I've traveled to incredible destinations across 44 countries, but just one island in Southeast Asia has stolen my heart

• I'm a frequent traveler who's visited 44 countries around the world.
• Although I've seen a lot of incredible places, Bali is my favorite place to visit.
• The island is home to incredible food, warm people, and lots of exciting things to do.

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.

The food scene is incredible

One of my favorite meals during my time in Bali came from a street vendor. The Javanese meal, called Tahu Tek, featured fried tofu, bean sprouts, a thick peanut sauce, and a pile of crackers on top. It cost me less than $2 (USD), but it was packed with flavor.

Bali's food scene goes far beyond street food, though. Even dining at restaurants felt affordable, making it easy to try local specialties, including babi guling, a traditional whole roasted pig.

Plus, I could easily find international cuisine alongside local dishes.

I often went to Milk & Madu, which served American-style food like pizza and burgers. I also loved spending mornings at cafés in Canggu, sipping smoothies and enjoying breakfast bowls.

Both the locals and expats in Bali were warm and welcoming

One of the main things that makes Bali truly special is its people. I've been to many destinations where the locals aren't always open to expats and travelers. But here, everyone I met was warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind.

For example, I used an app called Grab, similar to Uber, where drivers can pick up passengers on their motorbikes or in their cars.

I was wary about riding on the back of a stranger's bike, but the friendly drivers I had across several rides quickly made me feel at ease. Some would even check in with me during the ride to make sure everything was OK or to ask if I needed them to slow down.

Plus, I found an amazing community of digital nomads, creatives, and expats who decided to trade their office jobs for laptops in cafés. As an American living abroad, this made me feel at home.

It gave me a sense of familiarity in a new environment and made it easier to connect, since there was no language barrier. I felt more comfortable starting conversations and sharing experiences with other expats and long-term travelers.

During my time in Uluwatu, I met another nomad, and a simple conversation turned into spending the next few days together exploring. These kinds of moments felt much more natural and common in Bali than in other places I've visited, and I felt a strong sense of openness and connection.

There was always something exciting to do

Another thing I loved about Bali was the diverse range of activities available. Whether I was in the mood to visit temples or relax on the beach, there was always something to do.

For example, in Ubud, I wandered through the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where ancient temples sit under jungle canopies. There were signs everywhere warning visitors to hold onto their belongings, and for good reason. The sanctuary is home to over 1,260 monkeys, who I saw climbing railings and jumping between statues.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I also visited Alas Harum, a tourism destination in Tegallalang with lots of opportunities for adventure. Here, I flew out on a giant swing that went over rice fields. Taking in the view from way above the terraces was equal parts terrifying and fun.

And when I wanted to relax, I visited the beach clubs, where I lounged by the water with music playing and a drink in my hand.

I'm already dreaming of returning to Bali

After traveling to 44 countries, I can confidently say I'm no stranger to exploring new places.

Every destination I've visited has shown me new ways of living, but in Bali, I experienced a way of life that felt joyful, balanced, and connected. Plus, the tropical, warm, and consistent weather didn't hurt either.

Between the amazing food, the warm people, and the sense of adventure, I'm already dreaming of my next trip to this beautiful island.