So, you wanna head for Bali, but you’re put off by the idea of having to queue up to get a photo of a fake reflection at a temple, fight off influencers on their 5th flowy outfit in an hour at rice paddies and slalom through phones on tripods if you fancy a workout!
In all fairness, I bloody love Bali and I’ve spent a lot of time there both as a traveller and whilst working, but there is no denying that it has majorly lost a lot of its appeal as the breezy, easy beach-lined paradise of old.
Sure, that still exists to those willing to jump on a scooter and hit up the lesser-visited areas of the island, but not everyone wants to have to battle through the traffic of Canguu, the hills of Ubud or the chaos of Kuta to get there.
That’s where this post comes in.
I’ll preface it by saying that Bali is a unique place whose mix of one-of-a-kind culture, scenery, and people can’t be replicated.
BUT, there are other places like Bali, around the world that offer visitors or digital nomads some of the things they love (or used to) about the island of the gods without many of the things that turn them off from Bali.
Bali is popular for a reason; that’s a fact. When we first visited in 2016, we instantly fell in love with the mix of unique culture, temples, varied landscapes, chilled vibes, friendly locals and access to Western conveniences and comforts should we want them. It’s been the go-to destination for beach lovers, surfers, culture vultures and digital nomads for decades.
But since Covid, things feel like they’ve gone insane, and areas of the island are completely unrecognisable from even when we first visited. Every year, it gets increasingly more popular due to Instagram influencers and TikToking twats! So this is why we’ve put together this list of Bali alternatives.
For us now, it’s more of a place to go to take a break from travelling, to get into a schedule, work, train, eat healthy, relax and grab a bike to explore on our days off. We kinda know what we’re getting ourselves into, where to avoid and what to expect.
But those coming here with romantic ideas of idyllic waterfalls, peaceful strolls through rice fields and quiet temple visits might be left disappointed, especially if they have no desire to venture to off the beaten track areas of the island.
Before I delve into my list of the best places like Bali, here are a couple of reasons why it has become so popular, and once you’ve been, why you need to find some destinations similar to Bali!
Reasons why so many people want to visit Bali:
Great surfing all over the island with some iconic breaks.
So many beaches, and many that offer different vibes from surfing to snorkelling or dirt biking.
Unique culture (Balinese Hinduism only exists here).
Stunning temples around every corner.
Many amazing rice paddies and terraces that are incredibly scenic.
It has a great digital nomad scene that makes it the ideal place to work from.
Every type of cuisine is on offer here, and it’s of a high quality.
Bali is still very affordable by Western standards.
It has lovely weather, especially in winter, but it is hot year-round.
Friendly locals who welcome you with open arms to their island.
The island is full of many amazing waterfalls to visit.
There are also plenty of great hiking trails and mountains to climb.
The vibes here are incredibly chill (apart from the traffic!)
Why do people who visit Bali want to find an alternative:
The island is suffering from overcrowding caused by mass tourism.
There are traffic jams everywhere in the south of the island.
A lot of the main beaches are dirty due to the lack of infrastructure.
So much construction everywhere, which means many of the scenic rice paddies are being lost.
Prices are always rising, and it’s not quite the backpacker heaven it once was.
It can be far to travel to (if you’re not Australian!).
Queuing to get that famous Instagram shot is not my idea of a chill adventure. This can make it one of the worst places to visit.
Too many influencer posing nob heads… see above! You can’t even go to the gym for a chill workout without getting in someone’s shot.
9 Best Places Similar to Bali
Alright then, let’s get cracking so you can be off living your best Bali life… somewhere other than Bali in no time!
Koh Samui, Thailand – The Best Overall Alternative to Bali
Interestingly, on our last stint in Bali, we flew pretty much directly from Koh Samui to Bali, so it made the comparison that much easier. For me, Thailand is my ultimate destination; it offers many of the things that Bali does, but with much better native food and with the influencers more spread about the whole country, making them much easier to avoid! Plus, if you’re looking for places like Bali for couples, then Koh Samui ticks all the boxes and more.
Koh Samui, in particular, being one of the largest Thai islands, really does have similar chilled Bali vibes. It’s got heaps of beautiful and historic temples to explore, a variety of great beaches, swimming and snorkelling, mountains to hike, waterfalls to visit, as well as a good infrastructure for those wanting Western comforts or working facilities. Koh Samui really is a great alternative to Bali, and whenever anyone asks me about visiting Thailand, I always tell them to head here.
Prices here are also pretty similar to Bali, if not slightly cheaper. Yet here you won’t find traffic jams, and you shouldn’t be queuing too long for that Insta-famous shot (so long as you choose the right Overlap rock to visit!)
It’s also worth noting that Bali’s rainy season is the opposite of Thailand’s. So even if you still enjoy Bali, but you don’t like the monsoon season, it’s good to know there are places like Bali that you can go to escape Bali’s rainy season. And hey, you might even find you prefer the place!
This beachfront hostel is located in the heart of Chaweng Beach. It is a great place to meet like-minded travellers with its social vibes. Or you can just chill out in the infinity pool overlooking the sea.
If you’re looking for tropical island vibes in a place that offers world-class surfing, diverse landscapes, varied regions and affordability, then Sri Lanka should definitely be on your list for a Bali Alternative.
Being a larger island than Bali, many of the different regions to visit are more spread out, as are many of the visitors. Like Bali, it’s got some of the best surfing and snorkelling in Asia on its many beaches. It also offers so many adventure options for any thrill seeker traveller, such as white water rafting, canyoning, and even volcano trekking… much like Bali, but with significantly fewer crowds.
From the beach, you can reach the central mountainous areas, and just like in Bali, you can relax at a wellness or yoga retreat. Rather than the rice terraces of Bali, Ella, Sri Lanka’s answer to Ubud, is surrounded by mountains and hills covered in picturesque tea fields.
Sri Lanka really does have everything Bali has to offer, but without the crowds and the annoying traffic jams (outside of Colombo, but this isn’t a place most visitors stay longer than a night or so). But its beaches and coastal waters are much cleaner and clearer.
Another benefit is that it’s significantly cheaper than Bali and is one of the best places to travel on a budget in the world. Although it’s less developed for digital nomads, it’s exactly that which makes it a better destination if you want real cultural experiences and adventure. Plus, its location makes it much more accessible for those coming from Europe.
This beachfront hotel offers rooms with an ocean view. Close to the historical town of Galle and Unawatuna, it’s in the perfect location to keep you busy, whilst also offering a wellness and yoga centre for relaxation.
This stunning hotel with Dutch colonial architecture is set in a lovely, tranquil environment. With super comfy beds, garden views, and every room fitted with a seating area, this is the perfect hotel for budget travellers.
This hostel has a range of room options, including private rooms with balconies, mixed dorms, and female-only dorms. Chill out on the terrace, enjoy some amazing food from the restaurant, and even kick back and watch some movies on film nights.
3. Palawan, Philippines – The Best Alternative to Bali for Water Lovers
Palawan’s tropical paradise vibes and island-hopping adventures are perfect when you’re looking for where to go instead of Bali. Having said that, activities here do tend to be more water-focused, like swimming in hidden lagoons, SUP boarding, searching for shipwrecks whilst scuba diving, and seeing some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world. If that’s your thing, then Palawan might be the perfect place to visit instead of Bali.
The island is much, much less developed than Bali, and things are a lot more rustic and authentic. But that’s the charm here. Rather than swanky beach clubs developing all corners of the island, even the more popular beaches feel chilled, quiet and laidback. Here you’ll find it much easier to have a beach all to yourself and enjoy the sunset without it feeling like you’re at a rave!
Some of the popular spots to visit are Puerto Princesa, El Nido and Coron, each offering something a little different. Travelling around here is easy on local buses, ferries, tricycles and hiring a motorbike. Oh, and if you’re looking for cheap places like Bali, then El Nido is probably the most affordable on this list, and the Philippines is certainly a cheap place to travel to. You can even jump on the ferry to Coron from there for an even more rustic experience.
You might find the internet to be a bit slower in these parts, and fancy cafes are fewer and further between, but for what it lacks in development, it returns in unspoilt beauty. If you’re looking for places like Bali for vacation vibes, this is the spot.
This amazing resort and spa has villas that have beach views, private balconies, and day beds. It even has an infinity pool, wellness and activity centre, and an on-site restaurant.
This lovely budget-friendly resort has direct beachfront access with stunning sea views. Each room features AC, comfortable beds, and balconies to relax on.
For backpackers, this is the place to be! This cool hostel features a rooftop pool, restaurant, and bar. They have rooms to suit every budget. They will also help with any island-hopping tour and activities that you wish to do.
We’ve used the Osprey Farpoint/ Fairview for all our backpacking adventures over the past 5 years and highly recommend them!
The main area of the pack opens like a suitcase, which is great for using packing cubes to keep everything organised and they even come with a detachable day pack!
4. Ksamil, Albania – The Cheapest European Alternative to Bali
When you’re trying to choose similar places like Bali to travel to, Ksamil is a perfect choice if you’re looking to avoid a long journey. For those on the lookout for places like Bali in Europe, Ksamil is an ideal spot. So if you’ve been dreaming of Bali’s lush sandy beaches and warm turquoise waters, but you want somewhere far less hectic and crowded, and without the influencer nobheads, then Ksamil in Southern Albania will definitely be a nice surprise.
Being in the Mediterranean, Ksamil has a much more relaxed feel to it. It’s not called the “Maldives of Europe” for no reason! Here you’ll avoid both the crowds of Bali and those in other more visited areas of this region of Southern Europe. It also still has the rural vibes of Bali, with nearby mountains to hike and waterfalls to explore.
You’ll be happy to have swapped the overcrowded rice terraces and the bustling temples of Bali for the quiet ancient ruins, quaint churches and serene fishing villages of Ksamil. Here you’ll still get friendly locals, low prices and heaps of culture… which is something you’ll find whilst travelling in Albania as a whole, not just here.
Here you’ll also find the cuisine is much more Mediterranean with freshly baked bread, delicious cheeses, ripe fruit and veggies alongside straight from the sea fish, all available on a backpacker budget. It’s ideal for those of us who are fed up with Asian food yet want to eat locally and cheaply. Plus, it is legit one of the most affordable places in Europe to travel to if you want Bali prices on the continent.
Let’s take a quick look at how Ksamil compares and contrasts with Bali.
It’s got heaps of stunning beaches with clear waters.
It has the same Island-hopping vibes
It’s very affordable, especially for Europe.
It’s got a rich cultural heritage with plenty of sights such as ruins and churches.
It’s a great base for exploring other nearby destinations.
It’s on a much smaller scale than Bali, but you can venture to the rest of the country.
It’s much quieter and has more defined high and low seasons.
It feels a lot less undiscovered, especially the areas surrounding the town.
It has a totally different culture and religion from Bali
Nature and landscape are different here; there are no jungles, no rice paddies, no volcanoes, but it does have coastal treks and farming villages.
It’s got a different travel vibe; Ksamil tends to attract more European holidaymakers rather than digital nomads and backpackers.
Rather than having wet and dry seasons, it follows the standard Northern Hemisphere seasons, but does tend to be warmer than many other areas year-round.
Ksamil’s Best Highlights
Blue Eye – A natural spring that has super clear waters and shades of deep blue.
Pulebardha Beach – Not far from Ksamil, you’ll find this lovely little hidden cove.
This hotel is in a prime location, just a 2-minute walk away from Paradise Beach. Each room offers balconies and has either a mountain or sea view. They even have an excellent breakfast included.
Located only a few minutes walk away from Ksamil Beach, this lovely hotel features a large outdoor swimming pool, a family friendly restaurant, and spacious rooms with private balconies.
Perfectly located in the heart of Ksamil, this comfortable budget friendly hotel offers private balconies, tea and coffee making facilities, and a continental breakfast.
5. Borneo, Malaysia – The Best Alternative to Bali for Nature Lovers
If you’re looking for somewhere that also offers a good variety of things to do, but with a focus more on nature and wildlife, then Borneo might just be the perfect spot. The island is shared between 3 countries, but for me, the Malaysian side offers the best mix of development, conservation and connectivity that makes it comparable to Bali. The culture here is also a unique mix of Malay and native tribal customs, traditions and people you’ll find nowhere else.
Whilst there are plenty of different places to base yourself depending on your interests, the cities of Kuching and Kota Kinabalu are developed enough to offer good transport link-ups, modern conveniences and a traveller community. They are both also great spots to base yourself if you want to explore places like Bako National Park, go SCUBA diving in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park or hike up Mt Kinabalu, one of Southeast Asia’s tallest mountains.
Malaysian’s are also super welcoming, and English is an official language here, making it easy to navigate. Whilst it might not be on the same level in terms of access to Western foods and fancy gyms (they’re still there, but on a different level), it’s a reflection on the balance Malaysian Borneo has between development and maintaining authenticity that those jaded with Bali will appreciate.
So if you’re on the lookout for other places like Bali in Asia, don’t rule out Borneo.
Let’s take a quick look at how Borneo compares and contrasts with Bali.
Paradise tropical island vibes with impeccable beaches and palm trees for days.
There are many great places for snorkelling and SCUBA diving, and it’s the place where we did our PADI course.
There are other close-proximity islands like Sipadan and the Semporna archipelago.
It offers lots of amazing hikes and jungle treks at different levels.
There are a few great hubs like Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, which have a similar feel to some of Bali’s main tourist areas but feel a bit more lowkey whilst also being legit cities.
Borneo is also home to many rich and authentic local cultures across the many indigenous tribes that call this island home.
There are far more wildlife encounters to be had on Borneo. Although Bali does have wild monkeys, you won’t find Orangutans, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles or pygmy elephants there, to name just a few.
It’s way less crowded and on the whole far fewer people visit each year, and the demographic of visitors is quite different too.
Rainforests and mountains rather than the rice terraces of Bali.
Malaysian Borneo covers a huge area, and though there are hubs, things are also much more spread out and some areas are quite remote and hard to access.
Experience world-class service at this amazing resort that’s set in a 64-acre nature reserve. The hotel features an 18-hole golf course, two outdoor swimming pools, and six dining restaurants. Every room has a flat screen TV and a private balcony.
This super spacious accommodation offers suites with a river view at great prices. It has great features, including a rooftop swimming pool, and a fitness centre, and a coffee shop. There is even a modern restaurant on site serving lunch and dinner.
Faloe Hostel offers a nice mix of different-sized dorms, pod-style rooms, and privates. Whether you’re looking to socialise and make some new trekking buddies or you just need a place to chill out, read a book or watch TV, Faloe Hostel has something for everybody.
6. Lombok, Indonesia – Closest Geographically to Bali
If you’re still looking to visit Indonesia in search of Paradise, or you’re looking for the closest place to bail to if the lycra-clad influencers are getting too much, then check out Lombok… and do it soon, before it really does become the next Bali!
Sitting just across Bali on the aptly named Lombok Strait, it’s basically the next island along in the archipelago. Reached either by its far more remote airport or a ferry from Bali itself, it offers much of the same that Bali does, being so close. However, it’s not Bali, which is kinda the point.
Lombok has a few key differences, some of which are good, some make the vibe here very different. The first is that on Lombok, the population here are predominantly Muslim, like most of Indonesia, rather than Hindu.
Of course, that’s not a problem and offers its own vibe with the call to prayer and the different cuisine. But it does mean that much of the typical architecture, traditions and atmosphere that Bali is known and loved for is missing. But in terms of islands similar to Bali, you can’t get any closer!
Having said that, what it lacks in Balinese culture, it more than makes up for with its own blend of Lomboknese. Here you’ll find the native Sasak people who have their own traditions, villages and a version of Islam called “Wetu Telu”, you can also catch Peresean or Traditional Stick Fighting exhibitions and try dishes like Ayam Taliwang or Plecing Kangkung.
Plus, it’s got the beaches, mountains, rice terraces, villages, yoga retreats, hyrox classes… but without the pretentiousness! If you want to find other places like Bali in Indonesia, you’ve found it in Lombok. Oh, and whilst you’re here you can nip over to the Gili Islands too.
Let’s take a quick look at how Lombok compares and contrasts with Bali.
It has a similar tropical island climate, just slightly drier and less humid.
There are volcanoes and rice paddies on Lombok.
It also has amazing surfing and diving.
There are plenty of stunning beaches and turquoise waters.
The island is home to rich cultures and traditions.
It’s literally right across the water, so it shares a lot of similarities in geography.
If you want a honeymoon similar to Bali but without the cost and crowds, Lombok is the closest place.
It’s less crowded and more relaxed, but it still has plenty of things to keep you busy.
A different type of culture exists here, as it’s home to the indigenous Sasak people, who have their own unique traditions and architecture.
It’s more remote and has a lot more untouched places to discover.
People follow a different religion here; Bali has Hindu traditions, whereas Lombok is predominantly Muslim, like the majority of the rest of Indonesia.
It has a little less developed infrastructure, such as tourist facilities, roads, and transport.
Lombok’s Best Highlights
Kuta Beach – This little gem is fast becoming one of the best surf spots in this region.
Mount Rinjani – Hike this volcano to see a breathtaking sunrise over the crater lake.
Tetebatu Village – Explore this lovely village that’s situated at the foot of Mount Rinjani.
You can experience world-class service at Neptune Studios, where each private villa features its own outdoor swimming pool, an open-air bath, and a sun terrace. Guests will also be able to use facilities such as an adults-only fitness and recovery centre.
During your stay at this elegant accommodation, you can enjoy facilities such as the rooftop swimming pool, the on-site restaurant, and the sun terrace. It’s also in a prime location with just a short walk to Kuta Beach.
Located just less than 1km from Kuta Beach, this comfortable homestay offers rooms with balconies, a work desk, and an à la carte breakfast. There is also a relaxing terrace and garden, plus a shared kitchen for guests to use.
7. Mallorca, Spain – Most Similar Island in Europe to Bali
If you’re looking for island vibes but don’t want to fly halfway around the world to Bali, then Mallorca might be the ideal alternative for you. This beautiful island off the coast of mainland Spain has a lot of similarities to Bali, namely the beaches, mountains, world-class food, digital nomad scene and international demographic. It’s a place where I really came to value the art of slow travel and the opportunities it brings.
Here you can just as easily start your day with yoga, work in a cafe by the beach, hike a mountain in the afternoon and enjoy fresh food over a sunset of an evening. Whether you’re looking for vacation places like Bali or somewhere to work from, Mallorca is your European answer!
Of course, there are a lot of differences too, some of them good, some might have you still hankering for the island of the gods. The culture, of course, probably couldn’t be any more different, but that’s not to say Mallorca doesn’t have its own unique traditions to explore and embrace.
The climate here can also differ. Mallorca is considered to have “good” year-round weather for European standards, but don’t expect to be able to go swimming in the middle of winter without it feeling brisk! In Bali, temperatures are pretty much hot and humid all year, with a wet and dry season instead. But Mallorcan summers are lit AF, and this place comes alive. Alternatively, during winter things are pretty understated, sleepy and much more authentic feeling. So it depends on your vibe. So, if you’re on the lookout for places like Bali in Europe, head to Mallorca!
This amazing resort, which is nestled between the Tramuntana Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, comes with exclusive personal butler service and even has a year-round seafront golf course that guests can enjoy.
Located only a few minutes’ walk from Sa Coma Beach, this magnificent hotel also offers a spa and fitness centre, plus an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. Every room comes with a spacious balcony and a breakfast buffet included.
Just a couple of minutes’ stroll away is Cala Millor beach, which is a popular Majorcan resort. Each apartment is decorated with lovely Mediterranean colours and offers a private balcony. Guests can also enjoy the outdoor swimming pool.
8. Colombia – Best South American Alternative to Bali
In the interest of diversity, I’ve decided to include Colombia. Now, on the surface, the comparison might seem a bit unfair, pitting an entire country against just one island… but let’s face it, Bali offers a lot in a small package, and Colombia (specifically the city of eternal spring – Medellin) has become one of South America’s go-to destinations for digital nomads.
Colombia quickly became one of our favourite countries we visited in South America this year, and despite its glaring differences, the comparison to Bali came up often. For me, having travelled extensively across the continent, if you’re looking for places like Bali in South America, then come to Colombia.
It’s often described as 5 countries in one, and with its Caribbean Coast, gritty Barrios, charming old towns, bustling mega cities and jungle-covered mountains, I can see why. It’s kinda like if you took Bali, fed it steroids (and cocaine!) and spread it out over an entire country… kinda!
The big difference here (aside from the language, religion and culture!) is that rather than jumping into a Grab to change vibes as you would in Bali, here you’ll have to get a flight. But with Bali’s traffic and Colombia’s short internal flights, hell, it might even take a similar amount of time! Ok, Colombia has an edge to it; it’s one of the things that makes it both exciting and anxiety-inducing, but it offers many of the things Bali does, just with a bit more spice!
Let’s take a quick look at how Colombia compares and contrasts with Bali.
It’s got tons of stunning coastline and tropical island vibes
It’s great for digital nomads, with so many co-working spaces popping up and a good scene.
It’s also an adventure paradise with activities such as diving, jungle trekking, snorkelling, hiking, and boat trips
Here you can also embrace yoga, detox, and meditation retreats.
There’s a great coffee culture here, and some of the best coffee in the world is available for cheap.
It offers affordable accommodation and living costs, though somewhat pricer than Bali.
It has a totally different culture than Bali, which is Hindu and in Southeast Asia, as Colombia is Latin American, Caribbean and very Catholic.
Colombia is much more diverse, with it being a massive country as opposed to being a small tropical island. Colombia has the Amazon rainforest, Andean mountains, desert, and two different coastlines.
With it being South America opposed to being Southeast Asia, Colombia can feel slightly more edgy, where you need to be more aware of your surroundings.
Spanish is the predominant language here, and English is much less spoken than in Bali. However, it’s pretty much the ideal place to take Spanish lessons, as Colombian Spanish is considered the purest.
This stunning boutique hotel offers private beach view rooms, each with its own private pool and terrace. It has direct access to its own private beach that guests can enjoy, plus an on-site restaurant that serves modern Latin American cuisine.
Located in the historical centre of Santa Marta, this lovely boutique hotel offers a spa and wellness centre, an indoor pool, and a lovely outdoor terrace area to chill out.
This lovely budget boutique hotel offers comfortable and spacious rooms that have balconies. Guests can also enjoy the rooftop swimming pool, spa, and fitness centre.
9. Pai, Thailand – Best Alternative to Bali for Hippies
Ah, yes, Thailand again! Let’s be honest, Thailand is often put out there when it comes to alternatives to Bali, but in reality, again, it’s an entire country with different vibes and landscapes depending on where you choose to head. You can do as I mentioned with Colombia and explore the different regions over the course of your trip, or choose your energy and go with it. Because not everyone is bothered about being close to a beach or near the mountains. But yes, let’s come to the magic that is Pai.
Pai is one of those mysterious backpackers’ favourites that has a reputation that precedes it in the right circles. It feels like one of those places you find out about through whispers and rumours, and when I first visited it sorta gave me “The Beach” vibes without ya know, being anywhere remotely close to a beach! It’s a bit of a pain to get to, it’s hippy af, and it feels like a bit of a secret.
Sitting up in the mountains along a winding road from Chiang Mai, it has that laid-back vibe that people came to Bali for in the first place, but without much of the overdevelopment and Russian Only Fans girls that ruin its charm.
Pai is, of course, much smaller than Bali, but it seems to attract the same sort of bohemian backpacker crowd that comes to places like Ubud. It’s got bamboo huts, waterfalls galore, reggae bars, rice fields, co-working cafes, smoothie bowls and people who shouldn’t be renting scooters!
Let’s take a quick look at how Pai compares and contrasts with Bali.
Scooter hire is common, and it’s the main way most people get around.
It has a bohemian, laid-back vibe with yoga retreats, reggae bars and smoothie bowls on tap.
People tend to get stuck here and stay for a month, just like Bali, it has this magnetic hold that people come back for time after time.
It’s about nature, from waterfalls to canyons, rice fields, mountains and caves, Pai is surrounded by incredible landscapes just as Bali is.
It has a social but chilled vibe with bars, co-working cafes, lowkey restaurants and hostels with hammocks hanging off every available pole!
It’s cheap, easy-going and in Southeast Asia… meaning it’s warm year-round, but it does have more distinctive climates.
There are no beaches here! In fact, it’s mega far from the coast!
The religion here is Buddhist, so whilst there are temples to explore, they are quite different.
The geography and landscape are very different; here it’s much less tropical, and you’ll find pine forests and canyons rather than jungles and volcanoes.
It’s a lot smaller and a bit more limited than Bali.
For me, the local food is much better in Thailand than in Bali.
In winter, Pai can get quite cool compared to Bali and the rest of Thailand in the mornings and at night.
It’s rural, quiet and not overdeveloped in Pai, where tourism exists on a smaller scale as a whole (of course, some areas of Bali are like this, but you have to search for them).
Pai’s Best Highlights
Pai Canyon – Watch sunset from one of Pai’s best viewpoints.
This stunning boutique resort features Thai-style cottages with private balconies that have either a garden or mountain view. Guests can also enjoy a traditional Thai massage and then relax and unwind by the Koi garden pond.
Yoma Hotel is situated only a 5-minute drive away from the walking street market. Each spacious air-conditioned room features a private balcony and sitting area. There is also an outdoor swimming pool to relax in.
Situated in peaceful surroundings, KuadKhonThoe Pai Cottage offers stunning panoramic views of the Pai Valley. Each cottage has its own private balcony and seating area where guests can enjoy mountain views.
Alright then, that’s my list of the places like Bali to visit completed. But before you go heading straight off to the airport, as tempting as it might be, there are a few other things you’ll need for your trip.
Travel Insurance
Whilst many of the places on this list are super safe, you should always travel with comprehensive insurance, even to Bali. Trust me, you don’t want to get lumbered with a massive bill when you’re trying to live your best life in these places to go like Bali… and worst still, end up bloody dying and leaving your poor parents to pay for your dumbass mistakes! My Mum would be fuming! Funnily enough, though, I did have two claims with SafetyWing this year whilst in… Bali, and they paid out within days.
Travel insurance is one of those annoying things that no one likes to think about, let alone pay for, when you’re planning your next trip. It can also be bloody annoying as a backpacker/long-term traveller to find affordable coverage that meets the itinerary-less lifestyle (*cough* World Nomads *cough*).
So instead of getting subpar travel insurance, now we just always go with SafetyWing. It takes like 5-10 minutes to purchase your policy and essentially functions as a monthly subscription plan with near-global coverage!
Wherever you’re travelling, staying connected is always a good idea. An international eSIM is the perfect way as it means you can be connected as soon as you land, whether that be Bali… or somewhere similar! These days, we never leave home without one. I mean, I’ve got to keep you lot updated via my incessant Insta stories, haven’t I!
You arrive at an airport after a horrendous 12-hour flight at 6:00 am in a new country! There’s a sea of taxi drivers out for blood, and you realise you can’t connect to the airport WIFI to grab an Uber…
But you’ve got an eSim, so no worries! Boom!
Your phone is already set up with data before you land, and with Airalo you know you’re getting a good deal and reliable service across 200+ countries!
Use the code “AIRALOESIM10” for 10% off your first purchase
Here’s a list of a few essentials we always take when we’re visiting Bali, or places like it. Whether that’s making sure we’ve packed our swimmers, got some decent sunnies or bring along a good camera to capture it all, these are a few items you won’t want to forget.
Our Osprey Farpoint backpacks have seen us through 10 years of backpacking, open like a suitcase, and honestly, the best out there. Combine with Packing cubes for the ultimate backpacker hack.
Cheap citronella-based repellents are common in many places like Bali, but those with DEET are harder to find and often overpriced. But they are essential in tropical regions.
Alright then, so I’ve given you a comprehensive list of similar places like Bali, around the world. Whether you want to stay in Europe, hit somewhere else up in Southeast Asia or explore the wild streets of South America, hopefully I’ve covered a good range of places for different interests.
There are plenty of similar places like Bali to travel to if you’re looking for that laid-back, tropical island vibe. Whilst the culture of Bali might be a one-off, its problems with tourism and overdevelopment are a story we see time and time again. So by picking an alternative to Bali, you’re not necessarily shunning it; you and the island might just need to take a break to maintain a healthy relationship!
This post isn’t meant to put a downer on Bali, it remains one of my favourite places in the world, but the reality is that it just can’t cope with the rate of development and the number of people visiting… many of whom could find what they are looking for in other places.
So whilst there are many places like Bali in the world, there will always only be one Bali! So let’s look after it.
What are your favourite destinations like Bali?
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If you’re wondering what other places are like Bali in Indonesia, then that’s easy: Lombok!
It’s just a short ferry ride over the water from Bali and offers much of the same, such as rice terraces, beaches, mountains and bohemian vibes with a fraction of the crowds, and its own unique culture.
Basically, if you’re looking for holidays like Bali, Lombok is the closest you’ll get… literally!
When it comes to places to travel like Bali, Koh Samui is a solid shout.
Which is better, well, that’s personal preference. I love both, but there’s something about Thailand that just edges it.
Maybe it’s the massaman curries, maybe it’s 7/eleven toasties… maybe I’m just motivated by food! But both offer similar things in a different package!
The place in Europe most like Bali is Mallorca, which offers incredible beaches, unique culture, stunning mountains, unreal sunsets, modern co-working facilities, great food and a diverse international community.
There are a few, and I’ve included my favourites on this list.
You’ve got Koh Samui for the beaches, gyms and brunches, then you’ve got Pai for the bohemian vibes, waterfalls and bamboo huts. Neither fully covers all bases, but both are just as good in their own right for different reasons.
Phuket was a close call, but it also suffers from overtourism and an abundance of Russians!
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Yo, I’m Nic (they/them), one-half of Stories, Visions, Hope, Self.
I’m an adventure (and halloumi) obsessed traveller with a passion for hiking mountains, exploring cities, watching Arsenal win, moshing out to Rammstein in random European fields and getting hopelessly lost on a motorbike somewhere in Asia! I am also a proud member of the LGBT+ community.
I’ve explored 80 countries, lived in Australia and New Zealand, and spent months wandering Southeast Asia, South America and Eastern Europe, all while trying to avoid growing up!
Did it work? I dunno, but my back hurts, and I still collect Pokémon cards! Who wants in?!
I liked the point that Koh Samui feels like one of the closest Bali alternatives because it keeps the tropical island vibe, but with less traffic and fewer queues for popular spots. That made the comparison feel practical, not just romantic.
I also smiled at the line about no wild monkeys, because that is such a small but memorable difference. Do you think Koh Samui still has that relaxed feel during peak season?
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I liked the point that Koh Samui feels like one of the closest Bali alternatives because it keeps the tropical island vibe, but with less traffic and fewer queues for popular spots. That made the comparison feel practical, not just romantic.
I also smiled at the line about no wild monkeys, because that is such a small but memorable difference. Do you think Koh Samui still has that relaxed feel during peak season?