Bali Travel Guide for first-timers from a veteran visitor

1. Overview of Bali

Bali needs no introduction – the island has become a dream destination for decades, starting with the tourism boom in the 1980s. Bali tourism has gone through some rough patches, with the rise of drug-related crimes and two terrorist bombings in the mid-2000s that claimed the lives of staggering 202 victims – to the tourism revival through Eat Pray Love in the 2010s. The book (and movie) has arguably led to what Bali is known for in the present day – wellness and spiritual healing, along with the beautiful beaches and nature.

With the rise of remote working, Bali has also become very popular with digital nomads, so you might meet foreigners who are staying in Bali semi-permanently.

2. Galungan and Kuningan – Triumph over Evil

I was lucky to be experiencing Galungan and Kuningan firsthand in one of the many times I visited Bali. Galungan is a Balinese holiday celebrating the victory of dharma (good) over adharma (evil). While the holiday is unique to Bali, it is related to Diwali, a major Hindu holiday celebrated around the world.

Galungan marks the beginning of the most important recurring religious ceremonies. The spirits of deceased relatives who have died and been cremated return to visit their former homes. The current inhabitants have a responsibility to be hospitable through prayers and offerings. The spirits return after ten days, in a celebration called Kuningan.

3. Where to go in Bali: Overview of Bali Areas

Bali is a huge island, so there are many areas you can consider visiting depending on what you’re interested in. Below I’ve picked out areas that are convenient for visitors to stay in.

For first-time visitors, I recommend sticking to , , and . All the infrastructure that caters to tourism is already well established at these locations – locals speak fluent English, there are plenty of accommodation options from villas and hotels, lots of activities to do, and places to visit. and various meal choices from vegan organic cafes to authentic local Balinese food.

4. Other popular locations

The following locations are famous among Bali tourists, but I personally don’t know too much about them since I have not been spending time in these areas. Here are little snippets that could give you an idea of what you can find there: