A rare destination that doesn’t ask you to choose

Published in the Sunday Gujarat Samachar on 06 July 2025

There are some places you visit once, tick off the list, and move on. And then there are places like Bali.

What I love most about Bali is how it brings together the best of every world: stunning beaches, dramatic temples, lush green interiors, delicious food (with more cafes than you can count), lively beach clubs, and a deep, authentic culture that quietly pulses beneath it all.

There’s a Balinese belief that the island is protected by gods who live in its mountains and spirits who dwell in its sea. Every village in Bali is required to have three temples: one facing the mountains, one facing the sea, and one for the village itself. This balance between the spiritual and the earthly, between reverence and rhythm, is what gives Bali its soul. It’s why you will see daily offerings of flowers and incense even at the entrance of a beach club, or hear music drifting from a temple just around the corner from a bustling café.

Bali is home to over 10,000 temples, which is why it’s often called the “Island of the Gods.” From cliffside temples like Uluwatu, where monkeys guard the sacred grounds, to water temples like Tirta Empul, where locals and visitors alike participate in purification rituals, spirituality is woven into daily life. But what’s truly incredible is the Balinese calendar system: they follow three different calendars simultaneously—the Pawukon (210-day cycle), the Saka (based on the lunar cycle), and the Gregorian (which all of us follow). This means Bali celebrates unique ceremonies and festivals throughout the year that are unlike anywhere else in the world. One such celebration is Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, when the entire island shuts down—no flights, no vehicles, no lights, and everyone stays indoors to reflect, recharge, and reset.

Now here’s something that always surprises first-time visitors: Bali isn’t its own country. It’s just one of over 17,000 islands in Indonesia, and yet it’s easily the most visited. So let’s explore some of Bali’s fun neighbourhoods.

Nusa Dua & Ubud

If it’s your first time in Bali, chances are you will start with Nusa Dua and Ubud. And honestly, that’s a pretty perfect introduction.

Nusa Dua feels like Bali in a beautifully curated frame. Wide, clean beaches. Calm turquoise waters. Luxurious resorts where every detail is thought through. It’s the kind of place where time slows down in the best possible way. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to unwind, it gave me my first real taste of what Bali’s beach life could feel like: laid-back, sun-soaked, and welcoming.

But the real heart of the island? That lives in Ubud.

Ubud is all lush green and deep soul. It’s where the culture of Bali reveals itself most vividly. Tucked away in the heart of Bali’s lush interior, it has long drawn seekers of spirituality, art, and serenity. Historically, Ubud was the seat of Balinese royalty and a centre for healing, its very name derived from the Balinese word ubad, meaning medicine.

The town blossomed into a cultural capital thanks to the patronage of painters, dancers, and writers in the early 20th century, especially when Western artists like Walter Spies and Rudolf Bonnet made it their home. Their influence fused with local traditions to create the unique, deeply expressive aesthetic that defines Ubud today. Surrounded by emerald rice terraces and jungle-cloaked hills, Ubud feels timeless.

But don’t let the stillness fool you—Ubud also has a wild, adventurous spirit. One of the best ways to feel that contrast is by going white water rafting on the Ayung River. This isn’t extreme rafting—it’s accessible even to beginners—but it’s thrilling enough to make your heart race as you navigate through lush jungle, under waterfalls, and past cliff walls etched with centuries-old carvings.

What I loved most wasn’t just the adventure, but the scenery along the way. You’re literally paddling through Ubud’s living postcard—steep gorges, hanging vines, hidden shrines. It’s the perfect reminder that in Bali, peace and adventure aren’t opposites—they often flow side by side.

Seminyak

When I returned to Bali, I wanted a different experience. Something that blended the energy of a beach town with a bit of indulgence. And Seminyak delivered.

This is the Bali of sleek beach clubs, designer boutiques, and cocktails with a view. It’s where you head when you want to sip a coffee in the morning and watch the sun dip into the Indian Ocean from a rooftop by evening.

But what surprised me most was how Seminyak still managed to preserve its charm. Amidst the swanky restaurants and modern villas, there are still quiet streets, colourful temples, and local warungs serving up the kind of food that makes you pause between bites just to appreciate the flavour.

And the sunsets here? They’re not just beautiful—they’re a ritual. Everyone gathers along the shore to witness the sky turn into a masterpiece. For me, that’s what Seminyak captured best: that feeling of being exactly where you’re meant to be, at exactly the right time.

Canggu

If Seminyak is where the sun sets with style, then Canggu is where Bali truly lets its hair down.

Canggu has a vibe unlike any other part of the island. It’s artsy, free-spirited, and wonderfully chaotic in the best way possible. On one street, you’ll find co-working cafés packed with digital nomads sipping on coconut lattes; on the next, there’s a rice field with a lone farmer and the sounds of nature. It’s that mix—modern and traditional, quiet and buzzing, that makes Canggu so magnetic.

During my time here, I spent mornings exploring murals and quirky boutiques, afternoons by the beach or at cafés, and evenings listening to live music or catching fire-dancers perform at local bars. It’s a place that inspires creativity and slows you down at the same time.

And if you’re into surfing—even as a beginner—this is one of the best places to learn. The beach breaks at Batu Bolong are friendly, the instructors even friendlier, and after a lesson, you can reward yourself with smoothie bowls that are practically artwork.

Four trips in, and Bali still feels like the kind of place that always has more to offer. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the island somehow knows how to match your mood—quiet or lively, adventurous or laid-back. It’s a rare destination that doesn’t ask you to choose between beaches and jungles, tradition and trend, spiritual depth and sensory indulgence. You can have it all, often within the same day. See you next time!