1. Friendliness of the Balinese
If there is one thing that sticks out most about Bali, it has to be the friendliness. The welcome of the locals surpassed my expectations, and I felt at home with whoever we were with.
2. Incredibly healthy food
With a big focus on health, it seems like every corner plays host to an acai bowl or fresh juicery shop, vegan cafes, and organic food.
3. Beautiful design in hotels and cafes
The design is stunning — whether it’s the hotels or the restaurants. They have a sense for space and how it blends into the surroundings.
4. Natural wonders
Whether it’s the jaw-dropping cliffs of Uluwatu or the rice terraces of Ubud, the amount of natural wonders is incredible.
5. The peacefulness
It’s truly peaceful. The Balinese have an appreciation for being at peace.
6. Culturally rich
Temples and historic sites are everywhere in Bali, and their significance has been preserved and remain central to Balinese daily life.
7. Lush nature
The greenery, oh my! Every turn seems to be more lush than the next.
8. Great prices
It’s incredibly cheap. You could eat for less then $10 a meal and that still is pretty high. We had pizza for $3 and ate classic dishes at warungs for around $5.
9. Approachable luxury
You can stay in high-end hotels for about 1/2 the price of other destinations like Australia, Hawaii, or Mexico.
10. Monkeys!
This was one of my personal highlights, being a fan of monkeys. Though a bit aggressive, it is truly incredibly to see them up close and personal!
PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
