By Taylor Simpson
We set off traveling with a desire to share in the human experience. We wanted to discover new places, taste new cuisine, and connect with new people; purposefully making ourselves uncomfortable and pushing our limits. Ultimately, we traveled to meet ourselves in our truest form. The familiar adage ‘travel far enough you meet yourself’ will always remind me of my time on an island, under the sun in Bali, Indonesia.
My husband owns an online business. This has allowed us to travel extensively over the years. This fits perfectly with my dreams of being a travel writer and photographer. We decided there was no time like the present to traipse through southeast Asia. It was then that we packed up our life in sunny California. Our goal was to cut our living expenses in half so that we might live a freer, more fulfilling life.
Breaking Free from the Grind
With nothing but fifteen pounds on our backs and a sense of adventure, my husband and I set off to new horizons. We hoped to escape the rat race of America, pay off our student debt, and to embrace a quieting of the mind and soul. We flew to Hong Kong and spent a month in northern Vietnam. Additionally, we traveled south through Singapore before we finally made it to Bali, Indonesia.
It is no secret that Bali is a beloved destination for travelers of all kinds. Adventure seekers, soul searchers, digital nomads, and even the rich and famous all have a place on this island in Indonesia. We were drawn to the island for the weather, the especially unrivaled natural beauty, and the whisper that magical things happen on the ‘island of the gods.’ We were hoping some of those magical things might include trekking through the jungles, spending all day at the beach, and making large payments on our student loans.
Photo by Taylor Simpson
We rented a small furnished apartment a few minutes’ walk from the beach for five hundred dollars a month. We ate one meal a day at the warung two houses down for three dollars a day. Not surprisingly, I have yet to find better chicken fried rice than what the locals whipped up. Days in Bali, Indonesia pass slowly, guided mostly by the rising and setting of the sun. Power outages are frequent, locals tend their rice paddies barefoot in the heat of the day, and stray dogs are taken in as neighborhood pets.
Island Life in Bali, Indonesia
As the days turned into weeks, we found ourselves settling into the comfortable rhythm of island life. What was it that made this island so special? For starters, the spirit of the locals set the tone for a relaxed and unquestionably pleasant environment. They are kind, giving, slow to speak, and always smiling. They perform ceremonies for the phases of the moon and to celebrate life and loss. Children meditate on the beach during the school day — a stark contrast from the hustle and bustle of the average American city. The neighbors all know each other — Their children play together in the streets while parents share in the day’s adventures over a cup of coffee. I have yet to experience this in any place I’ve lived in the US. In fact, I have rarely known my next-door neighbor’s name.
Photo by Taylor Simpson
The tiny neighborhood we were part of, even if just for two months, made it clear how influential a sense of community and togetherness can be. We felt a sense of safety and ease I have yet to encounter anywhere else. And slowly, I began to feel happy and truly content. It turns out you don’t need a large home, multiple cars, a closet full of clothes, or a climb up the corporate ladder.
I wore the same thing every day, worked on what I am most passionate about, and got plenty of exercise and time outdoors. I was finally able to sit down and read some books (and a lot of them, at that)! Plus, I had time to connect with family and friends back home as well as make new friends over chicken satay and broken English. All of this while simultaneously paying off significant portions of our exorbitant university costs from years prior.
Photo by Taylor Simpson
Returning Stateside
I would spend a lifetime in Bali if I could. As a matter of fact, we talk frequently about moving to Bali full time. Since returning to the United States, I have experienced the reality of reverse culture shock. Often, I daydream about walking down to the beach to sit by the ocean to meditate on all the things I’m grateful for. I dream of stepping into a life of presence and true joy. I found what my truest self could be in Bali, Indonesia. When I reflect on my time there, I find I always long to return to that island, under the sun.
Taylor’s experience in Bali is truly inspiring. With absolutely stunning photography, her visit there came to life. Visit Taylor’s website to see more photos from Taylor!
49 Comments. Leave new
Nice write-up to an excellent experience.
Wow, Taylor, wow. I live on the Canary Islands. Yet your photos and story make me feel envious.
You should absolutely visit if you ever get the chance Matthew! Although, I’m sure many of us would say the same to you about the Canary Islands. Always wanted to go there!
Thanks so much Edmond! Bali is such a special place.
I love Bali so much! We went there once, and I’ve been trying to get back ever since. Of course, we were just tourists, so I loved reading about how you as a local lived.
Yes! We always try to travel slowly and for longer periods of time when we are able to. But of course, any visit to Bali is amazing!
My first trip to Bali was in October 2005 – just a couple of weeks after the second Bali bombing if you know what I am referring to. I had previously thought Bali might be too touristy for my liking but at this time it was refreshingly free of masses of tourists, Thanks in part to the bomb scare factor. I immediately grew to love the island. I’ve been back to Bali four times since then. Sometimes I find some parts of the island too overrun with tourists now, but there remain many special, peaceful places as well. I can understand your fondness for the place. Some nice photos in your article by-the-way.
Hi Michael! Thanks for sharing your experience, Bali is a place that’s so easy to return to again and again, I hope to travel there next year fingers crossed! There were certainly some overrun touristy areas, but we were lucky enough to be tucked away from that a bit during our time.
Very great writing and a wonderful experience. Thanks
We were scheduled for Bali on May but sadly had to cancel it due to Corona Virus 😔😔 Waiting to travel here.
I’m so sorry! That’s so sad. Hoping you get to travel to Bali next year!
I’d love to visit Bali! For sure on my list of places to go one day. It’s fun that you got to spend a few months there!
Hi Charis, can’t recommend it enough! I would certainly prioritize visiting Bali and going for as long as you can!
What a great adventure! I don’t think I would be brave enough to go on an adventure with 15 pounds in my pocket and the clothes on my back!!!
I love Bali! Went there last 2018. Was amazed how breathtaking the island is. The food was amazing and the waves are perfect for surfing!
i would LOVE to visit Bali. Most of my friends in California are all for Hawaii but my dream is Bali.
Hawaii is of course beautiful with its own unique culture. As an American, there is something different and distinctly special about visiting Southeast Asia though!
Bali is such an amazing place! I have always wanted to go there! The beaches and food look so amazing!
Kileen
cute & little
Hi Kileen, absolutely. Beautiful beaches and amazing food of all kinds on the island!
What an incredible adventure! This makes me want to visit Bali even more.
Bali is really an amazing place. I havent been here but i heard a lot about this place. I just cant wait to go here after this pandemic.
Yes! You must visit! Stay as long as you are able to to experience different areas of the island.
Bali is a beautiful place for sure…it is just a shame that we won’t be visiting this year or next due to the pandemic x
Couldn’t agree more, especially a destination that relies so heavily on tourism.
What an amazing experience!! Wish I could visit Bali soon!
This made me want to go back to Bali to experience a slower pace of life, more relaxed, more open.
Wow….the waters of Bali always look so good in the pictures! There is nothing quite like it. Good stuff, Taylor!
Thanks so much!!
Bali looks like such a beautiful place to visit! I’ve never been, but would love to go one day to see it for myself.
I would love to go on an adventure to a place like Bali. The water is so clear and it looks so beautiful to swim and scuba.
The water we swam in on the East side of the island was especially clear!
Bali is on my travel bucket list. Maybe one day COVID-19 will be a distant memory and we can go.
I have been to Indonesia before but in Jakarta. Not yet on Bali! I hope to see this paradise! It looks amazing!
I love that you really got to experience the community and togetherness of Bali. My favourite part of travelling!
Yes, same for us! The people make the place.
this sounds devine! i can’t wait to travel again
me tooo, hopefully soon!
I sure want to go here someday! It is so beautiful, that water is crystal clear.
Wow! Bali has been on my bucket list for quite some time, ever since a friend of mind visited there. I can’t wait to travel there and check it out!
Summer this year was about staying home and be safe. This is on my bucket list for the next time around once the pandemic is over!
Bali is a msy visit if you really want to discover paradise on Earth. I wish I can come back soon!
Bali is definitely a great place to visit someday and sounds like you had a wonderful time there
It is nice that the kids can play while the parents visit. We had that in the US when I was a kid, but you’re right, we don’t do that much now.
Bali sounds like a beautiful place with a lot of fun and interesting activities! A must visit for sure!
Amazing photos! Indonesia is my home country’s neighboring country, but I have never been there. Hopefully, someday.
Bali has so many great things to see and experience. They have a great and rich history to learn about too.
This is on my travel bucket list, we are planning a trip, so your post is pretty helpful.
Ah so glad to hear Monica. I hope you make it there soon!
Loved the pics and your telling of your time there. How about a more detailed narrative? BB was already seeing you in the sun with your neighbors…