The Bali Blueprint: How Culture, Cuisine, and Connectivity Shaped Asia’s Nomad and Holiday Haven

 

Surf, sun, beaches, shopping, food, and culture, or, as Elizabeth Gilbert wrote in Eat, Pray, Love, a place of healing. Yet even if you add it all up together, they will still fall short of capturing the essence of Bali and the reason it has become Indonesia’s most popular destination. There is something about this island that must be seen with one’s own eyes, felt through the senses, and stored in the vaults of memory.

Sunset and chill at Seminyak Beach in Bali

Personally, Bali had me caught in its web. Three visits have left their traces: the first, a solo backpacking trip nearly a decade ago; the second, a weeklong holiday with my then-girlfriend; and most recently, a media tour with fellow travel writers, organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Manila. Each time, I found myself wishing I could have stayed longer.

with fellow travel writers, content creators and friends from the Indonesian Embassy

What is it about Bali that seems to check nearly every box for a traveler like me? Despite its touristy reputation, the island still exudes a vibe suited to a family holiday, evident in the growing number of families romping along its shores. At the same time, it caters to backpackers, with plentiful choices for affordable accommodation, food, and activities, and to those seeking a deeper understanding of local culture, such as an introduction, in Bali’s case, to Hindu spiritual teachings and traditions. Layered atop its jaw-dropping natural beauty, these qualities keep the island firmly in the minds of anyone planning a journey.

at the T-Rex Viewpoint at Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida Island

On this piece, asianTraveler takes a closer look at what makes Bali click.

Broken Beach in Nusa Penida Island

Bali Beyond the Beaches: (Kecak) Dances, Temples, and Bustling Streets

Beyond the beaches of Kuta and Seminyak, where I spent most of my time on my first two trips to the island, and the Instagrammable appeal of Nusa Penida, a smaller island southeast of mainland Bali, the waterfalls, rice terraces, and countryside scenery while almost similar of those in the Philippines, carry a distinctly Balinese atmosphere. Balinese architecture, women in ceremonial dress, and men in colorful batik polos punctuate everyday life while the island’s many temples and heritage villages, continue to preserve their character, tradition, and culture.

Viewing the cliffs of Uluwatu

In Uluwatu, it’s easy to be distracted by the playful long-tailed macaques, whose intelligence matches their mischief. They pose for photos, charm visitors, and occasionally run off with a water bottle or an iPhone from the unsuspecting tourists. Yet beyond the antics of these mischievous monkeys rests a place of deep reverence: the Pura Luhur Temple, perched high on a cliff and regarded as one of Bali’s spiritual foundations. With its sweeping views of the rugged coastline and the relentless crash of the ocean below, Uluwatu is a place not to be missed.

Not even the rain can stop the audience from watching the Kecak Dance

One of the most mesmerizing cultural performances I’ve ever witnessed unfolds each day just before sunset, atop the cliffs near Pura Luhur Temple. It’s called the Kecak Dance, an entertaining spectacle that begins with a hypnotic chorus of men chanting “cak-cak-cak,” their voices merging into an impactful rhythm. 

the monkey God Hanuman surrounded by other characters of the Kecak cultural show

Around seventy men form a living orchestra, encircling the lead performers who take on the roles of the wise prince Ayodra, his noble heir Rama, their parents Dasarata and Sita, the monkey god Hanuman, and the demon king Rahwana.

The show is made more spectacular by the sunset in the background

Rooted in the old trance ritual of the “Sanghyang,” where dancers channel ancestral spirits, the Kecak Dance has evolved into both art and prayer, a bridge between myth and theater. Twice each night, an audience gathers in a small amphitheater overlooking the cliffs, the setting sun, and the sea, not only to be entertained but to witness the art of Balinese storytelling.

Ready for my close-up

At Penglipuran Village, founded in the 13th century, you’ll find a living example of where Bali’s spirit lives on through daily rituals, bamboo-lined lanes, traditional houses, and age-old customs. Home to more than 250 families, this highland community became a designated tourist village in 1993, following preservation efforts that began a few years earlier. The move has provided residents with extra income to help maintain their ancestral homes and way of life.

Traditional abodes abounds in Penglipuran Village

Tradition here feels authentic, pulsing with the beat of everyday Balinese life. A stroll through the village reveals another facet of the island, one where nearly every home offers something to take back: hand-carved masks, woven baskets, wooden crafts, traditional clothes, painted bamboo, and local artworks, each piece a peek into Bali’s creative heart.

Along with gates, arches and massive doors

Apart from glimpsing Mount Batur from a restaurant built along a ridge during my first visit, I had never gotten far into Bali’s highlands until now. At Lake Beratan, more than 4,000 feet above sea level, stands one of the island’s most revered sites: the Ulun Danu Temple. Dedicated to Dewi Danu, the Balinese Hinduism goddess of rivers, lakes, and water, the temple appears to float when the tide rises, its reflection gleaming beautifully on the surface of the lake. Surrounding it is a serene park of manicured gardens, a candi bentar gateway, and sculptures that together create a picture of calm Hindu devotion.

The scenic and misty Ulun Danu Temple

On our second day, as darkness begins to bite at the remaining daylight, we raced toward Tanah Lot Temple, hoping to catch the temple against the backdrop of the setting sun. Fortunately, we made it in time to see the temple in silhouette against blue waters, impressive rock formations and foamy white waves, as it sits atop a jagged rock that, which just like Ulun Danu, seems to float when the tide rises.

err, who is that?

Since it was low-tide, we were able to walk to its base. A pujari or a Hindu priest greeted us with tirta or holy water that dripped cool coming from a small fountain. He pressed rice to our foreheads for prosperity and tucked a small flower behind our ears as an act of gratitude. In that brief, sun-fading moment, the wind, the waves, and the ritual merged into something deeply Balinese, and entirely unforgettable.

During my previous trip to Bali last year, we visited Pura Tinta Temple

With a full day, we weren’t able to visit another temple, the Pura Tinta Temple, so I’ll just recall my experience visiting it last year. I remember my then-girlfriend, Michelle, and I dressed in the appropriate sarong and sash, along with a sleeved top, lining up for almost an hour for a truly worth-the-wait experience: participating in a purification ritual (melukat) by bathing in the holy spring waters, after exploring the temple’s sacred grounds. The whole process took only a few minutes, but the effects was widely felt a long time after, having to  feel not only physically but also spiritually refreshed.

Banyumala Waterfalls as seen from my drone camera

For a taste of Bali’s natural beauty, we squeezed in a short trek to Banyumala Waterfalls, which plunges nearly a hundred feet into twin streams below. Unlike some of the more popular falls on the island, Banyumala is relatively uncrowded, offering a more private swimming experience. One of many waterfalls scattered across Bali, it adds yet another reason to include “chasing waterfalls” on your island itinerary.

Rice terraces as seen from a random side of the road

Come nighttime and enjoying some free time from our day-full media itinerary, I took to the streets to do one of the things I’ve grown to love about Bali: exploring its bustling art, market, and shopping districts. From narrow lanes to broad avenues, there is no shortage of things to sift through, thrift stores, art galleries, souvenir shops, wooden crafts, vintage curiosities, and street foods. Each turn seems to reveal another interesting part of the island.

Like the Philippines, Indonesia also has a rich tradition of weaving 

As the nightlife gradually stirs, the passing sight of a mobile bar, seven or eight people huddled around a tabletop in an open minibus slowly weaving through the streets, rooftop bars lighting up the skyline, the day’s lively energy seems to spill into the night. In Bali, sleeping early feels nearly impossible, as an irresistible curiosity invites you to explore even after darkness has fallen.

How Food Keeps Bali on the Map

From Nasi Goreng (fried rice) to Sate, Nasi Campur (a platter of Indonesian food), Bebek Betutu (braised duck), Babi Guling, Mie Goreng (fried noodles), Sup Buntut (oxtail soup), and more, Balinese cuisine is a feast for the senses bursting with bold flavors, fragrant spices, and textures that keep every bite exciting.

Bali cuisine is always dipped in multi-flavors and spicy sambal sauce

While many visitors flock to Bali for shopping, I can’t wait for every opportunity to dive into the island’s culinary scene. Known for its masterful use of lemongrass, chili, turmeric, and the fiery kick of sambal on the side, Balinese dishes strike the perfect balance between heat and flavor, leaving your lips feeling burnt with spiciness while fully satisfying your palate, even for the most discerning foodie.

Textures, flavors and colors fills each plate

From bustling street stalls to family-run warungs to upscale restaurants, every meal offers not just a taste of Bali, but a glimpse into its Hindu culture—where some dishes are lovingly prepared as offerings for deities during festivals and special ceremonies.

Crunchy fried duck

Bali’s culinary culture thrives by staying true to its roots, creating dishes without losing sight of tradition. Even without Western accolades like Michelin stars, the island stands tall as a food destination in its own right. Thanks to abundant farmland and a thriving marine ecosystem, fresh ingredients move swiftly from fields and seas straight to the chopping boards of kitchens, ensuring every dish bursts with flavor and faithfulness to the island’s flavors.

Laptop in Hand, Feet in the Sand: Bali’s Digital Nomad Evolution

Beyond its status as a leading holiday destination, Bali has been expanding its appeal to a growing middle class in India, making Indian nationals among the top three foreign visitors to the island. The island also draws wellness enthusiasts, including yoga practitioners, as well as travelers with interests in surfing, food, shopping, history, and the arts. Increasingly, it has become a hub for remote workers or the so-called “digital nomads” who set up temporary bases here.

Beach bumming and surfing in Kuta Beach

With laptops in hand and feet in the sand, these work-on-the-road travelers blend work and leisure, choosing Bali as a brief home in part because of its robust infrastructure: fast internet, affordable accommodations or short-term rentals, and coffee shops that accommodate hours of work while also showcasing the island’s growing coffee culture.

Of course, I'd love to be back for a longer time

Aisa, James, Kaiz, Lois, Tony, Kara, Aileen, Mia, and the list goes on, just mentioning the names on top of my head, of people I personally know drawn by its digital-nomad–friendly atmosphere. As a freelance writer myself, I can’t help but imagine doing the same in the near future. (Fingers crossed.)

Bidding Goodbye (for now) to an Island That Welcomes All

With a heavy heart and kicking myself for not extending my stay, on our last day, we wandered the grounds where the 121-meter Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, which towers over Jimbaran Bay, stands.

Approaching the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue

The Garuda, Indonesia’s national emblem, is an eagle-like figure and a deity in Hinduism, regarded as the king of birds. The Garuda Wisnu Kencana continues this story: Vishnu, one of Hinduism’s principal deities, rides atop the Garuda in search of the amrita, the potion of immortality.

Life ain't so bad for this dude

Completed in 2018 after more than 28 years of construction and at a cost of $100 million, the statue dominates the 60-hectare Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, which also includes the Lotus Pond, the site where G20 leaders gathered during the 2022 G20 summit.

In the few remaining hours of our Bali visit, I strolled through the park, risking sunburn under the brilliant blue sky, letting the afternoon breeze cool me. And as I looked up at the soaring statue, I promised myself that this farewell was not the end but merely a pause in my wanderlust affiliation with the island. As I walk away, I smile at the idea that not long from now, I know I would return to Bali, eager to immerse myself more fully in the island’s captivating vibe.

This article first appeared on asianTraveler Magazine.