More of a state of mind than a place, the most popular Indonesian island conjures instant thoughts of a tropical paradise with a soft spiritual soul and a healthy dose of mysticism thrown in for good measure. Bali tops many a traveller’s bucket list and has been drawing the visitors for decades, our guest bloggers the very talented Jeff and Katy Foster from Nomads Expeditions – who have had work published in the National Geographic – showcase their beautiful Bali photography both above and below the waves…
Bali is perhaps most well known among travelers for its world-class surf, booming nightlife scene, and endless colourful stalls of kitschy souvenirs. The island offers a cheap date for Australians looking for an exotic tropical vacation within a relatively short flight from home, and provides travellers from more distant reaches of the globe a gateway into the vast and diverse archipelago of Indonesia. Yet behind the lively and vibrant tourist hotspot that many people think of when they hear the word Bali, lies an island with a calm and tranquillity that can be hard to capture with words.
Bali has a culture unique amongst the Indonesian islands, and hosts sights, sounds, and tastes all it’s own. Over 80% of the islands population identifies religiously as Balinese Hindu, the influence of which can be found in the islands many temples, music, and arts. Mornings on Bali are filled with calm rhythmic chanting sounds emanating from the temples and the soft smell of incense wafting up from carefully crafted daily offerings. Balinese cuisine delights the palate with complex spice combinations complementing a range of fresh cooked meats and vegetables, the ingredients of which are selected daily from bustling morning markets. The exciting flavours and calming sounds leave a lasting impression, however it’s the sincere friendliness of the Balinese people that defines the island in the hearts and minds of travellers.
Although Bali is undisputedly aesthetic topside, much of the islands beauty lies below the waves. Part of the Coral Triangle (an area famed for its extraordinarily high marine biodiversity), the waters surrounding Bali are home to a rich array of marine life. From pygmy seahorses to manta rays, Bali is a worthy dive destination for those seeking macro and megafauna alike. Affordable training in scuba diving is easy to find along the southern and eastern coasts, and you can even attend a freediving school if you are looking to escape the bubbles.
With a wealth of art, culture, interesting food, ocean adventures, some incredible hotels to stay at and places to go for afternoon tea in Bali (yes really!) above, on and below the waves, this unique and wonderful Asian country has no shortage of ways to stimulate the senses. Of course, if all you are looking for is simply a beautiful white sandy beach with palm trees…Bali has that too…
All words and images by our guest bloggers Jeff and Katy Foster from Nomads Expeditions. An adventure blog, started by two marine biologists and photographers, they specialize in documenting remote places far off the beaten path, such as the jungles of Papua. Nomads Expeditions also strives to share information and images from more well known and loved stops along the way.
24 Comments
Kundan
7 February, 2018 at 5:31 amBali is next in my bucket list, it is a picturesque place and you have photographed it well.
Anirudh
29 October, 2017 at 2:32 amBali is a place i always have on my bucket list. This post has made me like the place even more. Thanks! 🙂
Gabby
10 August, 2017 at 8:37 pmI want to travel there so bad! Loving the pictures!
-Gabby
Frank
11 May, 2017 at 6:04 amGreat photos. Bali is a place we’d love to go – and summer (when Europe gets a bit too crazy for our liking) is actually a great time to go because unless most of SE Asia it is dry that time of year. Would love to do some volcano hiking in Bali.
Frank (bbqboy)
Becky Moore
22 May, 2017 at 6:55 pmOoh volcano hiking sounds like a great plan, might just have to take a return trip for that! 🙂
Kristen
4 May, 2017 at 8:57 pmWould you advise traveling to Bali in January?
Becky Moore
5 May, 2017 at 8:24 pmIt’s the rainy season then, the best time to go would be from April to October.
Cortes de Cabelo
29 April, 2017 at 10:48 amSo cool guys, I’m inspired need to bump Bali to the top of the list….!!!
Becky Moore
30 April, 2017 at 1:47 pmPleased you like our guest post! 🙂
Emma Brown
29 April, 2017 at 10:46 amWow, wow, wow what a beautiful set of photos and I love how they are both land and under the sea – a very unique concept which works wonderfully!
Becky Moore
30 April, 2017 at 1:48 pmYes aren’t they, they are a very talented couple!
Scott Balaam
29 April, 2017 at 10:44 amVery cool post and photography, I must admit I haven’t been to Bali yet but it’s one of those places I think everyone needs to visit in their lifetime!
Becky Moore
30 April, 2017 at 1:49 pmYes Bali is wonderful, definitely has something very special about it!
Katarina
29 April, 2017 at 10:42 amOh so lovely, these are simply wonderful images, I’ve always wanted to go to Bali but now even more after seeing these!
Matthew Kopka
29 April, 2017 at 10:40 amBali is STUNNING! Seriously great photos guys 🙂
Becky Moore
30 April, 2017 at 1:49 pmWe agree! Thanks for commenting!
Miha
29 April, 2017 at 10:35 amWow these are very National Geographic like, great guest post!
Becky Moore
30 April, 2017 at 1:50 pmYes very beautiful, pleased you like it!
Agness of eTramping
26 April, 2017 at 9:09 pmBali is so picturesque, Becky! There is always something new I discover about it!
Becky Moore
30 April, 2017 at 1:51 pmSuch a pretty travel destination, would love to return one day!
Laura
26 April, 2017 at 3:25 pmWow! These pictures are awesome and inspiring! Great work 🙂
Becky Moore
30 April, 2017 at 1:52 pmThanks Laura, if you want to see more of their photos check out their blog Nomads Expeditions.
Laura
21 April, 2017 at 5:46 pmGorgeous photographs! I haven’t visited Bali before however I have heard it’s utterly beautiful.
Great review and love the sea-life photography!
Laura xo
http://www.shehearts.net
Becky Moore
30 April, 2017 at 1:52 pmThanks for your comment Laura!