Bali is the world’s number 1 tourist destination, and hundreds of thousands of people head there every year. The island is billed as the best place in the world to relax, explore, and party. It sounds great, and you’ll certainly have been told you should visit, but is it worth the trip?
With so much to see and do on the island, everyone has their own reason for visiting, and it can be difficult to pin down exactly what makes Bali so special. Is it the culture, the weather, the scenery or the beaches that keep people coming back for more?
You’re well aware of Bali’s popularity as a holiday destination, but can it possibly live up to the hype? Let’s take a look at the top 10 reasons to visit Bali, to help you decide if it’s worth the trip.
Beaches & Surfing
Beaches are probably the first thing that comes to mind when you picture Bali, and no wonder – the island has a reputation for having some of the most beautiful on earth.
If white sand and turquoise waves are what you’re looking for, you can find the best beaches in the south. Check out Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, and Uluwatu for some of the most spectacular coastline Bali has to offer.
In addition to this, Bali has some of the best surf spots in the world, particularly off the Western coast of the island. World class surfers head to Uluwatu, where swells during the monsoon season can top 15 feet. For beginners in surfing, there are several spots around Canggu and other areas where you can hone your skills on more manageable waves.
Even if you don’t surf, you should head to Uluwatu, grab a beer and watch some of the world’s best surfers at sunset.
Yoga
Yogis will find plenty of places to practice in Bali, particularly around Bali’s spiritual home, Ubud.
With several excellent yoga studios and classes in everything from Hatha to Vinyasa, Bali is the perfect place to improve your skills. Many classes are held in beautiful, serene locations, for a yoga class that’s unlike any other.
Moreover, in Bali, you can try some truly unique yoga experiences – such as paddleboard yoga, underwater yoga and beach yoga.
Relaxed culture
Visitors to Bali will quickly get sucked into island life, where the slow pace of living makes relaxation easy. Days easily float by in a blur of sunshine, and the chilled out atmosphere of Bali can be intoxicating.
For people taking a break from the stresses of everyday life, this relaxed culture is the perfect escape.
Low cost of living
For most people visiting Bali, the cost of living on the island will be way lower than back home. Food, accommodation, and transport are all cheaper than in many Western countries, and you’ll find that your money goes far further on the island. On top of that, you can enjoy some real luxury that is actually affordable in Bali – from getting a massage in natural settings and eating the most exotic and fresh fruits to having a breakfast in your private pool.
Bali also has tons of shopping opportunities, from the boutique shops of Seminyak to the colourful markets of Ubud. Clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs can all be bought at low prices, and skilled hagglers will find great bargains at the markets.
The better quality of life that comes with a lower cost of living is a key factor in Bali’s popularity. This opportunity to live lavishly is one of the reasons so many people choose the island as a holiday destination.
Easy travel
Bali is a large island, but arranging transport between towns and regions is usually easy. All the main tourist areas are well connected, and there are numerous options for taxi and boat services.
Travel agencies are abundant throughout Bali’s more popular areas and can make buying tickets completely hassle-free. Many companies will manage your journey from start to finish and will organize your transport by land and sea.
Moving around Bali is therefore convenient and affordable, making it even easier for visitors to enjoy the island. This freedom to explore different landscapes, from waterfalls to volcanoes, is what makes a trip to Bali so varied and exciting.
Luxury Lifestyle
For many Westerners passing through Bali on holiday, the favourable exchange rate makes it possible to live a luxurious lifestyle. The island has a wealth of spas, massage parlours, and boutique shops, making it all too easy to treat yourself.
Luxury villas can be rented everywhere in Bali, and there are many fine dining opportunities around upmarket Seminyak and bohemian Canggu.
Scenery
Bali’s scenery is as diverse as everything else on the island, and you don’t have to travel far to find yourself in a completely new landscape. As you move around the island, the scenery changes dramatically. From the raw beauty of the Central region’s volcanoes and lakes to the serenity of Bali’s lesser-known beaches, the island has many hidden gems. Squish black volcanic sand between your toes, scramble down slippery stone steps to feel the icy spray of jungle waterfalls, and cruise through lush, green rice paddies on your scooter.
Bali has some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world, and you will see this beauty everywhere you go.
Scuba and snorkelling
The oceans around Bali are part of the Coral Triangle, an area with the greatest amount of marine biodiversity on earth. 76% of all known coral species in the world exist in this region, alongside 3000 species of fish. Snorkelling and scuba diving in this thriving ecosystem can be an unforgettable experience, and lucky divers can see Giant Manta Rays, Reef Sharks, and Hawksbill Turtles.
Partying
Bali’s party scene is world famous, and a trip to Kuta is a rite of passage for many young Australians. Bars and clubs in Kuta and Seminyak often stay open until 5 am, and drinking is a nightly activity.
If clubs aren’t your thing, Canggu and Uluwatu both have their share of edgy nighttime hangouts. Pretty Poison in Canggu is well worth a visit, and the Single Fin party in Uluwatu attracts people from all over the island every.
Adventure
Whether you dream of exploring the dense jungle, hiking volcanoes or swimming among tropical fish, Bali has it all. The scenery around Bali changes drastically between regions, and you can have incredible experiences by getting off the beaten track.
With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder people keep returning to Bali!