This video of backpacking in Bali by Jacob Laukaitis made me want to run to an island in Southeast Asia and get on a motorbike!
Bali isn’t just all about boutique spas and overrun Ubud; there is still some magic to be found. Jacob Laukaitis escaped a nine-to-five job, became a digital nomad, and recently spent September working from Bali.
But it certainly wasn’t all work. He motorbiked more than 1,000 kilometers, climbed Gunung Agung — Bali’s tallest volcano that spewed ash in 2017 and 2018 — and explored a sprawling hotel long since abandoned. Fun and bizarre!
I returned to Bali in 2016 and then twice more in 2017. Sure, it’s easy to dig up complaints about Bali. The traffic, drunken crowds, and endless harassment from sellers on main beaches. Then again, come on…it’s Bali! Bali is still the crown jewel in Indonesia’s archipelago of more than 15,000 (depending upon whom you ask) islands.
Bali has been attracting backpackers way before Julia Roberts turned up to do her eating, praying, and loving in Ubud.
Regardless of whatever complaints, Bali is just the right size. You’ll have no trouble finding the party or socializing, but then again, you can just as easily jump on a scooter and buzz away from the madness. Quieter, green places in the interior await, as does snorkeling and diving. If you still can’t find your niche, you can always grab a boat and take the short hop over to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida.
Bali is paradise — but you’re going to have to share.
Enjoy the video and good luck planning your backpacking trip to Bali.
Meet the guy behind the video:
Jacob Laukaitis is a digital nomad and co-founder of ChameleonJohn.com — an online coupons company. For more information about Jacob or his trip, visit his website, JacobLaucaitis.com. You can also check out his Instagram profile for memorable moments from trips.