Article published on 18/08/2025 (Peppe)
So, SHALL WE TALK ABOUT BALI? Let's talk about it… Long article, get comfy 😎🤪
Many people will advise against it as a destination because it's now too crowded, dirty, touristy…
In our opinion, that's only true if you're an unprepared tourist. But if you're a traveler—or want to become one—a few simple precautions are enough to have a wonderful experience.
Our TRAVEL TIPS:
-First of all, we believe you shouldn't go to Bali in July–August. I know it's the preferred time for Italians: if you have no other option, at least focus on some less crowded areas in the central-northern part! Ideal time: May–June. Yes, it's still busy, but much less so, and prices are lower.
-AVOID THE SOUTHERN PENINSULA, where prices are ridiculous, like in ULUWATU (nice but very, very expensive and full of very young tourists) and the vibe has nothing to do with the real Bali—like KUTA, where we personally saw so much drugs and prostitution that we didn't feel like sticking around to see more...
There are probably less touristy spots in the South too, but we wholeheartedly recommend staying north of Ubud.
Monkeys at ULUWATU BEACH
- UBUD the town, in our opinion, is very overrated. It's already crowded everywhere by May. The only good memory we have (besides the crowded but beautiful Ubud Palace) is some amazing Balinese food at Dagoja Bali—great staff, live music, and the best churros I've ever had for dessert 😂 Surprisingly better than in Valencia or anywhere in Spain!
Ubud
- Just north of Ubud, breathtaking landscapes begin… TEGALLALANG, BEDUGUL, PETANG, KINTAMANI… So much greenery, temples, waterfalls (avoid the most crowded and "Instagrammed" ones—there are plenty of others!), terraced rice fields, forests, volcanoes, lakes… THIS, in our opinion, IS THE REAL BALI! Plus, in May we found amazing prices and met incredibly warm people, like Pondok from the resort Pondok Nyoman (the one with the cat manager 😺 and a super lush view—double rooms for €30–40). Or Kadek and his wife, who run a restaurant in the middle of nature, with excellent food, great prices, and a view of the mountains and lotus flowers: Warung D'uma Sari, where for €5–10 per person you enjoy amazing local cuisine!
The warmth and smiles of the Balinese people are a constant presence wherever you are on the island ❤️
Rice fields in Tegallalang
Bedugul
Pure ULUN DANU BRATAN
- We didn't visit AMED BEACH and the surrounding area, but we've been told it's very beautiful for snorkeling—jury's still out on that one.
- Chapter NUSA PENIDA… a world of its own 😅 For us, it's a MAYBE… a bit yes, a bit no.
Pros: Stunning views from above, no Bali-style chaos, less traffic, easy to reach with a 45-minute fast boat.
Cons: Crazy roads, beautiful beaches but not swimmable.
The most ridiculous "roads" I've seen in 34 years of riding motorcycles 😂😂 potholes everywhere, constant ups and downs, local drivers who don't care about you or your scooter… They'll go anyway, pothole or not, scooter or not… if there's space for you, fine; if not… also fine 😂
Avoid riding in Nusa Penida unless you've got high-level skills 😅. Maybe go with a local guide—some friends recommended Made Buddy'in Bali. As usual, we did our own thing, but that could be a valid option.
The most beautiful beaches (Kelingking Beach, Atuh Beach, and Diamond Beach) are often not swimmable due to strong currents 🌊🌊
Diamond Beach (Nusa Penida)
Atuh Beach (Nusa Penida)
There's definitely a lot more to say and show, and we'll keep doing so. We also didn't get to visit many other places.
It would probably take months, maybe years, to truly know Bali in depth. Still, it remained an unforgettable experience for us—mainly thanks to the wonderful Balinese people and a whirlwind of sensations that, for better or worse, Bali always manages to make you feel!