No Juan Is An Island

Bali, Indonesia – After two grueling weeks navigating work-related trips through the humid bustle of Central Thailand and the dense urban sprawl of Java, my body was screaming for a reset. Initially, I had my sights set on the volcanic landscapes of Jeju Island. However, as the departure date loomed, I started to question if I was truly ready to swap tropical heat for a biting Korean winter. Deciding to play it safe—and warm—I opted for a six-day staycation in the legendary “Island of the Gods”: Bali.

While Bali is often touted as a spiritual mecca or a wild party hub, for me, it was simply the perfect place to decompress. Here is how I spent my week rediscovering the slower side of life.

Sunsets and Surf
Staying in the Kuta and Seminyak areas meant that a spectacular sunset was a daily guarantee. There’s something meditative about watching the sky turn into a bruised purple and gold while strolling along the shore. If you’re feeling adventurous, the waves here are impossible to resist; it’s one of the best places to grab a board and try your hand at surfing. For a change of pace, I headed to Padang-Padang Beach. This tucked-away gem on the road to Uluwatu is famous for its appearance in Eat, Pray, Love, and it certainly lives up to the cinematic hype.

The Green Heart of Ubud

Ubud remains the ultimate sanctuary for nature lovers. It’s a place where the greenery feels almost immersive. From the “Instagrammable” giant swings and infinity pools tucked into the jungle canopy to the playful (if slightly mischievous) primates, Ubud is a sensory delight. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time just staring at the emerald rice terraces.

The Rugged Beauty of Nusa Penida
If you want a view that makes your heart skip a beat, Nusa Penida is non-negotiable. The seascape at Broken Beach is jaw-dropping, but Kelingking Beach—with its iconic T-Rex-shaped cliff—is truly mesmerizing. My only regret was not staying longer; a day trip barely scratches the surface of what this rugged island has to offer.

Cliffside Temples
Given that I had just spent a week temple-hopping in Thailand, I was admittedly a bit “temple-fatigued.” However, Bali’s Hindu heritage is unique because of how the structures integrate with the landscape. I limited myself to the essentials: Uluwatu and Tanah Lot. Perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the crashing Indian Ocean, these sites offer a spiritual beauty that is hard to find anywhere else.

Cultural Immersion at GWK

A highlight of the trip was visiting the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park. Dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and his mythical mount, Garuda, the park is a feat of engineering and art. I was fortunate enough to be invited by Sir Gunawan, an architect of the park whom I met by chance at the Jakarta airport. His passion for the site made the experience of exploring these massive monuments even more special.

The Art of Doing Nothing
Perhaps the most “Bali” thing I did was succumb to the luxury of doing absolutely nothing. Balinese accommodations are incredibly affordable yet consistently stunning. Many of my afternoons were spent lazing by the pool or enjoying the beautifully adorned rooms. Sometimes, the best travel “activity” is simply catching up on sleep.

I may not have fallen head-over-heels in love with Bali, but it gave me exactly what I needed: a relaxed, unscheduled breather. Next time, perhaps the company of friends will add a different spark. Until then, remember: take it easy. Don’t be a wasted soul, be “juanderlust.”