Is it safe to travel to Bali?
Is it safe to travel to Bali?
The short answer is yes.
Just like it’s safe to travel in your car, just like it’s safe to travel on a plane; just like it’s safe to travel period. Some might say it is safer to visit Bali than most of the world right now, and with international flight prices as competitive as ever, the real question should be, ‘Why wouldn’t you travel to Bali?’.
However, ‘Is it safe to travel to Bali?’ remains one of the most searched terms on the internet; Google it! – Actually, there’s no need. Just carry on reading, and we’ll appease any concerns you might still be harbouring.
The reason so many of us still ponder the question is that Indonesia as a whole has faced a pretty tough time of late. In fact, since the beginning of their existence, the thousands of volcanic islands that make up this Southeast Asian wonderland have endured natural spectacles that have, at times, unearthed everything from earthquakes to volcanic activity to tsunamis; and by association, the innate disposition of Bali has occasionally fallen victim to nervous energy from the global travel community.
As recently as this year; the Island of Lombok which lies 150km east of Bali suffered a devastating series of earthquakes, and Bali itself became intently newsworthy in November 2017, when the majestic power of Mount Agung cast out the latest act of its awe-inspiring drama. Naturally, these events can be scary, especially to those of us who live in parts of the world where the closest thing to an earthquake is the rumblings of the waste collection truck before we open our eyes first thing in the morning.
Though the truth is, this is just nature’s way of reminding us who’s in charge; it’s somewhat poetic really when you think about it. Without these natural phenomena, Bali, amongst other destinations, wouldn’t even exist, and the beautiful intricacies that bless this island paradise with dense, tropical jungle, incredibly diverse wildlife, and every colour of sandy beach you could imagine, would fail to warrant such intense scrutiny if any at all.
Fact! Things like this happen all over the world. On the contrary for the people that live in these destinations, they form a timely reminder to be gracious and compassionate towards the things that many of us take for granted in our daily lives. It’s no coincidence that many of the countries that sit on the Pacific Ring of Fire are some of the most peaceful, spiritual and forgiving nations on the planet.
For the Balinese, events like these are part of the connatural space in which they inhabit our earth. The empathetic understanding of natures miracles, speak to the kindness and humanity of the Balinese people, and is echoed by a cultural belief that Bali is somewhat of a haven; the Island of the Gods; guarded against harm and protected by such for all time.
Lest we forget, the Pacific Ring of Fire stretches nearly 25,000 miles, all the way from North America and South America to New Zealand and Japan on the other side of the ocean, and yet still, the attention lingers towards Bali.
Why? Because Bali is special.
Unlike any other country, Bali welcomes everyone without prejudice, and effects each person that chooses to escape here; spiritually, emotionally and holistically. Nothing forced, everything as nature intended. Its part of the charm, and it’s one of a billion reasons why Bali remains one of the most popular and visited destinations on earth.
This popularity brings a spotlight; events become highlighted, and on a few occasions, exaggerated; but for those that see through the public need for theatre, then Bali is one of the safest places in the world – famed for its yoga retreats, cultural temples and enjoyed by millions of tourists every year.
Next time you feel the need to ask; Is it safe to travel to Bali?; stop and ask yourself something else instead. If nature by it’s very definition is wild and free, then will it ever be safe to travel anywhere?
