Bali has such an attraction; the beaches, the food, the cheap nasi gorengs, the dreamy massages and the quick plane flight.
Following are 5 reasons that I can immediately think of five reasons that make me want to return as soon as I arrive back in Sydney. Bali, for me is like a magnet, and these reasons should explain why the attraction is so strong.
As an avid traveller to Bali who keeps returning to this fabulous island at least 5 to 6 times per year, I have to ask this question: why do I keep coming back here? What keeps drawing me to this place, and why do I love it so much?
1. Bali is only a 5 or so-hour flight from Sydney & Melbourne
The first time I left Australian soil, I flew to Europe and only then did I realise how far Australia was from the rest of the world. Not only are tickets from Australia to Europe or the States expensive, but the journey itself seems endless. The first time I flew to Bali, the entire trip from my home to the time I was in my villa took only 8 hours. This is a huge drawcard and a massive advantage. Yes, it’s great seeing other places and countries, but for a quick getaway, especially in winter, Bali is perfect. You can be in a tropical climate that same day at a fraction of the cost of a European, USA or South American trip.
Since my first visit to the charming island, it’s become my #1 overseas travel destination. Nowhere else in the world meets Bali’s standard for me. The island has a unique way of perfectly balancing ancient Balinese culture and tradition with all things Aussies love on holiday; sun, surf, great food, friendly people, family-friendly as well as really good value. For me and most Australians, no other destination comes close.
Also read: More to Bali than Beaches; art, culture, food & more
2. Cheap Massages and amazing day spas
Bali is perfect if you love massages and paying around $10 for an hour of bliss. I try to fit 1 massage in a day as part of my holiday schedule. Why not? You should do it if you have never had a massage in Bali. Most massages are traditional Balinese massages, and there are hundreds of places where you can go and grab one. No need to book. Just arrive, and they will pop you a little room, and the fun begins.
Also read: 9 best day spas in Canggu for the girls
Conveniently positioned throughout the entire island are day spas ( too numerous to mention) ready to provide you with the most relaxing massage of your life. The Balinese know how to release all negativity, stress and pain from your body with their ancient massage techniques. I highly suggest a hot-stone therapy massage at least once on your Bali trip; it is a heavenly out-of-body experience that will leave you rejuvenated like never before.
If you want to know how much you should pay for a massage in Bali, read this article.
3. The Divine Food
Bali is a beautiful melting point of tradition, culture and modernity. The eclectic mix of cultures and nationalities that have permanently moved there has created various foods and cuisines to suit any palette. I prefer the traditional Balinese cuisine as it encompasses all things authentically Indonesian.
A must-try in Bali is the Suckling Pig – traditionally barbequed on hot coals and coffee beans to create a smokey BBQ flavour – the meat comes out soft like butter, and the crackling skin is a pure dream.
An even bigger must for foodies travelling to Bali is Kopi Luwak – the world’s most expensive coffee. These intensely flavorful coffee cherries are consumed by wild Asian cervil, and their digestive system naturally peels away the hard peel and outcomes an aromatic coffee bean. If that’s not to your taste, go for the standard Nasi Goring, a local and western favourites. There are also fantastic cafes and restaurants in Canggu and Seminyak which cater for all tastes, even vegans.
Also Read: 27 Knockout Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Bali
4. The Surf
The surf in Bali is world-renowned, and anyone who loves surfing is going to tell you stories for hours on end about how good the waves are in Bali. Try Uluwatu in the island’s southern area, also known as the Bukit or just around Seminyak is the famous Legian/Kuta beach for beginners.
When I say beginners, I still must warn you that the surf can get quite large and dangerous, so be careful. The surf in Bali is pretty much consistent all year round, so all you need to do is pack your boards and go and enjoy yourself. If you do not intend to take a board, you can always hire one from the many surfboard rental places on the beach. As a keen surfer, this would have to be why I keep coming back. Its consistency and perfection are world-class.
5. The Wonderful People
Without a doubt, this is the very best thing about Bali. Go there, and you will see what I mean. They are super friendly, have a great sense of humour, and will always make you feel welcome. You will never feel alone so long as you are prepared to engage and chat with the locals – they just love westerners and enjoy talking to you. Bali, after all, is so culturally diverse and spectacular, BUT the real beauty is the people.
I’m adding one more point here, and that is the Bali villa accommodation. I always stay in a villa, and for those newbies that have never experienced what it’s like holidaying in a villa, you are in for a great treat. It’s amazing and just adds to the fabulous experience of being in this place. Bali Villas are known worldwide for their charm, level of service, privacy, and family-friendly. If you are lucky enough to stay in a villa on or near the beach, you will have the holiday of a lifetime, just like I always do.
There are so many levels and types of accommodation and places to stay on the island that you’re never going to have any hassles finding anything. You can use a website like this to book a villa or arrive there and look around. My preference is to have everything locked in beforehand.
So these are just some of the things that I love about Bali. There are loads more, and the list keeps growing the more I go there.
Blog Revised @ 06/02/20
There is another great thing about Bali: the nightlife, entertainment and day clubs on the beach. There are some amazing places where you can go for a meal and a few drinks as you watch the sunset or, if you prefer to, find clubs where you can party hard till the early morning hours. Bali is an island where you can let your hair down in style! Just look at some of the most gorgeous restaurants/bars, all with a pool on the beach in Bali. You can see what I mean by style.