Bali or Bust

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Bali or Bust Chris and Deb

About Us

We’ve Earned Our Bali Stripes - So You Don’t Have To

Beyond the Instagram Filter
We are Chris and Deb, two Australians with a serious case of the travel bug and a deep-seated love for the Island of the Gods. Since 2024, we’ve spent months every year exploring every corner of Bali – from the serene sunrise coast of Sanur to the spectacular snorkeling in Amed and beyond.

We started Bali or Bust in 2025 because we noticed a gap. Most Bali travel guides were chasing the same “Instagrammable” swing or the loudest beach club. They missed the mark for mature travelers or the Slow Travellers who want something more:   authenticity, rich Balinese culture, and a genuine connection with the local people.

We’re still finding new things to love every time we land at I Gusti Ngurah Rai, and now we want to help you discover the island’s secrets – the ones that aren’t always easy to find on a generic brochure.

Honest, first-hand guides for luxury holidays, budget escapes, and retiring in Bali. No fluff. Just the Bali we love.

Every great trip needs a balance, and we’ve got ours down to a fine art.

Chris is the explorer. Give him a scooter and a vague direction, and he’s happy. Having traveled through America, Canada, New Zealand, Peru, and Singapore, he’s seen a lot of the world, but Bali keeps calling him back.

Deb is the researcher and the master of logistics. She’s the one vetting the best luxury villas and boutique hotels – booking, re-booking, and (sometimes re-re-booking again) to ensure every stay is perfect. She lets Chris know what day they fly out; Deb handles the rest.

When we aren’t in Bali, you’ll find us reporting on the hidden gems of our home state, South Australia. But Bali is where our hearts are, and we’ve gone “all in” to make this your ultimate resource. We are currently working on a Bali Community Site, a YouTube Channel and eBooks to spread the word further.

Bali or Bust Mercat

The Problem We Hope To Solve

Deeper Advice for the Discerning Traveler

Bali or Bust is about offering something beyond the classic photo spots. We’ve spent some time getting to know the island’s rhythms so we can provide comprehensive, first-hand travel advice. We definitely don’t claim to be experts by any means, but we’re willing to put ourselves out there to improve your adventures on the island.

Of course, we’ll share the top attractions, but our guides unveil the hidden wonders that make Bali truly extraordinary. We also believe in responsible travel. We’re focused on giving back to the island that gives us so much, recommending ways you can travel ethically and donating our own time to our favorite local Balinese charities.

Our Mission

Plan with Confidence

Our mission is simple: To deliver transparent, first-hand, segment-specific guidance so you can plan with confidence.

  • Luxury Holidaymakers: We find the “effortless perfection” in high-end villas and resorts.
  • Budget Travelers & Nomads: We show you how to stretch your dollar without sacrificing safety or comfort.
  • Retirees & Long-Stays: We provide the authoritative framework for visas, healthcare, and relocation.

To make your planning even easier, we’ve started to create downloadable Guides about things to do, places to eat, and accommodations all across the island a custom Google Map is in the works – to help you navigate Bali like a local.

Please remember this is still a work in progress as we work on improving the site over time.

Bali or Bust Water World
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How To Use The Site

If You Are A Seasoned Bali Traveler -

The Destinations Page is set out with all different Areas and Towns in Bali (25 in total). If you have a favorite spot, you will find it there. If you are looking to expand your experiences and find a NEW favorite spot, you’ll find it there too.

If You Are A Newby And Want To Learn More -

Start Here – will take you back to the home page and give you options for choosing what you want to learn about first – Where To Go – Food – Culture – Bali Essentials.

If You Have A Vague Plan -

  Keep scrolling down to the Footer Menu at the bottom of the page and it will give you options for choosing   Guides – Itinerates – Things To Do & soon The Shop. 

Destinations Page
Start Here

Special Note:    each Town Destination Page has been designed to be as informative as possible and includes “Things To Do” – “Where To Stay” – “Restaurants & Cafes” – “Costs” – “How To Get There” – “FAQs” and  “The Bottom Line” summery – associated with each town.

Click on the Bali or Bust Logo to always get back to the “Home Page”

Ready to Plan your Bali Escape?

Next Steps:

Affiliate Disclosure: Bali or Bust is reader-supported. When you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep the site running and perhaps fund a sunset Bintang or two. We only recommend services and products we genuinely use and trust.

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