Not a day passes that I don’t think about Bali.
Yet when I do, I don’t immediately remember the warm sunshine on my skin, the taste of chicken satay, the sounds of waves crashing, or the adrenaline rush of driving a scooter on chaotic streets. But to so many people, that is Bali. That is what they know and love, and that is what they’ll return to Bali for time and again.
And they’re not wrong. To me, Bali is all of that.
But it’s also so much more.
When Bali comes to mind, thousands of memories and emotions come rushing back.
Often, I find myself cracking up, thinking about a time that I met a Balinese local, and we exchanged smiles, laughs, words, or even just gestures because we didn’t speak a common language. And then, instantly, I feel happy.
This post is a spotlight on the Balinese people, because I think we can all learn something from them. We can learn something more important than anything we can learn in school or read in books.
Balinese people don’t have a lot of stuff. They don’t have flat-screen televisions or the latest iPhones. They don’t drive fancy cars. They don’t have a lot of money. They don’t even have their own bedrooms.
But you know what? They don’t need it.
They have love for everyone and everything on this planet. They understand what it means to be kind. They have a sense of humor like nothing I’ve ever seen. They have huge hearts. They have infectious smiles and contagious laughs. They show love for their gods in everything they do. And they always strive to be better human beings.
No, Balinese people don’t have a lot of stuff, but they have everything they need.
So here’s to the beautiful Balinese people who stole my heart. I wish that everyone on this planet could be a little bit more like them. Oh, what a world it would be…
Over to you! Have you visited Bali before? Are the Balinese people among the warmest, most beautiful people you’ve ever encountered?
I hope to visit Bali someday. I love all of the pictures – everyone looks so happy!
I hope you do, too! Everyone I encountered in Bali was so happy and friendly that I felt compelled to share the photos I snapped of them! I want nothing more than to return to Bali, and those lovely people are the reason why.
Those pictures are amazing! I really wanna visit Bali soon! *.*
xx, Sofie
https://sofiecharlotte.com
Thank you! The pictures of these people are probably my favorite photos from the entire trip! Thanks for stopping by.
Wow. Bali looks beautiful, I have never been, but hope to visit someday!
It really is! I hope you do too.
Yes I went and I loved the people, so much warmer than a lot places in Thailand!
I totally agree with you. I visited Bali and Phuket back to back and I found that the people in were so friendly and just made me feel so incredibly happy to be there. I’m already planning a return trip!
I haven’t been to Bali — yet — but they do look like very warm and friendly people. I think it’s special when you can interact with the locals and get to learn a little more about their culture and values. Beautiful photos as always :)
PS: I’m hosting a giveaway on my blog, be sure to check it out!
https://www.mintnotion.com
They really are. I learned so much about Balinese culture and the Hindu religion from interacting with the locals there. I learned more about Bali and its people than I’ve learned anywhere else I’ve been because everyone was so friendly, welcoming, and wanted to tell us about themselves and their lives. My experience in Bali is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life! Thanks, Eden! I’ll be stopping by your blog right now to check out that giveaway!
I LOVE this post. I felt similarly when I visited Cambodia; the girls we worked with were all so sweet, and everyone we met along the way was just so happy to meet us and were warm and welcoming.
-Claire
tallgirlbigworld.com
Thanks, Claire! I hope you’ll write a post about Cambodia soon! Interacting with locals is definitely one of the best parts about traveling and it was definitely the most memorable aspect of our trip! :)
Bali is definitely a place I want to go to! Looks amazing and I have heard the people are extremely friendly. Glad you enjoyed your time there! I really loved Mexico and Italy – the people there are lovely and so welcoming!
The Balinese are so friendly; they completely made our whole trip!
I completely agree with you about Mexico and Italy, though! Both countries have incredibly friendly and welcoming locals! :)
Yes! Balinese people are the kindest and something about the island just soothes your soul. Your pictures brought back so many good memories. Dying to go back ☺️
Aw, I’m glad these photos made you think of good, happy times in Bali. I’m dying to go back as well! One day…
Great post Maddy. Bali looks awesome.
Thanks a bunch. Bali is one of my top 5 favorite places in the world for sure.
I just came back from Bali today and reading this makes me cry. They are such wonderful people. My faith in humanity was restored back a little after meeting the Balinese. They have so much to offer.