Hello, hello! Have you missed me? I hope not too much! Well as you may have guessed I’m living my very best life in Bali right now but wanted to pop by, let you all know I’m still alive. Hi Mom! And despite my best efforts I know that some of you still are not following me on Instagram so I wanted share some of my favorite photos from this stunning part of Indonesia! I have been here for more than a week so here is your brief update, reporting live from Bali!
The first few days I spent in the Gili Islands, staying on Gili T but visiting all three – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. There are no cars allowed on any of them and it made for a tranquil start to this vacation with gorgeous diving, beautiful sunsets, and a snorkel trip before boating back to mainland Bali.
Next up was Ubud located in the uplands of Bali and famous for it’s rainforest, terraced rice paddies, Hindu temples, and those jungle swings. You know the ones… I visited all of these plus a few waterfalls and the monkey sanctuary – it was a terrific few days in this lush greenery, and just wait until you see my swing pictures! Here are a few shots from the Ubud area:
Then I headed south to Legian, just north of Kuta, where the scuba diving shop I worked with is based. And I have spent the last three days on seven dives across different parts of Bali. My dives favorite were a tie between Tulamben, where I dove in and around the Ship Wreck USAT Liberty, and Manta Point off of Nusa Penida with the giant manta rays, on average 12 feet each!
^^ The cannon of the sunken ship
Hopefully you don’t mind the short check-in and that you like these photos because there are SO many more Bali shots coming in your future here on Sparkles and Shoes! And let me know if you would like me to post again, another iteration of reporting live from Bali!
Also, a MASSIVE happy birthday to my Mom!

Rebecca says
I would love to know your experience as a solo traveler. Tips and tricks and making friends etc!
TAMMY says
Wow. Awesome trip to Bali. Love all of the photos. Looks like the monkey found himself a new girlfriend. 😆😆😆
Sarah says
Ok so when you are in that circle thing walking down those steps, is that an optical illusion or could you have plemmeted to your death?
So scary. Great photos and trip.
Gary says
Not sure which photo I like better. You sitting in the waterfall, the giant manatee behind you, the monkey wanting to go up your dress or the sunset swing shot.
All of them are unbelievable. What a terrific time you are having on your vacation. Would love to see more and live through your travels. I hope to get there one day.
Sylvia says
Yes I would like more. My husband and I have now moved a trip to Bali way up on our bucket list.
We both dive and heard on a recent trip how fantastic the diving was in Indonesia and now with this unbiased reporting of yours it has surged into the lead.
Super photos and looks like there is tons of marine life and that the water is clear for viewing. Were you freaked out by the giant manta ray? Not sure how I would have reacted but you look like it was a walk in the park.
Linda Hilliard says
Absolutely stunning Kelly! Definitely confirms my desire to make it there! Thanks for sharing your journey.
Emily says
Now I know where I want to go for my honeymoon… what a fabulous trip you have been on and I want to be there right with you right now.
How long should I plan on going for?