Bali, Indonesia is an island that will captivate your heart, revive your soul, and leave you wanting to experience its sacred grounds over and over again. I am currently in Singapore after experiencing seven blissful nights on the ‘Island of the Gods.’ I stayed at Fivelements Puri Ahimsa in the village of Mambal and the Umajati Retreat in the village of Petulu.

Both hotels are minutes from the iconic village of Ubud. Ubud has long been the cultural centre of Bali and today it has blossomed into a thriving artist commune. All along its narrow streets, you will see quaint shops selling fine wooden carvings, paintings, vintage teak furniture, and detailed objects of stone masonry. I also stayed in the spectacular Hanging Gardens Ubud Hotel, which is set in the Payangan jungle. Finally, I ended my trip in Nusa Dua, a beachfront town that is home to many luxury chain hotels and stayed in the Grand Hyatt Bali. This photo essay will take you on a journey through temples, landscapes, people, art, and architecture. I hope you enjoy these photographs, my goal is to leave you with a sense of the Balinese spirit. The island is a true paradise within an ever-increasing tumultuous world. Although Bali faces its fair share of problems, I believe it will always retain the magical charm that has made it world-famous.

The 30 hour flight journey begins. Florida – NYC – Seoul – Denpasar

Driving around the Island on a scooter, this was the best part of my trip. It was so freeing!

Ayung River @ Hotel Fivelements Puri Ahimsa

Healing Village Spa @ Hotel Fivelements Puri Ahimsa

Traditional Artwork @ Hotel Fivelements Puri Ahimsa

Fragrant Frangipani Flowers @ Hanging Gardens Ubud Hotel

Across the jungle valley I trekked to the Dalem Segara Temple to view the Hanging Gardens Ubud Hotel

I met the most kind and engaging temple-keeper, Tjok Oka, at the Dalem Segara Temple.

Nampu Japanese Restaurant @ Grand Hyatt Bali, Nusa Dua

The best mode of transportation around Bali is by scooter or SUV/Jeep.

The incredibly beautiful Tegallalang Rice Fields

Freshly brewed samples @ the Santi Coffee Plantation

Lake Batur at the base of Mount Batur, an active volcano

Fruit sellers at the viewing point of Mount Batur

This story was curated by Quinn Russell.

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