Meeting the locals is one of the best experiences on any adventure in any foreign country. It is right up there alongside discovering a hidden beach, coming across a raging waterfall, or hiking through famous landscapes, where the scenery is nothing short of sensational.

Travelling is more than discovering a country’s beauty, a trait we understandably get lost in. A country’s values often come from its people, the locals. The very same folk who make the country we visit that much more memorable.

Therefore, I ask, do you ever stop to have a good chat with the locals on vacation? Not just a basic “G’day, how you are doing” chat. But a genuine conversation. It may surprise you what you can learn about an individual and their upbringing in the country they are from. I can guarantee you at times; it will be fascinating.

In this new series of Meet the Locals. I will take you to different countries and introduce you to the fantastic men and women I have met on my adventures. In this edition, I headed to Bali, where I had the privilege to meet some great people who made my visit more enjoyable.

Hari, in the middle, works the bar at the Sakala.

Meeting the Locals – Bali – Indonesia

Get ready to mingle with the cool cats of Bali, Indonesia! This adventure is about meeting the locals and learning their way of life. We promise lots of belly laughs, cultural immersion, and unforgettable memories. Join us, and let’s make some new friends!

Meeting Wadi at Monkey Cave Ubud

If you’re ever in Ubud, stop at The Monkey Cave. This little coffee box is home to the best brew in Bali, all thanks to one man – Wadi. As the shop’s barrister, Wadi takes great pride in his work and craftsmanship. He’s been perfecting his coffee craft for over a year, and it shows in every cup he makes.

What’s more, Wadi makes an hour-long trip each day to get to work simply because he loves what he does. His passion shines through every sip of his coffee, and he’s always up for a chat with customers worldwide. So if you’re looking for top-class coffee and a friendly face, stop by The Monkey Cave and say “hi” to Wadi – the best barrister in Bali, maybe even beyond.

Meet Wadi at the Monkey Cave.

Chatting with Hari at The Sakala Resort

Sitting by the pool bar at Sakala Resort, I enjoyed chatting with Hari, an honest and hardworking employee. He shared his hopes and dreams of becoming an Indonesian coast guard. Despite enjoying his job at the resort, Hari longs for a different life.

He taught me about his upbringing in Bali, sharing stories of his humble beginnings on a small wage. I was impressed by his knowledge of Indonesia’s strict customs and rules. Our conversations were genuinely fascinating, and we became friends on Facebook. I wished him the best of luck in his pursuit to join the coast guard and am grateful for the insight into life in Bali that Hari provided.

I was catching up with a few locals on the streets.

My very own personal driver – Wayan

I met an older man Wayan by chance (Wayan is a popular name in Indonesia), walking the streets of Tanjung Benoa. It is not hard in Bali to find a driver; the hurdle is negotiating a fair price. Anyway, Wayan became my driver after a brief chat, and the rest became history, taking me to Ubud and then to the airport when it was time to leave the country.

It was a pleasure to meet Wayan and an honour to make him my brief driver during my stay in Bali. Wayan was bubbly on the streets, telling me about his wife of over thirty years and his two kids. Yet he was concrete on the road and focused on navigating Bali’s busy streets, ensuring I safely got to my next destination in Ubud. I certainly got his contact details for future visits.

And a whole lot more where that came from.

They were a few of the notable locals I met in Bali. However, meeting the locals in Bali ran more profound than that. Bali is full of great, honest people who are more than worth your time if you give them a chance. General workers on the street are willing for a photo or a pretty waitress in the restaurant happy to serve you a beer. Happy travels.

Have you met some great locals on your adventures? Please comment below and let me know and let me know about your experience when meeting the locals.

Related Content for Fair Dinkum Traveller!

• Meeting People When Travelling Alone: Tips For Introverts!
• Rice Fields or the Beach: Best Places to Stay in Bali!

meeting the locals

The pretty waitress of Black Tom’s Restaurant.