What Is Slow Travel, Really?
Slow travel is all about immersing yourself deeply in a place, taking time to connect with the local culture, and truly living, not just sightseeing. Instead of hopping between 10 cities in 10 days, I spent two months in Bali—and honestly, I’ll never travel the same way again.
Why Try Slow Travel?
In a world where vacations often feel like a race against the clock, slow travel offers something radically different—freedom. Freedom to wake up without an alarm, to explore without a checklist, and to let a place unfold at its own pace. It’s not about seeing more, it’s about experiencing more deeply.
By staying longer in one destination, you create space for genuine moments: a spontaneous chat with a local over coffee, a hidden beach you stumble upon on a morning walk, or a new friendship formed at a community event. These moments don’t usually happen when you’re packing your bags every two days.
Slow travel also helps you feel grounded. You stop being just a visitor and start feeling like a (temporary) part of the place. The neighborhood barista learns your name. You know which warung serves the best nasi goreng. It’s travel that doesn’t just inspire you—but changes you.
My Two-Month Slow Travel Experience in Bali 🌴
When I planned to spend two months working remotely from tropical locations with my very normal corporate job, my initial idea was to fit in as much as possible— start in Bali, a stop in Thailand, must add in the Philippines, and if I could swing it, even Australia. It felt like it would be a missed opportunity to travel all that way and not check off multiple countries. But once I landed in Bali, everything shifted.
Instead of rushing, I slowed down. I found a rhythm—slow mornings, meaningful conversations, spontaneous adventures, and solo sunset dates.
I based myself in Uluwatu and quickly discovered that tropical cafés and co-working spaces were more than just places to plug in—they were spaces to connect. Staff at my favorite café started remembering my name, and it genuinely felt like being part of a little community. Through chats with locals and regulars, I got recommendations for secret beaches that weren’t on any travel blog or map.
I still took several short trips around the island, exploring mystical jungles with hidden waterfalls, rice fields alongside palm tree forests, and even watching the sunrise with views of volcanoes. But no matter where I wandered, coming back to Uluwatu — to the friends I made and my favorite local spots—felt like coming home.
The People Made It
Every day, I met people from incredibly diverse backgrounds—artists, startup founders, yoga teachers, writers, and even sexuality coaches—all drawn to Bali for different reasons. Some were on sabbaticals, others building businesses remotely, and a few just needed a reset from the 9-to-5 grind.
✨ The conversations I had here wouldn’t have happened if I was constantly hoping from one place to another just to see as much as possible.
Exploring Without the Rush
With more time, I didn’t feel the pressure to cram in every top 10 list. I got to:
- Watch the sunset from Uluwatu without rushing to the next spot.
- Visit lesser-known waterfalls near Bedugul that were absolutely breathtaking (without the crowds).
- Spend a time chatting with locals along the way and truly got to connect with some Balinese people and learn about their beliefs and way of living.
These weren’t just stops—they became memories.
📍 Try These Hidden Gems in Bali:
- Tukad Cepung Waterfall (magical morning light)
- Bukit Asah Cliff Camp (gorgeous and peaceful)
- Nungnung Waterfall (worth the stairs!)
- Suwehan Beach (stunning and secluded)
These places were perfect for slow travelers looking for peace and authenticity.
👉 You can book local tours via GetYourGuide or explore homestays via Airbnb to get closer to the culture.
Looking to plan your own slow travel trip in Bali?
Check out my guide to the best Bali tours & hidden stays.
Also, I recommend you book your stays with Booking.com as I found it to be much cheaper than booking through Airbnb.
Final Thoughts
Fast travel checked the boxes. Slow travel filled my soul.
I left Bali with more than just photos—I came away with stories, connections, and a deep appreciation for slowing down. Whether you’re a digital nomad or just craving something different than following the tourist crowds, give slow travel a shot.
