Aoki Lee Simmons wants you to know she’s more than content with her current, permanent address. The model and daughter of Kimora Lee Simmons, who relocated to Bali, Indonesia, after graduating from Harvard University in 2023, took to social media over the weekend to share that she’s very happy in her new chosen country. Capturing herself in a mirrored selfie while wearing a low-cut dress, she captioned, “Move back to the US this. Move back to the US that. I get to wear a backless sundress every single day & I never have to wear shoes, the answer is no.”
Simmons isn’t the only woman who’s been intrigued by the Indonesian island and province. It offers stunning views, a rich cultural heritage, and activities that span spiritual wellness, exhilarating adventure, and a robust nightlife.
Here, one writer shares her experience with Bali and its endearing appeal.
“I didn’t choose Bali, Bali chose me. I vacationed here years ago, and Bali never left me. I thought about it every day. Eight months after moving here to become a high school English teacher, I am still in awe of Bali’s energy. Bali is a mood, a frame of mind rather than a destination. Balinese culture plays out in every aspect of life—from delicately decorated flower-petal offerings to shutting down roads for a colorful religious temple procession to the trance-like music and traditional dances. The Balinese’s ancient cultural practices are not interrupted by the massive land development and push towards modernization. Offerings are made to the deities multiple times a day, and hundred-year-old temples sit beside shiny, new architectural marvels.
I was a bit of a novelty when I first got here. I get stared at a lot. Once, on a bus, a lady rubbed my skin, then looked at her finger as if she expected my color to rub off on her. I shook a taxi driver’s hand, and he pulled my hand to his nose and inhaled deeply. I can still feel his nose hairs on the back of my hand. On two separate occasions, while getting massaged, the masseuses pulled at my hair. Indonesian curiosity knows no bounds, so I was asked many personal questions daily: “Where are you going? Where are you from? Do you have a husband? Do you have a baby? Where do you live?” I was often asked to pose for photos.
I love the diversity of landscapes that Bali provides. If I crave a beach getaway, I live minutes from pristine beaches. And if I want to see mountains, volcanoes and rice paddies, I can get up to the island’s interior in Ubud in a little over an hour. The landscape is varied, so even though I work here, I can plan mini-retreats for myself just minutes away from the busy southern coast. Bali is very affordable and has a range of activities to suit every budget and travel style. Luxuries are affordable here. Here are a few of my favorite things about Bali.
Full Moon Parties
A good beach party is the perfect mix of good music, good food and dancing with wild abandon. A full moon is special to the Balinese, and it’s marked by parties all over the island. Padang Padang in Uluwatu and Disko Africa are two of my favorites. At Padang Padang, smoke from fresh barbequed seafood wafts along the beach. I like taking a sarong to sit on the soft sand and sway to soothing reggae covers. Disko Africa plays live sets of Afro-pop, Afrobeat, zouk and music from the African diaspora. There is something magical in dancing to pulsating beats under a sky full of stars and a bright moon.
Tranquil Spas
What’s not to like about a spa day? Relaxation is a natural way of life, and those seeking it out are sure to find their way to bliss. In general, spa costs are significantly lower than in other parts of the world. It is common to have a four-hour spa day for around $150. I think the Balinese have a great disposition and cultural background for peace and serenity. I like stepping into the Moorish palatial fantasy that is Prana Spa in Seminyak. Orange and deep maroon-red walls, tinged with colorful stained glass, easily make this the best-decorated spa in Bali.
The Beach Life
In my opinion, the best beaches on the island are in the Bukit Peninsula. There are many choices, from the powder-white sands of Nusa Dua in the east to the soaring limestone cliffs of Uluwatu and Jimbaran in the west. Karma is my favorite beach club. Paddleboards, surfboards and small rowboats are available to play in the water. Out of the water, cabanas, plush beach towels, a good book and a beach-inspired playlist are all part of a long, lazy beach day. The sunsets on the Bukit are spectacular and are a perfect end to any day.”
Diana O’Gilvie is an award-winning writer-filmmaker who spent several years teaching English in Bali.