Bali Uncovered: What It's Like to Visit Today

Like many global tourism hubs, Bali endured significant economic hardship during the Covid-19 pandemic. Monthly foreign arrivals, once exceeding 500,000, plummeted to mere double digits, leaving tourism workers to survive by tending to the island’s rice fields and orchards.

Yet, the people of this volcanic island are renowned for their resilience. Bali, the Island of the Gods, is emerging from the crisis, transforming itself to meet the needs of a more mindful and sustainable era of post-pandemic travel.

For those planning a trip to Bali now, here are some of the top experiences you can enjoy.

Ideal for Wellness

Since the 1920s, Ubud has been celebrated by pioneering expatriates as the artistic heart of Bali. A century later, it has gained even greater recognition as a global hub for conscious living and wellness.

The yoga boom of the early 2000s transformed the area, and today, Ubud boasts more yoga studios, organic eateries, spas, and mindfulness retreats per capita than nearly anywhere else in the world.

Ubud’s revered Monkey Forest, one of Bali’s top attractions, is once again attracting visitors. While the historic old market is currently closed for renovation, the surrounding shopping streets are bustling with traffic once more.

While the town center is bustling again, an increasing number of visitors are discovering that the tranquil, jungle-clad canyons along the Ayung River offer a more authentic escape that aligns with the paradise they envisioned when traveling to Bali.

Four Seasons Bali at Sayan delivers the perfect balance of luxury and nature. Surrounded by tropical gardens and active terraced rice paddies, it’s been the go-to retreat for high-profile guests like Julia Roberts and Barack Obama.

This luxury resort offers everything you'd expect, along with a range of Ubud-inspired experiences such as yoga, massages with hot stones from the sacred river, meditation, chakra ceremonies, and even a unique offering called the 'Sacred Nap.'

When you’re ready to venture out, hop on the resort’s complimentary shuttle for a quick 10-minute ride into town, or choose from a variety of activities and cultural tours available nearby.

Perfect for Nightlife

Kuta has been a party hotspot since the early days of surfing in Bali. What was once a quiet fishing village has since sprawled westward, blending Legian and Seminyak into a lively mix of souvenir shops, bars, spas, and tattoo studios.

Thanks to Balinese religious beliefs, the island has avoided the overdevelopment of high-rise concrete structures. Balinese Hindus traditionally believe that the heavens reside above the tallest palm trees, which is why the island’s skyline remains largely unobstructed, with only a few exceptions from the 1970s tourism boom.

Kuta was one of the areas hit hardest during the pandemic. Once a favorite destination for Australian tourists, the quiet hotel and bar zone around Poppies I and Poppies II quickly turned into a ghost town.

Kuta is now quieter and less of a hotspot for wild party crowds, making it an ideal and budget-friendly base for family vacations, beach activities, and nightlife, while gradually regaining its former charm.

Tribe Bali Kuta Beach is a stylish, modern beachfront hotel in the heart of Kuta, perfectly located near the area’s live music venues, cocktail bars, and DJ spots. The rooftop infinity pool, surrounded by the towering palms, offers a prime spot to watch the famous Kuta sunsets.

Services like Grab and Gojek (the Asian equivalents of Uber) make it quick, convenient, and affordable to reach nightlife spots further out in Legian and Seminyak.

During the lockdown, Potato Head Beach Club became a major topic on the island due to its innovative agricultural and food distribution programs, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability.

Potato Head Desa (meaning 'village') features multiple music venues, pools, and five diverse restaurants. The beautifully designed Potato Head Studios, known for its recycling initiatives, also opened during the pandemic.

Perfect for Tranquility

From the moment you step into Nirjhara, you’ll feel an irresistible pull to stay forever. This tranquil retreat, nestled near the serene western side of Tanah Lot temple, offers everything you need for a truly peaceful escape.

Nirjhara’s Canopy Suites are unique ‘treehouses’ that blend industrial chic with recycled tropical materials, becoming iconic symbols of the island’s contemporary architectural scene.

Located just 30 minutes from the trendy Canggu, the resort feels like a secret tropical haven. The soothing river, shady trees, and inviting infinity pool create the perfect environment for relaxation. For an even deeper sense of calm, indulge in a massage or a 'blessing treatment' at the Retreat Spa.

Nirjhara, which means 'waterfall' in Sanskrit, is named after the cascade that flows past its stunning yoga pavilion. A popular excursion takes you to Bali's renowned waterfalls, including the dramatic 500-step descent to the Nungnung Waterfall, one of the island's tallest.

For those with remaining energy, borrow one of the resort’s bikes for a scenic ride through the rice paddies, or try a beginner surf lesson at Kedungu Beach, where three waterfalls tumble directly onto the shore.

If you’re eager for further adventure, Nirjhara now offers its newly launched traditional superyacht, Vela, for charter to explore some of Indonesia’s most remote and pristine islands.

Ideal for Beaches

Since American surfer Robert Coke opened his hotel in 1936, Bali has attracted tourists eager to ride the warm, tropical waves of its southern shores.

Just four kilometers down the coast from what was once the Coke residence, you’ll find Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay. This resort, with 147 private bungalows and suites, evokes the feel of a traditional Balinese village, featuring a maze of paved paths and temple-like architecture.

The crescent-shaped, white-sand beach of Jimbaran Bay, far less crowded than nearby Kuta, invites you to leave behind the resort’s plunge pools and swimming pools and enjoy the tranquil shoreline.

Tropicsurf has built a solid reputation as one of the most respected luxury surf-guiding companies. Their Coconut Grove headquarters on Jimbaran Beach is the perfect starting point for catching your first Bali wave.

Blake McKinnon, a seasoned Aussie surf guide, brings years of experience in southern Bali. With over a dozen prime surf spots just a short boat or car ride away, he expertly analyzes the conditions to find the perfect wave for every skill level.

Jimbaran is known for its vibrant morning fish market and the seafood restaurants that line the beach, offering a spectacular sunset dining experience.

If you’re up early, don’t miss a beachside breakfast at the newly opened Beekini Bowl. For unforgettable sunset cocktails or an upgraded take on the traditional Jimbaran beachfront BBQ, make sure to reserve a table at Sundara.

Perfect for Exploring Off the Beaten Path

Anyone who’s visited Bali and still questions its title as 'the world’s most beautiful island' has almost certainly never set foot in the vast palm forests, untouched beaches, and lush jungles of West Bali.

After a scenic four-hour drive through timeless villages and terraced rice fields, you might find your excitement wane as you approach a neon-lit security wall, with slogans like 'Amusement Park, Dancing, Holiday Fast'—a jarring introduction to Lost Lindenberg, one of Bali’s most stylish and secluded retreats.

Opened in July 2022, Lost Lindenberg boasts eight rooms housed in stunning 20-meter-high timber towers, offering sweeping views of what could be Bali’s most breathtaking beach.

Stepping onto the untouched 14-kilometer stretch of volcanic sand, it’s hard to believe anyone complains about crowded surf spots. While the laid-back surf town of Medewi is just a few minutes west, the beach in front of the resort offers ideal conditions for beginners, unlike the rocky point breaks of Medewi.

This tranquil area is perfect for unwinding, but you’d miss out on some extraordinary experiences if you don’t take the time to explore. West Bali hides some of the island’s most remarkable and lesser-known sights, including the world’s most vibrant traditional fishing fleet at Perancak, Bali’s own bird of paradise, and herds of Menjangan deer in the lagoons of West Bali National Park. Don't miss the unforgettable diving and snorkeling around Menjangan Island.

For a more serene experience than the intense buffalo chariot races, take a fascinating tour through the rice paddies alongside a rare herd of Pink Buffalo – nearly extinct and found only in this secluded corner of Bali. West Bali is still one of Indonesia's best-kept secrets.