Is Bali worth visiting still in 2025?
Is Bali still worth visiting, or has it lost its soul to mass tourism?
That’s the question I asked as I headed over to the Indonesian Island from Singapore…
After months of planning… and plenty of Instagram stalking… It was time to find out!
I’d seen all the usual shots — infinity pools, fancy cafés, and crowds chasing that perfect sunset.
Honestly, I was half-expecting it to feel a bit too overdone. But I was also hoping there was more to Bali than just what pops up on your feed.
Turns out, there definitely is….
From peaceful little temples tucked away in the jungle, to locals placing tiny offerings with that same warm grin every morning, Bali showed me it still has plenty of magic left — if you’re willing to look past the busy spots.
So, is Bali still worth visiting? 100%. Let me show you why.
A very spiritual island.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
Why visit Bali?
It’s no wonder Bali has become such a magnet for digital nomads and long-stay travellers.
On my last visit I stayed for two weeks, but I could have easily stayed for two months!
With its laid-back lifestyle, ridiculously affordable cost of living (compared to most Western spots), and more trendy cafés than you could ever hope to try, it’s easy to see why so many people come here planning to stay a week — and end up calling it home for months.
Monkey Forest in Ubud.
The allure of beaches, rice terraces, and sacred temples.
It didn’t take me long in Bali to see why people have been falling under its spell for decades.
A sunset walk along Canggu Beach watching all the locals go surf crazy was an immediate clue!
Then there are the picture-perfect rice terraces which are Instagram famous and a big draw to the paradise island!
And despite all of its international influence, the small spiritual island still maintains its deep connection to the Hindu religion…
Sunset at Canggu Beach.
Everywhere you turn, there’s a temple — from the dramatic sea temple of Tanah Lot, to Uluwatu perched high on a cliff edge with monkeys running riot.
As for beaches, you’re spoiled for choice…
Chill out with beanbags and a coconut in Seminyak, watch pros tackle reef breaks in Uluwatu, or head north to quieter stretches around Lovina.
The iconic Tanah Lot Temple.
I found this mix of natural beauty, surf culture, and timeless spirituality gives Bali its unbeatable charm — and keeps people coming back year after year….
I will be back very soon!
Ubud.
A unique balance: Modern cafes meet ancient traditions.
One of the best things about Bali is how you’ll be sipping a flat white and digging into a protein bowl at some trendy café, and right next door there’s an ancient temple covered in flower offerings.
In Canggu, it’s totally normal to see digital nomads tapping away on laptops while just outside, locals carry baskets of flowers to tiny shrines or leave little palm-leaf offerings on the pavement.
I found the religious side of Bali to be fascinating!
An interesting display of cultue.
Another Balinese tradition.
It all works because that deep-rooted spirituality is just part of everyday life here…
No matter how modern Bali gets, the traditions are woven into the daily rhythm. It’s a pretty special thing to watch unfold over your morning coffee.
And honestly, it’s what gives Bali so much of its charm…
I enjoyed the best of both worlds — A fancy brunch spot and a front-row seat to centuries-old rituals happening right on the same street.
The best thing for me is that the locals are always smiling and try to get you involved!
One of many uirky cafes on the island.
Overrun or untouched? Tourism hotspots vs hidden Bali.
If I am being honest— some parts of Bali are absolutely rammed!
You’ll find streets in Kuta and Seminyak packed with tourists, scooters squeezing through tiny gaps, and beach clubs that feel more like Miami than Indonesia.
But head just a little off the main drag and you’ll still find that chilled, postcard Bali everyone bangs on about.
Over in Sidemen, you get lush rice terraces minus the Instagram queues, while up in Amed, colourful fishing boats dot quiet shores and life just moves at half speed.
One of the most popular cafes in Canggu.
Even around busy Ubud, if you set the alarm and wander the backroads early, you’ll catch sleepy temples and locals laying out their morning offerings…
It felt like a whole different world to the main streets!
That’s the thing with Bali… A nice wander off the beaten track and you are in some beautiful authentic spots all of a sudden!
You still want the chaos though….
I found having a little bit of both is the best way to enjoy the beautiful island!
Uluwatu.
Discover Bali’s natural beauty.
Bali’s landscapes are on another level.
You’ve got the famous rice terraces around Ubud, stacked up like giant green staircases , even better if you catch them early in the morning when the mist’s still hanging low.
I recommend one of the famous swings, as it’s a decent rush of adrenaline, with unbeatable views!
And don’t miss Bali’s picturesque waterfalls….
Places like Tegenungan or Tukad Cepung are an awesome way to cool off, and it is very enjoyable walking through the jungle to reach them.
A beautiufl waterfall near Ubud.
A very fun swing.
Then there are the dramatic cliffs of Uluwatu, dropping straight down into the turquoise ocean, with surf crashing against the rocks far below. It’s hands down one of the best sunset spots I found on the island.
A beautiful sunset followed by a traditional fire show… An epic night on the island!
A pretty setting in Uuwatu.
Exploring with no plan is an underrated activity in Bali.
I stumbled across some beautiful places just on my daily walks…
Steps with a view is an understatement!
The locals work hard.
Experience the Balinese culture.
Everywhere in Bali where I explored is full of local culture.
I spotted it in the temple ceremonies that just take over the streets, women casually balancing huge baskets of offerings on their heads, and those little canang sari — flower trays with incense — set out on doorsteps every single morning.
At night, go check out a Kecak fire dance show.
It’s definitely touristy, but still pretty epic with all the hypnotic chanting and dancers moving barefoot around blazing flames.
Some interesting street art in Canggu.
Then there’s the surf culture that’s taken root all over the island.
The island’s vibe is laid-back and barefoot, with boards strapped to scooters and salty-haired locals grabbing coconut water after an early session.
The island’s cafe culture is perfect for the later morning recovery.
I only surfed one day on my last visit, however, the culture intrigued me every single day!
There are daiy offerings (canang sari) everywhere.
Surfin and dogs are a huge part of the culture of Bali.
Oh, and you’ll definitely notice the street dogs…
They’re everywhere, often lounging in the sun, totally unbothered, and very much part of daily life here.
From my experiences in Bali, the locals always look after them very well!
So yeah… don’t be surprised when you see a local riding a scooter with a dog and surfboard…
Bali in a nutshell!
You can find very tradiitonal events.
Enjoy Bali’s vibrant food scene.
I loved the food everywhere on my South East Asia trip.
However Bali is definitely special for me.
It’s a paradise for anyone who loves to eat… From dirt-cheap local warungs to slick brunch cafés that look like they’ve been ripped straight from a viral Instagram post.
I started in Ubud, where I tried crispy Bebek Betutu (slow-cooked spiced duck) at a tiny place overlooking rice paddies.
It was ridiculously good, and came with that classic Balinese hospitality — big smiles, and a chilled pace.
The extra sambal was a challenge I accepted!
Then there’s Canggu, pretty much the café capital of the island… Maybe even the world.
Think acai protein bowls loaded with every tropical topping you can imagine, flat whites that could hold their own in any Aussie city, and buttery croissants at Gug Susu that were honestly to die for.
Another day in Bali… Another dose of health and wellness!
Plenty of high end international options.
Of course, you can’t visit Bali without eating at a local warung — humble family-run spots serving up classics like Nasi Goreng for dirt cheap prices.
Honestly, some of my best meals in Bali cost less than a fancy coffee back home.
And if you ever get a bit tired of rice and noodles, don’t worry — Bali’s got you sorted.
There are pizza places in Uluwatu, sushi bars in Seminyak, and even vegan Mexican joints in Canggu.
One of my favourite spots was Ramen Hamatatora in Canggu!
A beautiful local meal.
Is Bali still safe to visit?
Yes… Bali is generally very safe for tourists.
The locals are incredibly friendly, petty crime is rare if you use common sense, and I felt comfortable wandering around, even at night.
The biggest thing to watch out for is traffic, with scooters zipping everywhere, and very lax road rules, there are risks involved.
I watched scooters riding on paths to beat the infamous Canggu congestion.
Overall, Bali’s laid-back vibe, warm hospitality, and tight-knit community make it feel like one of the easier places to travel in Southeast Asia. Just stay aware, and you’ll be absolutely fine.
The monkeys of Ubud are cheeky.
All the cafes and restaurants are very welcoming.
Is Bali expensive?
Honestly? It depends how you do it.
Bali can be insanely affordable or surprisingly pricey. You can eat like a king at local warungs for £2–3 a meal, or splash out £20+ at stylish cafés in Canggu.
It is still considerably cheaper than the UK and other Western countries.
Hotels range from £10 a night guesthouses to luxury villas that’ll set you back hundreds, complete with private pools and jungle views.
For about £10–15, you can still get a decent spot with air-conditioning and even a small pool on site.
Scooter rental is a bargain at £3–5 per day, but if you want to be chauffeured around, private drivers will cost closer to Western prices.
Book a private driver for day trips here — super handy if you’re travelling with friends.
Alcohol’s where it stings: imported wine and spirits are heavily taxed, so cocktails at beach clubs can easily end up being £8–10 each.
So is Bali expensive? Not really…
If you skip fancy bars and stick to local spots, it’s one of the best value destinations I visited on my South East Asia trip.
A cheap beer and free entertainment.
When is the best time to visit Bali?
The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season from May to October, when you’ll get sunny days, lower humidity, and perfect beach weather.
The wet season runs from November to April, bringing short, heavy downpours — but also fewer crowds and stunningly lush landscapes.
On my last trip I was there in April, and it was awesome.
It mostly rained at night, leaving us with beautiful sunny days.
So really, Bali’s a year-round destination — just pack for the odd shower if you’re heading there in the off months!
Bali in April.
Other incredible things to do in Bali.
Bali’s not just about beaches and temples, there’s loads more to keep you busy.
There are my favourite things to do on the island:
Monkey Forests.
I loved wandering the famous Monkey Forest in Ubud. It’s equal parts beautiful and hilarious watching cheeky monkeys steal sunglasses and rummage through bags…
And the monkey selfie I got was epic!
I actually prefer Sangeh Monkey Forest though, as the monkeys are much more friendly, and it is far less busy.
Coffee plantations.
Try a local tour and sample Luwak coffee (yep, the one made with beans digested by civets — surprisingly tasty once you get over it!).
We tried about 20 different flavours as part of our tour in Ubud.
Feeding the carp in Ubud.
World-class Crossfit:
If you’re into fitness, Bali’s got an awesome CrossFit and gym scene, especially around Canggu — perfect for balancing out all the nasi goreng and cocktails.
I have added this one, as it is my favourite aspect of Bali!
Snorkelling.
Don’t miss grabbing a mask and heading out to explore. Whether it’s colourful coral off Amed or a quick trip over to Nusa Penida, the underwater life is unreal.
We booked this snorkelling trip to Nusa Penida — totally recommend it.
The famous monkey selfie.
Where to stay in Bali.
There are distinct vibes to the different areas of the island.
Here is a brief overview of some of my favourite places:
✅ Ubud.
Pros: Lush rice terraces, art markets, yoga retreats, cooler air.
Cons: No beaches, can be busy in the centre.
✅ Canggu.
Pros: Trendy cafés, surf spots, digital nomad vibe.
Cons: Traffic is hectic, prices creeping up.
✅ Seminyak.
Pros: Beach clubs, shopping, loads of restaurants.
Cons: Very touristy, not the most authentic Bali feel.
✅ Uluwatu.
Pros: Clifftop views, epic sunsets, world-class surf.
Cons: Spread out, you’ll definitely need a scooter.
✅ Sidemen / Amed.
Pros: Peaceful, authentic, gorgeous scenery.
Cons: Further from main attractions, slower pace (which might be a pro!).
There are some beautiful hotels in Bali.
How to get around Bali.
There is only one answer here… Scooter!
Hiring a scooter is by far the most popular (and honestly, the most fun) way to explore Bali.
It’s cheap, gives you ultimate freedom to hop between beaches and rice terraces at your own pace, and lets you feel that warm island breeze.
Just make sure you’re confident on two wheels, traffic can be chaotic, especially in places like Canggu, Seminyak and Denpasar.
Daily life in Bali.
If the thought of weaving through Balinese roads makes you sweat, no worries…
You can easily hire a private driver for day trips, which is surprisingly affordable if you split costs with friends.
It’s also a great way to tackle longer distances — like heading up to Mount Batur or exploring the waterfalls near Munduk.
Grab and Gojek (Indonesia’s answer to Uber) are everywhere, and ideal alternatives when travelling short distances, such as around Canggu.
Bali isn’t very walkable between towns (everything’s pretty spread out), however, strolling through Ubud and Canggu was a great way of finding hidden gems.
Quirky cafes are hidden all over Canggu!
A Scooter crazy island.
My essential Bali travel tips.
✅ Grab a scooter if you’re confident. It’s the easiest way to get around. If not, private drivers and Gojek are your best mates.
✅ Carry small cash. Many local warungs and drivers don’t take cards.
✅ Pack for every season. Even in the dry months, sudden downpours hit hard. A light rain jacket saved me more than once.
✅ Respect temple dress codes. Always carry a sarong — you’ll need it to enter most temples.
✅ Don’t drink the tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered, and watch out for ice at tiny stalls.
✅ Plan some days to slow down. Bali’s magic isn’t just the big sights — it’s the random rice field walks, hidden cafés, or watching offerings laid out at dawn.
✅ Use offline maps. WiFi’s great in cafés but patchy elsewhere. Download Google Maps for peace of mind.
👉 Quick tip: Want to save money on day trips? Grab some friends at your hostel or villa and split a private driver for the day.
👉 Planning your own Bali adventure? Make sure you bookmark this guide so you can find all the hidden gems later.
Hindu statues are everywhere in Bali.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Bali.
He are the answers to some of the questions I was asking before my first trip to Bali:
How many days do you need in Bali?
You could spend months exploring Bali’s hidden corners, but I’d say 7–10 days is a sweet spot for first-timers. It gives you enough time to chill on the beaches, wander through Ubud’s rice paddies, and squeeze in a sunrise hike or two — without feeling rushed.
Is Bali too touristy now?
Some parts, yeah. Certain beach clubs and popular temples can feel pretty packed, especially around sunset. But honestly? I found it super easy to escape the crowds. I headed to quieter villages like Sidemen, and I also explored early in the morning — that’s when I saw the real, peaceful Bali.
Do you need a visa for Bali?
Most travellers get a Visa on Arrival (VOA) which lets you stay up to 30 days, and you can extend it once for another 30. Just check the latest rules for your nationality before you go.
What’s Bali famous for?
Beyond the obvious beaches and rice terraces? Bali’s known for its unique Hindu culture, daily offerings, vibrant festivals, and that laid-back surf-meets-spiritual vibe that pulls people back again and again.
Do you need to tip in Bali?
It’s not mandatory, but small tips are always appreciated. Many cafés and restaurants will add a 5–10% service charge anyway, but I still left a little extra when service was great.
Can you drink the tap water in Bali?
Nope. Always stick to bottled or filtered water, and avoid ice from questionable spots. Most restaurants and cafés use purified ice though — I had no issues.
A cheeky little guy in Ubud.
So, is Bali still worth visiting?
100% — absolutely.
From peaceful temples hidden in the jungle, to buzzing surf breaks and cafés serving flat whites right next to centuries-old shrines, Bali’s still got that special magic.
Yeah, some spots are crowded, but it only takes a short wander (or an early alarm) to find yourself in a quiet slice of paradise.
I’ll be back very soon — and if you’re even half tempted, I’d say book that ticket and go see for yourself.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.