Tell us a bit about yourself. What’s your connection to Bali?
I am a real estate consultant and have been living in Bali for over 12 years now. It was a 6-month internship that brought me here, and I ended up staying for good.
Interviewed July 2026
Anggie came to Bali for what was supposed to be a six month internship. More than 12 years later, she still calls the island home. We spoke to her about the places she loves, what visitors often get wrong, and how Bali has changed over the years.
The interview
What do visitors usually misunderstand about Bali?
That the only places to be are Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, and Uluwatu. There are many other corners that are genuinely authentic and will bring you the true Balinese experience.
Finish this sentence: "I know I'm in Bali when…"
…in the early morning, or every few meters, you'll smell the fragrance of incense sticks.
Where do you actually spend your time during a normal week?
Not where you take tourists, but the places that are part of your everyday life.
I work from home, but the places that are part of my daily life would be our local favourite warung ("Warung Makan Siang") and the gym close to our house. On the weekend we like to go to Comma cafe in Cemagi for brunch with friends.
What's one place you'd hate to see disappear?
Almost all the places I'd have hated to see disappear already did, unfortunately (such as the small local warungs along Berawa beach: Naked Coconut, Nyoman's beach warung). Today, I'd hate it if a similar kind of place disappeared, such as Warung Pantai in Batu Belig (the OG of Batu Belig beach warungs) and Warung Pantai in Seseh too.
What's changed here in the last few years, for better or worse?
Too much development, too fast, and mostly focused on an overly modern style, with less of a Bali/Indonesian touch to it.
What's one mistake that costs visitors money?
I'd say taxis that charge an overpriced fare.
What's worth spending money on without hesitation?
A Balinese cooking class. With a good organiser, it's totally worth it. I went with Tresna Cooking School once, and I think it's a really amazing experience.
Cash, card, or apps? What's the local way people actually pay?
A lot of merchants in Indonesia use QR codes for payment (or what we call QRIS here), including at petrol stations, so I rarely use cash. However, if you don't have an Indonesian bank account, having a bit of cash and a card with very low transaction fees is recommended. I'd also suggest downloading apps like Gojek or Grab, which are super handy when you're visiting.
What's one piece of advice that almost never appears in travel guides?
If you choose to rent a scooter during your trip, WEAR A HELMET. So many accidents happen to tourists who weren't wearing one, because they see all the hipsters skipping it and it looks and feels cool not to wear one.
When would you tell someone not to visit?
It all depends on the objective of your trip. But I wouldn't recommend coming during Christmas and New Year's Eve. Not only is it rainy season, but if you're looking for a calmer vacation, Bali is quite packed during this peak season.
Beyond Bali, where else in the same country should people go, and why?
Flores (Komodo). Get the liveaboard experience on a boat (maximum 3 nights, I'd recommend) and choose the right season.
What is one thing you still appreciate every single day?
The good vibes of the people on the island. They're quick to smile at others, and it brings good energy.
