Bali is an iconic tropical island that people around the world dream of visiting. And while many think of it as a luxury destination for honeymooners, it’s so much more; and outside the five-star resorts, it’s one of the world’s cheapest travel destinations. Incredibly diverse for such a small island, Bali is beloved by surfers, backpackers, spiritual seekers, Instagrammers, culture lovers, and more. But as part of Indonesia, Bali has the infrastructure typical of a developing country. Make sure you know what to expect and that you pack all the essentials.











Ubud is a small town, but it’s packed with things to do. As one of the world’s top destinations for wellness and spirituality, there are dozens of places to take yoga and meditation classes or try a new healing therapy. Ubud is the perfect place for a spa day as well, with some of the highest-quality and best value spas in Southeast Asia. You can also take a Balinese cooking class or classes in traditional painting, carving, or dance, and multiple cultural performances are usually held every night of the week, including the popular Kecak Fire Dance show.
Compared to other popular destinations in Southeast Asia, getting around Bali can be a challenge. The island’s “taxi mafia” have forced public transportation and ride-sharing into the shadows, where they exist at all. Both Grab and Indonesia-based Go-Jek operate across the island, but you often won’t be able to find a driver who will pick you up on more popular streets, including near the beaches. Drivers will also appreciate you being discreet when waiting for a pick-up, as there have been many stories of ride-share drivers being attacked by taxi drivers.
