Bali has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, welcoming over 6 Million International visitors as recently as 2019.
However, as you can probably guess, the island has seen a dramatic drop in the number of foreign visitors travelling to the island due to the ongoing pandemic.
Travel restrictions and quarantine requirements have made it increasingly difficult for those who wish to make Bali their holiday destination of choice in 2022.
The number of international visitors dropped to a mere 1 million in 2020. Given the island relies so heavily on tourism to boost its growing economy, the effects of the recent pandemic have been massive.
But if you are one of the lucky few making plans to visit Bali in 2022 don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom. Most of the island is still welcoming tourists with open arms and despite it being a lot quieter than usual, there are some upsides to travelling in Bali right now.
For the past 3 months, we've been exploring Bali (by scooter) travelling to some of the most well-known destinations, as well as visiting some hidden gems along the way.
We've put together a list of the top 5 best places to visit in Bali right now, whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or in search of somewhere with a bit more of a vibe, we have something for you.
5. Munduk
Munduk is a small Mountain Village located in the highlands of central Bali, although it's sometimes overlooked by tourists, Munduk's cold climate provides a welcome break from the humidity common in the rest of Bali.
Located just off the northern coast of Bali and approximately 2 hours drive from Denpasar City, Munduk is home to some of the most breathtaking views in Bali providing stunning sunrises and sunsets with 360 degree views from the top of the Valley.
For around USD 20/night you can rent your very own private villa with room service included, and take the short walk down to some of the largest and most breathtaking waterfalls in Bali.
A stone's throw from Munduk is the Handara golf course and resort where you will find the iconic Handara gateway, for just a small fee you can explore the resort or even enjoy a meal and drinks at the resort restaurant.
4. Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is a small island just off the coast of Bali and around a 45-minute boat drive from Sanur Harbour.
Known for its diving scene and picturesque beaches, it is one of the more popular destinations in Bali even during Covid. This is because many tourists opt to visit Penida for short day trips using local tour guides.
Although we opted to spend a few days in Penida to check out the island for ourselves, we were able to rent a beachfront A-Frame cabin for just USD 20 a night which was within walking distance to many local restaurants and cafes.
Scooter rental on the island is a little more expensive than in mainland Bali and will set you back around USD 8 a day.
But if you enjoy exploring without the constraints of a tour guide then this is the best option, but be careful some of the roads are very steep and winding so you'll need to make sure you have some experience driving a scooter.
3. Uluwatu
Uluwatu is a surfers dream location and known for some of the best waves in Bali.
Although it's quieter here due to the pandemic, you can rent a beachside Villa for just a fraction of the usual cost and spend a few days hanging out on the beach living the beach bum lifestyle.
Bingin beach is the most popular destination for travellers and offers some of the best options for Airbnb with breathtaking ocean views.
One of the best parts about staying on the beach is that you never have to leave as there are many local restaurants right on the beach that offer great food for a reasonable price.
This is probably a good thing as the walk down to the beach is extremely steep, so remember to pack light otherwise you'll be lugging your heavy suitcase back up the stairs when you leave.
2. Ubud
Located in central Bali, Ubud is the ideal spot for anyone wanting to spend some time in nature while enjoying great food and a more relaxed vibe.
A combination of lush jungle and rice patties, here you'll find some of Bali's most iconic day clubs to kick your feet up and chill out after a morning of practising Yoga at one of Bali's world-renowned yoga studios.
One aspect of Ubud that doesn't seem to get as much attention as it should is the food, almost all of our favourite locally-owned restaurants were located in Ubud and although it's still relatively quiet right now, we think it's the perfect time to visit.
if you're wanting somewhere to wind down or like us get some work done.
There are a few co-working spaces in Ubud and was our favourite place for a "workation".
1. Canggu
Canggu is possibly the most popular destination in Bali and doesn't seem to have been affected by the pandemic as much as anywhere else.
A combination of surf culture and a growing ex-pat community coupled with the endless list of restaurants and cafes makes Canggu a must-visit in 2022.
Here you'll find many options for accommodation to suit any budget big or small including guesthouses, Airbnb and even 5-star resorts.
You may wish to spend the day out of the blistering sun as it doesn't tend to get quite hot here, but like most of the locals be sure to head down to one of the local beaches to take in the amazing sunsets Canggu has to offer while sipping your drink of choice.
Canggu is much busier than anywhere else on the island right now, but if you're looking for somewhere with a bit of a vibe then this is the place for you.
