Embracing Santai in Bali: Slow Mornings, Ubud Villas, and the Art of Doing Nothing

Bali, Indonesia

Bali isn’t just a destination—it’s a state of mind. When we first arrived on the island, the word “santai” kept floating around us like incense in a temple courtyard. In Balinese, it simply means “relaxed,” “chill,” or “take it easy.” We decided to live it fully: no packed itineraries, no ticking off bucket-list temples before breakfast. Instead, we rented an external villa on the outskirts of Ubud and let the days unfold gently.

Mornings started with slow walks through the back streets of Ubud. Rice paddies glistened under soft light, roosters crowed lazily, and the only decision we needed to make was which cute vegan café to visit first. We found hidden gems serving jackfruit rendang, coconut-milk smoothies, and tempeh satay that rivaled any street food in the world.

To say that Ubud was all Santai, well, that would not be accurate. A lot has changed in Bali, especially in Ubud and coastal areas like Canggu. Speaking to westerners that call places like Ubud home mentioned that since Covid the place has changed rapidly. A lot more westerners and a lot more traffic.

Like anywhere, you can find your quite corner of the world and enjoy the bliss of living in a different country.

Evenings were for villa life: dipping in the plunge pool, sketching the jungle view, or simply watching fireflies. We explored the west coast too, where quiet black-sand beaches still exist if you know where to look. Amed offered rugged coastlines and snorkeling without the tourist frenzy. Bali taught us that the best travel memories aren’t made by doing the most—they’re made by doing the least, deliberately.

If you’re heading to Bali, our vegan explorer tip: always ask for “no ikan” (no fish) or “vegan” at warungs. Many places will happily adapt. And book a villa with a kitchen—you’ll thank yourself when you’re blending fresh tropical fruit every morning. Santai isn’t laziness; it’s presence. Bali showed us how to master it.