After 20 years in the travel industry, it’s hard to believe I’d never visited Bali. I’d heard the stories, seen the images: the drunken Aussie party scene, the loud and obnoxious tourists, the wild beach clubs, and everything else that seemed to strip Bali of its charm. I thought, “No thanks.” But when I learned that Bali was the location for the TravelManagers Australia 2025 Annual Conference, the opportunity to visit finally became too good to pass up. And let me tell you, Bali surprised me in ways I never expected.
I expected a place overrun by loud, rowdy tourists, where Bali’s beautiful spirit had been replaced by cheap beers and impromptu beach parties. But what I found was entirely different.
Sure, Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak have their share of rowdy bars and backpacker vibes. But the Balinese people? They’re incredibly warm, welcoming, and genuinely love Aussies. Bali relies heavily on tourism – about 80-85% of the island’s economy depends on it – and it’s clear they appreciate tourists who respect their culture. I had expected to see a whole bunch of chaos; instead, I discovered a place where kindness and hospitality reign supreme.
We (my intrepid travelling husband and I) also spent some time speaking with local Balinese about life during the pandemic. Many returned to their villages, working on family farms or helping their parents with construction projects. It was back-breaking work, and they were only earning about $10 a day. You can feel the gratitude they have for the return of tourists. It’s clear that they cherish their livelihoods, and it made us appreciate Bali even more.
One thing you can’t miss in Bali: the temples. Everywhere you go, there are family temples, community temples, and even temples hidden down back lanes. It’s a truly spiritual place.
During the TravelManagers Australia 2025 Annual Conference, we had the privilege of attending a traditional Balinese dance performance while watching a breathtaking sunset.
We were treated to a spectacular evening with about 500 of my fellow travel colleagues. The event was hosted at a beautiful resort on the west coast of Jimbaran Bay, and while it might have felt like a typical conference affair with an open bar and lively dancing, we couldn’t help but get caught up in the magic of Bali. By the end of the night, we found ourselves belting out “Sweet Caroline” and dancing with a group of new friends—much to our surprise! In less than 48 hours, we had become exactly what we thought we’d never be. It turns out, Bali has that effect on you.
TravelManagers 2025 Conference
On a day trip around the island, we drove from Nusa Dua, passed Uluwatu Temple, and made our way around Jimbaran to Legian. The roads are incredibly busy, with traffic being a constant companion. The beaches near Uluwatu and Jimbaran were stunning, but be prepared to pay for access to most of them.
Coffee and Tea tasting stop – bought home some Mangosteen Tea – yum!
When we finally made our way to Ubud, we were expecting a calm, serene retreat. But much to our surprise, Ubud was busy, crowded, and far more developed than we’d imagined. The drive from Denpasar up into the mountains, once dotted with rice terraces, is now lined with villas and construction.
Despite the bustle, Ubud still has its old-world charm. Gautama Lane, a beautiful and peaceful street, is a perfect reminder of Ubud’s past. We ate at a charming family-run spot called “Compound Arung” and I was blown away by the food and the serene garden vibe.
A highlight of the trip was visiting the Monkey Forest. Early in the morning, before the crowds arrived, it was cool and peaceful, and we could watch the monkeys for hours. A must-visit if you’re in Ubud.
After Bali, we flew to Yogyakarta and made our way to Borobudur. This ancient Buddhist temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and truly a marvel. The structure stands 42 kilometers from Yogyakarta and is the largest Buddhist monument in the world.
Manohara Hotel, located on the temple grounds, offered an incredibly economical way to stay while enjoying the full Borobudur experience. Staying there allowed us exclusive access to private sunset tours of the temple and early morning sunrise climbs. Borobudur is absolutely awe-inspiring, and to experience it with so few visitors around made it even more special.
The temple itself is massive, with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. It was built in the 8th century, without using cement or mortar. As we climbed the temple, it felt like a spiritual journey, with each step symbolising the path toward enlightenment. The views of the surrounding fields, hills, and distant volcanoes were nothing short of breathtaking.
After our time at Borobudur, we spent a night in Yogyakarta, exploring the lively Malioboro Street. The music, food, and local vibe made for a fantastic experience. One of the most memorable parts of our visit was sipping on Kopi Jos, a local coffee drink served with a hot piece of charcoal. Definitely an experience worth having.
Kopi Jos – coffee with a chunk of burning charcoal!
We also had the chance to visit the Kraton Palace, which is still in use by the royal family. The orchestra of gongs and drums playing traditional Javanese music was truly one-of-a-kind. It added a magical soundtrack to a traditional shadow puppet show.
Would I go back to Bali? – Absolutely. The island offers so much more than I initially expected.
Would I choose to explore the surrounding islands for more peace and quiet? – 100%.
Do I feel more confident that there is a version of Bali for every traveller? – For sure!
The warmth of the Balinese people, their hospitality, and their genuine smiles have elevated my perspective of Bali, and I’d wish their company and warmth for everyone to experience.
Working in travel allows me to bring people together. It’s a beautiful opportunity to connect with others and create shared experiences. It gives us the chance to value each other beyond our preconceptions and misunderstandings, and in doing so, we become better versions of ourselves. Travel fosters compassion and empathy, helping us know and understand others. And in the end, it allows us to truly connect with others, no matter where they come from.
As one of our Balinese drivers, Gede, said, “People come to Bali for the people.” And I think he’s absolutely right. There’s something about the people of Bali that makes you feel at home, no matter where you come from.
If you’ve been hesitant about visiting Indonesia, I urge you to give it a chance. Whether you’re here for the beaches, the temples, or the vibrant culture, Bali and Indonesia offer something truly magical – a place where both your preconceptions and heart can be transformed.
