Bali Through South African Eyes
- May 6
- 3 min read
This blog is based on the youtube post - Why Do People From Big Cities Choose Bali? "Street Interview"
When people in Bali think about tourists, it’s easy to imagine them only coming for beaches, parties, or Instagram photos. But sometimes, when you talk to visitors directly, you realize their experiences are much deeper.
During a casual walk near the skate park area in Kuta, we met Elton, a father visiting Bali with his large family from Cape Town, South Africa. What made the conversation interesting was how his perspective showed that Bali is not just one type of destination. For different people, Bali can mean completely different things.
At first, Elton explained that Cape Town already has beautiful beaches.
“In South Africa we have beaches where the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean meet.”
So coming to Bali wasn’t simply about finding another beach. For him, something else stood out.
“Cape Town is beautiful, but it feels busy. Bali feels much more chill.”
That simple observation says a lot. Even for someone who already lives near the ocean, Bali offers something different — a slower rhythm.
What made Elton’s trip especially interesting is that he and his wife are not the most adventurous travelers. But their kids are full of energy. Because of that, their Bali trip turned into an unexpected exploration across the island.
Instead of staying only in the south, the family traveled north to places many tourists never visit.
“We spent four days up in North Bali. We went to Lovina to see the dolphins.”
They also explored waterfalls, rice fields, and different parts of the island.
For Elton, the trip became less about planning and more about following the curiosity of his children.
“The kids are more adventurous. We just go along for the ride.”
Moments like these show how Bali works for many types of travelers. Some come for adventure. Some come for relaxation. Some simply follow the energy of the people they travel with.
Another interesting thing Elton shared was how Bali compares to South Africa in terms of cost.
“Bali is cheaper than South Africa… except for alcohol.”
It was a funny moment in the conversation, but it also revealed how visitors naturally compare their experiences with home.
After exploring many places around the island, Elton said they were entering the final phase of their trip.
“We’ve seen most of the places we wanted to see. Now we just want to relax.”
Instead of rushing to another destination, the family planned something simple for their last few days.
“We want to visit a traditional market and buy some souvenirs.”
Sometimes the most meaningful travel moments are not the biggest adventures. They are the quiet moments at the end of a trip — walking through a market, choosing small gifts to bring home, and remembering the experiences you just had.
Stories like Elton’s remind us of something important.
Bali is not just one place with one type of experience. It is an island where different people can find different meanings — adventure for kids, relaxation for parents, and cultural discovery for families traveling together.
For people who live in Bali, hearing these perspectives can be a good reminder of how special the island is.
And for people around the world who may be wondering whether Bali is the right place to visit, Elton’s story shows something simple:
There is space in Bali for everyone.
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