BootsnAll Travel Community

This is going to sound like the dumbest post ever, but I have to make it.

I'm currently in Jakarta. I'm going to be moving through Java during the next week to Bali.

I've been traveling for almost 11 months now. I've heard so many people talk about Bali. "Bali is great". "You have to visit Bali".

My big, general, generic question is, what makes Bali so great? What should I see and do? Is it just a tourist destination with nice beaches?

My schedule is very open ended. I want to take a 1-2 day trip to Komodo and I'll be flying from Bali to Australia by way of Dili.

I suppose this question is really more one of managing my expectations. After all, there is an entire Bali forum here, where as the rest of the Asian continent is bundled into its own.


Sub-question Should I fly from Solo/Yogyakarta or take a train/bus?

At this end of the world Bali was the first "exotic" tourist destination, and a surfing/backpacker destination for decades. It's survived the tourist onslaught over the years, and has managed to retain the quality that makes it special. It's also matured as a destination, where probably Thailand and Vietnam are now picking up the bulk of the 20 year-olds.

You really should make the effort to experience it, as Bali has a different culture, outlook and ethos to the rest of Indonesia. It's as different an experience as Borneo or Sumatra would be to Java, Singapore to Hong Kong, Hanoi to Saigon, California to Minnesota.

If you get there - it's quite small. Ubud (mountains) for paddy fields, volcanos, villages, restaurants. Kuta for tourist beaches. East coastline for surfing and diving. Food and accomodation as expensive or as cheap as you wish to find. Hard Rock cafe, surfing/diving, spas/massage, temples/culture. It's not the "blow your mind" destination it was in the 70's and 80's, but Bali is Bali and worth the experience..

Well explained Lee.Just one other thing--The Balinese people are lovely.Spending some time speaking with the locals is a always an enjoyable part of my bali holidays.
Cheers Laurs