Surf, Sun, and Self-Discovery: My Wild and Wonderful Solo Adventure in Bali

September was like hitting the refresh button on my life. I decided to celebrate my birthday in Bali, and let me tell you—it wasn’t just a regular trip. It was my very first solo adventure, where I did things I never thought I’d do: ATV riding, surfing (or trying to), snorkeling, and hanging out with a group of women I’d never met before. The experience wasn’t just about checking off the activities from my bucket list; it was about facing my fears head-on and rediscovering joy. Basically, it was the ultimate birthday present to myself.

Day 1: Playing Tourist with Bali's Famous Spots

The first day was the calm before the storm—a beautiful, scenic storm of adventure. I kicked off with a private tour hitting all the Instagram-worthy spots, starting with Pura Lempuyang Temple, known for its "Gates of Heaven." Let me tell you, standing there, watching clouds slowly unveil Mount Agung, felt like being in a living postcard. Next, I found peace and serenity at Tirta Gangga, a royal water palace that was all Zen vibes and koi fish. The highlight of the day? Definitely the Tukad Cepung Waterfall, where the sunlight made the waterfall glow like it had some magical filter on. Throw in a stroll through the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, and a little caffeine jolt at the Luwak Coffee Plantation, and it was a pretty perfect way to ease into the trip.

Day 2: Let the Adrenaline Begin—ATV Rides and White Water Rafting

Day two was when things really kicked off. It was the start of the Women’s Adventure Retreat, and I wasted no time diving into the adrenaline-filled activities. First up: ATV riding through rice fields and the Bali jungle. And yes, I may have screamed more than once, but I was having the time of my life. And then, just when I thought I couldn’t top the thrill, we went white-water rafting down the Ayung River. Between the rapids, laughter, and the occasional “Are we going to flip this thing?!” moment, I realized I hadn’t felt this alive in a long time. Newfound confidence? Check.

Day 3: Mount Batur’s Sunrise—A Tough Climb and a Gorgeous Reward

Okay, confession time: I’m not exactly an early riser. But for Mount Batur, I was up at the crack of dawn (which might as well be the middle of the night for me) to start a grueling hike. Let’s just say it was intense. There were moments when I thought about turning back, but I didn’t. And when I finally reached the top, the reward was totally worth the burn. Watching the sunrise from the summit felt like I was standing on top of the world, with the sky giving me a personal show in shades of pink, orange, and gold. After that, we treated ourselves to some well-earned relaxation at the Batur Natural Hot Springs and followed it up with a spiritual cleanse at Tirta Empul Temple, where I felt like I was washing away years of pent-up fear and doubt. By the time we took a fast ferry to Lombok Island, I was feeling like a brand new me.

Day 4: Waterfalls and New Friendships in Lombok

Lombok brought more breathtaking views and a lot more hiking. We visited two stunning waterfalls—Senbang Gile and Tiu Kelep—that looked straight out of a fantasy novel, all lush greenery and roaring cascades. Then, I faced a different kind of adventure: embracing the culture of Lombok. We stopped by a traditional weaving village and visited the oldest mosque in Indonesia—a humbling, cultural experience that balanced the physical adventures of the day. By night, I was unwinding with new friends, sipping drinks, and enjoying the easy flow of conversation. Who knew strangers could feel like lifelong friends in just a matter of days?

Day 5: Surfing (or Trying to) and Dancing on Gili Island

This was the day. The day I faced one of my biggest fears: the ocean. I’ve always had a thing about the sea—mainly a fear of swimming in it—but here I was, signing up for surfing lessons in Lombok. And guess what? I didn’t drown! Sure, I wasn’t exactly shredding waves, but I did manage to kneel on the board a few times. That was more than enough to make me feel like a champ. After our lessons, we headed to Gili Island, where we celebrated my semi-victory with dinner, drinks, and dancing. Gili T’s nightlife scene was popping, and I felt like I was living out some kind of tropical music video, hopping between dance clubs and just reveling in the freedom of it all.

Day 6: Snorkeling with Turtles and Getting Inked

Day six started with a leisurely bike ride around Gili T, which is a tiny island you can circle in about 45 minutes. After breakfast, we jumped into yet another adventure: snorkeling. Now, I’ll be honest—snorkeling used to freak me out. Something about breathing through a tube while staring into the vast ocean? No, thank you. But I had taken a few classes before the trip, so I was a bit more prepared this time. And guess what? It was magical. I swam alongside vibrant coral reefs, spotted sea turtles, and even saw a shipwreck! To commemorate the moment (and because I’m all about meaningful tattoos), I got inked with the word “Breathe” and a little sea turtle. It was the perfect reminder that when life gets overwhelming, all I need to do is take a deep breath.

Day 7: Saying Goodbye and Watching the Sunrise

The last full day of the retreat was bittersweet. We all gathered early on the beach to watch the sunrise, and let me tell you—it was the perfect way to close out an incredible week. The sun rose slowly, casting a golden glow over the water, and I felt this overwhelming sense of gratitude. On that beach, I met an amazing woman, an author from England, and we instantly clicked. After breakfast, it was time to say goodbye to my new friends, and as we took a bumpy ferry back to Bali, I couldn’t help but feel a bit sad that the adventure was ending. But at the same time, I knew I was taking so much home with me—not just memories, but a whole new perspective on life.

Day 8: A Birthday Like No Other

And just like that, it was my birthday! I started the day with a peaceful breakfast on the beach before heading to the airport. It wasn’t a typical birthday celebration, but it felt perfect. I didn’t need cake, candles, or a big party—I’d just spent an entire week celebrating life in the best way possible. By the time I boarded my flight, I knew that this trip had changed me for the better. Sure, I was excited to get home and celebrate with my loved ones, but I felt like a new person, ready to take on whatever came next.

Final Thoughts: A Birthday Adventure to Remember

This trip was so much more than just a vacation—it was a journey of self-discovery, courage, and pure joy. I learned to face my fears, let go of control, and embrace life’s adventures, whether it was on an ATV in the jungle, a surfboard in the ocean, or dancing barefoot on the sand in Gili T. Bali will forever hold a special place in my heart because it’s where I found a deeper sense of myself. I came back stronger, happier, and most importantly, with the knowledge that sometimes, all you really need to do is breathe.