Is Bali Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion After Visiting Bali

On By saar.decosterIn Asia, Indonesia

Is Bali worth visiting? Honestly, yes, but I don’t think Bali is for everyone.

I really enjoyed my time in Bali. I saw some incredibly beautiful places, did some amazing activities and made some great memories. I also happened to visit in June, which gave me pretty much perfect weather: warm and sunny, but without the extreme heat you can get in other parts of Southeast Asia.

But Bali also surprised me in a few ways.

After spending months travelling around Australia, where I barely heard Dutch or Flemish, arriving in Bali and suddenly hearing Dutch and Belgian accents everywhere was… interesting. It made me realise just how popular Bali has become with European travellers.

And that popularity comes with both advantages and disadvantages.

So, is Bali worth visiting? In my opinion, absolutely, but I’d recommend going beyond the most famous places and not expecting the Bali you might have seen on Instagram.

If you’re planning your own trip, start with my Bali travel guide for more destination guides, practical tips and honest opinions. You can also explore my complete Indonesia travel guide if you’re planning to visit more than just Bali.

So, Is Bali Worth Visiting?

Yes, Bali is worth visiting, especially if you want a destination where you can combine beaches, nature, temples, surfing, food, nightlife, culture and plenty of activities without spending a fortune.

But I wouldn’t necessarily recommend spending your entire Indonesia trip on Bali.

For me, one of the biggest downsides is that some parts of Bali have become incredibly touristy. Places like Canggu can feel more like an international digital nomad and backpacker hub than the tropical Indonesian island you might imagine.

At the same time, there are still plenty of places where I absolutely loved being in Bali.

Ubud, Uluwatu, the north of the island and places like Lovina showed me a completely different side of Bali. And then there’s Nusa Penida, which I genuinely loved.

So my answer is basically:

Bali is worth visiting, but don’t just visit the Bali that everyone else visits.

Sungai Waterfall surrounded by tropical jungle in Bali
Sungai Waterfall

Why I Loved Bali

Despite the downsides, I genuinely had a great time in Bali.

There is simply so much to do.

You can spend your mornings exploring temples, afternoons swimming or surfing, evenings eating ridiculously good food and then spend the next day hiking, snorkelling or going on a boat trip.

And because Bali is relatively compact, you can see a surprising amount of the island during one trip.

It also helped that I visited in June.

June Was Pretty Much Perfect

I visited Bali in June and honestly couldn’t have asked for much better weather.

It was warm, sunny and tropical, but I didn’t find it unbearably hot.

After coming from Australia, where I’d already experienced plenty of different climates, June felt like a really nice balance.

If you’re planning your own trip, I’d personally look at the dry season, especially around May to September, if your priority is having good weather for outdoor activities.

Of course, weather is never guaranteed, but my experience in June was excellent.

Not sure when to plan your trip? I’ve written a more detailed guide to the best time to visit Bali, including the weather, rainy season and what to expect from the crowds throughout the year.

Bali Is Very Tourist-Friendly

One of the biggest reasons people love Bali is also one of the reasons I sometimes found it less interesting.

It is extremely easy to travel around.

There are loads of accommodations, restaurants, cafés, tours, drivers, scooters and activities aimed at travellers.

You can arrive with almost no plan and still figure everything out as you go.

And if you’ve travelled around Southeast Asia before, this can be amazing.

But if you’re looking for somewhere that feels completely untouched or local, Bali probably isn’t the place I’d choose.

Canggu Wasn’t Really My Thing

Canggu was probably the place where I felt this the most.

I know a lot of people absolutely love it, but personally, I found it a little overdone.

After months of travelling around Australia and experiencing places that felt much less internationally dominated, arriving somewhere where I seemed to hear Dutch, Flemish and English constantly was quite funny.

It almost felt like I had travelled halfway across the world and somehow ended up surrounded by people from Belgium and the Netherlands.

That’s obviously not a bad thing if you want an easy, social backpacker experience.

But personally, it made Bali feel less authentic than I had expected.

If you’re looking for nightlife, cafés, coworking spaces, beach clubs and a very social international atmosphere, though, Canggu could be exactly what you’re looking for.

It’s just not necessarily my favourite side of Bali.

If you’re considering staying there, read my Canggu travel guide for the best things to do, beaches and practical tips. I’ve also shared my honest thoughts on whether Canggu is worth visiting, plus my favourite cafés in Canggu for breakfast and brunch.

Coffee in Canggu, Bali

Bali Can Be Very Party-Focused

Another thing I noticed is that a lot of Bali is quite party-focused, especially in the more popular areas.

Places like Canggu, Seminyak and parts of the south are full of beach clubs, bars, pool parties, sunset drinks and nightlife. For some travellers, that’s actually one of the biggest reasons to visit Bali. It’s incredibly easy to meet people, go out and find something happening almost every night.

Personally, it wasn’t the main reason I was travelling to Bali, so I sometimes found it a little too much. It can feel like certain areas revolve around beach clubs, partying and the international backpacker scene, rather than the Balinese culture and nature that originally attracted me to the island.

That doesn’t mean you have to party to enjoy Bali, though. There are plenty of quieter places and experiences, especially if you head away from the busiest southern areas. Ubud, northern Bali and parts of Uluwatu can give you a very different experience.

So again, I think it really comes down to choosing where you stay. If you’re looking for nightlife and a very social atmosphere, Bali is fantastic. If you’re looking for peace, nature and a more local feeling, I’d be a bit more selective about where you base yourself.

Finns Beach Club in Canggu, Bali

But Bali Is Much More Than Canggu

This is something I think is really important.

Don’t judge Bali based on Canggu.

There are so many other places on the island.

Ubud

Ubud was one of the places where I enjoyed the atmosphere much more.

It’s still touristy, obviously, but the combination of jungle, rice fields, temples, cafés and traditional Balinese culture makes it feel very different from the beach areas.

It’s also a great base if you want to explore central Bali.

If you’re planning a Bali trip, I’d definitely include Ubud rather than spending your entire time around the southern beaches.

Still deciding whether to include Ubud in your itinerary? Read my honest review of whether Ubud is worth visiting before deciding how long to stay.

Uluwatu

Uluwatu was another favourite.

The cliffs, beaches, sunsets and surf make this part of Bali feel completely different again.

It’s still popular, but I personally preferred the atmosphere here to Canggu.

If you’re looking for beautiful beaches and dramatic coastal scenery, I’d definitely put Uluwatu on your Bali itinerary.

Uluwatu was one of my favourite areas in Bali, so I’d definitely consider spending a few nights here. My Uluwatu travel guide covers the best beaches and things to do, while my guides on where to stay in Uluwatu and Uluwatu nightlife will help you plan your stay. You can also read my honest opinion on whether Uluwatu is worth visiting.

Friends hanging out together at a villa in Uluwatu, Bali

Northern Bali

I’d also recommend looking further north.

Places like Lovina give you a completely different experience from the busy southern parts of the island.

The north generally feels quieter and less dominated by international tourism.

If you’re someone who gets tired of Bali’s crowds, I’d definitely consider adding a few nights in northern Bali.

And honestly, this is one of the things I would have liked to do even more of: getting away from the most famous areas.

Nusa Penida Was One of My Highlights

Even though Nusa Penida is definitely not a hidden secret anymore, I absolutely loved it.

It’s technically a separate island just off Bali, and I think it’s one of the best additions you can make to a Bali trip.

The island is big enough that you can spend several days exploring, but it’s also relatively easy to get around.

There are dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches, viewpoints, snorkelling spots and plenty of places to explore.

One of my favourite parts was actually having somewhere beautiful to return to after a busy day of exploring.

I stayed at Spice Trader Nusa Penida, which ended up being one of my favourite places I stayed in Indonesia. The bungalows are surrounded by nature and the pool has an incredible view over the water and palm trees.

For me, Nusa Penida was one of those places that reminded me why I had wanted to visit Indonesia in the first place.

I stayed at Spice Trader Nusa Penida, which ended up being one of my favourite places I stayed in Indonesia. If you’re thinking of visiting the island yourself, check out my Nusa Penida travel guide for the best things to do and practical tips. I’ve also written an honest review of whether Nusa Penida is worth visiting.

Bali Can Be Intense If It’s Your First Asian Country

One thing I think people sometimes underestimate is how different Bali can feel if you’ve never travelled somewhere in Asia before.

The traffic alone can be a lot.

There are scooters everywhere, cars, people, narrow roads and a general level of organised chaos that can be quite overwhelming when you’re not used to it.

At first, I was definitely like:

What is happening here?!

But you get used to it surprisingly quickly.

And honestly, I think that difference is part of the fun.

If you’ve only travelled around Europe, Bali can feel like a completely different world.

The smells, sounds, traffic, food, temples, scooters and general atmosphere all make it feel very different from home.

And that’s exactly why I travel.

Bali Is Surprisingly Cheap

Another huge reason why I think Bali is worth visiting is the price.

Compared with many destinations, you can do a ridiculous amount for your money.

Accommodation, food, transport and activities can all be relatively affordable, depending on where you stay and how you travel.

And the activities especially surprised me.

One comparison really stuck with me.

In Australia, I looked into doing a whale shark experience that cost around $350 AUD for just a few hours.

In Indonesia, I could do a much longer multi-day experience for around €150, including whale sharks, sailing and other activities.

Obviously, these aren’t exactly identical tours, so it’s not a perfect apples-to-apples comparison.

But it gives you an idea of how much more you can sometimes get for your money in Indonesia.

And that’s one of the reasons travelling around Indonesia can be so much fun.

You don’t necessarily have to choose between having an amazing experience and sticking to a backpacker budget.

Is Bali Too Touristy?

This is probably the biggest question I’d ask before booking a trip.

Some parts of Bali are definitely too touristy for me.

But I don’t think that means Bali itself isn’t worth visiting.

It’s more about where you go.

If you spend your entire trip in Canggu, Seminyak and other heavily developed tourist areas, you might leave thinking:

“Why does everyone love Bali so much?”

But if you explore Ubud, Uluwatu, northern Bali and Nusa Penida, you’ll get a much broader idea of what the island actually has to offer.

And even then, don’t expect complete authenticity everywhere.

Bali is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Southeast Asia for a reason.

Would I Visit Bali Again?

Yes.

But if I could go back and plan my Indonesia trip again, I think I would spend less time in Bali and more time exploring other Indonesian islands.

That’s probably my biggest takeaway.

Indonesia is absolutely enormous, and there is so much more than Bali.

I’d love to explore places like Java and Lombok properly.

From everything I’ve seen and heard, these places can offer incredible landscapes while feeling a little less internationally dominated than some parts of Bali.

So if you’re planning a longer Indonesia trip, I wouldn’t necessarily make Bali the entire focus.

I’d use Bali as one part of a bigger Indonesian adventure.

Sunrise over Mount Batur in Bali after an early morning hike

Bali vs. the Rest of Indonesia

For a first trip to Indonesia, Bali is incredibly convenient.

It’s easy to reach, easy to travel around and packed with things to do.

But that convenience also means it is one of the most developed and touristy parts of Indonesia.

If you’re looking for:

  • Easy travel
  • Lots of activities
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Surfing
  • Temples
  • Good food
  • Nightlife
  • Affordable accommodation
  • Lots of other travellers
  • Plenty of organised tours

Bali is a great choice.

But if you’re looking for:

  • Fewer tourists
  • A more local atmosphere
  • Less international tourism
  • More off-the-beaten-path experiences
  • A less developed destination

I’d definitely look beyond Bali too.

Java, Lombok and many of Indonesia’s other islands would be high on my list.

If you want to explore beyond Bali, I’d also recommend looking into the Gili Islands, just off the coast of Lombok. I have separate guides to Gili Air and Gili Trawangan, including things to do, where to stay and practical travel tips. If you’re unsure which island suits you best, you can also read my honest review of whether Gili T is worth visiting.

How Long Do You Need in Bali?

I’d personally recommend around 7–10 days in Bali if you want to see several different areas without constantly rushing.

For example, you could divide your time between:

Ubud – central Bali, rice fields, temples and jungle

Uluwatu – beaches, cliffs, sunsets and surfing

Northern Bali – a quieter side of the island

Nusa Penida – dramatic landscapes, beaches and snorkelling

You could obviously spend much longer in Bali, especially if you want to surf, work remotely or simply slow down.

But if you’re backpacking around Indonesia, I wouldn’t feel like you need to spend three weeks on the island just because there is a lot to do.

For a more detailed breakdown, read my guide on how long you need in Bali, where I explain how to plan your time on the island and which areas you could combine. If you’re comparing destinations, my guide to Canggu vs Uluwatu can also help you decide where to spend your time.

My Honest Pros & Cons of Bali

What I loved about Bali

  • Beautiful landscapes
  • Great weather in June
  • Lots of activities
  • Amazing and affordable food
  • Very affordable compared with many destinations
  • Easy to travel around
  • Beautiful beaches and islands
  • Ubud and northern Bali feel very different from the busy south
  • Nusa Penida was a major highlight
  • Easy place to meet other travellers

What I didn’t love

  • Traffic can be absolutely crazy
  • Some areas are extremely crowded
  • You might hear more Dutch than you expect
  • Some places feel heavily influenced by Instagram tourism
  • Canggu personally felt a little overdone
  • Prices can be noticeably higher in the most touristy areas
  • It can feel less authentic than other parts of Indonesia

So, Is Bali Worth Visiting?

Yes, 100%.

I genuinely had an amazing time in Bali. I did some incredible things, saw beautiful places and made memories that I’ll probably remember for a very long time.

But I also think it’s important to be honest about the downsides.

Bali isn’t the untouched tropical paradise it might look like on Instagram.

Some places are crowded, heavily developed and packed with international travellers. And if you’re looking for a completely authentic Indonesian experience, there are probably better places to explore.

But that doesn’t make Bali bad.

It just means you need to choose your destinations carefully.

For me, places like Uluwatu, Ubud, northern Bali and especially Nusa Penida showed me why people fall in love with this part of Indonesia.

And if you’re visiting Indonesia for the first time, Bali is still one of the easiest and most exciting places to start.

My biggest tip?

Don’t stop at Bali.

If you have the time, add another island to your trip.

I would love to go back and explore more of Java, Lombok and the many other Indonesian islands I didn’t get to see the first time.

Because if Bali taught me one thing, it’s that Indonesia is way bigger than Bali.

And honestly, that’s probably the most exciting part.

Planning a Trip to Indonesia?

I’ve written more Indonesia travel guides based on my own experiences, including destinations, stays and things I actually did during my trip.

If you’re planning your own Indonesia adventure, check out my Indonesia travel guides for more honest travel tips, places to visit and ideas for your itinerary.

→ START HERE: Indonesia travel guide

OR START BY AREA

→ BALI TRAVEL GUIDE
→ LOMBOK TRAVEL GUIDE

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FAQ

Is Bali worth visiting for the first time?

Yes. Bali is a great introduction to Indonesia because it has beautiful nature, beaches, temples, food, nightlife and a well-developed tourism infrastructure. Just be prepared for some very touristy areas.

Is Bali too touristy?

Some parts definitely are. Canggu is particularly international and developed, while areas such as northern Bali can feel quieter. Nusa Penida is also a great option if you want dramatic nature and a different atmosphere.

Is Bali expensive?

Bali can be very affordable, especially for food, accommodation and activities. However, prices in popular tourist areas can be considerably higher than in less touristy parts of Indonesia.

What is the best time to visit Bali?

I visited Bali in June and had excellent weather: sunny, warm and comfortable. The dry season, generally around May to September, is a popular time to visit Bali, although conditions vary from year to year.

Is Bali good for solo travellers?

Yes. Bali is one of the easier destinations in Southeast Asia for solo travellers because there are many hostels, tours, activities and opportunities to meet other travellers.

Is Nusa Penida worth visiting?

Absolutely. I really enjoyed Nusa Penida. The island has dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches, snorkelling spots and plenty of places to explore. I’d recommend staying for at least a couple of nights rather than only visiting on a rushed day trip.

Should you visit Bali or other Indonesian islands?

If it’s your first trip to Indonesia, Bali is an easy and exciting place to start. But if you have more time, I’d definitely combine Bali with another destination such as Java or Lombok to experience a different side of Indonesia.

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