The following content was provided by group member Hung Min Lin and has been re-edited by us:
Bottom line first: The biggest change after returning to Bali 20 years later—taxi fares have dropped from starting at USD$20 to Gojek offering more affordable and convenient rides, but the number of tourists and locals has more than tripled, making traffic congestion even worse (average speed is only about 10 km/h). If you’re not in a rush, treat the traffic jams as a chance to enjoy the scenery along the way.
I just got back from Bali at the end of June 2024, and this trip was full of memories and surprises. For me, it was my second visit to Bali—the first time was to get my Open Water diving certification. That trip was very tight since the diving course took five days, leaving little time to explore elsewhere. This time, however, I came with my family, and it’s been twenty years since my last visit. Bali’s development has amazed me—not only has it become much more prosperous, but the number of locals and tourists has more than tripled compared to two decades ago. Here are some of the unforgettable places and experiences from our journey:
Traffic in Bali
Traffic in Bali has always been a challenge. Chronic congestion often slows speeds to just 10 km/h, making itineraries hard to manage. We often had to wait patiently in traffic jams—if you’re not in a rush, just treat it as more time to enjoy the scenery along the way!
Taxis and Gojek
Twenty years ago, hailing a taxi in Bali cost a whopping USD$20 just to start, which made me reluctant to leave the hotel after returning—the transportation costs alone were painful. Now things have improved with the Gojek app, making transportation much more affordable and convenient, greatly enhancing our travel experience.
【Traveling in Indonesia/Bali】Must-Download App: Gojek Full Guide
Ngurah Rai International Airport
Bali’s airport is brand 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 any delays.
2025/08 News: Bali Airport’s New Baggage Screening System Is Now Live!
Airport Shopping
Inside the airport, there’s a small Oakley sunglasses and backpack stall. While the selection is limited, 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 is also cheaper at the airport than in Taiwan, making it hard to resist buying a few extra pieces.
Bali’s Coffee and Chocolate
Bali produces coffee and chocolate. JungleGold Bali offers many unique flavors; although a bit pricey, the packaging is exquisite, making them perfect souvenirs to bring home. We visited Satria Coffee Plantation, where various spices are grown, and we got to see how cacao fruit grows on trees—a rare experience for us.
Luwak Coffee
Provided by Hung Min Lin
At Satria Coffee Plantation, we also tried luwak coffee. Since the production process is quite unique and a bit startling, our group of four, along with the guide, asked for extra cups and shared one set. While I personally didn’t find the luwak coffee particularly aromatic, the experience was very eye-opening. The products sold on-site 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 Ribs Feast Adventure
We savored plenty of delicious food in Bali, and Naughty Nuri’s grilled pork ribs were absolutely stunning. We ate at both the Ubud and Sanur locations. The Sanur branch is larger and has an air-conditioned room, making it very comfortable. The food at Fat Chow Bali (Kuta) was also incredibly tasty—we ate there twice in Kuta, and each time we had to queue, but the wait was well worth it.
Klook Surfing Lesson
We booked a 1-on-1 beginner surfing lesson at Kuta Beach through Klook. The price was incredibly affordable—just USD$19 for a 1.5-hour session. It was an experience well worth trying.
Indonesian Cuisine
Our guide, Mr. Liega, recommended we try Indonesian dishes at Warung Kampung. The food was delicious and cheap—a glass of freshly blended durian juice cost only USD$1. It gave us a real taste of the local food culture.
More Food Recommendations
- Taman Dedari Ubud: Food & Scenery in Bali's Enchanted Garden
- 50+ Seminyak Eat Street Food Guide
- Alila Villas Uluwatu Brisa Brunch: A Clifftop Sunday Feast
- 🌶️ Top 10 Must-Try Indonesian Foods in Bali: From Dirty Duck to Babi Guling
- Kuta Food Guide: The Ultimate Dining Recommendations in Bali
- Bali's 33 Most Popular Buffet Restaurants: Eat All You Can
Bali Zoo
Although the zoo entrance fee was quite high—over USD$32 per person—once inside, we discovered it beautifully incorporated Bali’s unique architectural design. During our visit, we rode an air-conditioned exploration bus, so we didn’t have to worry about the heat. It was very comfortable, and we felt the ticket price was well worth it.
Update: 2026/06/10
Must-See for Family Travel:
- Traveling to Bali with a Baby: Tips for Bringing Pork & Chicken Baby Food
- Top 15 Bali Family Resorts with Water Slides & Kids' Pools
- The Firefly Garden Ubud: Bali's Most Magical Eco-Conservation Attraction
- Bali Bird Park Ultimate Guide: Rare Species, Interactive Activities & Conservation
- Bali Family-Friendly Attractions Guide | Over 100 Activities for Families
- Ubud Jungle Cart: Mario Kart-Style Go-Kart in the Jungle
- Bali Safari & Marine Park: Activities & Overnight Stay Guide
- Jungle Kids Bali at Nuanu: The Best Kids Club for Play & Learning
- Clip 'n Climb Sanur: Bali's Hottest Indoor Climbing Adventure with 25 Walls
- Bali with Kids: Travel Tips for Babies, Toddlers & School-Age Children
- Bali Nanny Hiring Guide: How to Find a Babysitter & What It Costs
- Bali Family Travel Guide: Sanur Edition
Beachfront Restaurants in Jimbaran
Beachfront restaurants in Jimbaran are generally pricey, but our guide recommended Menega Cafe, which is relatively affordable. Although it was cloudy that day and we missed the sunset, having three generations of our family dine together abroad was a precious moment we truly cherished.
Souvenir Shopping
For souvenirs, we chose Krisna, where the peanuts and dried fruit are both delicious and cheap—it’s hard to resist buying extra to take home.
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 was so loud that we left shortly after arriving.
Whitewater Rafting
We also went whitewater rafting in Bali. Although it was pricey—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 climbing up and down the stone steps required some stamina. My 76-year-old mother managed to complete the experience without any issues.
Manta Ray Spotting 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 a.m. Since we didn’t want to get up that early, we ended up skipping this activity.
Popular Outdoor Activities in Bali
- Seminyak Beach Horse Riding Experience
- Bali Instagram Tour with Professional Photographer
- Bali Surfing Guide: Beaches for All Skill Levels
- Nusa Lembongan & Manta Bay Snorkeling Experience
- Bali Water Activities Deals on Klook
- Kuta Beach Surfing Lesson for Beginners
- Jimbaran's Top 11 Seafood Restaurants: Trusted Picks
- Tanjung Benoa Watersports: Wide Range of Activities
- Nusa Lembongan Snorkeling & Mangrove Day Tour
- 4 Top Snorkeling Spots in Nusa Penida Without the Hassle
Bali’s Culture
In Bali, every household has its own temple, and the walls are adorned with beautiful stone carvings. Our guide, Mr. Fovix, explained that locals pray twice a day, and homes cannot be built taller than the temples to show respect for the gods. This is why most of Bali lacks high-rise buildings.
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 daily life. The basic monthly wage here is around USD$180 (as of 2024), which offers a different perspective on life. Through the local way of living, we might gain a deeper appreciation for the spirituality of this beautiful land. We are deeply grateful to our two guides, Mr. Fovix and Mr. Liega, who offered invaluable advice. Mr. Fovix is attentive and fluent in English, while Mr. Liega is honest and has good English skills. They took us to spots frequented by local tourists, saving us a lot of money. Every time we ate, we invited them to join us, but they always politely declined or ordered simple dishes. We truly appreciate their thoughtful care, which left us with perfect memories.
Summary
Guide Information:
Mr. Liega
- Whatsapp: +62 81338563884
- ID Line: ligabali
- Facebook: Manx Liega
Mr. Fovix
- Facebook: Fovix Ketut
- Instagram: ketutfovik
- Line: ketut.bali
- Whatsapp: +6287846850479
- Whatsapp: +62 81338563884
- ID Line: ligabali
- Facebook: Manx Liega
Mr. Fovix
- Facebook: Fovix Ketut
- Instagram: ketutfovik
- Line: ketut.bali
- Whatsapp: +6287846850479
Our trip to Bali was incredibly rewarding. Not only did we enjoy stunning scenery and a wide range of activities, but we also gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of the local culture. I hope this travelogue can help more people.
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