Bali travel: Seven reasons Bali remains an Aussie holiday favourite year after year - 9Travel
Another day, another press release outlining where Australians travelled in 2024, and where they're planning to travel in 2025.
Unsurprisingly, Bali (along with Japan) continues to come out on top, leading us to ponder what it is that forms the bedrock of our decades-long love affair with the island.
If we consider the following list however, it suddenly all starts to come together.
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Okay sure, prices aren't what they used to be a decade or two ago, and the $15 tourism tax that was introduced in recent times hasn't earned too many fans, but it's still cheaper for Australians to holiday in Bali than it is for us to travel in our own country.
Expect to find cheap eats for well under $10 (provided you're steering clear of restaurants popular with Westerners, that is), hour-long massages for less than $20 and mid-range hotels between $40 and $60 a night.
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And if you find yourself bemoaning how cheap Bali used to be, remember that those higher prices allow the locals to provide a higher class of product or service.
That's not necessarily a bad thing.
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When you're not keen on flying in excess of 10 or even 20 hours to get to your destination, Bali is indeed a welcome alternative.
Located less than six hours from Sydney and Melbourne and a little over two hours from Darwin, Bali is a quick, convenient and painless direct flight away, making the island a popular destination for those travelling with young children in particular.
Provided you don't attempt to fly during the school holidays, you can usually pick up a cheap fare from the likes of Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas.
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Pack away your winter gear; thanks to its proximity to the equator, Bali enjoys a tropical climate which sees temperatures hover between the mid-20s and low-30s year-round (although the humidity can make those temperatures feel even warmer).
While we're talking weather, it's worth noting that there are only two seasons in Bali: dry season between May and October, and wet season between November and April.
July and August - not to mention December and January - are times best avoided as that's when tourist numbers (and prices) are at their peak.
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Whether you're after a family friendly, all-inclusive resort with all the bells and whistles like Club MedBali or Paradisus by Melia Bali, prefer a space steeped in wellness such as Soulshine or Como Shambhala Estate, or fancy all-out luxury Bvlgari Resort Bali or Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay is known for, you're covered.
Of course those who would much rather stay in their own private villa for next to nix are never going to be left wanting.
This year has also seen quite a few highly anticipated hotels throw open their doors, including Anantara Ubud Resort, Regent Bali Canggu and voco Bali Seminyak.
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Why visit a destination that's all about sandwiches or fried 'stuff' when you could be feasting on the likes of bebek betutu (slow-cooked duck), nasi goreng and rich satays?
Many dishes are flavoured with aromatic spices such as turmeric, ginger and lemongrass so that every bite is a flavour hit.
Circle Locavore NXT in Ubud and Shelter in Pererenan as must-visits, remembering to leave enough room (and time) to check out Room4Dessert in Ubud.
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Bali's temples may be famous (and well worth visiting), but Bali is home to a solid cultural calendar of events so that there's always something interesting to see and do beyond the beaches and bars.
Those arriving in Bali in June, July and August in particular will be in touch as the island enjoys what feels like an endless celebration of music, dance, literature and yoga.
Some popular favourites? Put a circle around the Ubud Food Festival, Bali Arts Festival, Bali Spirit Festival and again in Ubud, the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival.
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We could touch on Bali's beaches, dive spots, surf breaks, lush forests, rice terraces, volcanoes and mountain lakes, but don't you want to discover those for yourself?
