There was a time, between the 1980s and 1990s, when Bali was on everyone’s lips. A top honeymoon destination, a favorite summer getaway, a favorite among rich celebrities from around the world… the planet’s paradises seemed to have been erased by a single happy word: Bali. What else could there be? Then, with the unexpected rise of exotic destinations closer to the Western world, this remote Indonesian island was forgotten. It’s back to “top tourism” now, in the 2020s. And especially, in this spring of 2026, it seems a trip to Bali is a must! So, let’s review the itineraries we had forgotten!
Travel to Bali
To reach the island of Bali, you can land at Indonesia’s main airport, Jakarta Hatta (CGK), and then take domestic flights to Bali. Alternatively, by studying the best routes, you can land directly at Bali Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) and be already on the place. From all airports, you can travel with excellent, tailor-made private transfer solutions, booked and arranged in advance, which can also help you include various itinerary stops.
Why return to Bali…
Why has Bali become popular again? It’s due to a well-planned tourism strategy implemented by the Indonesian nation during the Covid pandemic. In fact, from 2020 onwards, significant improvements in transportation were planned, «inclusive» offerings were increased (that is, no longer just resorts for the wealthy but accessible to all), and finally, big space was given to «digital nomads» and smart working, with excellent internet connections.
But returning to Bali was inevitable, beyond the economic benefits. Because the beauty of this land must be discovered and experienced. And it goes far beyond the usual «banal» exotic beaches.
People come to Bali for sea and relaxation, of course, but also to discover the spectacular temples, Buddhist monasteries, wild forests, and unique hilly landscapes. Since there are hundreds of itineraries to create in Bali, here we shall only suggest the most iconic places worth visiting… especially if you’re coming here for the first time!
Bali and the sea
Bali and the sea are an inseparable pair because, in fact, Bali «is» the sea. Those who come here above all look for the beaches and the clean sea – with its wonderful seabeds. Some names will not ring a bell: Padang Beach, with its limestone rocks and surfers’ favorite waves; Jimbaran, with its many traditional seafood restaurants along the white sand line; Nusa Dua, the beach of billionaires.
Other beaches are recent discoveries but have already rocketed to the top of the list of tourist favorites. For example, the tranquil Sanur, the incredible «golden beach» of Kuta, the many romantic, quiet, and secluded beaches such as Uluwatu or Thomas Beach. Famous for their wild, «deserted island» atmosphere, even though the fishing villages are still there, the latest «novelties» are the small beaches on the Bukit coast… small, still unspoiled gems.
Balinese culture and art
Start falling in love with Balinese culture in the capital, Denpasar. Here, the Royal Palace, the Satria Palace, the Sakenan temples, and the museums will be your first pleasant encounter with the island’s spirit.
The temples with their soaring pagodas, adorned with gold and geometric designs, are the pride of Bali’s artistic itineraries. Among the most famous are the Lotus Temple in Ubud, the Floating Temple (Pura Ulun Danu) on Lake Bratan in Bedugul, the Cliff Temple (Dalem Pemutih) overlooking the sea in Geger on the island’s western coast, the Luhur Batukaru – a temple nestled in the thick of a rainforest, and Pura Rambut Siwi – the iconic temple in Medewi.
Other must-see places to experience Bali’s historical and artistic soul include the royal city of Klungkung, the vast rice paddies of Sidemen, the art galleries of Mas, the street art of Canggu, and the traditional dances held at the Pura Desa Singapadu temple in Batubulan.
Regenerative Tourism
Bali is back in fashion thanks in part to the island’s «regenerative tourism» projects. This type of tourism sees foreign visitors personally engaged, side by side with locals, to improve locations and environments that are clearly suffering.
Reforestation, restoration of beaches damaged by storm surges, rice harvesting… these are just a few examples of this type of tourism, an «advanced» version of experiential tourism. These experiences also include Balinese cooking classes (to preserve ancient folk recipes), work on organic farms to educate people about new crops, the restoration of ancient temples and monuments.
Experiencing Bali by being part of Bali itself, and leaving a positive mark on it. Isn’t that the best vacation imaginable?
