Travel to Bali was one of those things I kept putting off, you know? Like, everyone and their mom posts those perfect pics, and I’m over here in my crappy Chicago apartment—January 2026, it’s like negative a million outside, radiator clanking like it’s dying—and I’m scrolling through old photos from my trip last summer, wishing I was back there. I went after this awful breakup, basically ran away, and Bali just… hit different. Smells like flowers and scooter exhaust mixed together, chaotic as hell but somehow peaceful? Anyway, here’s my totally biased, kinda rambling list of 10 reasons you should just go this year.
Why I Still Daydream About Traveling to Bali (Reasons 1-3)
The beaches, man. I grew up thinking Florida was peak beach life, but Bali’s black sand spots? Wild. I ended up at this one near Tanah Lot, waves smashing in, super dramatic, and I legit sat there bawling for no reason. Therapeutic, I guess? Super embarrassing if anyone saw.
Those Rice Terraces That Spoiled Me Forever
Tegallalang? Yeah, I slipped and ate mud trying to hike down one morning. Wore flip-flops like an idiot. But chatting with this old farmer guy over terrible coffee he shared? Priceless. Traveling to Bali throws these random real moments at you.
The Wildlife and Culture That Messed With Me
Reason 4: Monkeys Are Thieves and I Love Them
Ubud Monkey Forest—do not wear sunglasses unless you want drama. One straight-up jumped on me, snatched ’em, ran off. I chased it yelling, locals cracking up. They’re sacred or whatever (peep https://monkeyforestubud.com/ if you wanna read the official stuff). Pure chaos magic.
Temples and Sunsets That Hit Too Hard
Tanah Lot at golden hour wrecked me. Fought through tourists, forgot my sarong (had to rent one, felt like such a clueless American), but when the sky went nuclear orange… yeah. One of those “whoa, life is short” moments. More on the temples at https://www.indonesia.travel.
Food, Healing, and Why Bali Fixed My Burnout (Kinda)
Reasons 6 through 8 are basically food and vibes. Street nasi goreng? Slaps harder than any $30 avocado toast here. Took a cooking class, scorched everything, teacher just shrugged and smiled—everyone there is so damn chill.
Wellness stuff too. I did a “healing” session rolling my eyes the whole time, but left feeling… lighter? Traveling to Bali slows you down whether you like it or not.
Yeah, Bali’s Not Perfect (And That’s Okay)
Traffic on scooters? Terrifying. I ate pavement once—nothing major, just bruised ego and knee. Some spots are packed with influencers. It bugs me, but then I remember the quiet bits and I’m like… whatever, still worth it.
Last Couple Reasons: People and That Weird Pull
9 and 10—the Balinese folks are just good people, resilient and smiley. And the adventures: hidden waterfalls, volcanoes, whatever. I came home broke, sunburned, happier than I’ve been in years.
Look, I’m rambling now—point is, if you’re on the fence about traveling to Bali this year, stop overthinking. Just book it. You’ll deal with the chaos, fall in love anyway. Hit me up in the comments if you’re planning a trip, maybe we’ll cross paths. Or don’t, I’m not your mom. Safe travels or whatever ✌️
(For legit info on sustainable stuff, check https://www.indonesia.travel/us/en/destination/bali-nusa-tenggara/bali/.)
