What’s So Great About Bali?

Filed from week three of our unexpectedly extended tropical detour

When we first packed our bags for a ten-day Easter break in Bali, we didn’t know it would stretch into a much more extended stay (thanks to a surprise medical hiccup; story for another day).

And after being here for nearly three weeks, a few people have asked me:

What is it about Bali that you love so much?

Now, I’m no Bali guru. The last time we travelled here was pre-COVID in 2017. When I travel anywhere more than once, I tend to find my favourites and stick to them as a creature of habit. But with the gift of extra time this trip, we’ve started wandering further than usual, and I’ll share more on those little side adventures soon.

But in the meantime, here’s why we keep coming back:

The top reasons we love Bali:

• The proximity.
  Bali is a quick, easy international getaway for Aussies, especially Western Australians. In fact, it’s often cheaper to fly here than to the other side of our own country. For us Queenslanders, it’s just a six-hour flight. That’s nothing when it buys you a passport stamp, a full cultural change, and warm weather on tap.

• The people.
  Balinese hospitality is warm, generous, and genuine. There’s something deeply grounding about being in a place where smiles come easily, and kindness is everywhere, even when things don’t go to plan.

• The price range.
  Bali can be as luxe or as laid-back as you like. Five-star resorts? Got them. Private villas with pools? Easy. Budget-friendly hotels within walking distance to everything? Yep. You could eat out every day, have laundry done, and have daily massages, and still spend less than a weekend away at home.

• The food.
  The food scene is unreal. From warungs serving fragrant nasi campur to Insta-perfect cafés with smoothie bowls and oat milk lattes, you’ll find everything. You can order a steak, a vegan laksa, sushi, or a wood-fired pizza, sometimes all from the same beach hut kitchen. And if you don’t feel like leaving your villa, there’s always Gojek. Open the app, scroll endlessly, and have your favourites delivered in under an hour, often for less than the price of a coffee back home.

• The beaches.
  Yes, Australia has some of the best beaches in the world. But Bali brings something else: warm waves, buzzing beach bars, perfect beginner surf, and a dreamy mix of locals, expats, and holidaymakers. Whether you want to boogie board with the kids, take a surf lesson, or just lounge under an umbrella with a coconut, there’s space for it all.

• The sunsets.
  I know Perth gets its fair share, but over on the east coast, we don’t see the sun drop into the sea. Here, every night becomes an event. Golden hour hits, music starts, and people gather on bean bags, bar stools, and loungers to watch the sky do its thing.

• Shopping!
  I can’t believe I nearly forgot this. The shopping in Bali is a mix of boutique, boho, and bargain. Think handmade jewellery, flowy dresses, kids’ clothes, leather bags, rattan homewares, and yep, even knock-off Birks if you're that way inclined. I defy anyone to leave Bali without something new in their suitcase.

• Massages.
  I’ve developed a bit of a ritual, a pre-bedtime hour-long foot reflexology session. And the best part? There’s usually a massage place within a few minutes’ walk, no matter where you’re staying, a villa or a hotel. For around $10, you get a full hour of dedicated foot love. Honestly, it feels criminal not to go.

• Something for everyone.
  Bali is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place. Chill. Surf. Party. Shop. Yoga. Eat. Explore. Whether you're travelling solo, with your kids, your partner, or a whole extended family, everyone will find something they love, and no one will be bored for long.

• Medical care, if you need it.
  We’ve stress-tested this one. With decent travel insurance, you’ll find high-quality clinics and international hospitals with English-speaking staff, quick appointments, and professional care. It’s reassuring to know it’s there, even if you hope not to need it.

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We’re still here. Still sweating. Still eating. Still discovering little gems we wouldn’t have found if we’d stuck to our original timeline.

There’s something special about Bali that’s hard to explain unless you’ve been, and even then, it’s different for everyone. But for us? It’s the mix. The energy. The ease. The way it lets you slow down without missing out.

If you’ve been thinking about a trip, this is your gentle nudge.
It’s not just a holiday. It’s a vibe.

Let me know if you want to know more about our trip, and I’ll do my best to answer your questions.

I’ve got lots of links, locations, and to-dos coming over the coming weeks, so watch out for it all.

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