Reflections on Bali 2025
In 2025 all of our travel in Indonesia was on the island of Bali. But in 2024 we visited the nearby island of Java, including Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, and the mysterious Gunung Padang. In 2026 we are pondering a visit to the nearby island of Lompoc.
We have fallen in love with the northern Bali coastal region and some of the highland areas nearby. In 2025, we still spend three nights at the beginning and three nights at the end of any Bali sojourn down in the city area of Kuta/ Seminyak/ Denpasar—close to the airport. But our hearts are in the far north where only 10% of all island tourist arrivals venture.
Below are pics from our accommodations.
See pics (on our Facebook posts) of what we did throughout our six weeks in the USA - First post, Second post, Third post, Fourth post, Fifth post, Sixth post, Seventh post, Eighth post, Ninth post, Tenth post, Eleventh post, Twelfth post, Thirteenth post.
We also recorded three podcasts while we were here:
Soon We Go Around the World in 85 Days Including an Uneasy Stop in a New Authoritarian America
Hidden Gems of Northern Bali — Lovina, Mount Bratan, Mount Batur and Bondalem
And check out these blog rants:
We were here August 8-11, 2025 (Superior Double room with breakfast, $30 per night, property website). Very snug, economical homestay for men only. Clothing optional small pool and common area. Wonderful place for single traveling men but nice for couples too. Walking distance to nice ocean beach. Delightfully managed.
We were here July 18-21, 2025 (Courtyard Villa with Hotspring & Pool $174 per night includes daily breakfast, plus 1-60 mins Balinese Massage for 1 person, 1 time 60 minutes kayaking and 1 time set menu dinner for 2 persons, property website). See the listing from our previous visit for more info and more pics.
We were here July 12-18, 2025. See the listing from our previous stay here for more info and pics. The greatest homestay! Love these folks. Just four rooms and a lovely pool. Great views from the property. Highly recommend.
We were here for a second visit July 7-12, 2025. See the listing from our stay last year for more info and pics. Incredible lake views from this property, Recommend.
We were here from June 20 - July 7, 2025 and again from July 21 - August 8, 2025. See the listing from our listing from our previous stay here stay here for more information and pics. Our home away from home. A little worn around the edges but still fabulous. Wonderful staff! Sleepy village walks and starry night skies. Naked all day. We’ll be back! Highly recommend.
We were here June 17-20, 2025. See the listing from our previous stay here for more information and pics. This is our go-to property in Kuta, near the airport. We stay three nights upon entry to Bali on the way up north, and then stay three nights on our way off the island before flying out. Men only. Clothing optional. Recommend.
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