10 Tips For Slow Travel In Bali

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This is a guest post written by my fellow blogger Ossama Alnuwaiser.

In my series of promoting slow travel and space for my wonderful travel blogger buddies, I have a post for you on Bali.

Author Bio: Ossama Alnuwaiser is a travel blogger from Saudi Arabia. He would love to share his travel experiences and offer some tips along the way. He is content writer and owner of Awesome Traveler Blog.

Slow travel in Bali is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture, way of life, and landscapes of this beautiful island. Therefore, you should educate yourself before you go about where is Bali situated, the Balinese’s culture, and tradition. In this article, we offer some tips that can help you have a better experience with your slow travel in Bali.

1. Choose Your Destination Wisely

Make some research and decide where you want to stay. Instead of hopping from one place to another, consider staying in one or two locations for an extended period of time.

For instance, you can stay in Ubud where you will get to experience it rich culture, or you could also stay in Canggu or Amed for tropical beaches vibes. They contain some of the best spots for surfing, where you could join surfing schools to learn this leisure activity. That is what good about slow travel in Bali, it allows to discover some unique places and explore them at your own pace. So take your time and do not reach.

2. Use Alternative Transportations

Do not use taxis and private cars. Instead, you should rely on other local transportations, such as renting a scooter and bike. Another transportations options are local bemo (minivan) or a traditional horse-drawn carriage (Cidomo).

This way you got the chance to stop when ever you want to observe a building, natural monument, or a traditional place. You can pause for a photo or ask questions about the place. It is a good approach to make some friends with locals.

3. Prioritize Experiences Over Attractions

The main reason of slow travel is to experience the journey rather than destinations. Therefore, take the time to engage in some local activities, such as cooking classes, volunteering opportunities and yoga retreat.

This way you got the chance to learn the culture and traditions by connecting with locals, learn about their way of life, and join a cultural ceremonies or rituals. Dress like them, learn some local phrases and much more. You won’t be disappointed.

4. Explore Off The Beaten Path Attractions

While exploring some popular attractions, such as Ubud’s Monkey Forest or Uluwatu Temples could be worth the visit, you should consider tourist spots off the beaten path, such as hiking to hidden waterfalls, visit secluded beaches, or traditional villages.

This way you got to experience the authentic Balinese culture away from the tourist crowd. Learn about their way of life, experience their true essence of life, give yourself a purpose, and spread the surrounding love. Make sure to record it, so others can see.

5. Practice Mindfulness

Bali is known for having spiritual ambiance, so take the opportunity to slow down and savor the moment. Therefore, you should join retreats, such as that practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga. If that does not suit you, you can simply find a quiet place to reflect and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.

There are many places in Bali where you can find quietness away from the tourist crowd, such as secluded beaches or hidden waterfalls in nearby villages.

6. Support Local Small Businesses

Seek for locally owned accommodations, restaurants, and shops. This way you got to experience the authentic Balinese culture and tradition. What I mean by that is to explore local markets, taste street foods, and purchase handicrafts from local artisans.

7. Respect And Embrace The Culture And Environment

You should respect the local customs, traditions and dress codes. This not only allow you to experience their true culture, but it also allows you to blend in and make some friends.

Thus, be a responsible tourist by conserving water, dispensing waste properly, and minimize environmental impacts. The locals will thank you for that. Practice sustainable travel and make sure to be good to the environment.

Tips For Slow Travel In Bali - bali beach

8. Stay Flexible

Slow travel in Bali requires you to be flexible, so embrace spontaneity and stay open for an unexpected experience. That means, you should not over plan your itinerary, but instead, you should allow yourself the freedom to wonder and discover some hidden treasures along the way.

The best way to practice that by being friend with locals as they can suggest some hidden gems in Bali and other places that tourists do not know about.

9. Learn Some Basic Bahasa Indonesia

Although there are a lot of Balinese that speak English, you should learn a few phrases in Bahasa. It would allow you to build relationship and show respect to locals.

You can also ask locals about some common phrases in Bahasa. They would be happy to teach you some. It is a good way to create friendship that last a lifetime.

10. Take Time To Relax

Slow travel is all about rejuvenation and relaxation, so do not reach yourself and schedule some downtime. I would suggest lounging on a nearby beach, getting a massage or spa, or enjoying a leisurely meal with a view.

This not only allow you to save some money, but also allow you to take care of yourself. You should make self-care is your top priority, which is what slow travel in Bali is all about.

There is nothing better than slow travel in Bali. It allows you to connect with yourself and the place around you. You will get to take the time to learn about the cultural heritage and traditions of the Balinese people.

Therefore, you got to share a unique experience to others, most importantly, taking care of yourself. You can make some videos about it or write a blog. It is totally up to you.