6 Reasons Why Bali is the Most Popular Destination in the World (Travelers Choice – Best of the Best)

Bali has been recognized as #2 of the top destinations in the world, according to travel platform TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards of 2024. 

Winners of the awards are chosen based on the quantity and quality of user reviews and ratings, and are now honored as “Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best”, Trip Advisor’s top 1 percent of listings.

Here we give the real reasons why Bali is so popular:

Bali is known as the Island of the Gods, due to the numerous religious idols of Balinese ancient Hinduism which are enshrined in the locals’ daily life. 

Balinese culture focuses on balance and harmony and this is reflected in the numerous rituals, festivals and ceremonies which are endlessly practiced to show gratitude to the Hindu Gods. 

Indonesia comprises over 18,000 islands, yet it is the Zen-like culture of Bali which makes it stand out from the rest as a memorable and wonderful holiday destination.

In its equatorial location, Bali’s temperature is guaranteed to be hot and humid all year round. 

There are basically two seasons; dry season and wet season. 

Dry season lasts from around April until September when the temperature remains steady in the mid-30s, meaning it’s an ideal climate for shorts, flip-flops and sassy shades.

The wet season generally runs from around October to March and although this may mean constant downpours for days on end when the rainy season reaches its height, most days in the wet season will only experience rain for an hour or so and the cooling, clean air is very much appreciated. 

There’s not really a bad time to visit Bali. Despite the rainy season falling over December and January, Christmas and New Year are peak seasons in Bali with most accommodation booked out months in advance.

With a seemingly endless coastline stretching hundreds of miles, there are dozens of breath-taking white sandy beaches in Bali to choose from, each holding huge appeal for holidaymakers. 

Watersports of course are countless with surfboarding taking the number one spot – popular with beginners and professional athletes alike who can be found hitting the ocean waves. 

Padang Padang in Uluwatu hosts annual World Surf Championships and the event attracts world-class surfers from all corners of the world.

While the busier beaches are located in most common tourist areas such as Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak, there are many others which remain untouched with truly idyllic beauty (on a par with some of the most stunning beaches in Thailand). 

You can find quiet beaches in local fishing villages, beaches that are home to luxury beach clubs and, of course, beaches which are the base for dedicated surfers. Everyone visits the beach whether to swim, surf, or sunbathe. Some head down for an early morning jog or to walk the dog. 

However, the beaches are busiest at around 6pm when tourists and locals alike gather to watch the glorious, wondrous sunset which falls on Bali every evening.

The attraction of Bali is highly diverse in so many respects, and the locals strive to meet the demands of even the most discerning tourist. 

Firstly, no matter which area you’ve chosen to stay in Bali, the local community is integrated with the newer establishments. 

For example, you may sip delicious cocktails at the bar of a high-end luxury resort at prices on a par with the Western world, but then walk across the street to a local eatery for a $2 lunch.

This huge diversity makes Bali popular with every type of traveler. 

Backpackers stay in hostels and can be sighted partying in cheaper bars and clubs.

Families can book suitable, comfortable accommodation and keep the children entertained with fun holiday attractions and activities – amongst the favorites are the Monkey Forest, Bali Safari and Marine Park. 

For those tourists in need of a relaxing retreat, they may be more comfortable in Bali’s quieter environments and enjoy the endless hospitality of welcoming local staff who look after their every need.

In years gone by, Bali’s tourism has been limited to traveling backpackers, keen surfers, and holidaying Australians. 

Nowadays, Bali is accustomed to catering for luxury seeking holiday makers and digital nomads as such a plethora of world-class hotels, luxury private villas, and prestigious beach clubs on the coastline are now in abundance.

Famous hotel chains such as the Four Seasons, Le Méridien, and Grand Hyatt have opened in stunning locations with beachfront settings and views over the horizon. 

Despite their popularity, the most accustomed accommodation to book in Bali is a private villa. 

With an estimated 18,000 private villas across Bali, it’s the accommodation type of choice for many as it offers a more luxurious and secluded stay that can house big groups or families. 

These luxurious villas normally have their own personal staff so guests are well looked after.

For the hardened fun-loving partygoer, Bali doesn’t sleep. 

Bars and beach club staff are always busy attending to their customers all day long and until the early hours of the morning. 

The bar and club scene in Bali is widespread and ranges from budget bar shacks on the beach to extravagant clubs for those on a classier night out.

Bali has also become residence to world-renowned chefs who have opened their doors to swanky restaurants and fine dining establishments. 

Whatever type of restaurant or cuisine whets your appetite, it can be easily found in Bali where International cuisine is plentiful, with dining choices ever widening with every new restaurant opening.

Conclusions

Over the past ten years, Bali has been growing in stature and popularity at an incredible rate but the general, limited expectation of prospective holiday makers is that of a small paradise island with white sandy beaches and coconut trees in abundance. 

A more accurate description is that Bali is a highly diverse island popular with both adventurers and those in need of relaxation, with many different regions and villages each of which offer something different to every type of traveler – and it continues to grow, and fast!