#bali

#bali

As an American who's traveled to 44 countries over the last 30 years, I've seen my fair share of unforgettable places. But if I had to choose one place to visit again and again, it would be Bali, an island and province in Indonesia that combines vibrant culture, natural beauty, and a pace of life that feels both energizing and restorative. After spending a month on the island in 2023, I fell in love. Here's what made my trip to Bali so special.

"Bali continues to be a popular destination for retirees seeking a rich cultural experience paired with stunning natural beauty," The report said. "Known for its lush landscapes and affordable cost of living, Bali offers a balance of relaxation and exploration. The island provides a range of health care options, from local clinics to international hospitals, ensuring retirees have access to quality medical care."

In January the island's beaches were inundated with waves of plastic pollution, a phenomenon that has been getting worse by the year. Photographer and film-maker Sean Gallagher travelled to Bali to document the increasing tide of rubbish washing up on beaches and riverbanks, and the people facing the monumental challenge of cleaning up. His portraits are on show now as part of the 2025 Head On photo festival at Bondi Beach promenade until 30 November Putu Agus Indrawan holds up bags of plastic water bottles

Villa Omah Prana by Alexis Dornier unfolds as a circular retreat that feels absorbed into the landscape of Payangan's forested slopes, just north of Ubud, Bali. The 475-square-meter residence adopts a compound-like arrangement organized around a lush internal courtyard. Its low, continuous timber roofline and radial plan echo local vernacular geometries. The project sits like a ring placed over the terrain, with the broad, funnel-like roof forming a shaded perimeter walkway and an introverted core.

Making the move to Asia is appealing to people of any age - from digital nomads to young families and professionals keen to get amongst the business buzz of , and Asia's other leading city hubs. And it turns out, two Asian countries are also among the most desirable destinations for the older generation, too, with and catching the eyes of American retirees ready to swap suburban lawns for tropical landscapes.

Intrigued, I descended some 250 steps to find Kedara Water Garden thrumming with life. A majestic series of three natural spring-fed pools dotted with waterfalls, wooden daybeds, and gargantuan trees and palms appeared before me. Gede was spot on when he told me, "When I'm down there, I always feel the energy and tranquility. You're in the middle of beautiful Mother Nature, and you cannot compare it with anything else."

It was confirmed, the body found was Harrison Edward Nada Kontounas," Mr Sidakarya said.

Eight bodies were found earlier, including four people who were in a building that was swept away in the Kumbasari market area of South Denpasar, said Nyoman Sidakarya, the head of Bali's Search and Rescue Agency. Rain has caused rivers to burst their banks, tearing through nine cities and districts in Bali. Mud, rocks and trees tumbled on to mountainside hamlets and rising rivers submerged at least 112 neighbourhoods and resulted in several landslides, Bali's Disaster Mitigation Agency said in a statement.

Its striking entrance-a footbridge suspended above the Ayung River Valley that ends with a rice bowl-shaped rooftop looking out to tiered rice paddies and gardens-is an architectural masterpiece. The resort has recently emerged with a number of updates: last year, the spa underwent a significant renovation, led by a trio of international firms from Australia, Japan, and Indonesia, that transformed it into a 53,496-square-foot wellness sanctuary.

The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud Bali is a purposeful destination where mind, body, and spirit come together in quiet harmony, honoring the island's spiritual roots.

A controversial businessman, Darren Campbell, who accumulated over £450,000 in debts before his company's liquidation, is hinting at a comeback after an AI suggested he travel to Bali.

At least four people have died and dozens are missing after a ferry carrying 65 people sank on its way to Bali. The vessel sank before midnight in the Bali Strait, departing from Banyuwangi, Java.

The ferry KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya sank nearly 30 minutes after departing from East Java's Ketapang port, leading to the search for 43 missing persons.

Zivan Radmanovic, a 32-year-old from Melbourne, was fatally shot in Bali, prompting the arrest of three Australian men suspected of involvement in the murder.

Without the right visa, you may be deported, fined, or even banned from re-entering Indonesia.