Morgan PINEL

"Discovering Bali means slowing time down: following the rhythm of the rice fields, letting the daily rituals carry you and deliberately getting lost off the beaten track."

Settled in Canggu for a few months now, I experience Bali from the inside: surf sessions at sunrise, morning markets and long drives to the east of the island. My mission is to show you an authentic Bali, far from the clichés, by combining the must-sees with lesser-known places I have tested on the ground.

Expertise & Key Facts

• 📍 Location: Based in Canggu, Bali (advice straight from the ground)
• 🌍 Area of expertise: Bali, with a particular focus on Lombok, the Kintamani region and the islands of Nusa Lembongan / Nusa Penida
• 🧭 Specialities: Tailor-made tours off the beaten track, authentic stays away from the crowds
• 👥 Travellers I work with: Families, couples, honeymooners, groups of friends: every kind of traveller
• 🗣️ Languages spoken: French, English
• ✈️ Experience: Travel Expert for Bali & Indonesia, living locally in Canggu

On the Ground: My Latest Finds & Discoveries

Newly arrived on the island, I head out every week to find new places to enrich your tailor-made trips to Bali, from little-known spots to encounters with local people.

• 🏄 Surf & sunrise scouting: Early-morning sessions on the Canggu breaks, before the crowds arrive.
• 🌾 Nature immersion: Exploring the terraced rice fields and traditional villages of Sidemen.
• 🌊 Diving & snorkelling: Trips along the Amed coast, between the Liberty wreck and the coral gardens.
• 🚤 Island getaway: Crossing to Nusa Lembongan for its cliffs, mangroves and peace and quiet.

My Favourites & Local Recommendations

• The islands that thrill me: Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, for their unspoilt nature and island pace of life.
• The alternative to Bali: Lombok, Bali's big neighbour just a short hop away, still largely spared from mass tourism, with wild beaches, volcanic landscapes and Mount Rinjani for trekking fans.
• Sidemen, the forgotten valley: A Bali from before tourism, with terraced rice fields and a stunning view of Mount Agung.
• Amed, the fishing village: Black volcanic sand beaches and some of the richest underwater life on the island.
• My little Bali habit: A sunrise surf session, before the island really wakes up.

My Travel Guides & Inspiration

• The best season? When to go to Bali?
• Where to go beyond the highlights: Getting off the beaten track in Bali
• My travel inspiration: Tailor-made trips to Bali
• The complete guide: Bali travel guide

FAQ: Planning Your Trip to Bali with a Local Expert

Why use a local expert based in Canggu to plan your stay?

• Living in Bali lets me follow how the island is changing in real time: new places, seasonal changes, newly opened trails. My role is not limited to booking accommodation or activities: I organise smooth logistics suited to your pace, and I stay reachable throughout your trip thanks to our local team.

How is a tailor-made itinerary for Bali designed?

• It all starts with a conversation about what you would like (relaxation, culture, hiking, diving, food) and the pace you want to travel at. I then build a programme that balances the island's highlights, such as the rice fields, temples and beaches, with quieter stops like Sidemen or Amed, for a smooth trip without too many transfers.

Can I combine Bali with Lombok or the Nusa islands in one trip?

• Absolutely, and it is a combination I particularly love. A speedboat crossing to Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida fits easily into a Bali tour, as does an extension to Lombok for those who want to continue the adventure with a trek on Rinjani or beaches that are still unspoilt.