During my two-week stay in Bali this August, following a visit to Seoul, I had the chance to reconnect with my brother and experience the tropical haven he calls home.

Transitioning from a bustling metropolis like Seoul to a popular tourist destination in Bali was a significant contrast. However, I had some insight into what to expect, thanks to my brother's stories and conversations with friends who had visited before.

In this post, I aim to share my reflections on my time in Bali, including my observations, things I admired, and lessons learned along the way.

First, I'll give a brief overview of my activities, followed by a list of pros and cons. Additionally, I'll include some helpful tips for first-time visitors to Bali.

Upon landing in Bali, the excitement was palpable as the warm, humid air enveloped me. However, the thrill quickly faded as I faced long customs lines that stretched for over an hour.

My initial destination was Uluwatu, a charming surf town known for its stunning blue beaches, cliffside eateries, golf courses, and temples. The atmosphere reminded me of a more welcoming and secure version of Mexico.

My girlfriend and I opted for a resort near a golf course to help us acclimate to our new surroundings.

The waters in Uluwatu were the most breathtaking we encountered during our trip. The vibrant blue hues and the soothing sounds of the waves were truly mesmerizing.

We descended a steep staircase to the beach, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension about our first meal, worried about the dreaded "Bali-belly" — a term for severe food poisoning or bacterial infections that can lead to dehydration and, in rare cases, be fatal.

Keeping this in mind, we chose a bustling restaurant with positive reviews.

Tip: If you're concerned about dining safety, choose a restaurant frequented by tourists and check reviews for alarming "Bali-belly" warnings. There are plenty of excellent options available.

Watching beautiful sunsets was a priority for us, and we enjoyed them almost every evening.

On our first night, we visited Rock-Bar in Uluwatu. While it has a minimum charge of $30 CAD per person, which is quite steep for Bali, the location right by the water and the breathtaking view made it worthwhile. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a touristy spot.

The following day, we explored the GWK Cultural Park, home to the fifth-largest statue in the world — a stunning representation of Vishnu, a Hindu deity. Witnessing this statue in person was genuinely awe-inspiring.

After admiring the statue, we wandered through the park, where I had the opportunity to receive blessings, drink holy spring water, and meditate with a guru. This experience was a highlight of my trip.

The rest of our time in Uluwatu was spent discovering restaurants and exploring the area.

Afterward, we took a boat to Nusa Lembongan, a destination I quickly fell in love with. Initially, we planned to stay there overnight to facilitate our exploration of Nusa Penida, but I soon realized the island had much to offer on its own.

Nusa Lembongan is small, tranquil, and extraordinarily picturesque, making it my favorite part of the journey. The crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views provided a sense of true peace.

Following our stay, we boarded a boat to Nusa Penida, where we met our exceptional tour guide.

He led us to stunning locations such as Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Kelingking, and Crystal Beach. Kelingking was particularly photogenic and featured playful monkeys!

I highly recommend hiring a guide in Nusa Penida, as navigating the island independently would have been challenging due to rough roads and heavy traffic.

After our tour, we returned to Seminyak, where my brother resides, to check into our next hotel.

Seminyak is a lively tourist hub, reminiscent of a safer version of Mexico. Throughout my time there, I felt secure; the locals were friendly, and tourists were abundant.

Much of our time in Seminyak was spent with my brother. We dined out, visited a Muay Thai gym, enjoyed nightlife, shopped, and frequented the beach.

As our time in Seminyak concluded, we headed to Ubud. Unfortunately, both my girlfriend and I fell ill, which hindered our ability to fully enjoy Ubud.

Known as Bali's cultural center, Ubud is beautiful, featuring lush trees, a monkey forest, and rice terraces. However, I realized it wasn't the right fit for me or my girlfriend, who prefer vibrant cities by the coast with plenty of activities.

Ubud felt even more crowded with tourists than Seminyak, with busy roads and subpar dining options. Additionally, our accommodation was plagued by mosquitoes, ants, and litter in the surrounding waterways.

This is purely my perspective, and many might disagree, but I would hesitate to return in the future.

To wrap up our trip, we returned to Seminyak. By then, my illness had worsened, resulting in sleepless nights and a visit to the doctor.

The doctor administered IV fluids to address my stomach issues, multivitamins, and various medications, costing around $900 (thankfully covered by insurance). While I started feeling better, it took a few days for a full recovery.

On our final day in Seminyak, we mostly relaxed at the beach, shopped, and savored foods unavailable in Canada.

The highlight of my culinary experience was indulging in local Indonesian dishes, which were truly delightful. The trendy restaurants excelled in their Indonesian offerings, and I never regretted my choices.

Feeling exhausted and still recovering from my illness, we boarded a flight back to Korea.

Bali's beauty, kindness of its people, and stunning beaches were undeniable. However, there were notable downsides as well. Let's summarize with a pros and cons list.

The Pros:

Culture: Bali boasts a rich culture with Hindu temples dotting the landscape. Visitors can engage in ceremonies and witness traditional dance performances. The locals often wear traditional attire, and it's common to see them offering blessings.

The Food: While caution is necessary to avoid illness, there are numerous eateries serving exceptional food. The Indonesian dishes I enjoyed, particularly in trendy venues, were highlights of my culinary journey. Smoothie bowls and healthy juices are readily available, as are wagyu burgers and steaks at reasonable prices. Bali offers one of the best food quality-to-price ratios I've encountered.

The Beaches: Bali's beaches are plentiful and breathtaking, boasting clear waters and fantastic waves for swimming or surfing. As someone who loves being near the water, I found Bali to be one of the best beach destinations I've ever visited.

Scooter Transportation: Navigating Bali is easy and affordable with the Gojek app, akin to Uber. Scooters allow for quick travel through traffic, costing under $2 CAD for rides anywhere in the city. Cars are also affordable, but traffic congestion can be a hassle.

Accommodations: Finding suitable lodging in Bali is straightforward and budget-friendly. Whether you're seeking hotels, resorts, or villas, exceptional options abound. The villas we experienced offered stunning views and excellent amenities at reasonable prices.

Healthy Lifestyle: Many people move to Bali for a healthier lifestyle, and it's easy to find a variety of fresh foods and fitness facilities at affordable prices. Activities like gym workouts, Muay Thai training, and yoga are easily accessible. However, caution is necessary regarding the cleanliness of produce, as well as air quality due to local practices.

The Cons:

Garbage: Litter is prevalent, particularly in back alleys and waterways, despite many main streets being tidy. This issue detracts from Bali's natural beauty.

Bacteria: Maintaining proper hygiene is essential, as many surfaces may harbor bacteria. Travelers must wash their hands regularly to avoid illness, as unsanitary conditions are common.

Traffic: Traveling by car can be time-consuming due to traffic congestion. While scooters provide a quicker alternative, accidents are not uncommon, especially involving tourists.

Tourists: Bali's charm can be diminished by overcrowding from tourists. The influx often leads to locals being overly aggressive in trying to sell goods and services, and some visitors can be disrespectful to the local culture.

Slow Pace: Bali's laid-back lifestyle may not suit everyone. Those who prefer a faster pace may find the slower rhythm frustrating.

Final Thoughts Bali is undeniably beautiful, with a vibrant culture. Although I cherished my time there, primarily due to my brother and girlfriend, I may not return unless my brother remains there long-term, as there are many other destinations I wish to explore.

Tourism's impact can lead to overcrowding, increased waste, and higher prices, detracting from the overall experience. While I would choose Bali over other tropical destinations like Mexico, I encourage potential visitors to thoroughly research and respect the island and its inhabitants.

Thank you for taking the time to read my reflections.

Be love.

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