Why Bali Feels Different to Him
- Mar 9
- 2 min read
On a quiet green field near the clean beaches of Nusa Dua, we met a man from Ukraine. He has already been living in Bali for five months and plans to stay for a full year. He’s not just a short-term tourist. He’s building a life here. And his story says something important about Bali.
A Dream That Started on TV
When asked about his childhood, he didn’t mention cartoons or action shows.
He said:
“It was a TV program about travelling around the world.”
As a child, he watched people explore different countries on television. That program inspired him to see the world.
Now, years later, he’s living on a small island in Indonesia the kind of place he may have once only seen on a screen.
Bali is no longer just a destination for him. It’s part of his life journey.
“Bali Is Special”
He has traveled around Southeast Asia, visited Vietnam, and been to parts of Europe. So when he compares Bali to other places, he speaks from experience.
He said clearly:
“Bali is special. It’s really different.”
When we asked what makes it different, his answer was simple:
“People here are more friendly.”
He described Vietnam as more busy and a little more strict. But Bali feels more open. More relaxed. More welcoming.
For many locals, friendliness may feel normal. For visitors, it stands out.
Simple Things That Matter
His favorite place so far?
Nusa Dua.
“Wonderful beaches… clean beaches.”
His favorite activity?
“Just swimming.”
That’s it.
No complicated plans. No luxury lifestyle story. Just clean beaches, open space, and calm water.
Sometimes we forget that what feels ordinary to us can feel extraordinary to someone else.
Still Exploring, Still Curious
Even after five months in Bali, he doesn’t feel like he has seen everything.
“I always travel around Bali.”
The place he’s most excited to visit next? Amed.
He enjoys diving and free diving. He knows about the Japanese shipwreck there. He talks about snorkeling and even finding a wild turtle.
This reminds us of something important:
Not everyone comes to Bali for parties. Many come for the ocean. For nature. For discovery.
Bali Is for Everyone
He is from Ukraine. The young girl with him is from Belarus the daughter of his friend, whom he is taking care of.
Two different countries. Different backgrounds. Walking peacefully together on a beach in Bali.
That says something powerful.
Bali is a place where people from different parts of the world can feel safe, relaxed, and welcome.
A Message for Balinese Readers
Sometimes we hear negative news. Sometimes we worry about tourism. Sometimes we wonder how outsiders see Bali.
But from someone who has traveled across countries, the message was simple:
“Bali is special. People here are more friendly.”
That’s not marketing. That’s lived experience.
Bali is not only for one type of traveler. Not only for backpackers. Not only for digital nomads. Not only for families.
Bali is for anyone who wants to feel accepted.
Maybe sometimes, as locals, we just need to see Bali through foreign eyes to remember how meaningful this island is to the rest of the world.
For him, living in Bali for a year is not an escape.
It’s a dream that came true.
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