Balinese people are incredibly welcoming. When visiting temples, dress modestly and follow local customs.
Final Thoughts
Bali completely lived up to the hype for me.
Flying Premium Economy with Cathay Pacific helped start the holiday in comfort, and staying at Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach gave us the perfect base to experience Seminyak and explore the island.
From waterfalls and temples to rice terraces and sunsets, every day felt different and unforgettable. Bali offers the perfect mix of luxury, adventure, culture and relaxation – and it’s somewhere I’d return to in a heartbeat.
Book Your Own Bali Getaway
Inspired by our trip?
Bali  is a fantastic choice for couples, families, and anyone looking to experience a unique country with character and beauty. If you’re thinking about booking, I’d be delighted to help you find the perfect getaway.
Pack & Go Travel specialises in creating stress-free holidays tailored to your needs, whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort, city break, family adventure or a relaxing beach escape.
Just fill in the form below or call us today.
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Stephen Fairhurst is an independent travel advisor under InteleTravel UK, ABTA membership P7384.
InteleTravel UK are appointed agents of our ATOL-protected suppliers.
Bali
Contact Us Today
Phone
Bali
Socials
Stephen Fairhurst is an independent travel advisor under InteleTravel UK, ABTA membership P7384.
InteleTravel UK are appointed agents of our ATOL-protected suppliers.
Contact Us Today
Phone
Bali
Socials
Stephen Fairhurst is an independent travel advisor under InteleTravel UK, ABTA membership P7384.
InteleTravel UK are appointed agents of our ATOL-protected suppliers.