6 days ago
In need of a mental reset? Why Bali could be just the tonic
When you think of Bali, what comes to mind? Yoga, purple açai bowls and pristine beaches? Until recently, that would've been my answer too. But, it turns out, there's so much more to the Indonesian wellness capital than many of us in the UK might realise – and there's also a very special way to explore it all. A way that really lets you live like a local.
Part of the Indonesian archipelago, which comprises more than 17,000 islands, Bali is a deeply spiritual place, with temples in every home, on every street and handmade 'offerings' to the Gods found at every turn. It's estimated that 87% of the Balinese population are Hindu, while most of the other Indonesian islands are predominantly Muslim, and the place boasts the mantra of 'menyama braya' (which translates as 'treat all as family' or 'live harmoniously'). Something that, given how divided Britain currently feels, we could maybe all use a dose of right now.
When I headed out to Bali last November, to say I was frazzled is an understatement. Without getting deep, I was stressed about, well... everything. But learning about another culture is a surefire way of stepping out of your own head and of discovering something new about yourself along the way – as well as the kind of life you want to lead and your priorities. Bali is certain to leave you thinking a little differently. Or at least, it did for me.
Of course, it's important to acknowledge that for many, travel is a luxury right now, but if you are able to afford a trip and want the chance to cultivate some inner peace, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better world to immerse yourself in than that of the 4.4 million Balinese people.
Things move slower on the island, in the nicest of ways. Alongside that pace, there's fresh and delicious food, homestays in rural villages with arms-open locals, the chance to cycle though rice fields with a warm breeze in your hair, streets laced with incense, and crucially, an evident mindset that wellbeing cannot exist in a vacuum. Community and thinking of others before yourself is king – something many in the West seem to be drifting further and further away from.
Ready to explore? Here's how to plan the perfect Bali trip…
Keen to keep the mental admin to a minimum while in Bali, I was lucky enough to visit with Intrepid, a responsible travel company who took all of the scheduling out of my hands. Intrepid is known for collaborating with local partners, providing (often remote) communities with income and opportunities, and offering guests truly authentic experiences.
Each Intrepid Bali tour has a guide who knows the area inside-out, which again eliminates the need for any mass-Googling or anxiety when it comes to coordinating where to go, what to eat and what to do. The guides also provide answers to any questions you may have about Balinese culture, or during any of the activities you embark on.
My group was led by the wonderful Ni Wayan Seriani, better known as Srix, who couldn't have been friendlier. She was a real font of knowledge when it comes to all things Balinese, and having Srix around meant it was possible to learn on the go, find out more about local life and simply surrender to the carefully crafted itinerary.
With her, nothing was ever too much trouble and without her, I wouldn't have learnt half as much (for example, every 200 or so days, Balinese people do ceremonies to thank the animals, trees and metal in their lives for helping them; she said they even thank cars for getting them home safely!).
Here's an overview of some Bali highlights, all of which feature in one of Intrepid's two Bali-focussed packages, which start at £652pp (international flights not included, but accommodation, ground transport, selected meals, and activities are).
Bali as a whole isn't huge; you could drive from one end of the island to another in three to five hours (depending on whether you're going east to west, or north to south).
It's worth dotting around and learning about a few different regions, with Ubud being a vibey cosmopolitan area and the Sibetan village being a contrasting but just as special, remote alternative. Sanur is also a chilled beach town that's well worth your time, so think about hitting them up in a triangle.
It's almost hard to recommend Sibetan as it feels so unspoiled right now, but it was a real highlight of our tour and the villagers couldn't have been more welcoming.
Less than a 20-minute drive from Denpasar airport, this chic hotel is a short stroll away from Karang Beach; perfect for peachy sunrises and sunsets, and if you're lucky in low tide, starfishes.
The rooms are clean and well-sized in this four star option, the breakfast buffet options - and air con! - are plentiful and as well as being a stone's throw from golden sands, you're right around the corner from a heavenly spa and yoga spot, Koa Shala (classes from just £5).
Rooms start from around £50 a night
The area of Ubud is a must: the word 'Ubud' derives from the word 'ubad' meaning medicine, and this tonic of a town certainly lives up to its name. Close to Monkey Forest (which yep, lives up to its name too!), this plush hotel has four restaurants, a pool, gym and on-site spa. Yoga, cookery classes and lessons in making a traditional offering for the gods are also available via the concierge.
Rooms start from £80 a night
If you really want to embed yourself into local life, doing a Homestay with members of the Banjar Dukuh Community in the Sibetan Mountain Village is an incredibly special way to go about it.
The Sibetan village only started offering up their spare rooms in 2023, after partnering with Intrepid, and it has helped the locals to develop a new source of income outside of farming. Everyone was so warm and hospitable, with hosts really making you feel a part of the family, while showing you how they go about their daily lives. It's a new way of travelling and admittedly there was the odd awkward moment due to a language barrier with some people, but it's a one-of-a-kind experience and I'm so glad I had it.
Check out the options on Airbnb
Given the high temperatures in Bali, trekking companies offer guided walks up Mount Batur starting in the cooler early hours of the morning, leaving you in prime position to watch the sun nudge its way through the sky to start a new day. Close to the peak, there are vendors selling food and drink too, so you can sip and snack as you take in the special moment.
Was it tough? Honestly, yes; the summit is 1717m. As someone who likes to think they've a pretty good level of fitness, I struggled in parts. But pushing through to (almost!) reach the top was more than worth it and there's always a guide, or walking stick, on hand for support.
The unique architecture in Bali offers enough entertainment on its own, but throw in some traditional music and dance performances? Tens across the board. I'd recommend heading to Cafe Lotus in Ubud for dinner and grabbing a show beforehand.
While I'm not religious and struggle to meditate, something about the purification ritual of cleansing myself in the waters of the Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple was immensely grounding. After being talked through each step by my Intrepid guide, Srix, and donning the traditional garment, plus having rice pressed against my forehead as is custom, it was time to focus on betterment and feeling grateful to be in Bali. Easily done.
Visit the rice fields and back streets of the tucked away villages, Bayung Gede and Tampak Siring, with the wonderful team behind Dewa Bike tours. You'll be safely guided along a scenic route with the wind in your hair, waving at friendly locals as you go. A highlight not to be missed.
Book a Dewa Bike tour
As well as opening their doors for home stays, the residents of Sibetan village are happy to show curious tourists around their salak plantation, the island's native fruit that looks like it's wrapped in snakeskin. Our guides, Wayan Nanik and Adit, two locals guys in their twenties, dished up a delicious lunch in the plantation too, pointed out a whole host of plant species (and explained their importance) and were happy to show us the many uses of their native crop: namely, kickstarting their own exciting liquor company. They also spoke beautifully about lessons in simplicity and how we need less than we think to achieve happiness.
A firm favourite since 1986, this quaint eatery serves guests in wooden Balinese huts surrounded by lush greenery. As with most food joints in Bali, it's incredibly affordable by British standards. Go for the noodle soup, either with tofu or chicken.
Learn more about Cafe Wayan
Great for authentic Balinese cuisine served at low tables, plus this restaurant offers the chance to catch a traditional dance show set to the backdrop of the stunning Pura Saraswati temple, by the Sekehe Gong performers. Warning: audience participation is encouraged, although not enforced if you're shy about your moves.
Learn more about Cafe Lotus
If you put hiking up Mount Batur to your to-do list, this brunch spot has to be your pitstop afterwards; it's around a 30-minute drive away, but offers up the chance to dip your feet in the pool, sip an iced coffee and gaze across at the mountain you've just (hopefully) conquered. Paperhills also serves an all-day breakfast, along with producing some extremely delicious pastries and baked goods. Yum.
Learn more about Paperhills
A restaurant with a pool you can enjoy before or after eating? Sign us up. The food was freshly prepared and I'd highly recommend ordering the nasi goreng, which is a signature Balinese dish comprising fried rice, veggies, meat or a vegetarian alternative, and topped with an egg.
Learn more about the Kawi Resto
Intrepid Travel offers 11 trips to Bali ranging from family-orientated ones to itineraries perfect for solo adventurers. Beautiful Bali lasts for 9 days and starts from £652pp, while Premium Bali and Java lasts for 11 days and starts from £2,292pp. Prices include accommodation, ground transport, selected meals, and activities. International flights are extra.
Learn more and book at 0808 274 5111.
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC's Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women's Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
