What’s So Special about Bali?

It seems like visiting Bali is a rite of passage for backpackers. You probably know at least one person who’s been to the popular island or heard stories of a dreamlike vacation there. Aussies just can’t help but choose it as a travel destination, but what the heck makes Bali so special, and does it live up to the hype?

In short, Bali is a backpacker’s paradise with top-notch accommodation options, a wonderful community of travellers, lush nature, and a great place to stretch your money. We’re going to dive into each amazing aspect of the island and fill you in on the best way to travel in Bali. So, let’s go!

Bali Travel is Affordable

The first thought on every traveller’s mind before visiting a new destination is, “How affordable is it?”. It’s an important question. Cheaper locations mean you can stay longer and live the good life without breaking the bank. Well, I’m happy to announce that Bali travel falls into the affordable budget category. Of course, you could spend a massive chunk of change on the island, and it’s getting a bit more expensive as more and more foreigners relocate there. However, having an unforgettable vacation without going into debt is easy.

You could, in theory, only need to spend about $45 a day, which would cover lodging, food, and–mostly free–activities. A more realistic budget for travellers with a bit more money to spend would be $90 a day. That would cover just about anything you want to do. Not to mention, you’ll have no problem finding cheap flights to Bali from Australia, especially if you book your trip in advance.

If you’ve been to other parts of Southeast Asia, you might notice Bali is slightly more expensive. But compared to Australia, it is very inexpensive to travel around the island.

Amazing Accommodation Options

When it comes to accommodation options, Bali has some of the best in the world. You’ll have your choice between cabins on the beach, jungle hideouts, resorts, luxury villas, and friendly hostels. Where you stay can make or break your trip, but you won’t have to worry about that on your Bali holiday.

To give you an idea of the value you’ll get for your money, check out this cottage that only costs $26 a night. You’ll have the entire place to yourself (or whoever you’re travelling with) in a nice little setting. Now imagine what type of accommodation you could get for a bit more money. For example, here’s an entire villa with a private pool and a gorgeous view for only $199 a night. Now, do you want to travel to Bali?

Wonderful Towns to Visit in Bali

Bali might not be the biggest island, but it’s packed with awesome neighbourhoods to stay in. Here’s a list of Bali’s best towns where you’ll find loads of activities, fellow travellers, and beautiful scenery. Keep in mind that there are dozens of towns to choose from to match whatever kind of travelling you enjoy. These are just a few recommendations.

Ubud
Ubud is one of the most well-known towns in Bali, and for good reason! It’s home to several museums, temples, restaurants, and co-working spaces. Walking through the town’s narrow streets, you’ll stumble upon hidden gem after gem. Oh, and if yoga is your thing, you’ll have ample opportunities to join classes.

Often described as the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud is located in the mountainous region and surrounded by a beautiful green sea of rice fields, making it a great place for hiking through jungles and up active volcanoes, as well as waterfall chasing and getting a birds-eye view from the Insta-worthy Bali swings.

Canggu
Looking for an authentic Balinese town that’s still convenient for travellers? Then Canggu is the place for you! Located in the south of the island, the town is nestled within lovely green rice fields. It’s the perfect place to get a look into a different way of life. Whether you decide to stay in Canggu or not, it’s worth passing through or spending the day in.

Sanur
Kick back at one of Sanur’s relaxing beaches. It’s a popular area for people looking to ride bikes, surf, hike, swim, and do any other fun physical activity you could think of. Since it’s on the east coast, the waves tend to be a bit calmer. So, it’s great for any first-time surfers who’ve always wanted to give the sport a try.

Sidemen
Bali is not just about pristine beaches–although they are picture-perfect. Sidemen is located on the east side of the island, away from the coastline. It’s a hidden gem that offers drop-dead gorgeous views of mountains and hills. You can go raftering down rivers, hiking through rice fields, and visit very authentic markets.

Stunning Nature (More than just Beaches)

We all know Bali is famous for its beaches, but what else does it have to offer? For one thing, it has two epic volcanoes you can climb: Agung and Batur. There are a few other smaller volcanoes, but Agung and Batur are the two big guns. If you’re up for a real adventure, you can hike to the top of them for an incredible experience.

The cultivation of rice is an embedded part of Bali’s history and culture. You would be doing the island a disservice if you skipped over these stunningly beautiful paddies. Some of the most popular rice terraces are Tegalalang, Jatiluwih, and Canggu. Don’t miss out!

Trekking through the jungle of Bali will put you face to face with endless greenery, waterfalls, and wildlife. It’s a great way to get out of the sun and have a change of scenery from the beaches. But don’t get us wrong, the beaches on the island are as good as it gets! When you travel to Bali, get ready for non-stop natural beauty!

Magnificent Temples

From the Uluwatu Temple, perched on top of a steep cliff 70 metres above the waves to the Tirta Empul Temple complex and holy mountain spring in the village of Manukaya, and Insta-famous Tanah Lot, an impressive temple suspended on a huge black volcanic rock in the middle of the sea near Beraban, Bali is world-renowned for its temples.

Each temple is unique and holy to the Balinese, with the holiest being Besakiha, a towering mountain-top structure of many smaller temples and staircases, known as the “mother temple”.  You simply can't visit Bali without exploring one of its many temples and more often than not see a spiritual ceremony.  After all, Bali is known as the “Island of the Thousand Temples” for good reason.

The People

The Balinese are some of the friendliest people on the planet and are known for their hospitable and kind nature, so be prepared to be met with a smile anywhere you go.

The culture on the island is to make sure guests feel welcomed and valued, which makes for a safer environment in general with fewer scams, compared to other popular Southeast Asia hangouts.

Digital Nomad Hub

A big part of why Bali is so special is because of the backpacker and digital nomad community it attracts. People from around the world travel to Bali, alone or in groups, to link up with like-minded people. Most towns have co-working and co-living spaces, trendy cafes, and awesome nightlife–what more could you ask for?  So it's little wonder this place has become one of the largest digital nomad hubs in the world right now.

The Best Way to Travel to Bali

With so much to see on the island, planning your Bali holiday and making sure you see everything can be a pain! At iFlyGo, we offer travellers preplanned itineraries so that you don’t have to worry about a thing. Sign up for one of our Bali trips (from solo to group options), and we’ll take care of the rest. So, check out our trips here, and enjoy your adventure!