12 Best Places like Bali: Top Alternatives to Visit

The Island of Bali is a stunning tropical paradise that attracts millions of tourists every year. However, have you considered exploring these other places like Bali that have fewer tourists yet still offer exceptional beaches, culture, and food and can be traveled on a tight budget? 

If you’ve been to Bali, or shall I say the Island of the Gods, you will know it’s one of the most popular destinations due to its beautiful beaches, lush tropical rainforests, vibrant culture, unique temples, and great cuisine. 

Because of this, it does experience mass tourism which can mean price hikes, cultural dilution and more crowds so you may be interested in exploring similar places like Bali.

The island offers a wide range of activities such as surfing, diving, snorkeling, and trekking and is known for its friendly people and relaxed atmosphere.

Whether you’ve already been to Bali and looking for a similar alternative the fear of getting Bali belly from the drinking water or running into the mass tourists at popular spots is deterring you, these are the best places like Bali you need to know about for your next trip.

12 Incredible Places Like Bali

Not sure if Bali is worth the hype? These are the 12 most incredible places like Bali you need to explore!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

• How to Travel Cheap in Europe! 19 Must-Know Tips!
• Is it safe to travel alone as a woman?
• Cheapest and Safest Places to Travel Alone

Phuket, Thailand

Starting off with probably the most obvious place like Bali, Phuket, Thailand. 

Phuket is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, and for good reason. Like Bali, it offers beautiful beaches, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife. 

Phuket also has a rich culture, with many temples and historic sites to visit. If you’re looking for some adventure, you can also take a boat tour of the nearby different islands or try your hand at surfing or scuba diving. Phuket is a great starting point for starting your island-hopping exploration.

Phuket and Bali share some similarities in terms of their tropical climates, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage.

However, Phuket is much larger than Bali and offers a different type of experience. Phuket has a more modernized feel, with luxury resorts, shopping malls, and a vibrant nightlife scene. The beaches are also different, with Phuket’s being more developed and crowded. Prices in Phuket are also generally more expensive than in Bali, making it a more upscale destination.

Goa, India

Goa is a small state in southwestern India that is known for its beaches, nightlife, and laid-back vibe.

Like Bali, it attracts a diverse crowd of travellers, from backpackers to luxury seekers. 

In Goa, you can relax on the beach, explore the local markets, or indulge in some water sports. Goa is also a great place to try some of India’s famous cuisine, including seafood, curries, and vegetarian dishes.

Bali and Goa are both popular beach holiday destinations, but they have some distinct differences. Goa is located in India on the west coast, while Bali is an Indonesian island situated in the Indian Ocean. 

Goa has a more laid-back vibe, with plenty of opportunities to relax on the beach, go sightseeing, explore the Portuguese-influenced local culture, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. 

Whereas Bali has more lush green jungles, stunning ancient temples, and vibrant culture to dive into. The beaches here are also beautiful and there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained, such as surfing, diving, and snorkeling. 

Overall both destinations offer plenty of delicious food, luxurious resorts, and plenty of activities to keep you busy. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference to pick your perfect place.

⭐ Love my travel guides and itineraries? I’m here to design a custom itinerary tailored to your travel dreams! Fill out the contact form below, and let’s plan your dream trip!

⏬ Custom Travel Itineraries Enquiry Form ⏬

Learn more about my custom travel itinerary services here.

Nha Trang, Vietnam

Nha Trang is a coastal city in Vietnam that is often compared to Bali for its beautiful beaches and warm climate. 

Bali and Nha Trang are both popular beach resort destinations in Southeast Asia.

Nha Trang is known for its white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and vibrant nightlife. 

In Nha Trang you will find Vietnam’s best resorts, making it a popular destination for those seeking luxury accommodations and a more affordable price. In addition to relaxing on the beach, you can also visit the nearby islands, go scuba diving, or take a boat tour of the bay.

Whereas in comparison, Bali is known for its stunning landscapes, lush rice fields, vibrant culture, and spiritual atmosphere.

While both destinations offer a variety of activities for travellers, the experiences are quite different. Nha Trang has a more party atmosphere, while Bali is more laid-back and spiritual.

Lombok, Indonesia 

Lombok and Bali are both popular Indonesian tourist destinations and have many similarities. 

Only a short flight from Bali (40 minutes), it’s absolutely possible to squeeze both into your trip.

Both are known for their stunning beaches and natural beauty, with Lombok’s beaches being arguably more pristine than Bali’s. 

Lombok and Bali are both home to a variety of cultural attractions and activities, including temples, festivals, and local markets. 

Although, Lombok is less developed than Bali, making it a great destination for those looking for more untouched nature and a laidback holiday.

Lombok is also known for its surfing and snorkeling, while Bali is more known for its nightlife and shopping.

Gili Islands, Indonesia

If you’re looking for a quieter and more laid-back alternative to Bali, it’s a good idea to consider the Gili Islands.

Located off the coast of Lombok, the Gili Islands offer stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a peaceful atmosphere. There are no cars on the islands, so you can explore on foot or by bicycle.

Both locations offer a tropical paradise with white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush green forests.  The Gili Islands are also a great place to go snorkeling or scuba diving, as the waters are home to a variety of marine life.

The islands are a bit smaller than Bali but offer a very similar laid-back vibe to Bali

However, one key difference is that the Gili Islands is a much more peaceful and secluded escape from the hustle and bustle of city life due to having no transportation. 

Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is a popular beach destination located on the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. 

This place is well-known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. It is one of the few destinations around the world that operates all year round with clubs open 365 days a year. In the infamous PARTY ZONE, in Punta Cancun, you’ll find Coco Bongo, D’CAVE’, Mandala Beach Club and many more world-famous clubs and bars.

If you’re interested in history and culture, you must take a day trip to the nearby Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza or Tulum.

As we know Bali is well-known for its unique culture, stunning temples, and lush green jungles, while Cancun is known more for its luxury resorts, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Additionally, the climate in Cancun is generally warm year-round, while Bali has two distinct seasons, wet and dry.

Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui is an island located in the Gulf of Thailand that draws thousands of tourists each year due to its stunning beaches and lush tropical vegetation.

The island offers plenty of luxury resorts and spas, making it a great destination for those seeking relaxation and pampering. But if you’re interested in culture, you can visit the nearby Wat Phra Yai temple or the Big Buddha statue.

You can also visit an ethical elephant sanctuary to get up close to rescued elephants from exploitation practices including trekking, performing in circuses, logging, and street begging.

In Thailand, you are more likely to come across very friendly locals whereas in Bali there is much more swindling and a constant presence of touts and beggars. 

Both Bali and Kho Samui can have a large presence of tourists, although if you look hard enough there are plenty of secluded spots to explore. Pretty much you can find both ends of the spectrum on both islands (and Eat-Pray-Love as much as you like).

Are you covered by travel insurance? Check out World Nomads to ensure you are receiving the best cover at an affordable price.

Palawan, Philippines

Up next on the list of places like Bali is…Palawan!

Palawan is an island province located in the western part of the Philippines that is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and limestone cliffs.

Both Bali and Palawan are tropical destinations, with lush green jungles, beautiful beaches, and crystal-clear waters

However, Palawan is much more isolated, with less commercial development and more pristine scenery. 

It is also known for its natural wonders, such as the underground river, stunning lagoons, and breathtaking limestone cliffs. 

Bali on the other hand is more developed, with more restaurants, shopping, and nightlife options so in my opinion you will get a more authentic travel experience in Palawan. Both destinations offer great diving, snorkeling, and other water activities, as well as cultural and adventure experiences.

When visiting Palawan you must check out the many natural wonders, but in particular, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Costa Rica

Next on the list of places like Bali is exotic Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a small country in Central America that is the place to go for strolling through lush rainforests and spotting diverse wildlife. 

Exotic animals, such as monkeys, sloths, and toucans make Costa Rica a unique trip. In addition, Costa Rica is a leader in sustainable tourism, with many eco-friendly resorts and tours available.

However, Costa Rica is more focused on adventure activities such as zip-lining, rafting, and hiking, while Bali is more focused on cultural activities and relaxation.

Costa Rica beaches are beautiful, yet wild, so swimming can sometimes be a no-go due to large waves and big swells. Unlike Costa Rica, Bali is a more attractive place for swimming, diving, and snorkeling with many coves, shallow coral reefs, and calm beaches. 

In terms of food, Costa Rica will probably appeal more to people who don‘t love to step too far outside of their culinary preferences and would rather stick to American and European food.

Cook Islands

The Cook Islands is a beautiful place located in the South Pacific. 

The beautiful islands have as much space as Western Europe, but only 15,000 residents, the Cook Islands give you that rare and wonderful feeling of being distanced from the world. 

Escape the thralls of the 9 to 5 with bright blue water, refreshing lagoons, true South Pacific culture and diverse tropical wilderness.

Head out deep sea fishing, go mountain biking, lay by some of the best beaches in the world, and at night, treat yourself to a dinner on the water’s edge or perhaps a wild party. 

Similar to Bali you shouldn’t need to lift a finger if all you want is to relax on the soft white beaches, taking in the ever-changing surrounds with a cocktail in hand. 

Both destinations are popular among tourists looking for a relaxing holiday with plenty of water sports and outdoor activities. 

Both locations feature vibrant local cultures, with traditional music and dance, and interesting local cuisines.

However, the Cook Islands are much less developed than Bali, with fewer restaurants and nightlife, and less tourist infrastructure.

Yasawa Islands, Fiji

Blessed with dramatic peaks and sun-drenched white-sand beaches, the Yasawa Islands is a paradise to add to your bucket list. 

A haven for nature lovers, there is so much natural exotic beauty on the islands to explore. I mean Yasawa has been featured on Hollywood movies and reality tv shows, so you know it’s going to be worth your trip. 

On your itinerary, you must have the awe-inspiring Sawa-i-Lau caves, swim with the mesmerizing mantas and snorkel to check out the underwater world. 

The Yasawa Islands and Bali have a lot of similarities, such as their stunning beaches, clear waters, and lush tropical vegetation. 

However, the Yasawa Islands are much less developed than Bali and offer a more remote and untouched experience. 

Yasawa also boasts some of the best snorkeling and diving sites in Fiji, while Bali is more famous for its cultural attractions and nightlife.

Penang, Malaysia

Next up we have the popular destination with digital nomads that is a great alternative destination to Bali, Penang.

Penang and Bali are both beautiful tropical destinations that offer a wide range of activities and popular attractions. 

Penang has stunning beaches, delicious cuisine, vibrant nightlife, fascinating street art and plenty of shopping. 

Offering a thrilling mix of Asian cultures, Penang has long served as the link between Asia’s great kingdoms, Europe and Western Asia. 

George Town is at the heart of the main Island, an urban center delivering old-world Asia in spades combined with modern culture. 

Plus there’s no shortage of things to do in Penan. Best explored on foot, there are more than 1,700 historical sites in the city alone, so it’s important to pace yourself.

Both locations provide a great opportunity to explore, relax, and enjoy the sun.

Those were the best places like Bali to consider adding to your bucket list! I truly believe that no matter which of the above you pick you will have the best time! All you need is some careful planning and to be open-minded to exploring outside of the main attractions.

Leave me a comment about which of the above places like Bali you are most intrigued by. For me, it is Penang and the Cook Islands!

KEEP READING!

• 25+ Dream Destination Holidays to Visit In a Lifetime 
• Best Countries Near Australia to Visit!
• Places Like Bora Bora But Cheaper!

12 Best Places like Bali – Pin for later!