Sanctuary of Sunshine: 7 reasons to visit Bali

Bali, Indonesia may be one of the most well-known backpacking destinations since the publication of Elizabeth Gilbert’s, Eat, Pray, Love. I have to admit that I was initially skeptical that the island had something unique to offer. I have visited many beautiful and interesting places around the world. Yet, every traveler I have ever spoken to who has visited the island has urged me to make the trip. I finally listened. After 6 years of pondering and loosely planning a visit, I finally made my way to Bali. 

1. Religion in Bali

The first thing to strike me were the many temples. Everywhere I turned there was either a public or private place of prayer. A taxi driver shared a mini cultural lesson with me during my visit. He explained that the Balinese are unique from the rest of Indonesia. They are strong believers in Hinduism. The rest of Indonesia practices Islam. This was brought over by Arab traders at the end of the 13th century, but the influence didn’t stick with the Balinese. Hinduism remains the main religion in Bali. Rituals and prayer are a part of everyday life. Every family (practicing Hinduism) has their own place to pray. I also learned about a special calendar, called the pawukon, that is used to determine proper days for festivals, holidays and ceremonies. 

2. Friendliness

The next thing that caught my attention was the friendliness of the locals. As a western traveler, I don’t always feel as authentically welcomed as I did by the Balinese. They didn’t just want my money, although it is a known fact that Bali is fully dependent on tourism to fuel their economy. The people were eager to know where I was from, what I intended to see in Bali and what my life was like back home. The many drivers, shopkeepers and hotel staff seemed to be as curious about my life as I was about theirs. They were quick to offer advice and travel tips upon request. Everyone had something to share. They have great pride in their culture and island.

3. Affordability and Hospitality 

One of the main draws to Bali for westerners is its affordability. Both food and accommodation are comparatively cheap in comparison to destinations in western Europe, although you can easily spend more on lavish restaurants, hotels and endless spas if desired. Unique stays and breathtaking luxury resorts are abundant. $100 a night can easily buy a night in a 5 star hotel.  While this is certainly an appeal, I found the open-armed hospitality to be the cherry on top. 

Smiling comes as easily as storytelling to the Balinese, creating a warm atmosphere that is hard to replicate in similar tourist destinations throughout eastern Asia. It’s amazing how much a facial expression can set the tone. Just from the smiles and warm hellos offered to me from local adults and children alike, I felt welcomed. Interactions didn’t end after the hello. No, oftentimes they were followed up with someone wanting to practice their English while telling me about their family life or family-owned business. I soon learned that timeliness was more of a suggestion than a fixed standard to live by on the island. Once engaged in conversation, it proved challenging to find a way to end it politely before the teller had finished speaking. This was an idiosyncrasy I found delightful, although I can understand how other travelers might prefer a quieter experience.

4. Incredible Landscapes

One of the greatest appeals of Bali is the nature. Jungles, beaches, mountains, waterfalls and rice terraces are abundant. There are a variety of outdoor activities to go along with them. On any street you can find someone willing to offer their services as a driver and/or tour guide, as well as rent you whatever equipment you might need. If the person you’re speaking to isn’t available, they will have a cousin or friend who can help you out. Additionally, there are plenty of official tour companies both in busy districts and online. In a single day, one could wander through a monkey forest, hike a volcano and catch sunset at the beach with a beautifully prepared cocktail. There is seemingly no end to these pleasures. 

5. Cuisine

One of my personal highlights was eating! A self-proclaimed foodie, I fell in love with the vegetarian cuisine while visiting. (there are plenty of meat options available as well) I prefer to eat a plant-based diet at home, but found it easy to eat purely vegetarian here. I discovered a new love for tempeh and colorful plates of vegetables. I didn’t have a single bad meal. Even better, my body felt great. Between the natural foods, fresh coconut water and plentiful sunshine, I woke with energy each morning. 

6. Endless things to see and do

If partying is what you seek, there is plenty of that available. The beachfront clubs are abundant, especially in the south. Dancing and live music can be found all nights of the week. The scene is reminiscent of a night out in Miami, fit with DJs, light shows and women dressed in sparkling outfits spraying champagne into the crowd. Use caution when buying food and drinks here, however. The prices are 3-4 times higher than in other restaurants and bars. If it looks like Miami, be prepared to pay those Miami prices. 

For the more spiritual traveler, a host of yoga and meditation complexes and retreats are available. This was a dream for me as a long time student of yoga. I explored different studios around the island before settling on the Yoga Barn, in Ubud. Ubud is considered to be the spiritual center of Bali. It’s home to a series of indoor and outdoor studios offering various types of group yoga classes, instructor training, breathwork, dance, gong and other guided meditations, as well as diverse private instruction. It offers housing options and even has its own cafeteria. 

7. People and Synchronicity

The people I met during my visits enhanced my travel experience greatly. Everywhere I spoke with expats and locals. With each new invitation, I found myself floating from one adventure to another. I shared fascinating conversations with travelers from around the globe. The acceptance and interest that people had in each other’s lives was a reminder of how special humanity can be. This journey proved to be the most impactful of all to my happiness and growth.

The only downside: tourist visas are only issued for 30 days. If I could have stayed longer, I would have. It is hard to put into words what is so special about this island, but once it captures the heart, it becomes unforgettable. The islands’ beauty is abundant; the escape from reality whisks you away from your present stresses and struggles. Now that I’ve visited Bali once, I know I must return.