Back in 2018, I was wandering through Asia without much of a plan—just a backpack, a sense of adventure, and a list of countries I wanted to visit. Somewhere along the way, I booked a spontaneous flight from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta, Indonesia. My thought process? “Bali is in Indonesia, right? Let’s just go and figure it out!”
What I didn’t know then was that Bali isn’t exactly right there when you land in Jakarta. It’s actually an entirely different vibe, location, and experience. Jakarta was bustling, hot, and humid—a whirlwind of a city that left me both impressed and overwhelmed. After a couple of days, I was frustrated, sweaty, and out of ideas. Instead of sticking around or figuring out how to get to Bali, I impulsively booked a flight to Japan and moved on. My Bali dream never materialized, and it became one of those “almost-done” stories that lingered in my mind.
Fast forward to 2024. Life had changed. I was living in Australia for my job at Canva, and Bali kept coming up in conversations. Australians love Bali—it’s almost a rite of passage here. Turns out, it’s a short direct flight from most major Australian cities, and people raved about its beauty, culture, and laid-back vibe. I finally Googled Bali and discovered a crucial piece of information: you don’t fly to “Bali.” You fly to Denpasar, then head to spots like Canggu, the heart of the Bali experience.
Fate had its own plans for me. While working on a book project, I started collaborating with my designer, who happened to be based in Bali. The deadline was tight, and collaborating over emails and calls wasn’t cutting it. So, I decided to head to Bali and work with my designer in person.
The moment I landed in Denpasar, I felt it. Bali wasn’t just a destination; it was an energy. Scooters zipped through the streets with an effortless chaos that somehow worked. Friendly locals greeted me with warm smiles that instantly made me feel at home. I knew this trip was going to be special.
Canggu turned out to be a creative hub—a buzzing community of freelancers, independent workers, and dream chasers. I quickly found a social media expert, a copywriter, and a talented videographer who documented my trip with lightning speed. Collaborating in person with my designer was a game-changer, and the book project moved faster than I’d imagined.
Beyond work, I fell in love with Bali’s lifestyle. The food culture was incredible, from fresh smoothie bowls to mouthwatering local dishes. The gyms and wellness amenities rivaled anything I’d seen before, and working out became a part of my daily routine.
One unexpected highlight? The custom motorcycle culture. A local guy brought me a different motorcycle to try every day, and I explored Bali’s stunning landscapes on two wheels. From hidden beaches to lush green rice fields, every ride was an adventure.
What started as a one-week trip turned into three weeks. By the time I returned to Australia, I felt healthier, happier, and more energized than I’d been in years. Bali didn’t just live up to the hype—it exceeded it.
Looking back, my 2018 self would’ve never guessed how transformative Bali would be for me in 2024. It wasn’t just about finding a destination; it was about finding a way of living that made me feel alive. Bali, it turns out, was worth the wait.
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