Travel Stories

【Returning to Bali After 20 Years】Bali Travel Diary & Recommendations

By 小傑爸 Bali travel blogger · Go Bali Go founder

2024年7月31日 · 更新於 2026年7月10日 ✏️ 編輯文章

【Returning to Bali After 20 Years】Bali Travel Diary & Recommendations

💡 Quick Answer

It's been two decades since my last visit to Bali. The island's transformation left me amazed—not only has it become much more developed, but the number of loca…

The following content was provided by fellow traveler Hung Min Lin and has been re-edited by us:

Bottom line first: The biggest change after revisiting Bali 20 years later—taxi fares have dropped from starting at $20 to Gojek’s more affordable and convenient rides, but tourist and population numbers have more than tripled, making traffic congestion worse (average speed is often only about 10 km/h). When you’re not in a rush, treat the traffic jams as a chance to soak in the scenery along the way.

I just returned from Bali at the end of June 2024, and this trip was full of memories and surprises. For me, it was my second visit—the first was to get my Open Water diving certification. That trip was incredibly tight, as the diving course took five days, leaving little time to explore elsewhere. This time, however, I came with my family, and it’s been 20 years since my last visit. Bali’s development blew me away—not only is it much more prosperous, but the number of Indonesians and tourists has more than tripled compared to two decades ago. Below are some of the memorable places and experiences from our journey:

Traffic in Bali

Traffic has always been a challenge in Bali. Chronic congestion often slows speeds to just 10 km/h, making itineraries hard to manage. We frequently had to patiently wait in traffic jams—if we weren’t in a hurry, we just treated it as more time to enjoy the passing scenery!

Taxis and Gojek

Twenty years ago, hailing a taxi in Bali cost a steep $20 or more, which made me reluctant to leave the hotel after returning—the transportation fees alone were painful. Now, things have improved with the Gojek app, making transportation much more affordable and convenient, greatly enhancing our travel experience.

Must-Download App for Traveling in Indonesia/Bali: Complete Gojek Guide

Bali International Airport

Bali’s airport is already new and quite beautiful. However, since its capacity still can’t handle the massive crowds during peak season, the check-in process can take a very long time, often over an hour. Therefore, it’s recommended to arrive at the airport early for check-in when departing to avoid delaying your trip.

2025/08 News: Bali Airport’s brand-new luggage inspection system is now online!

Airport Shopping

Inside the airport, there’s a small stall selling Oakley sunglasses and backpacks. Although the selection is limited, the prices are cheaper than in Taiwan. Based on my experience, the branded items at the airport should be authentic, so shopping here offers more peace of mind. Additionally, Billabong surfwear at the airport is also cheaper than in Taiwan, making it tempting to buy a few extra pieces.

Bali’s Coffee and Chocolate

Bali produces coffee and chocolate. JungleGold Bali offers many unique flavors; although the prices are a bit steep, the packaging is exquisite, making them perfect souvenirs to bring home as gifts. We visited Satria Coffee Plantation, where various spices are grown, and we got to see how cacao fruits grow on trees—a rare experience for us.

【Recommended by Travelers】Over 20 Bali Souvenir Gift Ideas Across Six Categories: Perfect Choices to Cherish Your Memories

Luwak Coffee

Hung Min Lin提供

Provided by Hung Min Lin

At Satria Coffee Plantation, we also tried civet coffee. Since the production process is quite unique and a bit unsettling, our group of four, along with the guide, asked for extra cups and shared one set. Personally, I didn’t find the civet coffee particularly aromatic, but the experience was eye-opening. The products sold in the plantation are a bit pricey, but seeing the staff work hard to maintain the place, we bought a pack of coffee powder to show our support.

A Feast of Pork Ribs

We savored many dishes in Bali, and the grilled pork ribs at Naughty Nuri’s were amazing—we ate at both the Ubud and Sanur locations. The Sanur branch is larger and has air-conditioned rooms, making it very comfortable. The food at Fat Chow Bali (Kuta) was also delicious; we ate there twice in Kuta, and each time we had to queue, but the wait was worth it.

Book the Naughty Nuri’s Warung Food Experience in Sanur

Klook Surfing Lessons

We booked a 1-on-1 beginner surfing lesson at Kuta Beach through Klook. The price was very affordable—just USD$19 for a 1.5-hour session—and it was an experience well worth trying.

Kuta Beach Surfing Lesson (Provided by 27 Surf Bali)

Kuta Surfing Lesson (Provided by S Surf School)

Kuta Surfing Lesson (Provided by Bali Wau Surf)

Indonesian Cuisine

Our guide Mr. Liega recommended Warung Kampung for Indonesian food, where the dishes are delicious and affordable. A freshly blended durian juice costs just USD$1, giving us a real taste of local culinary culture.

More Food Guides

更多美食介紹

Bali Zoo

Although the zoo entrance fee is steep—over USD$32 per person—once inside, we found it beautifully integrated with Bali’s unique architectural style. We toured the grounds in an air-conditioned exploration bus, staying cool and comfortable despite the heat, which made the ticket price feel well worth it.

Want to budget ahead? Check out the Bali Ticket Price Overview for real-time reference prices on popular attractions, making it easy to compare deals on Klook/Trip.com.

Get discounted Bali Safari & Marine Park tickets here

Family Travel Must-Sees:

Jimbaran Beach Restaurants

金巴蘭的海灘餐廳

Beachfront dining in Jimbaran is usually pricey, but our guide recommended Menega Cafe, which offers more reasonable rates. Though clouds blocked the sunset that evening, sharing a meal abroad with three generations of family made for a precious, unforgettable moment.

10 Best Jimbaran Seafood Restaurants in Bali: No-Fail Picks

Souvenir Shopping

For souvenirs, we chose Krisna, where the peanuts and dried fruit are both tasty and cheap—it’s hard not to stock up and bring plenty home.

【Recommended by Travelers】Over 20 Bali Souvenir Ideas Across 6 Categories: The Perfect Way to Preserve Precious Memories

Nightlife Experience

HardRock Cafe Bali carries on the vibe of Indonesian nightclubs, with live band performances starting at 9:30 PM every night. The music is extremely loud—we found it overwhelming and left shortly after arriving.

White Water Rafting

We also went white water rafting in Bali. Although it was a bit pricey at nearly USD$65 per person, it included an all-you-can-eat local meal. Our guide managed to get us a 20% discount. The river wasn’t too dangerous, but navigating the stone steps up and down required some physical effort. Even my 76-year-old mother managed to complete the experience without any issues.

Ayung River Rafting

Ayung River Rafting (with Transfers)

Seeing Manta Rays at Nusa Penida

To see manta rays at Nusa Penida, it’s best to stay on the island the night before. If you’re staying elsewhere, like Kuta, you’ll need to wake up as early as 5 AM. Since we didn’t want to get up that early, we ended up skipping this activity.

【Bali - Complete Nusa Penida Guide】Maps, Ferries, Accommodation, Transportation, Private Drivers, Activities, Photography, Attractions

Popular Outdoor Activities in Bali

The Culture of Bali

峇里島的文化

In Bali, every household has its own temple, with many beautiful stone carvings adorning the walls. Our guide, Mr. Fovix, explained that locals pray twice a day, and homes cannot be built taller than the temples as a sign of respect to the gods. This is why most parts of Bali have no high-rise buildings.

Summary

For those who love ocean views, beaches, and rice terrace landscapes, Bali is a place you’ll want to return to again and again. On my next visit, I plan to explore local markets and experience the daily life of the people. The basic monthly wage for locals is around USD$180 (as of 2024), and living that way would surely offer a different perspective. Through the local way of life, we might gain a deeper appreciation of the spiritual essence of this beautiful land. We are deeply grateful to our two guides, Mr. Fovix and Mr. Liega, who gave us invaluable advice. Mr. Fovix is attentive and speaks fluent English, while Mr. Liega is honest and also has good English skills. They took us to many spots frequented by local tourists, helping us save a lot of money. Every time we ate, we invited them to join us, but they always politely declined or ordered something simple. We truly appreciate their thoughtful care, which left us with perfect memories.

Bali’s Largest Night Market Food Experience: Exploring Authentic Flavors at Kreneng Night Market with a Local Chinese-Speaking Guide

Guide Information:

Mr. Liega

Whatsapp: +62 81338563884
Line ID: ligabali
Facebook: Manx Liega

Mr. Fovix

Facebook: Fovix Ketut
Instagram: ketutfovik
Line: ketut.bali
Whatsapp: +6287846850479

Our Bali trip was incredibly rewarding—we not only admired the stunning scenery and enjoyed a wide range of activities, but also deepened our understanding and respect for the local culture. I hope this travelogue can help more people.

Do you think Hung Min Lin’s itinerary is amazing? Go ahead and plan your own Bali free-and-easy trip! Feel free to share your itinerary in the group as well!

Bali Travelogue Treasure Trove

Click here for more Bali travel stories

Want to write a travelogue but don't know where to start? Check out "How to Write an Amazing Bali Travelogue" to make your travelogue shine!