A Guide to Bali: Visiting the Island of the Gods
Bali, a captivating, spiritual vortex of magnificent scale, welcomed me with open arms for the month of May! Over the years, people have asked me what my favorite destination is. As a nomad, I seek places which feel like home. Through the years, each location has brought many experiences, but each place continuously missed one mark, preventing me from calling that place "home." With each adventure, I questioned, "Is this home?" praying for an affirmative answer.
After my trip to Bali, I can say, Bali is a place that feels like home.
Traveling to Bali with an open mind and little expectation, this is the first destination I approached without much research. Without a massive Tiktok dive or tons of Google searches, I allowed Bali to present itself to me.
All about Bali
Bali is an island, a province of Indonesia, with lush green forestry, sandy beaches, warm weather, the cutest monkeys, quiet villages and party towns. Although captivating, this is something you can also find in Thailand and many other places. Whilst a sweet, vibrant culture and beautiful landscape, what set Bali apart was the soothing, spiritual energy that permeates the entire island.
On this island, it's easy to escape into your own world or be immersed in lively environments. With an array of activities to engage in and a general openness amongst the people, Bali carries space for all. Coupled with Balinese people's open willingness to assist, help, and converse, Bali provides a sense of comfort and ease. Bali's energy is neither intimidating nor aggressive.
Bali Transportation: Getting Around
Bali is easy to get around. The island is considered small. Driving from north to south of Bali takes approximately 2-4 hours depending on traffic. When there, you'll see massive amounts of motorcyclists as it's an easy and efficient form of transportation. With the use of the Grab app or Gojek, (their form of Uber), it's incredibly easy to get around. It's also cheap to do so. My 1 hour 45 minute drive from the airport was $26 USD. My 1 hour drive to the airport was $4 USD. A motorbike ride 10 minutes away was $0.75 or 75¢.
Of course, while there, I used their currency, the Indonesian Rupiah. However, the U.S dollar is quite strong there.
Food & Markets in Bali
As Bali is a heavy tourist spot, you can find an array of meal options that account for dietary restrictions. There are typical grocery stores, local village markets, circleK corner shops and tasty restaurants.
While there is an array of options, breakfast for me typically included lots of noodles, nasi goreng and mangosteen (TRY IT). I loved every second of it.
There are markets and street vendors everywhere as well. Bartering is a part of Balinese culture, so you can barter for prices. They are more assertive than Thailand when selling their items, but much less aggressive in comparison to places like Mexico. It's typical day to day market life, and it's rather calm but you may have to say "no, thank you" a few times. Nevertheless, with access to all of these things, it's easy to find what you need without feeling out of place.
Connecting with Balinese People
Additionally, the Balinese people met me with sweetness, warmth, joy, spirituality, and jokes. I walked into Bali curious, so of course, I asked guides and people how life is in Bali and how they view U.S Americans and that elicited many jokes. Although, I am from the U.S, we talked openly about Balinese lifestyle and culture, Americans, Digital Nomads, U.S, oppression, and both of our governments. Fruitful, impactful conversations mixed with education and joy on both parts bridged my connection with other Balinese people. They are easy to talk to and approach.
Being Black & Queer in Bali: Safety
As a black queer person, I felt safe and at home. I felt similar in Thailand, but Thailand is more queer and trans friendly than Bali. In Thailand, you're more likely to see visual displays of big and bold queer expression whereas Bali is more reserved. Nevertheless, my personal experience in Bali drove heartening feelings of home. I didn't feel like I had to dim my queerness or affection. For day to day LGBTQ people in Indonesia, there is still prejudice, discrimination and hostility. The culture may be open to visitors and tourists, but queer people in their respective societies and cultures still fight the oppression.
Spirituality in Bali
Another hallmark of Bali is their spirituality. Spirituality and religion is the foundation of Bali. With ancestral altars, routine offerings neatly placed multiple times a day, temples and compounds galore, Balis spiritual essence is felt and experienced.
However, if you are from the west, align closely with feminism, and feel certain ways about caste systems in Hinduism, certain things you learn may raise an eyebrow.
Regardless, the spirituality is still felt. To walk in Bali is to walk on sacred, holy land simply because Balinese society is so grounded in Godly, ancestral and land veneration. The most spiritual place I've been to yet, Bali ushers in an equanimous, stable energy that calls you into the ethereal energy.
My top two places in Bali: Ubud & Gili Island
Ubud and Gili Islands, specifically Gili Trawangan.
Ubud is the spiritual art center of Bali. It is lined with holy temples, crafts, dance, rainforests, rice fields, foothills, monkey forests and more. Ubud is incredibly spiritual and grounding. Immersed in nature, it's not too touristy. Whereas Seminyak and Sanur carried many American tourists, due to its proximity to the airport, Ubud is further out. Seminyak was great for the parties and Americanized space, but Ubud remains my top destination due to its spirituality and immersion in art and nature. Ubud is 1 hour away from the airport, but during rush hour, it took 1 hour 45 minutes.
Gili Trawangan is a tiny island with no motorized vehicles, crystal clear waters, white sand, lots of party energy with many spaces to retreat. This island is considered the party island. It is a bohemian style island of love and extroversion. If you're looking to be more extroverted, go to Gili Trawangan. With movies on the beach, clubs, horse carriages, shroomyfuntimes, and delicious food, you'll have everything you need for an overnight trip.
To get there: buy a ferry or speedboat ticket (take an anti nausea for a speedboat and it is a little scary of a ride.) Be there on time! Book a villa, airbnb or just show up to a hotel/villa there. Book a horse carriage or rent a bike for $3 per day.
P.S there is an an exit fee of 20,000 IDR or $1.50USD. There are ATMS on the island, but this is the fee you pay when leaving Gili Island.
Places to go in Bali:
Our hotel/resort stays:
Villa in Ubud w/ Rice Fields View
Villa Odyssea (Gili T)
Island Bliss Villa in Seminyak
Holiday Inn Sanur (It's a nice hotel, but I didn't like the beach and being surrounded by tourists.)
Our activities:
Tirta Empul
Gunung Kawi
Campuhan Ridge Walk
Cafe Pomegranate
Kintamani Full-day Cycle tour
Blue Gorge Walk (Canyoneering with Adventure & Spirit Bali)
Lima Bay Night Club/Pool Party (Thursdays is afrobeats night hehe)
Odin Bali Club
Corner House Cafe Seminyak
Baturiti Luwak Coffee
For those seeking adventure, Bali offers a wealth of outdoor activities to enjoy. From surfing and diving to trekking through lush rice terraces and dense jungles, there are plenty of activities. Consider hiking to the summit of Mount Batur to catch the sunrise over the island or embarking on a cycling tour like through rural villages and countryside like we did!
So, should you go to Bali?
Bali is the most beautiful place I have ever been. It is not to say it's the last beautiful place I'll go. I'm sure there are many. Many people echo feeling like Bali is home. It is surely an energy to experience once in your lifetime.
While I love writing, my Bali vlog will also be up on Youtube this week! Subscribe to my Youtube channel HERE to watch. I'll also be releasing another Bali group trip for 2025. Click HERE to get notified of upcoming trips.
A visit to Bali is truly a journey to spiritual paradise. With its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, thrilling adventures, and warm hospitality, Bali offers something for every type of traveler. So book your ticket OR come with me and lets experience the magic of Bali together in the future!