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The Bali I See: Frangipani Scent, Travelers from Around the World, and Local Smiles

By Go Bali Go Editorial Team Go Bali Go editorial team · Bali travel guides

Dec 10, 2026 ✏️ 編輯文章

The Bali I See: Frangipani Scent, Travelers from Around the World, and Local Smiles

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Sharing the travelers I met in Bali, along with real observations on infrastructure, traffic jams, and currency exchange—plus the warmth of local smiles and the…

Adapted from group member Yang Jindi’s post

The Bali I See: From Frangipani Scent to Travelers from Every Corner of the World

Every time I set foot in Bali, the first thing that welcomes me is the unmistakable scent of frangipani. This fragrance isn’t just near the airport—it’s everywhere across the island, and it’s one of the reasons I love this place so much.

This post is my personal record of the Bali I see: the travelers I’ve met from all over the world, the island’s many faces, and a few observations and feelings I’ve gathered along the way. These are simply my own impressions and experiences—not meant to generalize, just an honest account of what I’ve witnessed.

Ultimate Bali Travel Guide: A Must-Read First-Timer’s Cheat Sheet

Travelers from Around the World I Met in Bali

One of the most fascinating things about Bali is that you can meet people from all over the world just by walking down the street. These are my observations over the years—purely personal impressions, and not everyone fits the mold.

🇹🇼 Taiwan: China Airlines clearly had a full plane, but once we landed in Bali, why couldn’t we run into any fellow Taiwanese? I go every year and find it both curious and a bit amusing.

🇮🇩 Indonesia: Many travelers come from other Indonesian islands, quite a few of whom are Muslims, especially crowded during Eid al-Fitr. They visit famous landmarks, just like us, snapping photos everywhere—the travel spirit is universal.

🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇸🇬 Singapore: It feels like quite a few Chinese have bought property here. When I see them at malls, they dress very casually, but they spend lavishly on shopping.

🇮🇳 India: They all seem very wealthy, usually traveling as a family. Men dress formally, often in crisp, solid-colored short-sleeved button-down shirts; women wear traditional Indian attire with ornate jewelry. This completely shattered my stereotypes and gave me a fresh perspective on Indian travelers.

🇯🇵 Japan: Young male surfers have tanned skin, wear anklets, have tattoos, neatly groomed eyebrows, and straw hats—very stylish. Women wear layered dresses with straw hats, equally chic. They walk around quietly, not flashy, yet they catch your eye.

🇰🇷 South Korea: They go for Made in Bali floral shirts. Men are sturdy, wearing floral shirts, shorts, and sandals; women have fair skin, full makeup, long dresses, and tall figures. They often sport big sunglasses, also very stylish.

🇨🇳 China: I find them highly recognizable in any setting—they express their opinions directly and compare prices carefully when shopping. During the National Day Golden Week, many come to Bali for vacation, but the numbers drop noticeably once the holiday ends.

🇦🇺 Australia: Bali is practically their backyard—they say it’s close and relatively cheap. At Kuta’s beaches or bars, you often see them leisurely sipping Bintang beer, enjoying the afternoon.

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🇷🇺 Russia, 🇺🇦 Ukraine: I’ve seen quite a few Russians and Ukrainians; I’ve heard some chose to settle here to escape the war.

🇫🇷 France: Once, while browsing a jewelry store, I met a French man who mistook us for Chinese and rudely said, ‘Chinese everywhere.’ I immediately told him we’re Taiwanese, completely different, and repeated it until he understood. Then he started explaining that there have been many riots and protests by immigrants in his country recently.

For travelers from other countries, since I can’t identify them myself, I can’t share about them here.

An Island of Many Faces and Great Tolerance

These travelers from different countries each have their own styles of dress, habits, and ways of having fun, yet they all coexist comfortably on the same island. This makes me feel that Bali has many faces and an incredible capacity for tolerance.

Here, you can:

Climb a volcano and watch the sunrise
Ride an ATV or go white-water rafting
Hit the bars and enjoy the nightlife
Swing on a jungle swing and take stunning photos
Go snorkeling and surfing
Stay in a luxurious beachfront villa

【Bali Outdoor Activities】50 Must-Do List: Rafting, ATV, Snorkeling, Volcano Sunrise | Age Suitability & Booking Guide

Whether you love thrilling adventures, lazy beach afternoons, or meticulously planned photo trips, you can find your own way in Bali.

Infrastructure, Traffic, and Currency Exchange: What I Actually Saw This Time

Before departure, I often heard various takes on Bali. I’ve written down what I actually saw and felt during our October trip for your reference.

Infrastructure

Many say the island’s infrastructure needs repair. However, when we visited in October, we noticed that several areas—including Ubud, Denpasar, Kuta, and Sanur—were already undergoing sidewalk construction and road maintenance. I hope these projects continue, making the island even better.

Traffic

Many say traffic on the island is terrible, and I personally agree—it’s really congested. Locals also say there are too many cars on the island. But we’re only visiting for a few days, and I know I’m seeing it through a limited, personal lens. What struck me was how locals handle traffic jams and long lines at gas stations with remarkable patience, trusting in divine will and maintaining a calm mindset. Also, during our October visit, we didn’t encounter the situations previously reported in the media.

More About Private Car Hire

Currency Exchange

Some people also mentioned being scammed when exchanging money. I think travelers need to stay alert—after all, the world is full of all kinds of people, and it’s no different anywhere, including Taiwan.

Bali Currency Exchange Guide

Bali Money Exchange & ATM Map

The Smiles of Locals and Our Small Gestures

The locals I met always wore shy, bashful smiles. I’ve heard that most local workers earn a monthly salary of around NT$7,000 to NT$8,000 (about USD$226 to USD$258), and many of them live quite difficult lives. Still, I believe most people are kind and lovely at heart.

So, if you feel their service is good, don’t hesitate to tip—it’s a way to encourage them.

【Bali Tipping Guide】How to Tip? Full Breakdown for Drivers, Spa, and Hotel Housekeeping

I know that issues like the influx of multinational corporations, environmental strain from development, low wages, inadequate infrastructure, and the Indonesian government’s decisions are all challenges this island faces. But as a tourist, I have no right to comment or the ability to change things—I can only do my best to experience everything Bali has to offer.

What we can do is pay our tourism taxes properly and sort our recyclables as best we can. In recent years, the island has started promoting recycling, which is a promising change.

Bali Accommodation Recommendations

Conclusion

From the scent of frangipani that greets you the moment you step off the plane, to the travelers from all over the world on the streets, and the shy smiles of the locals—these are the Bali I see. It has many faces and a great sense of inclusiveness; no matter how you want to play, you can find your own way.

Finally, I hope you all can fall in love with this island just as we did.

Yang Jindi’s travelogue: Bali 10-Day Trip｜Returning for Four Consecutive Years, Food, Shopping, and Car Rental Recommendations

The Bali I See: Frangipani Scent, Travelers from Around the World, and Local Smiles

The Bali I See: From Frangipani Scent to Travelers from Every Corner of the World

Travelers from Around the World I Met in Bali

An Island of Many Faces and Great Tolerance