Best 5 places to combine with a Bali beach holiday

If you’ve flown halfway across the world for a blissful Bali beach holiday, it would seem almost rude not to combine it with a little extra adventure!

While getting to Bali might be a long-haul journey, it’s the perfect opportunity to break up the trip with a stopover in a world-class city such as Singapore or Dubai, where you can indulge in high-end shopping, explore iconic skyscrapers, and enjoy fine dining. Alternatively, you can go for the full R&R experience and combine your Bali beach trip with sleepier islands such as the Gili Islands or Lombok, where pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a slower pace of life provide the perfect setting to unwind in paradise. If you prefer to stay within Bali itself, you could head inland to Ubud, Bali’s cultural and spiritual heart, where a cooler climate, serene rice terraces, and ancient temples offer the perfect contrast to the lively buzz of the island’s beach scene.

In our latest eShores travel guide, we explore the best destinations to combine with your Bali beach holiday and why they make perfect twin or multi-centre choices.

 

In a nutshell: Places to combine with a Bali beach holiday

Singapore: A perfect stopover offering skyscrapers, lush gardens, fine dining, iconic views, and the classic Raffles’ Singapore Sling cocktail to top it all off.

Dubai: Ideal for breaking up your journey, with glossy landmarks, desert adventures, glamorous beach clubs, and indulgent brunches.

Gili Islands: Just a short hop from Bali, featuring crystal-clear waters, sensational scuba diving, and peace and tranquillity.

Lombok: Easily accessible from Bali, with lush jungles, stunning waterfalls, and serene beaches for the perfect escape into nature.

Ubud: Nestled in Bali’s highlands, the ideal complement to the island’s beaches with rice terraces, ancient temples, and serene mountains.

 

 

Singapore: Iconic Skyscrapers & Tropical Gardens

Singapore is the perfect warm-up before diving into Bali’s idyllic blue waters and laid-back beach culture. With plenty of flights and an international airport that’s a short transfer from the city, it’s a popular stopover for Bali, and indeed many other Asian destinations.

Singapore is all about shiny skyscrapers, great food, lush green spaces, and culture.  The epicentre of the modern side of the city is Marina Bay, where the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel dominates the skyline, with its three towers and roof top infinity pool. (Have your camera ready for that perfect insta shot!) Another way to soak in the incredible views is on the Singapore Flyer, one of the tallest observation wheels in the world, offering panoramic views of Singapore and beyond.  This area is not just about the views though, it’s home to the futuristic Gardens by the Bay, where the Supertree Grove is lit up at night. It’s also where you’ll find the Cloud Forest with its indoor waterfall and greenery and the Flower Dome, a huge conservatory filled with colourful flowers.  The ArtScience Museum is another highlight, with its lotus-shaped design and cutting-edge exhibits.  In the evenings, head to one of the waterfront restaurants and trendy rooftop bars and don’t miss the nightly ‘Spectra’ light and water show at Marina Bay Sands, where lasers, water jets, and projections dance to music.

For a glimpse of Singapore’s more traditional side, visit Kampong Glam, once the seat of Malay royalty and home to the stunning Sultan Mosque, with its golden dome. This area is perfect for wandering around, with its lively streets, quirky cafes, and bustling markets. Haji Lane is a great spot for vintage finds, while the Malay Heritage Centre offers a deeper understanding of the area’s cultural roots. Just a short walk away, you’ll find Chinatown, with its lively street markets, Chinese temples, and colonial-era architecture. The Chinatown Heritage Centre also provides insight into Singapore’s Chinese immigrant history.

For a shot of adrenaline, hop on the cable car to Sentosa Island and ride the 450-metre zipline or get lost in the magic of Universal Studios.  Finally, no trip to Singapore is quite complete without a pitstop at the famous Raffles Hotel, where you can sip on the iconic Singapore Sling in the hotel’s elegant, colonial surroundings.

 

Dubai: Glamorous hotels & Desert Adventures

Dubai also makes a fantastic stopover and is a good halfway point for those looking to break up the long flight to the Island of the Gods. In recent years, Dubai has become the go-to destination for those looking for glamour, high end hotels, fine dining, luxury shopping and a touch of excitement.

At the heart of the city is the Burj Khalifa, currently the tallest building in the world which houses the 5-star Armani Hotel, which is often referred to as a ‘7-star hotel’ due to its exceptional luxury and high-end service.  Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, you can enjoy the jaw-dropping views of the city and beyond on the observation deck.  Just below the Burj Khalifa, is the Dubai Fountain, which stretches across the man-made Burj Khalifa Lake where you can watch daily water shows.  Nearby, you’ll find The Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world, with a huge choice of shops, restaurants, an indoor ice rink and aquarium. For a taste of high-end dining and luxury, Souk Al Bahar is also just a short walk away.

For a day spent relaxing, head to one of Dubai’s many beach clubs such as Nikki Beach on Pearl Jumeirah,  Zero Gravity, or White Beach at Atlantis The Palm. For brunch, Dubai is the place to be. It’s renowned for its extravagant weekend brunches, offering endless buffets accompanied by champagne.

For a spot of adventure, head out on a desert safari for dune bashing, camel rides, or even dine under the stars in a Bedouin-style camp. There are also lots of family friendly parks such as the water park ‘Aquaventure’ and ‘Motiongate’, which includes DreamWorks.

While Dubai is often associated with modern glamour, its cultural side has been evolving in recent years, offering visitors a deeper understanding of its traditional heritage.  To experience some of the history, wander through the narrow lanes and past the wind towers of Al Fahidi.  Also visit the Dubai Museum housed in a 200-year-old fort to learn about the city’s transformation from fishing village to global city. Another great thing to do is to hop on a traditional abra boat to cross the Creek and experience the lively markets of Deira, such as the Gold Souk and Spice Souk, which are full of sights, smells, and sounds.  Back on the modern side of the Creek, the Dubai Creek Harbour development (which is still under construction at the time of writing) will include the Dubai Creek Tower, which is set to surpass the Burj Khalifa as the tallest building in the world.

 

Gili islands: Peaceful beaches & Sensational diving

The Gili Islands are the perfect antidote to Bali’s lively beaches. Just a quick boat ride away (about 1-2 ½ hours depending on whether you depart from Padang Bai or Serangan), these three tranquil islands offer a refreshing escape with no motorised vehicles in sight – only bicycles and horse-drawn carts to get around. Renowned for offering some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling sites in Asia, they are a great place to learn how to dive with ultra clear, warm waters and the opportunity to see turtles.

Gili Trawangan, or Gili T as it’s affectionately known, is the liveliest of the lot, boasting beach clubs, parties, and a stunning underwater world.  The East Coast is snorkelling paradise, with clear waters teeming with marine life and great sunrises, while Sunset Beach on the West is the perfect spot to sip a cocktail and watch the beautiful sunsets that Gili T is famous for. If you’re after a quieter stretch of sand, head to North Beach, where you’ll find peaceful stretches of sand and fewer crowds.

Gili Meno is a romantic hideaway and often known as ‘honeymoon island’. It’s the quietest of the three, with stunning beaches and a slow pace that’s all about reconnecting with nature. Meno Wall on the North is a dream for divers, and the West Coast offers shallow waters ideal for a day of lazing in the sun and snorkelling. The Meno Turtle Sanctuary is a must-visit, where baby turtles are nurtured before being released back into the ocean.

Gili Air is often considered to offer the best of both worlds. Lively enough to offer good restaurants, bars, and activities, but still peaceful and relaxed compared to Gili T.  All the beaches here offer something a little different and you really can’t go wrong, but if you’re looking for the classic Gili Air experience, head to East Beach with powder soft white sand and excellent snorkelling straight off the shore with frequent turtle sightings.

 

Lombok: Bamboo Jungles & Waterfalls

Lombok is as famous for its bamboo jungles and waterfalls as it is for its picture-postcard beaches. Getting there from Bali is easy. It’s just a quick 30–40-minute flight or a fast boat ride. It offers an alternative to Bali’s busy beaches where you can immerse yourself in nature.

Senggigi is the island’s main hub on the west coast of Lombok. Here you’ll find a mix of lively beach bars, restaurants, and hotels, all with a relaxed, laid-back vibe. If you’re into water sports, Senggigi is ideal for diving, snorkelling, and surfing.  Plus, it’s the perfect starting point for adventures to nearby waterfalls such as Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep, along with visiting nearby temples and cultural sites. At the end of the day, enjoy watching the sun dip behind the nearby Gili islands.

For something a little quieter than Senggigi, head south to Selong Belanak and Tanjung Aan. These beaches are offer peaceful waters and far less people. Further down on the island’s southern shore, the beaches are equally tranquil.

For outdoors enthusiasts, a trek up Mount Rinjani – Indonesia’s second-highest volcano – is a must-do. It’s a challenging multi-day journey to the summit, but the panoramic views of the crater lake, Segara Anak, surrounded by lush landscapes are worth every step. If the full trek feels a bit daunting, there are shorter walks around the base where you can still soak up the beauty of the area and enjoy natural hot springs along the way.

Lombok’s bamboo jungles are another must-see. These forests are home to huge bamboo groves and walking trails where you can encounter local wildlife such as macaques, wild boars, and various bird species. To truly connect with the island’s roots, visit the rural villages of Selong and Praya. Here you can indulge in a traditional Sasak-style massage or learn how to prepare traditional Lombok dishes with cooking classes, such as the island’s favourite Ayam Taliwang – a spicy grilled chicken dish.

 

Ubud: Stunning Views & Ancient Temples

If you’re making the journey to Bali, you mustn’t miss out on experiencing Ubud, a beautiful mountain region nestled in the island’s central highlands among rice paddies and dense forests.  Ubud tends to be slightly cooler and less humid than the beaches of Bali because of its elevation, offering a great escape from the tropical heat while still enjoying the island’s beauty.

 

Along with its breathtaking scenery, Ubud is dotted with fascinating temples and shrines, including Gunung Kawi, an ancient temple complex with 10 rock-cut shrines carved into a cliff face, surrounded by lush rice fields. Nearby, Pura Tirta Empul, the Temple of Holy Water, is renowned for its sacred spring, where both locals and visitors come to take part in purification rituals. The impressive 9th-century Goa Gajah Cave, or Elephant Cave, is a popular spot featuring intricate carvings at its entrance, a sacred bathing pool, and a space for meditation.

It’s often the great outdoors though that pulls people into the area, whether its hiking through the breathtaking terraced rice fields of Tegallalang, or walking along the Campuhan Ridge, with panoramic views of the lush hillsides. No visit to Ubud is complete without a visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest, home to the grey long-tailed macaques. It’s a magical experience watching the playful monkeys swing through the trees or snooze in the shade – but make sure you keep a close eye on your belongings as these cheeky creatures have a habit of snatching personal item such as jewellery, handbags and food!

The town of Ubud itself has pretty alleyways and a thriving arts and crafts scene. You can pick up silk scarves and handmade bags at the Ubud Art Market and explore the local galleries with their colourful paintings, intricate wood carvings, and traditional Balinese crafts.

 

Feeling inspired? If you’re ready to start planning your dream Bali multi-centre holiday, get in touch with our team at eShores today. We’re here to help you craft the perfect getaway, tailored especially for you.