A spontaneous trip to Medewi felt like a deep breath away from Bali’s tourist buzz. This small, authentic town hasn’t yet been taken over by the café-and-beach-club crowd (though who knows what it will look like in a few years). The vibe is slow, the people are relaxed and life revolves around surfing, grilled fish, and surprisingly great coffee and bakeries—all at prices that still make you do a double take.
Having lived in Bali for more than a year, I was honestly surprised at how affordable everything was compared to Canggu or Uluwatu.
I only stayed two days—too short to really do it justice—but long enough to fall for this quiet corner on Bali’s southwest coast and to share a few highlights.
A different side of Bali
The further west you go in Bali, the more the landscape and rhythm of life shift. Mosques become more common, a reminder that Java isn’t far away and the Hindu ceremonies and temple processions so often associated with Bali fade a little into the background. Tourism feels low-key here—mostly surfers chasing waves—and construction hasn’t taken over yet. For me, that made it all the more charming: local life runs strong and visitors blend in rather than dominate.
A few favorite finds
BOMBOLINIS
From early morning to late night (7am–10pm), Bombolini has something for everyone. Surfers grabbing takeaway coffees, locals enjoying affordable meals and travelers ending their day with a burger or pasta (under 50k!). The baked goods are next-level: chewy cookies and bombolinis for 10k, apple cinnamon bread or fudgy brownies for 20k. We came back more than once—enough said.
© Photos by Sirimah @Bombolinis
© Photos by Sirimah @Holytree
Holytree
This is where the surf action happens. Rent a board next door or just settle in with a fresh coconut (20k!) and watch the waves. A simple, perfect Medewi afternoon.
Take a walk on Yeh Sumbul Beach
In the afternoons, Yeh Sumbul fills with families flying layang-layang (kites). Locals and tourists share this long stretch of black sand, which feels rare compared to places like Canggu, where beaches are usually divided between beach clubs and locals-only spots. Here, everyone just gathers together—it feels genuinely communal.
Grilled fish at Bamboo Beach Bar
This was one of the biggest (and most delicious) surprises. We came expecting one grilled fish with rice and veggies (around 500k for a kilo). Instead, we got a feast: two fish, two kinds of veggies, two sambals (matah and merah), fried tempeh and tofu, and even watermelon for dessert! It was a whole table of food—fresh, generous and full of flavor.
© Photo by Sirimah @Padi Villa Medewi
© Photo by Sirimah @Holytree
© Photo by Sirimah @Padi Villa Medewi
Where to Stay
Padi Villa Medewi
A hidden gem down a quiet alley. Bright, airy and spotless, this small guesthouse (just four rooms) feels personal and cozy. During my stay, I even had it all to myself. It’s modern, peaceful and one of the nicest Airbnbs I’ve stayed at in Bali.
Conclusion
Medewi might not be Bali’s most famous destination, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s authentic, calm, and just a little bit undiscovered. Perfect if you’re craving surf, slow days, and a taste of local Bali life—without the chaos of Canggu or Ulu.
Safe travels.
— Siri
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