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!
Those pictures are amazing! I really wanna visit Bali soon! *.*
xx, Sofie
https://sofiecharlotte.com
Wow. Bali looks beautiful, I have never been, but hope to visit someday!
Yes I went and I loved the people, so much warmer than a lot places in Thailand!
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
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
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!
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 ☺️
Great post Maddy. Bali looks awesome.
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.