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You are here: Home / Travel / An Epic Start To The Nomadic Lifestyle In Bali

An Epic Start To The Nomadic Lifestyle In Bali

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3 Aug
nomadic lifestyle in Bali

Starting the nomadic lifestyle right in Bali!

When it went down, it was so hard to breathe
I gave up everything in a slow fall down to the floor
Life was escaping me
I couldn’t find myself until it was all lost
Not anymore

Bali, that’s our first stop and my second visit to the island of the gods during the first month of our year-long travels. Our itinerary happened by accident, like how the initial intention to travel for a few months evolved into a year. Then we thought about using Taiwan or South Korea as a base while teaching English and travelling around Asia during the weekends. But that didn’t happen either. Our plans must have changed at least ten times before we finally figured out what was happening.

You see, planning a year-long trip is nothing we’ve ever done; it took me a while to figure out how to make sense of it in my head (and create the best spreadsheet in the world to keep us organized!). Some of my awesome friends are true free spirits in that they can book their stays on the same day. They wander around town until they find a place and room that looks good enough to stay. Unfortunately, I’m not like that. I need some semblance of a structure; I find that having plans help to avoid nasty surprises.

nomadic lifestyle - horse and display of respect to gods at Bali beaches

One of the reasons why Bali is called the “island of the Gods” is because of their huge display of respect for the Gods. Everywhere you go, you’ll see Hindhu temples and canang saris, which are daily offerings by the Balinese Hindus. You’ll even find displays of worships on the beach. The Balinese also have fascinating beliefs about burial, cremation, and reincarnation, which you can read more about on this blog post

“The idea that there is no plan is breathtaking in its terror”

Ok, not that there are no preparations for this trip, but the plans are always changing. Fluid. Evolving. Taking things as they come is a bit foreign for the over planner in me. I’m learning a whole new meaning to taking things one day at a time as I put myself WAY outside of my comfort zone. But I love it. My senses become heightened in strange and unusual situations. That’s the best way to grow.

Recommended: 100 Travel Quotes To Fuel Your Wanderlust

nomadic lifestyle - bali alleys

Lost in Bali. Seriously. Travel tip in Bali: Don’t always trust the walking directions on Google Maps!

Bali, our first stop during our year of living the nomadic lifestyle

nomadic lifestyle - bali rice fields

At Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Bali. It has been my dream to visit this place

I still can’t fathom how we almost skipped Bali as it was nowhere near our original itinerary. I can’t help but wonder if the chain of events that led us to include Bali in our travels happened for a reason.

nomadic lifestyle - seminyak beach couple

Us at Petitenget Beach. Where in the world did we leave our minds when we were planning our trip and not considering Bali?

The fact that Bali became our first stop is symbolic to me for many reasons. As a matter of fact, Bali was the only destination I had on my radar when I planned my first solo trip years ago. Some people said I was running away from my problems or trying to make sense of my life and in hindsight, I have to say I wholeheartedly agree. There was so much happening in my life at that time; moving between cities, quitting my awesome job… Those months were tumultuous and the last straw that pushed me over the edge was seeing the brevity of life. There’s more to the story that I won’t delve into here… all I can say is that my first visit to Bali was necessary because of the deep sadness I felt.

nomadic lifestyle - sukawati bali

Bali holds a sentimental place in my heart

I had everything lined up to move back to Toronto

At the time, I was preparing for my move back to Toronto. I had my resume polished and called a list of Toronto recruiters to meet before something snapped in me. This is the only time to travel, I’ll always have to fight for more than two weeks of vacation in any future job. That’s when I started thinking I should take one month off and go explore the world. I just need a bit of faith in myself that I will find a job once I come back to Canada.

That same week, I asked every friend around the globe to go travel with me, but our schedules didn’t line up. I started to convince myself to stay in Canada by buying a nice designer bag. That happiness lasted for a fleeting moment before I was back at square one. I also happened to pay my first hefty tuition (aka made some poor investments) in the stock market that week and was super depressed after that. All in that same week. I swear, when it rains, it pours.

Time to #YOLO

And so the next day I walked into a travel agency and booked a six-week trip to Asia. I let the travel agent do whatever he wanted to and planned whatever he wanted to plan, except for one condition; I must visit Bali. Bali was this magical place I discovered from a wedding video that someone shared with me at the time. Watching the video was my only solace during that tumultuous period so it only made sense that I visit the very place that soothed my soul.

nomadic lifestyle - wedding couple at seminyak beach

A wedding couple in my shot (just kidding! I was being creepy and photographing them). I honestly had no idea that Bali even existed until I saw that Bali wedding video

At the time, I was running away from everything I knew to numb the sadness in my heart. Bali, that’s all I knew, that’s all I cared for. I was so lost, so heartbroken, so confused. So much was going on and I had no way to make sense of my emotions.

Not anymore

Bali is now the start of this new and exciting adventure that I have been dreaming of for over a decade. Granted, quite a few details have changed, and iterative is the best word, to sum up this dream. Where I’ll be, where I’ll go, the external pieces don’t matter because I now know that I will end up where I’m supposed to be.

Read next: Why Blue Bird Taxi Is The Best Option In Bali (And Why I Hate Taking Taxis In Foreign Countries)

nomadic lifestyle - catching the bali sunset at Tanah lot

Catching the sunset at Tanah Lot

PIN FOR LATER

One Life Changing Year | Evolving Plans Led To Bali. Read about why I chose Bali to be the first stop during my year of nomad living. Long term travel tips | Long term travel articles | Long term travel life | long term travel wanderlust | nomad lifestyle |nomad living |nomad travel #nomad #longtermtravel #bali

Related posts:

One Life Changing Year | A story about where I devote one year to pursuing my dream: perpetual travel. Read more about how I left home to pursue a nomadic lifeA Nomad Blog | One Way Ticket To… blue bird taxi bali - bali templeWhy Blue Bird Taxi Bali Is The Best Option What It’s Like To Stay In A Breathtaking Bali Villa | This beautiful Bali villa combines serenity and luxury in an open concept space with a private pool at your doorstep. Spoiled, reclusive and rejuvenated are just some of the thoughts we felt... This place is ideal for a honeymoonWhat It’s Like To Stay In A Breathtaking Bali Villa First month highlights of one life changing year | Here is a first month recap of our year of slow travels where we visited Bali and Malaysia. Read more about our learnings and adventures. This post will give you wanderlust and thoughts about exciting things to do on your next bucket list journeyWhat Life Is Like Living As A Nomad Visiting Seminyak Bali for the first time | Seminyak Bali has many things to do and is worth a visit for those who have Bali on their bucket list. The food is amazing, and the sunsets are beautiful. Click to read more about what you can expect when you visit Seminyak BaliVisiting Seminyak Bali For The First Time Our Surprisingly Mellow Stay In Bali Kuta | Kuta, home to one of the main beaches in Bali, is often regarded as a crazy and over developed tourist destination on the island. However, we were able to relax and enjoy our stay there. Read on to find out more...Our Surprisingly Mellow Stay In Bali Kuta Sukawati Bali, A Hidden Gem That No One Talks About | Why no one talks about staying in Sukawati Bali is beyond me. This blog post shares things to do as well as why you may want to consider Sukawati for your next visit to beautiful Bali.Sukawati Bali, A Hidden Gem That No One Talks About A Moment Of Reflection In Bali Nusa Dua | Bali Nusa Dua has great beaches, beautiful hotels, resorts and of course, exciting shopping areas. But my favourite part of Nusa Dua is the ambiance that allows time for quiet reflection about life. Read more about what Nusa Dua meant to me back then and what it means to me nowA Moment Of Reflection In Bali Nusa Dua

Archive Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Asia, Bali, Indonesia, Travel For A Year

About Nancy

Hi, I’m Nancy! I am obsessed with self-awareness, food, semi-minimalism, stories, budgets, & adventures around the world. Read more here.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Janice says

    August 6, 2017 at 10:04 am

    Whoo first to comment! Dropping by to say hi and wishing you well in Bali you brave soul. ☺️

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      August 12, 2017 at 6:25 am

      Hi girl, I miss you! Thanks for saying hi, please come back again 🙂

      Reply
  2. Wojtek says

    August 13, 2017 at 12:52 pm

    Love reading these 🙂

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      August 21, 2017 at 3:15 am

      Yay I’m glad you are enjoying these posts 🙂 Will try to update weekly so please come back again!

      Reply

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Related posts:

One Life Changing Year | A story about where I devote one year to pursuing my dream: perpetual travel. Read more about how I left home to pursue a nomadic lifeA Nomad Blog | One Way Ticket To… blue bird taxi bali - bali templeWhy Blue Bird Taxi Bali Is The Best Option What It’s Like To Stay In A Breathtaking Bali Villa | This beautiful Bali villa combines serenity and luxury in an open concept space with a private pool at your doorstep. Spoiled, reclusive and rejuvenated are just some of the thoughts we felt... This place is ideal for a honeymoonWhat It’s Like To Stay In A Breathtaking Bali Villa First month highlights of one life changing year | Here is a first month recap of our year of slow travels where we visited Bali and Malaysia. Read more about our learnings and adventures. This post will give you wanderlust and thoughts about exciting things to do on your next bucket list journeyWhat Life Is Like Living As A Nomad Visiting Seminyak Bali for the first time | Seminyak Bali has many things to do and is worth a visit for those who have Bali on their bucket list. The food is amazing, and the sunsets are beautiful. Click to read more about what you can expect when you visit Seminyak BaliVisiting Seminyak Bali For The First Time Our Surprisingly Mellow Stay In Bali Kuta | Kuta, home to one of the main beaches in Bali, is often regarded as a crazy and over developed tourist destination on the island. However, we were able to relax and enjoy our stay there. Read on to find out more...Our Surprisingly Mellow Stay In Bali Kuta Sukawati Bali, A Hidden Gem That No One Talks About | Why no one talks about staying in Sukawati Bali is beyond me. This blog post shares things to do as well as why you may want to consider Sukawati for your next visit to beautiful Bali.Sukawati Bali, A Hidden Gem That No One Talks About A Moment Of Reflection In Bali Nusa Dua | Bali Nusa Dua has great beaches, beautiful hotels, resorts and of course, exciting shopping areas. But my favourite part of Nusa Dua is the ambiance that allows time for quiet reflection about life. Read more about what Nusa Dua meant to me back then and what it means to me nowA Moment Of Reflection In Bali Nusa Dua

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