bali becomes a popular destination for australian tourists

LAST week we ran an article about the disappointing side of Bali.

Frequent travellers and authors of the blog Changes In Longitude, Larissa and Michael Milne, argued that the destination should be taken off our bucket lists, mainly because some of its beaches are “drowning in rubbish”.

But there are two sides to every story, and it’s not difficult to see why Bali remains a popular destination for Australian tourists. There’s the bang-for-your-buck factor, plus the stunning natural sights, and more.

Here are nine reasons to keep Bali on your bucket list, according to travel companies Expedia and Escape Travel.

1. Friendly locals

Bali is home to some of the friendliest and most welcoming people in the world, where no tourist demand is too demanding and service with a smile is standard. The friendly locals have a strong sense of spirituality, are proud patriots and go out of their way to make visitors feel comfortable — Escape Travel’s Laura Carlin

2. Rich culture and heritage

You don’t need to go looking for a dose of traditional way of life during a visit to Bali. There are over 20,000 temples on the island and spirituality and community is integral to Balinese people. Colourful festival and ceremonies are calendar fixtures and traditional Balinese dance, music, drama and local cooking classes allow visitors to immerse themselves in the culture — Escape Travel’s Laura Carlin

3. Show-stopping natural beauty

Picturesque rice terraces, soaring volcanoes, pristine crater lakes, sacred caves, lush tropical forests and a dramatic coastline are awe-inspiring, while the tropical beaches are a visitor favourite — Escape Travel’s Laura Carlin

Read more on www.news.com.au