Definitely one of those places where each region often has a very unique personality

That salad is called gado-gado.

That is definitely a great reason to go. 😉

I’ll definitely go back to Indonesia to explore more and will probably get a longer visa. Just need more time for sure.

And yes, though I’ve still got much to see in Indonesia – Sumatra is truly untamed and highly recommended (especially the orangutans at Bukit Lawang and Lake Toba).

Safe travels, and all the best DownUnder!

As I stated above, if people go to Bali, I recommend heading up north where the experience will most likely be better. But compared to the other wonderful places in Indonesia, I personally don’t feel Bali offers anything so special as to warrant a special trip. Too many other great parts to explore in Indonesia.

I love Bali for many reasons. I personally loved the food. I love hot food, so I love sambal. I love tempeh even though I’m not a vegan. I love kare ayam and nasi goreng. I also found the people to be amazing. I was not fond of Ubud and left after a day. I’m not fond of monkeys close up (one at the monkey forest bit my friend and we had to take him to the hospital) and I’m not into yoga or everything overpriced. I wasn’t keen on looking at people who are on their Eat Pray Love trips trying to find something whether it be the healer from the movie or love. Haha. Wasn’t a fan of the book either (I wish my publisher paid for a year to go travel).

One key thing for me in Bali is get out of the tourist areas and explore more than the ones the books and typical blogs post. I befriended locals and asked their opinions of what to eat, what to do, where to surf. I rented a scooter. I know it’s not an option for all but perhaps hire locals to be your own personal guides and not the tourist guide touts. I bet someone will do it. Most people make less than $150US a month there so that is why it can get pretty hectic. My favourite place is Canggu, north of Legian and Seminyak and down in the Bukit where you do need a scooter. My friends I hired a surf guide who took us out of the busy breaks and to places where it was quieter. I’m a crap surfer so he helped me more and let my friends do their own thing. He hung out with us like a friend. It was worth the money ($7 each) to follow him on scooters, avoid the cops, him tell us which food vendors are better and for him to tell the touts to leave us alone. Another local friend told us a phrase in Bahasa that says we have no money. Befriending locals is the best way to get tips about how to enjoy their home and have a special connection. I’m Asian and tan so perhaps I had it easy when I was in Bali. Everyone thought I was Balinese. But I found it difficult in Vietnam where the touts would hassle me and even had a gang of young guys follow me for an hour in hopes to rob me.

It’s very true, what one loves another loathes. I doubt you’d go back but I’d say befriend some locals and your perspective may change. Don’t discount the whole island. There’s so much more to Bali than Sanur, Legian, Seminyak, Kuta, and Ubud.