I went to Bali, but I did not go to Kuta. I went to Bali, but I saw barely any tourists. I went to Bali and had a lovely time. I met fantastic, warm and open people, always ready for a chat, or simply just a smile. What surprised me was how surprised local people where that my trip hadn’t included Kuta Beach haunts. They told me that I saw the real Bali. I saw coastlines that met mountains, and paddy fields that stepped down to the roadsides where cloves dried and filled their air with their flavour. I ate a lot of rice, a lot of noodles and even more satay. I climbed a volcano, learnt to surf, and experienced magic across the spectrum.
I know that I have said it already, but I am going to say it again. If it hadn’t of been for the World Nomads Travel Writing Scholarship, I really didn’t see myself ever going to Bali. I have seen a side of Bali that most never do, not because of difficulty, but just because most can’t be bothered. Be bothered, its amazing, trust me, take a bus, go a little bit further. Bali has been a real travel lesson for me, and I plan to go back. Never judge a guide book by its cover.
