The Bali you’ll visit today is not the Bali I first visited in 1988; traffic is much worse, the number of tourists is far greater, and there has been much overdevelopment in South Bali. But there are still many excellent reasons to stay in Bali; in 2023 I spent much of the year there and a couple months in 2024.

But Global Fast Fit is all about getting the most out of your trip, while avoiding potential pitfalls.

I’ve traveled all over the world, but I still find the Balinese to be generally the most hospitable people I have encountered. Sure, stereotypes generally are to be avoided, but you have to really work at finding a rude or difficult Balinese connected in any way to the tourism industry. And their kindness is generally quite genuine, which is kind of amazing considering the vast numbers of tourists who visit Bali. 

The unique Balineses religion, sometimes called Balinese Hinduism, still very much permeates the island, and it’s almost impossible not to run into festivals. Some of the events at hotels are stage for tourists of course, but the culture is still very real and very integral to what it means to be Balinese.

I am convinced that no country in the world has a more interesting and diversified collection of artists and craftsmen; this includes painting, sculpture, batik clothing, temple architecture, jewelry, masks, wood carving, and much else. With our affiliated company, Indo Art House, we’re uniquely positioned to introduce you to the best artisans and can even help you commission truly astounding art or craft projects.

-John F. Groom