INDONESIA
I'm sure that there are much more better reviews about Indonesia (especially Bali) from the people who live there.
I'll share from the one time I was there in November 2022 only.
But this time was very special to me as it changed my life completely. It was in the North of Bali when I finally decided to give up on my old life. I wanted to go traveling again because I felt the freedom when I was driving around with my scooter.
I wanted to escape the busy places like Canggu and Kuta, so I ended up having an amazing experience in Kintamani and Lovina.
I can highly recommend going to the North of Bali if you like more quiet places like me. Also I can recommend Lombok, it is less touristy than Bali as well but totally different.
Indonesia is the largest island country in the world and is made up of more than 17.000 islands. It also has the highest muslim population in the world. The main language is Bahasa Indonesia, but there are hundreds of local languages and dialects.
Bali is also a part of Indonesia, but has its own unique culture. It's different because it kept many of its old Hindu traditions. While most people in Indonesia are Muslim, most people in Bali are Hindu.
Lombok
Lombok was the first island of Indonesia I visited.
There are beautiful beaches to go surfing and to relax. I felt like it's less busy than Bali.
Also, I went paragliding which was a wonderful experience and made me feel the freedom that I have missed for a long time.
My favorite spots in Lombok to rewind:
Bali
Bali is famous. For sure one of the most famous islands in the world.
Many people come here to live their "dream life" or to discover themselves.
It's a spiritual place as well. Maybe that was also the reason why I felt like I needed to change something about my life.
Making the decision to give up on everything I had worked so hard for.
I came to Bali and went to the North of the island where it's less busy.
Driving my little red scooter through the mountains was an amazing feeling of freedom. The rain made it even more special because everything seemed so mysterious.
It was the time when I decided to give up on my old life, but I had no idea how.
Canang
Sari
A Canang Sari is a small daily offering made by many people in Bali.
It is usually a small basket made from palm leaves filled with colorful flowers, leaves, sometimes rice and small treats and incenses.
People place Canang Sari offerings outside homes, shops, temples, and workplaces as a way to express gratitude and maintain harmony
A Canang Sari is a small gift of flowers and kindness. People in Bali place it in special places to say "thank you" and to wish for peace and happiness.
The colors often represent different directions and spiritual meanings in Balinese Hindu traditions.
For children:
Each flower color has a special meaning, making the offering like a tiny message of thanks and respect.
Taking a moment to be thankful each day can make life more joyful.
May all beings
be happy and free
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu is a Sanskrit phrase that is often translated as:
"May all beings be happy and free."
It is a traditional blessing from India that expresses a wish for peace, well-being, and happiness for everyone—not just ourselves, but all people, animals, and living beings.
The phrase encourages compassion, kindness, and a sense of connection with the world around us. It reminds us that our actions can contribute to the well-being of others and that true happiness grows when we care for the wider community.
Nusa
Penida
Nusa Penida is a beautiful little island that you can reach from Bali by speed boat.
It's the best place to experience beautiful beaches like Diamond Beach and Kelingking Beach (photo).
(PayPal)